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Tag: South-East

  • Withdraw Petition, Negotiate With Tinubu Over Interest Of South-East

    Withdraw Petition, Negotiate With Tinubu Over Interest Of South-East

    Former Governor of Enugu state, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani has asked the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Mr. Peter Obi to withdraw his petition against the President-Elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that it is ‘dead on arrival’

    Nnamani made the remarks in a statement issued to reporters on Sunday, April 23.

    He said Obi does not have the spread or national appeal as his appeal to non-electoral matters is to demarket the President-elect and besmirch his reputation. He added that what Obi is doing with the petition is “ego-driven, a joke carried too far.”

    “His Petition is dead on arrival. He does not have the spread or national appeal. His appeal to non-electoral matters is to demarket the President-elect and besmirch his reputation.

    “He does not have near spread and national appeal. His petition is ego-driven, a joke carried too far. His attempt to highlight on non electoral issues is trying to embarrass President-elect.

    “Obi needs to come down from his high horse to allow sedate minds to negotiate on behalf of the Igbo and South East for safe landing to include our stake in the national Palavar and Share of the accruals of the commonwealth”

    “We must join the mainstream and participate in the making of a new Nigeria. We are not going anywhere. We de kampe and ready to bargain for our own share. It is a common knowledge that others are doing the same.

    “Igbo has to confront reality now or be consigned to the backwoods of history. Time to align is now.”

  • 2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

    2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

    The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Peter Obi.

    This was the group’s position during a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday. The Chairman of the Forum Olisa Uzowulu noted that the former Anambra State governor ranks higher than all presidential candidates for next year’s exercise.

    “We are going to go out there and fight a change. That is why you get the South-East, the Middle Belt, the South-South and the South-West to be one body and campaign for Peter Obi. There is no two-way about it,” he said during the conference.

    “The Forum has decided on it. We are going to go out and work for him as a group. There is no choice about that.”

    As far as the Forum is concerned, Obi’s support base transcends tribe, religion, and ethnicity as the Chairman said the former governor’s aspiration is people-driven.

    “It is the people that are driving Obi, not even the party. They love him, people want a change. They are tired of the situation,” Uzowulu explained.

    “There is nothing to sell to people anymore – it is not tribe, or religion but the belief that we have to move ahead. People are going to make a choice this time, nobody is going to hoodwink them again.”

    He, therefore, called on members of the Forum and its supporters across the regions to pick up their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) and vote en masse for the Labour Party candidate next year.

  • South-East Should Produce Next President — Uzodimma

    South-East Should Produce Next President — Uzodimma

    Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Special Convention, has said the Southeast should produce the next president of Nigeria.

    Uzodinma said the Southeast was denied the opportunity to produce Nigeria’s next president due to the lack of equity.

    Speaking with Channels Television, the governor said the Southeast can’t produce Nigeria’s next president due to injustice.

    According to Uzodinma: “From the view of political calculation, the sentiment of the people in the south-east is that they deserve to produce the president because the reason why this power is moving from the north to the south is that the current president is from the north having served for seven years.

    “The reason why the south-east is asking for it is that when the power came to the south it went to the south-west and was there for eight years and the next time it came to the south it went to the south-south and it was there for seven years plus.

    “The natural thing to do and the justice of the case is that now that power is coming again to the south and since it is only three geo-political zones that made up the south, it should come to the south-east, having been in the south-west and south-south.

    “In a situation where equity should be the issue we (south-east) don’t need to struggle for it. But here again, you see how it has come. We will continue to hope that one day God will touch the heart of our brothers and sisters to do that which belongs to us.”

  • Insecurity: Stop Killings in South-East, release ‘Mama Biafra’, Nnamdi Kanu begs

    Insecurity: Stop Killings in South-East, release ‘Mama Biafra’, Nnamdi Kanu begs

    The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has urged that the killings in the South-East should stop.

    Kanu also demanded the immediate release of Mrs Ukamaka Ejezie, a newspaper vendor popularly known as ‘Mama Biafra’ in Abia State.

    The IPOB leader was quoted as speaking during a visitation to him in the Department of State Services custody by his younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu.

    The IPOB leader was said to be saddened by the reports of Killings across the South-East.

    Emmanuel stated that his brother “does not believe in bloodshed”, adding that Nnamdi Kanu was not happy that bloodsuckers are on the loose in the South-East almost unchallenged.

    Kanu was also quoted as saying that all those behind the current killings in the South-East must be held accountable for their atrocities.

    According to his junior brother, Mama Biafra, a septuagenarian was arrested during Kanu’s last court appearance in Abuja on May 18.
    Kanu was said to explain that the woman had been acting as his mother since his parents died in 2020.

    The old woman, Kanu said, committed no crime for coming to Abuja to solidarise with him at the court when she was arrested, regretting that, “I saw her at the DSS detention cell after her clothes were washed and spread on the wall. I demand that she be released because she committed no crime.

    “She is an old woman and since my mother died I have taken her as my mother. The DSS should release her.”

    The IPOB Leader also cleared the air over whether he was the one that Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State met when he visited the DSS headquarters last week, noting that there was no basis for people to doubt whether Soludo met him, explaining that the Barcelona club attire he wore when the Governor visited was his nightwear.

    Kanu pleaded with all to ensure there is peace in South East.

  • Insecurity: IPOB Warns Kumuyi Against Planned Crusade In South-East

    Insecurity: IPOB Warns Kumuyi Against Planned Crusade In South-East

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has warned the General Overseer of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, to cancel the planned crusade in Abia State due to the heightening security challenges in the South-East.

    The caution was contained in a statement by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, warning Kumuyi to be aware of the insecurity in the South-East ahead of a crusade scheduled in Aba, Abia State.

    The statement read, “The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), ably led by our great leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu wish to advise Pastor Kumuyi of Deeper life Ministry to take note of the security situation in the South East as he comes to Aba for his gospel crusade.

    “Let him and the organisers of the crusade make sure that nothing happens. The security of this region is not good because of political and criminal activities, therefore we advise him to stop this crusade for security reasons.

    “IPOB will not allow anyone to die because of this crusade scheduled to hold in Aba. The operation of criminals operating as unknown gunmen infiltrating the events is high and they will blame it on IPOB.

    “We ask him to pray for an end to the insecurity in Biafra land if he can. We charge Christians and men of God in Biafra land to engage God in fervent prayers to expose all those behind the insecurity in our land.”

    IPOB further urged the pastor to pray against bad leaders, adding that they had expected him to speak against the murder of Deborah Samuel, who was recently lynched in Sokoto over alleged blasphemy.

    The statement added, “Let him use the opportunity to pray against the powers holding the people captive in Nigeria in his church in Lagos.

    “We equally want them to be united against injustice. We had expected them to demand justice for the innocent Deborah Yakubu burnt alive by Muslim fanatics in Sokoto State.

    “Her killers are walking freely today and 34 lawyers shamelessly volunteered to defend her killers but Christians are just watching them.”

  • Soludo visits Nnamdi Kanu in Detention, Discuss Insecurity in South-East

    Soludo visits Nnamdi Kanu in Detention, Discuss Insecurity in South-East

    Charles Soludo, governor of Anambra state, on Friday, visited Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in detention.

    The governor, who posted pictures of the meeting on his Facebook page on Saturday, said they discussed the sit-at-home protests and killings in the south-east.

    “I visited Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, yesterday, (Friday, 13th May, 2022) to felicitate with him and also as part of the wider consultations with critical stakeholders in search of lasting peace and security in the South East,” the governor wrote.

    “He was in very high spirits and we had quality and frank discussion in a very convivial atmosphere. He expressed sadness over what he described as “sacrilegious killings” of innocent persons, kidnappings and all forms of criminalities, including the brutal enforcement of the senseless “sit at home” perpetuated by sundry groups claiming to be acting for or on behalf of IPOB.

    “He assured that if the opportunity arises, he will be glad to personally broadcast to his followers to maintain the peace.”

    Soludo had, in April 2022, called on the federal government to speed up the trial of Kanu so he may be convicted or freed instead of being kept “in indefinite detention”.

    Kanu is standing trial on a 15-count charge bordering on treasonable felony, eight of which were recently struck out by a federal high court in Abuja.

  • South-East: IPOB Declares May 18, 26 Sit-At-Home

    South-East: IPOB Declares May 18, 26 Sit-At-Home

    The Indigenous People of Biafra has declared May 18 and 26, 2022 as sit-at-home for the people of the South-East.

    The group said it declared the sit-at-home, being the court dates of its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu as part of solidarity.

    In a statement on Saturday, the group’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, also dissociated itself from a voice note purportedly announcing different dates, saying that any other date, is not from IPOB.

    Powerful noted that the group’s core mandate is the well-being of Biafrans all over the globe, with emphasis in the homeland of Biafra.

    He said the IPOB leadership is very strategic in its actions and directives to the Biafran people, so as to avoid playing into the hands of ‘its enemies”.

    He said, “Our attention has been drawn to a purported voice note ordering Biafrans and residents of Biafraland to sit at home on a date other than May 18. This is the handiwork of paid agents and should be totally ignored.

    “Those behind the purported voice note should go inform their pay masters to stop dissipating their energy and resources on a hopeless attempt to stop the collective will and decision of Biafrans worldwide to pursue our self determination right.”

    While urging the people of the South-East to be very much on the alert, it noted that IPOB is not a faceless movement and does not announce its activities through voice messages.

    The statement read in part, “Biafrans must be very much at alert because the enemies are trying so hard to create confusion in our land in its attempt to set Biafrans against themselves and scuttle our struggle for liberation. But we assure them that Biafrans know their plans and will not fall for their evil agenda.

    “Like Mazi Nnamdi Kanu said, if you did not hear it on radio Biafra then it is not from IPOB. IPOB announce its activities and events only through official channels which are (i)Radio Biafra (ii) Press Statement from Emma Powerful (office of IPOB Media and Publicity Secretary) and (iii) Memo from the Office of IPOB Head of Directorate. To this end therefore the only Sit-At- Home order emenating and announced by IPOB leadership are the 18th and 26th of May, 2022 being the dates our leader Mazi Nnamdi KANU will appear in court.

    “Biafrans, friends of Biafra and lovers of freedom across the world and especially in Biarraland should therefore pay no heed to faceless DSS agents and impostors recruited to serve the interest of Fulani Caliphate.”

  • 2023 Presidency Should Go To South-East — Obasanjo

    2023 Presidency Should Go To South-East — Obasanjo

    Former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, has restated his position that the South-East should be allowed to produce Nigeria’s President in 2023, insisting that it would ensure peace, justice, fairness and sustainable national development in the country.

    Similarly, former secretary to the Government of the Federation, Olu Falae, also threw his weight behind a South-East presidency, noting that it is the only zone that has not produced the president in recent times.

    Obasanjo, who addressed members of Political Action Committee, PAC, of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, who visited him at his Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, to solicit his support for the quest for a Nigerian President of South-East extraction, said the minimum Nigerians would accept is that the next president should come from the South.

    Ime Obi Ohanaeze Ndigbo, at its meeting, last week, mandated its president general and the secretary to constitute a political committee to go around the country to solicit support for a president from the South-East.

    The Ohanaeze team consists of Ambassador George Obiozor, the President General; Ambassador Okey Emuchay, the Secretary-General; former president generals of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Nnia Nwodo, and Gary Igariwey.

    Others are Professor Anya Anya, former Chairman, Police Service Commission, Simon Okeke, and Dr. Chiedozie Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

    “The next president of Nigeria must come from the South East. The least acceptable minimum is a president from the Southern part of Nigeria”, Obasanjo was quoted by Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s spokesman, Alex Ogbonnia, as saying.

    The former President, who commended Ohanaeze Ndigbo for demanding their rights, told the delegation that what he “owes Nigeria is sincerity, objectivity and guidance.”

    He maintained the need for morality, equity and justice in a multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural country like Nigeria, warning that “it is inconceivable to have peace and progress in a country that is rooted in injustice.”

    Obasanjo said: “Federal character, rotation of power and such other measures are meant to help our nation-building process and more sure-footedly, move Nigeria forward” and warned that “riding over these measures rudely, shoddily and roughly cannot augur well for our nation-building process and progress.”

    In his remarks, Obiozor commended the former president for his unwavering commitment to peace and unity of Nigeria, saying that Obasanjo remains one of the strongest voices in Nigeria and one of the most respected Nigerians in the world because of his track records of accomplishments while his tenure lasted as the President of Nigeria.

    He commended him for his courage, sincerity, steadfastness and passion for justice, especially as it affects the Igbo and the future of Nigeria.

  • Soludo sets up committee to unravel cause of agitation in South-East

    Soludo sets up committee to unravel cause of agitation in South-East

    Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has set up a committee to unravel the true cause of the armed struggle in the southeast, which has led to insecurity.

    The committee, to be headed by Prof Chidi Odinkalu, with Amb. Bianca Ojukwu as secretary is termed – Truth, Justice and Peace Committee.

    Secretary to the State Government, Anambra State, Prof. Solo Osita Chukwulobelu, who signed a press statement disclosing this, reeled out terms of reference to the committee.

    “The purpose of the Committee on Truth, Justice, and Peace is to seek a restorative justice approach for truth-telling or real facts, for the healing of the victims of the violence.

    “Accounting for responsibility and accountability of the actors, conditional mercy for the repentant perpetrators, restitution for certain losses and rehabilitation of the perpetrators, for the overall aim of restoration of peace and justice as well as the promotion of development in the State, and the region/Nigeria.

    “Terms of Reference for the Committee are: to identify the remote and immediate causes of the agitations, restiveness, violence, and armed struggle in the South East since 1999.

    “Document victims/circumstances of death, brutality and incarceration, identify stakeholders and groups who have played critical roles in the agitations and conflicts, their roles, capabilities and demands.

    “Address any other issue(s) that may be germane to unravelling the extent of the crisis and charting the roadmap for the future and make recommendations for sustainable peace and security in Anambra state/Southeast,” he said.

    Chukwulobelu said the committee will have a direct reporting line to the Governor, will be provided with administrative support to perform its duties, and will conclude its work no later than six months from its inauguration.

    Meanwhile, other members of the committee include; Dr Joe Nwaorgu, Dr Udenta Udenta, Dr Uju Agomoh, Rev. Fr (Msgnr) Jerome Madueke and Canon Dr Okechukwu C. Obi-Okoye.

    Others are; Mr. Charles Oputa (Charly Boy), Dr. John Otu, Mr. Ngozi Odumuko, Ms Onyeka Onwenu, Dr. Joe Abah, Mr. Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, Mr. Sam Egwuatu and Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu.

  • It is not right for the south-east to produce the next president – Anyim Pius Anyim

    It is not right for the south-east to produce the next president – Anyim Pius Anyim

    Former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim has said that it is legally not right for the South East to produce the next president in 2023.

    There have been several calls for the presidency to move to the South in 2023 to allow for an Igbo presidency.

    Speaking at the National Convention of the United for Better Nigeria Initiative (UBNI) held in Abuja on Saturday, Anyim said the constitution says every Nigerian of 40 years is entitled to become the president and not a region.

    Anyim added that it is morally right for the Southeast to produce President Muhammadu Buhari’s successor because of federal character and can only be done by persuasion

    The former Secretary to the Government of the Federation said although the region can aspire to have an Igbo president in 2023, the only way such an aspiration can come to reality is through dialogue and persuasion

    Anyim asked leaders and stakeholders in the South East to persuade other regions for support and not make threats and demands.

    He said: “Is it right for the south-east to produce the next president? My answer is legally no, and the reason is that the constitution is clear. The constitution says every Nigerian of 40 years is entitled to aspire for that office.

    “On the other side, morally, is it right? Is it an entitlement? I will say yes because the federal character principle enshrined in the constitution encourages rotation.

    “The reason I have to make this clarification is that when the right you have is not legal, the only approach and the instrument you have is persuasion.

    “So, the approach, the language will be to persuade others to see reason with you that morally they should support you to take a turn since it rotates.”