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Archbishop counsels pro-Biafra groups against ‘Ghost Monday’ lockdowns in South East

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Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), has said that another lock down would further impoverish the business people of the South-East.

Chukwuma made the observation while speaking to newsmen on Monday on the proposed plan by some pro-Biafra groups to ensure that people of the South-East, Delta and Rivers States observed lock downs every Monday.

The total lock down every Monday, which is tagged: “Ghost Monday” by the groups, has been scheduled to continue until the leader of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, was released from custody.

”I personally call on all pro-Biafra groups to have a rethink on the proposed lock down, since it will further impoverish the people, who are mostly traders, and create more hunger in the land”, Chukwuma said.

He added that presently, businesses throughout the South-East were dull and people “just struggle each day to make a living and have something to put bread on their tables”.

“The move will be unfair to us, Ndigbo, who are engaged in various businesses. If carried out, it is wrong. Since, when you are locking up your zone or region, other zones will be engaging in their businesses and daily human activities meant for their growth and progress.

“It is a way of destroying the economy of our brothers. We must be very careful in the way we are going about it.

“I also do not totally support it as many of our traders are in trouble already, due to the COVID-19 lock down and what they lost.

“So, locking down the entire place every Monday from 6am to 6pm; should be reviewed. They should do a proper introspect and rethink about it,’’ he said.

The archbishop stated that the people should think of how to help those whose businesses were going down rather than inflict more hardship on the generality of the people.

“We should find a better way of improving the economy and checking lack and hunger in the land,’’ he said.

Chukwuma called on Ndigbo and pro-Biafra groups to pray more than locking down the entire zone each Monday.

“Our people should be considerate to all, especially the downtrodden that must go out of their homes before they feed for the day,’’ he added.

In a related development, Chukwuma has distanced himself from the repatriation of the leader of IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to Nigeria, explaining that he had strongly maintained a stoic and dignified position on justice and fair play in governance at all levels, for the Igbo nation.

“I was stunned by a recent report credited to the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) published by an online media on July 26.

“In the said report, it was alleged that I was part of the conspiracy that led to the abduction and repatriation of the leader of IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to Nigeria.

“Ordinarily, I would have ignored the said report for lacking in substance, but that would have elicited different narratives and unhealthy speculations in the mind of Nigerians. A comment, therefore, is considered necessary for posterity.

“In my privileged position as a religious leader, I have vehemently maintained a stoic and dignified position on justice and fair play in governance at all levels, and adherence to due process and constitutionality, while seeking justice for the oppressed.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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IPOB’s lawyer accuses Anambra govt of violating citizens’ rights, wants all arrested charged to court

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The counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has called on the Anambra State Government to either charge to court or release individuals allegedly detained for the past five weeks without trial.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Ejiofor criticized what he described as “violations of citizens’ rights,” emphasizing that the detainees have not been presented before any court or formally charged with a crime.

“Today, March 15, 2025, marks five full weeks since several citizens of Anambra State were arbitrarily arrested and detained in a private facility controlled by the state government. Shockingly, they have not been charged with any offense or brought before any court of law. This is a flagrant violation of their fundamental rights,” Ejiofor stated.

He expressed concern that the detainees were not held by the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), or the military, but instead in an undisclosed facility, without any official explanation from the government.

Ejiofor, who has previously supported the government’s security efforts, urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to ensure the rule of law is upheld.

“I have always championed active citizen participation in combating insecurity and have publicly urged the government to act against criminal elements. However, this must be done legally and transparently,” he said.

While commending the efforts of the state’s Agụnechemba security outfit, Ejiofor insisted that professionalism and adherence to due process are crucial.

He reaffirmed his support for lawful measures to combat crime but warned that arbitrary detentions could erode public trust in the government’s security strategy.

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Osun Amotekun recruits accuse Adeleke’s govt of nepotism

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The Osun State Amotekun Corps has denied allegations of nepotism in its ongoing recruitment of 1,000 cadets, following claims by some dismissed recruits that they were removed in favor of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members.

Some affected candidates, seen outside the NYSC camp venue in Osogbo, alleged they were removed due to their affiliation with the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking on behalf of the group, a dismissed cadet, Usman, claimed that they had been in camp since Sunday before being replaced by PDP members, some of whom, he alleged, were unfit for training.

However, Amotekun’s Board Chairman, retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Wale Abass, dismissed the allegations as baseless. He explained that those removed from the training camp either failed to meet the required standards or did not follow the proper recruitment process.

“The 1,000 cadets invited for training went through a rigorous selection process. They submitted applications online, underwent document verification, and passed physical fitness tests before being invited to camp,” Abass stated.

He further revealed that some unqualified individuals managed to gain access to the camp, while some selected candidates failed to meet the reporting deadline. Those with health issues were also disqualified.

Abass reaffirmed that the Amotekun Corps remains committed to fairness and impartiality in its recruitment process. He described the allegations as an attempt to create confusion and undermine the security outfit’s credibility.

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Opposition no longer safe with recruitment of Osun PDP members into Amotekun – APM

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The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Osun State has raised concerns over the alleged recruitment of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the state’s Amotekun Corps, claiming it threatens the safety of opposition members.

In a statement issued on Friday, APM Chairman, Mr. Adewale Adebayo, criticized the recruitment process, alleging that non-PDP applicants were deliberately screened out. He warned that Amotekun, originally created to enhance security, was being turned into a political tool.

“We are disturbed by the protest by well-meaning Osun residents who applied but were deliberately excluded because they are not PDP members,” Adebayo stated.

He further alleged that over 1,000 PDP members had been recruited into the corps, describing it as an attempt to silence opposition voices. According to him, the recruitment exercise was merely a formality to cover up a pre-arranged selection process favoring ruling party members.

APM has called for the resignation of the Corps Commandant and Field Commandant of Amotekun, demanding an apology to the affected applicants and the people of the state. The party insisted that the security outfit must remain apolitical to maintain public trust.

Neither the Osun State Government nor the leadership of Amotekun has responded to the allegations as of the time of this report.

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