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Releasing Kanu isn’t show of love to Igbos; CSO chides HoR member Ogah
A civil society organisation, Save Nigeria Movement (SNM) has asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to dismiss the appeal of House of Representatives member representing Isuikwuato-Umuneochi federal constituency, Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah as a token of love for the Igbos as treacherous and unpatriotic.
This is coming at the heels of a similar condemnable pronouncement made by Hon. Obinna Aguocha, Chairman, House Ad-hoc Committee interfacing with relevant security agencies in Abia State to reduce kidnapping, assassination and banditry in Isuikwuato-Umunneochi communuties calling for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, a move which is widely criticised as undue interference with court processes and a deliberate attempt to undermine national security and the integrity of the house.
In a press release signed and distributed to journalists at the Charity House Abuja by Rev. Solomon Semaka, the Convener of SNM, the group wondered where Amobi Ogah was, when the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOP) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) led by Nnamdi Kanu were killing, maiming and terrorising innocent lives in the region a lot of which is still ongoing in the entire region.
According to the statement, “Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah’s call for the release of Nnamdi Kanu as a show of love for the Igbos is selfish and misplaced. No Igbo man who witnessed the atrocities perpetrated by armed miscreants who are linked to Kanu and IPOB will support this call. As a Labour Party member, his call is nothing but a clandestine plot to jeopardise national security and bring Tinubu’s adminstration to disrepute”.
The CSO insisted that the only ‘gift of love’ the people of the South-East region will ever yearn for is the restoration of true and sustainable peace in the region to fast track development, adding that, anything short of this is a veiled attempt to hoodwink the present adminstration into another needless bloodbath and criminality in the region.
“It is deceptive to claim that the prolonged insecurity in the South-East is caused by the detention of Mr. Kanu, the proscribed IPOB leader. The truth is, since his arrest and detention, the region has witnessed relative calm following successful interventions and other security measures. Indeed, his detention is a token of love to the region,” the statement added.
The CSO also punctured the argument of Hon. Ogah that the release of Kanu will expose criminal gangs using his detention as a cover to terrorise the region and maintained that, those gangs terrorising the region are part of Nnamdi Kanu’s criminal entrepreneurial enterprise and are well known in the region. His release will therefore embolden them the more.
Part of the statement reads, “instead of pleading for the release of man who has blood on his hand and whose foot soldiers are constantly harassing innocent citizens, Hon. Amobi Ogah and all true sons and daughters of the region should rather expose the criminals than asking for the release of their gang leader. It is not possible to claim ignorance of the true identities of those tormenting the region”.
The CSO finally called on the House of Representatives to forthwith, desist from interfering with a matter that is before the law court under the guise of a sham ad-hoc committee and face the task of making quality laws and legislative oversight.
News
TCN Acknowledges 7th Grid Collapse in 2024
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported its seventh partial grid collapse in 2024. Despite the recurring issue, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, reassured the public that efforts to restore power are well underway, with about 90% of substations receiving bulk power.
Mbah noted that the Azura Power Station initiated the grid recovery, although a minor setback occurred. However, power supply has been restored to the Abuja region and other key distribution centers. The Ibom Gas Generating Station remained unaffected, continuing to supply power to the South-South region.
An investigation into the cause of the collapse will commence once full grid restoration is achieved.
News
Jigawa Tanker Tragedy: Shettima, First Lady Mourn Victims, Pledge Federal Support
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State, which claimed over 100 lives. In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, extended condolences to the affected families, praying for strength and comfort in their time of grief.
Shettima assured the public that the federal government is mobilizing resources to support the injured and assist those affected. He has directed the immediate deployment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide aid. The Vice President also stressed the need for a review of fuel transportation safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
In a separate statement, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu offered her condolences to Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi and the people of Jigawa, praying for peace and comfort for the families affected. She called the incident “unfortunate” and extended prayers for the recovery of the injured and the repose of the souls lost in the tragedy.
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Nigeria Customs Intercepts Arms, Ammunition Worth N9.5bn Over Six Years
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that it intercepted a total of 10,598 pieces of arms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition valued at N9.58 billion over the past six years. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this disclosure during a press conference on enforcement activities in Zone A.
Adeniyi highlighted that 60% of these seizures occurred in 2023, reflecting the Customs’ increased efforts to curb arms smuggling. He also mentioned that recent operations such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting are part of a strategic response to tackle evolving smuggling tactics.
In addition to arms seizures, the Customs CG announced the largest pangolin scale seizure since 2020, with 9,493 kg of scales confiscated in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission. The joint operation led to four arrests across Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos. The NCS continues to intensify efforts against wildlife trafficking, targeting supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas.
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