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Category: News

  • Edo community rejects imposition of non indigene, Fidelis Okowele as leader

    Edo community rejects imposition of non indigene, Fidelis Okowele as leader

    Edo community has rejected the appointment of a non-indigene, Fidelis Okowele as the Onojie, a traditional leader of Illushi/Ozigono community of Esan South East Local Government Area of the state.

    They called on Edo State governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, and the Commissioner of Police in the state to avert what may lead to breakdown of law and order in the state with the imposition.

    According to a protest letter dated April 2, 2024, written to the governor, the police, Secretary to the State Government and the Commissioner for Chieftancy Affairs in the state and signed by the president of Illushi Progressive Association of Nigetia, IPAN, Barrister Victor Giwa, called for the withdrawal of the appointment of Okowele.

    The association said Okowele has no ancestral link or connection to the people of Illushi/Ozigono.

    In the letter made available to newsmen, the association said Okowele is not an indigene of their community and should not be inaugurated as the Onojie of the community.

    Parts of the letter also signed by the council of elders amd other community leaders read, “Sir, our attention has been drawn to the news making round that your office has recognised one FIDELIS OKOWELE as the Onojie of ILLUSHI Ozigono community, of Esan South East Local government area. Of Edo State.
    This news making the round in some official quarters is coming as a major concern to our people, and it has heightened tension between the Illushi and Onogholo people of Esan Southeast local government.

    “FIRSTLY, the said OKOWELE FIDELIS is not in indigene of Illushi/Ozigono community and has no ancestral link or connection to the people of Illushi/Ozigono.

    “Secondly, Illushi/Ozigono belongs to the Uloshi people whose ancestral home is Uloshi Community in Uroh/Uloshi community. Our dialect is Uloshi, and it is distinct from Esan dialect, which is prevalent in the Esan southeast area.
    Thirdly, as corollary to the reasons above, our dead are buried in our community, and all burial rites are performed in the same Illushi community.

    “Additionally, our people observe our cultural rites like Ogu, Eka, etc, in the community.

    “On the contrary, the said FIDELIS OKOWELE is not an indigene of the Illushi Community. Rather, he is an indigene of Onogholo Community, which neighbours and shares boundary with our Illushi community.

    “Therefore, any such recognition and appointment of a non-indigene of Illushi/Ozigono Community and specifically FIDELIS OKOWELE is totally unacceptable, unimaginable and is rejected by us.

    “For the purpose of Clarity, We the ILLUSHI/OZIGONO indigenes and people HEREBY REJECT any form of recognition and appointment of FIDELIS OKOWELE AS ONOJIE, KING, OR CHIEF of ILLUSHI /OZIGONO Community or in any name in whatever manner it is described.

    “We further state that any attempt to recognise or appoint, install, or decorate FIDELIS OKOWELE in any manner described above will be RESISTED WITH THE FULL FORCE OF OUR COLLECTIVE WILL. We therefore request that all action or FURTHER ACTION in relation to the head /Chieftaincy ILlushi matter be suspended immediately to AVOID BREAKING DOWN OF LAW AND ORDER
    It is further important that all action be suspended to avoid acrimony between the two communities – ONOGHOLO and ILLUSHI COMMUNITY and the fragile peace in the communities.”

  • Notice of Business Closure in Jos Bukuru Metropolis

    Notice of Business Closure in Jos Bukuru Metropolis

    An imbroglio may be brewing in Jos, plateau state as an association of Traders and Marketers, in collaboration IPMAN, NARTO, NURTW, and Tricycle Riders, have threatened to close businesses in Jos Metropolis today, Wednesday, April 3rd.

    The decision follows a series of unsuccessful negotiations with the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) concerning the hefty fines imposed on violators of the new parking and offloading regulations for trucks, lorries, trailers, and tankers.

    This was made known in a statement signed by Secretary-General, Plateau State Traders & Marketers Association.
    Expressing grievances over the absence of alternative parking and offloading facilities, the associations have mobilized for a unified protest.

    As a result, all businesses, markets, shops, filling stations, workshops, and other establishments within the metropolis are expected to shut down on the specified date.

    Leaders of various trade unions and associations have been instructed to ensure full compliance with the directive among their respective members.

    The closure serves as an initial demonstration against the enforcement of the contentious parking and offloading regulations.

  • Former NLC President Ali Ciroma Passes Away at 72

    Former NLC President Ali Ciroma Passes Away at 72

    Ali Ciroma, a former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has passed away.

    Ali Ibrahim Ciroma, a family member and Secretary of Borno State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), announced his demise in a statement.

    According to the statement, Ali Ciroma died on Tuesday morning at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state.

    The statement read, “It is with deep sorrow that I announce the death of Comrade Ali Ciroma, former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress. The sad event occurred this evening (Tuesday, April 2) at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.”

    The burial ceremony for Ali Ciroma will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, at 4pm at his residence located at No.7A along Galadima Road near Muhammadu Shuwa Memorial Hospital (Nursing Home), Maiduguri.

    Ali Ciroma served as the president of the NLC from 1984 to 1988 until he was removed by the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida, which disbanded the union.
    Despite this setback, during the Abacha regime, he was appointed as the Sole Administrator of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers.

    The passing of Ali Ciroma is mourned by many within Nigeria’s labor movement, as he is remembered as a dedicated leader who fought tirelessly for the rights of workers.

  • Why I Didn’t Shake Kano Governor’s Hands – Ahmed Musa

    Why I Didn’t Shake Kano Governor’s Hands – Ahmed Musa

    Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa has said he refused to shake the hands of Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State, in a recent video, out of respect for him and his office.

    Musa said this in a statement via his Instagram page on Tuesday amid a social media storm surrounding a viral video showing his refusal to shake the Kano governor.

    In the video, the footballer was seen shaking hands with the Kano State deputy governor while bowing to the governor and seemingly ignoring his handshake.

    In the statement, Musa described his action as a sign of cultural respect while calling for a shift in attention towards the pressing issues facing the nation.

    The Super Eagles captain asserted that the significance behind his gestures emphasised the deep-rooted traditions of the Northern culture.

    He, however, expressed disappointment that the incident has garnered such widespread attention, even from national media outlets, diverting focus from more pressing matters facing the country.

    Musa urged Nigerians to redirect their energy towards finding solutions to the nation’s problems rather than getting caught up in needless distractions.

    He said: “It has come to my attention that a moment captured almost a month ago, has unexpectedly become the centre of attention on social media. It is disheartening to see a simple act of cultural respect blown out of proportion.

    “In our Northern culture, the gesture of kneeling, shaking hands, etc. signifies the highest form of respect. This was my intention when I greeted the deputy governor in such a manner.

    “However, when it came to greeting the governor, I chose to bow and not shake his hands, honouring him in a way that is deeply rooted in tradition.

    “It’s unfortunate that amidst all the pressing issues our nation faces – economic hardships, security challenges, religious clashes, and more – this seemingly insignificant moment has garnered so much attention.

    “What’s even more disheartening are the comments questioning my respectfulness, especially from those who don’t know me personally.

    “Let’s pause for a moment and reflect on where we choose to direct our energy. Shouldn’t it be towards finding solutions to the problems plaguing our society rather than getting caught up in needless distractions?

    “I urge us all to channel our collective efforts towards addressing the real issues at hand. Let’s focus on uplifting one another, fostering unity, and working towards a better future for all.”

  • 30 Children Reportedly Kidnapped by Bandits in Katsina

    30 Children Reportedly Kidnapped by Bandits in Katsina

    In a distressing development, it has been reported that approximately thirty children have been abducted by suspected bandits at Kasai village in the Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

    Batsari, a Security Frontline Local Government Area in Katsina, has witnessed a surge in banditry and criminal activities, posing grave threats to residents.

    As of now, governmental authorities and security agencies have not issued any official statements regarding the incident.

    A resident, who chose to remain anonymous, disclosed that the abduction occurred during the early hours of Monday.

    Efforts to obtain comments from the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Abubakar Sadiq, have been unsuccessful thus far.

    The situation is rapidly evolving, and further details are expected to emerge soon.

  • Lagos Deputy Commissioner Of Police Found Dead In His Home 

    Lagos Deputy Commissioner Of Police Found Dead In His Home 

    Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Gbolahan Oyedemi, serving under the Lagos State Police Command, was discovered dead in his private residence in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

    DCP Oyedemi, who previously served as the Aide de Camp (ADC) to former Oyo State Governor Christopher Adebayo Alao Akala in 2006, was found hanging in his home on Monday, raising suspicions of suicide.

    The late officer, a native of Ogbomoso, had returned to the town for Easter celebrations from Lagos before the tragic incident occurred.

    Sources revealed that he had discharged his aides to enjoy the holiday with their families before the shocking discovery was made.

    Oyedemi, who had been residing with his mother before constructing a new home, was reportedly unmarried.

    Efforts to reach the spokespersons of the Lagos and Oyo State Police Commands for comments were unsuccessful at the time of this report.

  • Bandits Attack Zamfara Mosque During Prayers, Kidnap Worshippers

    Bandits Attack Zamfara Mosque During Prayers, Kidnap Worshippers

    Bandits on Monday night, struck at a mosque in Gusau, Zamfara State capital, abducting numerous worshippers during the Tahajjud congregational prayer.

    Tahajjud prayer is a vigil normally held in the last 10 days of Ramadan preceeding Eid-el-Ftr.

    According to a source, Mannir, the attackers stormed the mosque during the night prayer and kidnapped the worshippers

    Mannir, however, expressed uncertainty about the exact number of persons taken as captives.

    “While the number of abducted individuals remains unconfirmed, authorities are actively pursuing the assailants,” Mannir added.

    As at the time of this report, no ransom demand has been made, and no group has claimed responsibility for the audacious attack, adding to the prevailing sense of insecurity in the North-West.

  • Fire Ravages Owode Market in Offa, Kwara State

    Fire Ravages Owode Market in Offa, Kwara State

    In the early hours of Tuesday, a devastating fire tore through Owode Market in Offa, Kwara State, leaving several shops engulfed in flames.

    Heart-wrenching footage obtained by SaharaReporters captured the anguish of shop owners as they witnessed their livelihoods being consumed by the inferno.

    Amidst the chaos, one trader speculated on the cause, suggesting it might have originated from cooking activities rather than an electrical fault.

    Responding swiftly, personnel from the Federal Fire Service and Kwara State Fire Service managed to extinguish the blaze, but not before it had ravaged at least five shops.

    While the authorities are still assessing the extent of the damage, initial reports indicate significant losses in goods and property.

    Details surrounding the cause of the fire remain unclear, prompting calls for an official statement from the fire service to shed light on the incident.

  • Deputy Speaker Kalu Advocates Political Means for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

    Deputy Speaker Kalu Advocates Political Means for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, revealed ongoing efforts to secure the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB, through a combination of legal processes and political negotiations.

    Speaking on “The Ben Kalu’s Mandate” radio show, Kalu emphasized the importance of behind-the-scenes political maneuvers in achieving Kanu’s release and fostering peace in the South East region.

    Kalu highlighted the role of the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P) in advocating for reconciliation and acknowledged Kanu’s significance in the peace agenda. 

    He stressed the need for political solutions and urged the involvement of Igbo elders in discussions with the federal government.

    Kalu said: “The Peace in South East Project (PISE-P) has reconciliation in the mix of what we are trying to achieve. We recognise the importance of our brother, Nnamdi Kanu in the peace agenda we are pushing. That’s the truth. And I have been very vocal about it. I am not hiding it.

    “I have always told people that I will never deny Nnamdi Kanu. He’s my brother. We come from the same place and I will never be happy having him incarcerated when we can have him out and increase our pursuit towards peace. But we may not advance all the things we are doing behind our backs but I can assure you that all the powers-that-be in this country know that people like us are not sitting on the fence.”

    Addressing the South East Development Commission (SEDC) Bill, Kalu noted its progress in the conference committee stage, emphasizing the importance of resolving related matters to advance the region’s development.

    Kalu called for peace and loyalty to the government while pursuing concessions, underscoring the imperative of maintaining stability in the region.

  • PDP Reacts As Rivers Assembly Threaten To Impeach Fubara

    PDP Reacts As Rivers Assembly Threaten To Impeach Fubara

    The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly for its recent threats to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

    The assembly, perceived to be loyalists of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, had issued the impeachment threat against Fubara, citing his alleged refusal to implement an eight-point Peace Accord signed with Wike on the orders of President Bola Tinubu.

    Among the accusations leveled against Fubara is the alleged failure to provide funding for the Rivers Independent Electoral Commission to conduct elections for local government councils in the state.

    In response, the state Publicity Secretary of Rivers PDP, Sydney Tambari Gbara, condemned the assembly’s actions, urging them to desist from disturbing the peace of the state. Gbara also called on the assembly members to address their legitimacy concerns, particularly in light of their defection from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the ongoing legal challenges questioning their status.

    Gbara emphasized that the assembly’s decisions and laws hold no significance to the people of Rivers State, labeling them as an “illegal assembly” whose actions are inconsequential.

    Furthermore, Gbara dismissed claims that Governor Fubara had failed to implement the Peace Accord, stating that the governor had taken steps to promote peace in accordance with the law.