Nigeria Latest News Today 6th January 2019
iDonsabi Latest: I’m Neither Buhari’s Niece Nor Cousin, Tactical Blunders Exposed Us to Attacks. Continue reading for more news…
1. S’East Governors Warn Nigerian Army on Python Dance III
Following the numerous clashes of the Nigerian Army and IPOBs, the South East Governors’ Forum has warned the Nigerian Army to be professional while carrying out the operation Python Dance III slated from January ahead of the February elections.
Ebonyi State, Chief David Umahi, Chairman of the forum sounded the warning while receiving the General officer Commanding 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Abubarka Maikobi, who paid him a courtesy call at the Government House in Abakaliki.
2. Why We Rejected Ikpeazu’s Second Term Bid – IPOB
The IPOB has said it has rejected incumbent governor of Abia state, Okezie Ikpeazu’s bid to secure a second term in this year’s general elections.
IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, stated this on Tuesday in his New Year message from Israel which was broadcast worldwide on Radio Biafra.
He said Governor Ikpeazu’s rejection by members of IPOB was because of his role in the initiation of ‘Operation Python Dance’ that led to the killing of hundreds of pro-Biafra agitators in the Southeast.
He concluded by saying that anybody associating with the Governor Ikpeazu’s Government was an enemy of the people.
SEE ALSO >> IPOB on the Come, Peter Obi on the Run
3. Kidnapped Ekiti LG Officials Has Regained Freedom – Police
The Ekiti State police command has disclosed that the two officials of the Emure LGA of the state, who were kidnapped by unknown gunmen have been freed.
The two council staff, Pastor A. Onaade and Dr. O. Fashina, were kidnapped along Ikere-Ise-Emure road on Wednesday night on their way to Ado Ekiti.
On the issue of if ransom was paid, the Public Relations Officer, Ekiti State Police command, DSP Caleb Ikechukwu, said: “The victims never brought this to our notice, they didn’t tell us they paid anything. “All we did was to do our work and ensure that they returned home safe and in good health and that we had achieved”, the police spokesman said.
4. Obi of Onitsha Introduces Ime-Obi Entrepreneurship Development Programme, Trains 69 Youths
The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe has launched a youth entrepreneurship scheme in partnership with Ford Foundation.
Achebe made his commendation in Onitsha on Saturday at the graduation ceremony of 69 youths who were trained in various vocations under his Ime-Obi Entrepreneurship Development programme which was sponsored by the Ford Foundation.
The Obi warned youths to utilize the lofty programme for self-reliance and personal development. He said the programme was aimed at making youths employers of labour.
According to him, one of the graduating students has already employed seven graduates in his outfit; saying “it is one way to build the economy and the country and to discourage youths from committing crime.”
The monarch disclosed that the first set of 70 youths, who were trained and assisted with loans worth N500, 000 each, totaling N35 million have repaid over N33 million of the N35 million.
5. We’ve Zero Confidence in INEC- PDP
With only few weeks to the 2019 general elections, the PDP has announced on Saturday that it has no confidence in the ability and sincerity of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a credible, free and fair elections next month.
The party also said it has genuine information on why the controversial electoral commissioner, Aminat Zakari is being ‘imposed on the INEC chairman’ and that it was to perfect rigging plot of the APC.
The former Govenor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose disclosed these concerns on Saturday in Ibadan while addressing the press at the opening of the Atiku/Obi 2019 Southwest Campaign Summit.
READ ALSO >> Articulated Lies Don’t Win Elections – APC Apologist <<
6. El-Rufai Says Ethno-religious Politics; Reason for Nigeria’ Retrogression
Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has decried the manipulation of religion and ethnicity for political interests, saying that it is what is holding back Nigeria from progressing.
El-Rufai who was on Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Kaduna on Saturday, said that people in their businesses look for who can give them results, not the faith of that person.
According to him, “If you are sick and in dire need of life, when you are rushed to hospital, what do you need? Life or religion of doctor? Life is what you need and you will not waste time on the religion and ethnicity of the doctor. When you are flying, do you care about the religion or ethnicity of the pilot or a safe flight?
According to him, when it comes to public service, some people will not be concerned about real development but will start making religious and ethnic sentiments. “This is a serious problem and is part of the reason Nigeria is retrogressing” he said.
7. I’m Neither Buhari’s Niece Nor Cousin – Amina Zakari
Amina Zakari, the newly appointed head of election collation centre for the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for the 2019 elections has denied being related to President Muhammadu Buhari.
In her words, “I am not his niece, I am not his cousin. I was appointed on this same particular job by Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan in 2010. Prior to that I was appointed an A.S to former president Olusegun Obasanjo, and I did my job perfectly”.
8. President Buhari to Inaugurate APC’ PCC on Monday
It has been announced that President Muhammadu Buhari will inaugurate the APC Presidential Campaign Council for the 2019 General Elections on Monday 7th February 2019.
Mr. Festus Keyamu, who is also the official spokesperson of the Council, revealed that the event would take place at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, at 10:00a.m.
He said those expected at the ceremony were the persons earlier announced as members of the APC Presidential Campaign Council which include: Chairman, President Muhammadu Buhari, Co-Chairman, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Deputy Chairmen,Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole among a host of others.
9. Okowa Advises Aggressive Grassroots Campaign
Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has directed PDP supporters in the state to embark on aggressive grassroots-based campaign ahead of its general elections.
He gave the advice on Saturday at the Delta PDP political rally in Koko, Warri North LGA of the state.
He said his ambition to seek re-election was to ensure peace and equity in the power rotation as agreed by the people of the state.
In his words, “My second term ambition is not just for Okowa, but for peace and equity in power rotation in the state,” he had said.
10. Tactical Blunders Exposed Us to Attacks – Troops
It was learnt that the death toll on troops by Boko Haram could have been averted had the commanders accepted inputs from the troops on the ground.
In what was described as the failure to work with intelligence information provided by troops which left most places open to be overtaken by the attacks of the Boko Haram insurgents especially in Borno State.
Investigation revealed that the situation was mainly responsible for the attack on Metele, Rann, Buni Gari, Baga, Kukawa Cross, Gudumbali, Bunduran, Kekeno , Kimba, Sabon Gari, Wajirko, Damasak, Kukareta, and Jeli, since the beginning of November till date.
