Author: Editor
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has dismissed reports claiming its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, forfeited his right to defend himself in his ongoing terrorism trial before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja. In a statement by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB described the reports as false and misleading, insisting that Kanu never forfeited his defence as alleged. “The claim that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has forfeited his right of defence is a desperate lie meant to mislead the public and cover up an illegal process,” the group said. IPOB maintained that Kanu’s trial…
Our Reporter, Abuja The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed November 20 for judgment in the terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Justice James Omotosho set the date after foreclosing Kanu’s defence, following his refusal to open his case under what he described as a “repealed law.” “The defendant has been given ample opportunity under Section 36 of the Constitution. He has waived his right to defence,” the judge ruled. The Federal Government has been prosecuting Kanu on seven terrorism-related charges since 2015, linked to his agitation for an independent Biafra.…
Lawrence Ndubeze, Awka The Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to sanction any official found guilty of malpractice during Saturday’s Anambra governorship election. Head of CTA’s Expert Team, Prof. Alex Asigbo, made the call on Friday at a pre-election briefing in Awka, commending INEC’s past disciplinary actions but stressing the need for stronger accountability. “Integrity should be the watchword for INEC staff. Ndi Anambra expect nothing less,” he said. Asigbo said CTA has deployed 50 trained observers across the 21 local government areas to provide real-time reports from polling units. He identified Orumba…
By Owei Lakemfa There are intense discussions going on in Nigeria. Is the United States of America (USA) preparing to attack? If it is, what are the targets? A government increasingly incapable of securing lives and property? The people, so terrified that they self-impose movement restrictions? Terrorists roaming around the country? Bandits building empires and imposing peace conditions on communities and state governments? Islamic fundamentalists, populated by foreign fighters, depopulating communities? Or can it be that the USA just wants to impose sanctions and withdraw certain support, including military assistance? There are those already calling for national mobilization to counter…
By Vitus Ozoke The day Nigeria finds accountable leadership is the day its so-called religious problems will fade into history. The day Nigerians stop kneeling before corrupt leaders as they kneel before God, that is the day the chains will break…” There is a lie that has stalked Nigeria since independence – that our greatest enemy is religious division. It is a myth carefully designed, polished, and perpetuated by those who benefit from chaos: the political elite. Religion has been made the convenient scapegoat for every outbreak of violence, every act of terror, every national fracture. But look closely, and…
Lawrence Ndubeze, Awka The Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) has trained its election observers ahead of their deployment across all 21 local government areas of Anambra State for Saturday’s governorship election. SIDEC is among the 114 domestic observer groups accredited by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the off-cycle poll. Addressing the trainees, SIDEC Executive Director, Ugochi Ehiahuruike, charged the observers to maintain strict neutrality and adhere to all regulations guiding election observation. “As our observers, you must be mindful of your conduct. We do not want to hear that you are involved in anything outside the task…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia The family of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of deliberately preventing him from preparing his defence, warning that the development could force his absence from court on Friday. The allegation was contained in a statement issued Thursday night by Prince Emmanuel Kanu, on behalf of the family. According to the statement, the DSS has, in recent days, allegedly restricted Kanu’s access to his lawyers, family members, and key witnesses, thereby frustrating his efforts to file necessary court documents ahead of his…
Lawrence Ndubeze, Awka The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has deployed 1,500 personnel and logistics vehicles to ensure a smooth and safe conduct of the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State. The Sector Public Education Officer of the FRSC Anambra Command, Margaret Onabe, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, noting that the Corps Marshal, Shehu Muhammad, approved the deployment as part of the Corps’ commitment to maintaining peace and order during the polls. Onabe said the Corps Marshal was represented in Anambra by Assistant Corps Marshal S.T. Agure, who inspected preparations and addressed personnel ahead of the exercise.…
Our Reporter, Abuja President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed that Nigeria remains on a firm growth trajectory and will continue to engage the international community through diplomacy and reforms—despite the recent redesignation of the country by the United States as one of “particular concern” (CPC) over alleged religious freedom violations. Speaking on Thursday at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja—held shortly after the swearing-in of two new ministers, Dr. Bernard Mohammed Doro (Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction) and Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN (Innovation, Science and Technology)—President Tinubu said Nigeria’s stability, economic progress, and reform momentum speak louder…
Our Reporter, Abuja The Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for confirming and swearing in Dr. Kingsley Udeh as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, describing the development as a moment of pride for the state and a recognition of merit. Dr. Udeh’s nomination was confirmed by the Senate earlier today, followed by his swearing-in ceremony at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. In a statement issued on behalf of the Council, its Chairman, His Royal Majesty Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, the Ochiliozuo I of Edem Ani in Nsukka Local Government Area, said the appointment…