Presidency reacts to controversial board appointments list

Cyriacus Nnaji:

The presidency has reacted to the controversy generated by its appointment of 1,468 Nigerians into the boards of agencies and parastatals.

The list generated controversy after names of some dead persons were found among the appointees.

PREMIUM TIMES report monitored by Newworldnewsng, also show duplications and appointments of individuals that are no longer in the ruling All Progressives Congress.

The Presidency however downplayed the matter Saturday as, according to a spokesman of the president, there was nothing scandalous about the list.

Speaking on telephone, Garba Shehu said “the list has a history” which explains the controversy around it.

“In 2015, Mr. President requested all state chapters of the party to submit names of 50 party members for board appointments,” Mr. Shehu said.

He said the names where compiled by the national secretariat of the APC and forwarded to the then secretary to the government of the federation, Babachir Lawal.

“However, complaint arose from some governors who felt they were not carried along in the process. To answer this, the president constituted a committee under the vice president to review and reflect the interest of the governors”.

Mr Shehu however said action was delayed on the report of the committee headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as President Muhammadu Buhari took ill.

The president’s trips for medical attention slowed down completion of the process,” he said, until when Mr Buhari decided to revisit the matter recently.

“The current SGF was only directed to complete that process by releasing the list which he apparently did without altering it,” Mr. Shehu explained.

Mr Shehu admitted that errors were committed but added that “no human undertaking can be free of mistakes”.

He said the errors identified with the list were not enough to describe the exercise as scandalous, insisting that “there is no scandal”. The spokesperson said all errors in the list would be corrected.

 

Two dead men make Buhari’s board appointments

 Cyriacus Nnaji:

Senator Francis Okpozo, who died at 81, in 2016, has been named Chairman, Nigerian Press Council (NPC).

Also on the list is late retired Deputy Inspector General of Police and elder statesman, Donald Ugbaja.

The late Ugbaja was appointed member of Consumer Protection Council. His name is the third on the list of the council whose chairman is Emeka Nwakpa.

The two men are among the 209 chairmen and 1,258 members appointed to fill the governing boards of agencies and parastatals positions.

The Presidency had issued a statement on December 28, 2016 expressing condolences to his family and the government of Delta State on his death.

Until his death, Late Okpozo was a Second Republic senator and member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement by the presidential spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, the President also commiserated with “the family and friends of the late senator, whose championing of social justice in the Niger Delta, during his long history of service to the people, endeared him to many.”

The statement added that “As a stalwart of the APC in the South-South, President Buhari believes that the party greatly benefited from the octogenarian’s charismatic leadership and wealth of experience as a politician.”

The President also “hopes that all who mourn Senator Okpozo will carry forward his legacy of unwavering dedication to the unity of Nigeria, even as the nation would fondly remember his contributions to peace, development and justice in the Niger Delta.”

The appointments which was released late Saturday night to mainly online media by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, read:

“Mr. President considered the approval for the constitution of the Boards as well as the appointments, very necessary, so as to provide a proper Governance and oversight structure for Government Agencies and Parastatals. The constitution of the boards with the appointments, is a demonstration of this Government’s efforts aimed at building strong institutions of Governance, and by extension, improving the quality of Policy formulation and supervision.

 

Omisore reassures Osun citizens of a new dawn in 2018

Cyriacus Nnaji

Former Deputy Governor of Osun State and a two term Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing Osun East senatorial district, Dr. Iyiola Omisore has reassured his people in Osun State that the New Year will usher in a new dawn.

In his Christmas and New Year message to the citizens of Osun State, the Apesin Oodua of the Source reassured them of a better 2018, the year that promises real change to the people.

Speaking to his party loyalists who came to visit him on Christmas Day at his country home in Ile Ife, the Bashorun of Ijeshaland and Asiwaju Balogun of Ibadanland expressed his pleasure at having them around. He thanked them for their abiding faith in him and appealed to them to gird their loins and be ready to Change the change come 2018 gubernatorial election in the state.

“Osun state has been under socio-economic and political bondage for the past 7 years under the directionless leadership of APC. My people have suffered undue pain; the economic and social lives of the people have receded; the civil servants have suffered, the educational system has been bastardised, infrastructural system across the state has collapsed. It’s time to Change the change. My people in Osun should hold their destiny in their hands and come out massively to vote out pains and long suffering. They should also be ready to guide their votes and not allow themselves to be deceived by anybody”, he emphasised.

Senator Omisore averred that he is out to serve his people; “as a private citizen I have added more value to the mass of sons and daughters of Osun than the government. I am determined to do more by continue with my social intervention programs; scholarship program and other philanthropic gestures. I am out to rescue my people.

“I wish my people merry Christmas and a prosperous new year. Be merry, be happy and be good to one another; let’s show love. Love is what the birth of Christ spiritually signifies. Do not allow the current economic hardship and fuel scarcity kill your joy in this joyful season. Happy new year”, he stated.

The Lord’s Chosen: Anniversary ends with testimonies, thanksgiving

Cyriacus Nnaji:

The 15^th anniversary celebration of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry has ended as thousands of faithful and visitors testified that only God can do all things.

The three-day celebration which took place at the headquarters of the church at Ijesha, Lagos was spiced with a power-packed crusade that witnessed thanksgivings by families, friends and organisations within the church to signify their appreciation for what God has done in their lives.

Speaking on Tuesday, December 26, the General Overseer of the Church, Pastor Lazarus Muoka dwelt on what he called Man’s limitation and the unlimited God.

Muoka said that man is limited in all his activities, adding that man is limited in knowledge and intelligence. He also stated that man cannot fight spirit, and ended by saying that God is capable of doing all things.

The internationally prominent man of God called on sinners to repent and come back to God as sin, he said, is a hindrance to a robust relationship with God. ”When you are in sin, you are cut off from God. When you are a sinner you become a slave to the devil because the devil is the author of sin.”

He called on married people who fight to stop such practice

“Ask for the mercy of God and God will have mercy on you. Disobedient to husbands, husbands beating their wives, those extorting money because you wear uniform, are you selling or drinking alcohol, sorcerers, swindlers, fraudsters, rumour mongers. you should repent and ask for God’s mercy”

Mouka commanded the congregation to take a look at their problems for the last time as God who is capable of doing all things will dislodge all their problems completely.

Among those who testified were: A South African who had a gunshot wound and had been confined to a wheelchair since the year 2000 rose up and worked. A woman who had 26 years of diabetes regained her health, while three years and three months spinal cord problems healed, and other testimonies too numerous to mention.

Elder Kingsley & Mrs. Augustina Ogbewele wed after 18 years of marriage

Cyriacus Nnaji:

It was joy made in heaven at the Chapel of St. Leo’s Catholic Church Toyin Street Ikeja, Lagos as family, friends, colleagues and well-wishers gathered to witness the blessing of Marriage between Elder (Comrade) Kingsley and Mrs. Augustina Ogbewele. Amidst encomiums being showered on the couple, there was the general consensus that God’s time is the best as the couple undertook their marriage vow after 18 years of marriage. The report.

According to the Parish Priest of St Leo’s Catholic Church, Rev. (Dr.) Monsignor John Aniagwu, the officiating priest, the gathering was a small one, but has a huge significance, a day many has looked forward to.

“This is not the first time the couple is coming together, the marriage has already been blessed with two grown up daughters. We have come to solemnize the marriage and we are witnesses. We are not just witnesses but participants and should remember them in our prayers.”

He said having received the sacrament of Matrimony the couple can now receive Holy Communion and do what others are doing in the church as true members of the Catholic Church.

Speaking further he said, “In our reading today which is centred on love, God’s love for us is unmatched, it is indescribable. He gave us His son, a supreme gift. In return, Jesus is asking us to love one another as he loves us. He loved us more than he loved Himself.

“It is not just loving our neighbours as ourselves, but we must love them more than we love ourselves. Before you think of pleasing yourself, you should think of pleasing your own neighbours.

For Kingsley and Augustina, you should be seeking ways to add value to each other, making sure the other person is happy, that is the major task of those in marriage. For the family of Ogbewele I rejoice with you on this day,” the Reverend stated.

Comrade Kingsley Ogbewele, a Human Rights Activist, speaking to Newworldnewsng said “It is the most beautiful day of my life, I am so happy, I thank God, I thank Bishop Kukah, I thank Monsignor Aniagwu. Before I was dead, but now I am alive. I am alive today because of Kukah and God, I thank them.

Mrs. Augustina Egbewele, said “My heart is full of joy, I am very happy, the lord is good, to Him be all the honour and glory.

Speaking on the delay she said she has always believed in God that one day it would be done. And today He has done it in Jesus name.

Mrs Uzeezi Ugbechie, Acting Choir Mistress of St Augustine’s Choir, the sponsor of the wedding, said she is excited. “I am full of thanksgiving that the wedding has come and gone successfully.”

She said she is happy that the couple found her worthy to be the sponsor of the wedding. “I am very grateful.”

Ugbechie advised the couple to wax strong, “it is the beginning of greater things; it is my wish and prayer for them.”

Among the dignitaries that graced the occasion was a Media Practitioner and Consultant, Lion Blessing Umebali, who incidentally is also a member of St Augustine’s Choir that provided beautiful melodious songs during the wedding.

According to Umebali “Augustina is a member, patron and former Treasurer of St Augustine’s Choir. She is somebody to look up to, she is like a role model in the Choir. If you talk about St Augustine’s Choir in St Leo and you do not mention Mrs. Agustina Ogbewele, you have not started. She is a mother and she is humble. I pray for them that this is the beginning of good things in their lives.

While advising other people who have not wedded in the Church to do so, she asked God to open doors for the singles especially for those in the St Augustine’s Choir and other families.

Healing, deliverance at The Lord’s Chosen 15th Anniversary crusade

Cyriacus Nnaji:

Nigerians from all walks of life came out in their millions on Christmas day to be part of the programmes lined up for the 15^th Anniversary celebration of The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement.

The miracle of the first day was so stupendous that those who had great spiritual experience went home and spread the news that indeed there is God’s presence in the Lord’s Chosen Ministry. No wonder, the second day, the Crusade arena was full to the brim.

As soon as the man of God, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, mounted the podium, healing began to take place. He commanded those who came with clutches to drop their clutches and they did, the deaf and dump heard and talked; cataract, glaucoma, madness, waste pain, liver diseases, High Blood Pressure were all rolled away.

Instantly there were testimonies including restoration of failed kidney, four months broken leg was rejoined, 12 years deaf and dump healed, one year blindness healed, a lady who, years back, had no private part now testified that she has babies. Indeed many were loosen from the spirit of poverty, backwardness and sorrow; snake and python kingdoms.

There was great uproar of joy and jubilation as the congregation surged to the podium; those from different parts of the world with their flags, raised them in thanks of the great work of God.

Muoka said human beings cannot help themselves, but total freedom has come the way of the chosen. “A day to end your affliction has come, and only God can do this.”

He stated “God is the God of war and vengeance, God will fight your battle, He will give you a new body, total transformation and it is only God can do.”

He said The God of Chosen is an unlimited God, adding that a sinner is not a Christian and a Christian is not a sinner. He called on the people to end hatred, grudges, envy, greed, love for money, covetousness, speaking evil, worshipping idols as they are all terrible sins.

“Are you into armed robbery, fraudsters, one chance, internet fraudster, witness of falsehood, lesbianism, homosexuality, prostitution, masturbation, you commit or aid abortion, hired assassin, ritual killing, terrorist, kidnapping and armed robbery, amend your ways,” Muoka said.

The Lord’s Chosen now in America, Europe, others – Pastor Muoka

Cyriacus Nnaji:

Pastor Lazarus Muoka, the General Overseer of The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry has revealed that there is no part of the world where the church cannot be found.

The internationally acclaimed ace evangelist and crusader made the revelation during the 15^th anniversary of the church which commenced on Sunday, 24^th December to Tuesday, December 26^{th  2017} at The Chosen Crusade Ground at Ijesha in Lagos.

Amazing testimonies trailed the three-day event themed “Only God Can Do This”

According to Pastor Muoka, “God has given us victory upon victory, and as the Chosen, we have reason to be happy this year. When God comes, he comes with glory.”

He said “The lord has done wonderful things in the church and it is marvelous in our sight. We are marching from victory to victory and the power of hell cannot prevail against it.”

He gave a brief history of the beginning of the church when he said, “The church began on December 24, 2002 at Ilasamaja, and like the birth of Jesus who was born in a manger, Herod and his subjects were uncomfortable.

“When this church was born there was trouble. People broke bottles on members’ heads and closed their gates against us but in all these, they could not prevail over the church of God. Some of them embarked upon the mission of scandalizing the church,” Muoka said.

He said all these problems were not unusual after all, Jesus Christ who is the owner of the church was himself persecuted, but the devil could not prevail against Him.

Muoka said there is now The Lord’s Chosen in every nook and cranny of the nation, in Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia and that the church now has thousands of Pastors, members and matchless grace and wonders bequeathed upon the church.

He added that in the church, cancer, homosexuality, lesbianism, terminal diseases, barrenness, HIV/AIDS have been rolled away, and concluded by saying Only God Can Do This.

He said “God has given us a unique name and there is much in a name and that when God has chosen you He will protect you; that is why armed robbers cannot penetrate you, when you tread upon scorpion and serpent they would not hurt you. Many that were under chains and shackles of the power of darkness have been delivered in this church.”

He said the congregation should appreciate God in Thanksgiving and worthy offering for what God has done for them in the church.

Testimonies recorded on the first day of the event include those given by Bro. Daniel who was delivered from 10 years of gambling. A woman who was delivered from spirit of prostitution also vomited a tiny lizard.

Another amazing testimony was that by a woman delivered of 25 years of demonic curse, 10 years ulcer gone. Also a man was delivered of 3 years of leg poison (asuere).

Sis. Christiana who had an incurable staphylococcus had her disease rolled away and now she is a mother of four children. While Agatha Nwajiuba was delivered from the spirit of death. 

Holiday Special: Smile serenades customers with double data offer

Cyriacus Nnaji:

The tempo of activities which is usually very high in the numerous outlets of premier 4G LTE Broadband service provider, Smile Nigeria is bound to increase in the next few days.  

This is because the company will be introducing a Double Data Offer which is bound to be as unique as it will be rewarding.  The Double Data Offer will be available to all existing Smile subscribers for four days commencing from Saturday December 23^rd to end on Tuesday December 26th 2017.

A statement by the company’s Head of Brands and Communication, Lotanna Anajemba, disclosed that the quest to further delight its burgeoning customers across the country informed the introduction of the Double Data Offer.  With the Offer, customers will enjoy   100% Bonus on every recharge within the four day duration of the Offer with a validity period of 14days. He explained that there are more intrinsic benefits in the Double Data Offer and that all that is required is for the customer to recharge via the smile website, various third party payment options or visit any Smile outlet for further assistance.

Delighted by the development, a cross section of Smile customers has indicated interest to be part of the Double Data Offer.  Seun Akingbola, an Ikeja based Business Executive, is among the numerous Smile subscribers eagerly waiting for the commencement of the four days bonanza. He confirmed being on the Smile Network for over four years and applauded the company for “lot of new ideas and new ways to deliver what customers really need, Super-Fast internet that you can manage and use to improve your business or your experiences at home”.  For Nnamdi Ijere, a youth corps member living in Surulere Lagos, the forth coming Double Data Offer is bound to be as beneficial to customers as the earlier offers from Smile.  To him, “it is thumbs up for Smile for always thinking right”.

Smile launched West Africa’s true 4G LTE network in Ibadan in 2013 thereby revolutionizing the way people access the Internet. Industry Watchers have applauded Smile for bringing fast and reliable Internet service to Nigerians, from the very first day it launched its services in Ibadan and subsequently in Lagos extending same to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Benin, Kaduna, Asaba and Onitsha, especially as it has remained consistent in the unrivalled quality of its service delivery ever since.  The company was also the first operator in West Africa to offer its customers Voice over LTE services and give them access to the growing global standard for voice and video calling.

Madman caught with N100m cheque, ATMs Condoms

Cyriacus Nnaji:

A middle-aged man who pretended to be mentally ill has been apprehended in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

The man, whose name could not be established, as of the time of filing this report, was apprehended near the state Ministry of Environment and Forestry along the Ahmadu Bello Way in Ilorin.

Sources said when he was searched, a cheque of N100m, pictures he allegedly took with top politicians in Nigeria, four automated teller machine cards, male and female condoms, Valium injections and Infinix Hot 5 phone were found on him.

The sources said the man, who would have been lynched by a mob, was rescued by another man dressed in a native attire.

An eye-witness who pleaded anonymity, said she got there when people caught the fake madman.  She said she witnessed how the man was searched.

According to her, she ran away when it seemed the mob might lynch the suspect.

The picture of the man and a brief description of what transpired when he was apprehended quickly spread through the social media.

But the Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ajayi Okasanmi, said he could not confirm the discovery of the fake madman, adding that all he saw was a picture of the purported man circulating on the social media. Courtesy The Punch

   

Techtiary Forum: Extraclass.ng wins N1m Taiwo Bankole Ogunyemi Prize

Cyriacus Nnaji:

Extraclass.ng, recently won the star prize of N1 million dubbed Taiwo Bankole Ogunyemi Prize at the Techtiary Forum 2017.

The Forum was organised by Paradigm Initiative, a social enterprise, which connects youths with ICT-enabled opportunities.

The Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative (PIN) Gbenga Sesan, while presenting the N1 million cheque (mock) to the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Extraclass.ng, Onyinyechi Nmecha, commended the innovative platform and advised the team to work more assiduously in order to make good use presented by the prize money.

Sesan believes that a big part of the price money would go into building capacity of extraclass.ng to do more in the market place.

Techtiary Forum 2017 which was a two-day programme with the theme, “Geek Entrepreneur – Beyond Coding” was held on November 28 and 29 in Yaba, Lagos.

Nmecha expressed her happiness after coming on top pitching along other 30 founders, developers, teams and Co-Founders.

In an exclusive interview with Newworld newsng, Sesan said “Techtiary Forum is an Annual event that we have for our students in tertiary institutions, hence the name tertiary and Tech. The idea is basically to work with students in tertiary institutions, so they don’t spend their time just to passing courses and getting certificates and then looking for jobs.

“The idea of tertiary is that we go through a multi-years programme where in year one students start what they would do when they graduate. They pick up relevant skills such that when they are doing their final year it is not one copy and pest thing they are doing, but a business idea or a project or something they can deploy.

On those that are qualified for Techtiary Forum, Sesan answered that it is meant for any student in Nigeria who is interested in the forum, adding that the focus is technology and that the students can come from any discipline as long as they are passionate and committed to the process.

On the choice of the panelists, he said “The choice of the panelists are based on their practical experiences, to talk to the students on how do you find money and how you do not focus on money, but by providing solutions, and then you can be rewarded with finance and other things. That is why we brought people who have succeeded, somebody who can tell them why I shut those companies, or why I open this company, practical experience.”

The Chief Executive Officer of Lucy.ng, an online superstore, Olaleye Lawoyi Lucas, who was one of the panelists said “We actually make it easy for individuals and corporate organisations to buy items for seasons, occasions and events.

He said his business has been on for 3 years and have sold about 250, 000 products worth over N80million since inception ago.

OLX, FRSC educate road users on safe driving

Cyriacus Nnaji:

OLX.com.ng the leading online classifieds site has partnered with Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to share safety tips with road users this festive season.

The press release made available to Newworldnewsng, said this is to ensure that Nigerians have a stress-free travel during the yuletide season.

Hygenius Omejei, Sector Commander of FRSC advised that motorist should ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy. He said they should take their cars to the mechanic for a thorough inspection to run a detailed diagnostic check which should include the tyres to ensure the car is capable of taking the long journey ahead.

Omejei also stressed on what he called Defensive Driving adding that “motorists should be extremely careful and alert whilst driving to avoid possible collisions caused by bad drivers, drunk drivers, and poor weather (harmattan fog). It is important that you don’t make assumptions about the other drivers’ intentions.”

On over speed he said motorists should keep to the recommended speed limit on the express road and highways. “The speed limit for private cars on the express road is 100km/hr and 80km/hr on the highway. The speed limit should be strictly adhered to because over-speeding is the number one cause of deadly accidents for road users.”

He spoke further, “Fatigue Drowsy driving is suspected to be the primary cause in more than 20% of road fatalities. Drivers are advised to have someone else in the car who can take over the wheels when feeling drowsy or park in a safe place (like an eatery or petrol station) to get some rest.

“Avoid the use of Alcohol, any form of alcohol is forbidden while driving as it can impair one’s judgement on the road. Also avoid Distracted Driving. Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating, drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system anything that takes your attention away from the task of driving.

“Texting is the most dangerous distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. You cannot drive safely unless the task of driving has your full attention. Any non-driving activity you engage in is a potential distraction and increases your risk of crashing.

“Ensure your Car Documents are up to date Federal Road Safety Officials perform routine checks on the highways to ensure road users drive safely.

Road users should ensure that their documents are all updated. These are the documents and items FRSC officials are authorized to check.

Valid Driver’s License Valid Vehicle License, Car Insurance and Roadworthiness certificate Spare Tyre, Fire Extinguisher, Caution Sign and Wheel Spanner

However, if you feel harassed by the Road Safety Official, call The Road Safety toll free line 122 or send an email to info@frsc.gov.ng

Osina Community is created for greatness, says Ide Ernest Eze

 Cyriacus Nnaji

Ide Orabugwueze Ernest Eze (Mayor), the Chairman of Osina Town Development Union (OTDU) Lagos Branch was unapologetic when he said that the community is created for greatness. He made this revelation at the town’s end of year party which took place at FESTAC Town, Lagos on December 10. CYRIACUS NNAJI reports.

The celebration to end the year by Osina community in Lagos State was indicative of the great importance attached to brotherly relationship reminding the people that they are a group from one family. Members of the town turned up in huge numbers to celebrate together, speak the same dialect and make merry.

In that same spirit various families, on arrival at the venue, went round and exchanged pleasantries marked by introductions, many seeing one another for the first time in many years even though they live in the same city called Lagos. This particular exercise was one of the major reasons for the end of year party gathering.

Children were made to answer questions in Igbo language and in the end they all went home with educational materials donated by Unity Bond, a company run by the Chairman.

Chief Ernest Eze in his opening remarks stated “Let’s give thanks to God who made it possible for you and I to see the end of 2017. We should also bear in mind that not everyone that started this year, from January were opportune to witness this event as we are all doing now, so may all the glory, honour and majesty be unto his precious name Amen.”

Eze who is also a Knight of St Mulumba thanked those who made the party possible “I am giving thanks to sponsors of this year’s party, my prayer for them is God Almighty will replenish their pockets a hundred fold in Jesus Name.

“Part of our achievement this year include our ability to organize a joint meeting with our women which was combined with seminar and free medical tests. Besides, our nominal rolls have increased since last year and we shall continue in that light

“I want to use this opportunity to thank members of the executive both men and women for their steadfastness and cooperation towards the progress of OTDU. Let me conclude by saying that Osina belongs to all of us and shall join hand in uplifting her to enviable height.

“Osina Community is created for greatness, peace and splendor and with unity and peace we shall move mountain.

“The end of year party is specifically designed to bring our children and wives together. It is meant for the entire Osina families to gather, fraternize and make merry and also to promote our cultural heritage. It is designed to uphold our dialect so that our mother tongue would not die. We shall continue to gather like this by the grace of the Almighty father.

“Let me also use this medium to wish everyone Happy Christmas in advance and for those travelling, I wish you all journey mecies. 

Chief Mike Omeihe, Oputaobie 1 of Osina while addressing the community said the youth must be humble to realize their dreams. “You must be humble to realize your dreams, you must love your fellow human being, be good to your neighbor. As a businessman you must be honest, do not dupe people; when you do business in the proper way you enjoy the gains, you must strive to maintain the good name of Osina community.”

Omeihe spoke further, “You must love your neighbor; your neighbor is your brother and your sister.”

He reiterated that Osina is great and well blessed and challenged the chairman and his executive to give Osina Community in Lagos a befitting town hall. He gave instances of smaller towns in Lagos that have their own town halls in Lagos and ended that Osina can surmount any challenge if they cooperate. He said two or three people can purchase the hall on behalf of the town, so that the town can pay them back gradually. He said with good strategic plan a permanent venue is feasible in two to four years..

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Chiamaka Chikwesiri, Urudinanwa 1 of Osina in welcoming the people said “First, I thank God for the life he gave to us, His protection and guidance from January till today, it is not easy. We have to thank him because when we thank Him for what he has done He would do another one.” He urged the community to be united so as to achieve great things.

Security operatives launch fresh manhunt for ringleaders of 2016 Biafra uprising

 Success Damian:

Henry Nnabuihe, one of the suspected masterminds of the Pro-Biafran uprising
Security operatives in the country have widened their search for ringleaders of the May 2016 Biafra uprising in which many lives were lost and scores injured.
 

According to a dependable security source, over a dozen people believed to have planned the pro-separatist events of May 29 and May 30, 2016 now have fresh warrants of arrest in their names.

Although our source did not readily give us the names of the suspects, it however filtered from our findings that a certain Henry Nnabuihe and one Elvis Ebere might have planned the uprisings in a local church.

The duo are said to have grown up in Npkor, a locality in Anambra State, although parallel information suggests that they may actually hail from Uburuekwe village.

We recall that on May 29, 2016, police acted on a tipoff that Biafra Separatists were planning to commemorate their independence declared on May 30, 1967. The activists are said to have gathered at the St. Edmund Catholic Church house in Npkor, where they finalised the programme for the uprising. Security forces are said to have acted in self-defense, although many activists died from bullet wounds and teargas stuffing.

Despite the bloody events of that Sunday, some daredevil separatists stormed the streets on Monday, May 30, 2016 for "Independence Day" festivities. They unfortunately were met with the firm fist of the law, with police that had claimed to be monitoring the protests opening fire.

Official information said ten people were killed during the May 30, 2016 protests marking the anniversary of the country's civil war. Rights campaigners were quick to rubbish the police report, saying the death toll was much higher.

Activists seeking a separate state for the Igbo people in the southeast were commemorating the 49th anniversary of the declaration of an independent Republic of Biafra on May 30, 1967.

Human rights groups have condemned the use of excessive force on unarmed Biafra activists, especially following news that live rounds were fired by officers in local hospitals where the injured sought treatment.

Police said officers opened fire on Monday because members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) movement and the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) shot at security forces deployed to monitor the rallies - a claim denied by the group.

"We had to deploy our officers to ensure that the protest was peaceful but we were surprised that the people turned violent," Delta police spokesman Charles Muka said days after the killings.

The police spokesman also said "five corpses were recovered" in Onitsha, while in the capital of neighbouring Delta state, Asaba, the police said five protesters were killed.

There was also violence in the capitals of Imo, Ebonyi, Abia and Rivers state, he added.

But IPOB spokesman Anayo Chukwu-Okpara denied that the group's members had attacked police, and said at least 35 members of the group were killed in the commercial hub of Onitsha in Anambra state.

It is not known why the Police is bent on arresting those it claims planned the 2016 protests that turned violent. Officials said to be working on the case have maintained sealed lips.

NBC unable to shut down illegal Biafran radio

Charity Nnaji:

Director-General, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Is’haq Modibbo Kawu, has stated that Biafra Television, is transmitting illegally on Nigeria airwaves.

According to CommunicationWeek, the TV station is purportedly owned by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Kawu also said the Boko Haram insurgent group had commenced radio transmission via a station located between Nigerian and Cameroonian borders.

He said that while security agencies have been able to stop the Boko Haram-owned station from transmission, Biafra Television is yet to be blocked.

Kawu said this is as a result of the international transmission system with which the station is using.

He warned against revolutionary transmission, saying such unlawful act could threaten the Nigeria’s unity.

“Last week, I was in the office of the inspector-general of police and they had a TV screen and what was being broadcast was on Biafra Television; they were saying some of the most outlandish things, showing videos from the 1960s and abusing everyone,” he said.

“Now, this is happening and they were asking us (NBC) because our duty is to monitor and regulate such but the television is coming from outside of Nigeria.

“Our engineers have been making contacts with the international satellite organisation that does broadcast to Africa about the fact that you cannot allow subversive broadcast into Nigeria from other parts of the world.

“The Biafra Television in the south-east, we have been tracking the station. The broadcast is coming from outside Nigeria. We have been asking questions from international satellite test systems where they are coming from. That is how it is for now.

“Last June, Boko Haram was starting a new radio station, I think on 91 .00 megahertz on the FM band from the border between Nigeria and the Republic of Cameroon and so it was our duty to inform security organisations what was happening so they could take it up and which they did eventually.”

Telcos urges NCC for intervention

Charity Nnaji:

Broadband companies- Tier II telecoms operators have urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to intervene in their business to save the industry from imminent collapse.

The operators made this known when they visited Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, executive vice chairman of the NCC, in Abuja recently.

The operators therefore asked the NCC, to take immediate and decisive steps to avert the looming threat of strangulation, which its members currently face.

Those in the delegation were, Mr. Godfrey Efeurhobo, managing director, Smile Communications; David Venn, managing director, Spectranet; Mr. Osondu Nwokoro, director Regulatory and External Affairs of nTel; and  Mr. Chuma Okoye, chief commercial officer, Swift Networks,

According to them, the industry is in a situation where all operators are finding it difficult to justify the required investment case for additional capital expenditure (capex) for network capacity expansion to improve quality of service to customers.

They further noted that the network operating expenditure (opex) of operations have skyrocketed in the last 15 months by over 85 per cent with revenues remaining relatively flat.  Most operators, they lamented, are currently struggling with meeting obligations to their suppliers particularly network vendors, tower firms and servicing loan obligations.

According to CommunicationsWeek, the CEOs stated that the NCC’s declaration of 2017 as the Year of the Telecoms Consumer can be derailed by failure of operators to deliver on the expected quality of service particularly on data throughput and experience due to the weak investment case to support additional capex as a result of deteriorating market conditions.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo demands immediate release of Ifeanyi Ubah

Charity Nnaji:

Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, has demanded the immediate release of Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, the Managing Director of Capital Oil.

Ifeanyi Ubah, who was picked up two weeks ago by the Department of State Services, DSS, has remained in detention.

According to the press statement issued by the Secretary General of the Ohanaeze Youth Council, OYC, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, he described the oil mogul’s arrest as a continuation of endless persecution of Ndigbo by the present administration.

He called on the DSS to immediately free Ubah, even as he faulted a situation where security operatives would arrest and detain a Nigerian before commencing investigation.

“We yet again condemn this endless clamp down on Igbo sons and daughters by federal government agencies.

“It has now become a tradition that no week passes by without either the EFCC or the DSS coming after an Igbo son or daughter. It is a sad commentary considering that these persons are always detained for a prolonged period than permitted by law. We condemn a situation where people are detained before investigations are carried out on the issues leading to their arrest.

“To this end, we demand the immediate release of Chief Ifeanyi Ubah. If the DSS is sure he has committed any offence he should be charged to a court of competent jurisdiction.

“We say enough to the persecution of Ndigbo in this country. This idea of silencing every opposing voice will not augur well for our democracy”, the youths said.