Politics
Insecurity: The horrifying discoveries in South East forests
Published
6 months agoon
Insecurity: The horrifying discoveries in South East forests
INSECURITY– Hard to narrate ugly and shocking discoveries that are being made in many forests and bushes occupied by criminal elements that have been terrorizing the people of the South East region in the last three years.
These chilly discoveries include decapitated human corpses, shallow graves, and abandoned vehicles of all types, belonging to kidnapped victims who were either killed or released and their vehicles seized.
Some of these things were uncovered during raids by security operatives in the forests occupied by killer Fulani bandits and the dreaded unknown gunmen, two killer groups that have been holding the region hostage, killing, kidnapping, maiming, and destabilizing the social and economic life of the people.
Southeast Governors must check what goes on in forests and bushes in their states.
A cross-section of residents of the region agreed that forests and bushes in their areas are no safer, haven occupied by criminal elements and turned into places for torture, killing, maiming, rape, shrines, and all manners of evil activities. They called on the five governors of the zone to take it as an emergency task to sanitize forests and bushes in their states by raiding and clearing them and turning them into useful places.
Shocking discovery around Lokpanta cattle market is an eye-opener
The announcement made by Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, of the barbaric discovery of 50 decomposing and 20 headless bodies around the Lokpanta Cattle Market in the Umunneochi council area of Abia State, was an eye opener and the tip of the iceberg of what could be found in many other forests and bushes in the zone going by the atrocities meted out to residents and visitors to the area in the last two to three years.
A raid in forests and thick bushes in communities Nnewi and Ihiala council areas of Anambra will surely be more shocking. Forests in Enugu, Ebonyi, and particularly in Imo communities, and other parts of Abia will reveal more shocking discoveries.
Revealing what was discovered around Lokpanta Cattle market, in Abia state, Governor Alex Otti noted with regret that the vicinity of the market had turned into a den for criminal atrocities.
Otti insisted that the government would not go back on the decision to sanitize the market and make it a daily market and non-residential. He vowed that no inch of the state would be allowed to serve as a breeding ground for criminals. He warned that anybody opposed to his government’s efforts to sanitize the Lokpanta cattle market must be a criminal or an accomplice.
“We have installed electronic equipment that tells us what is happening in every part of the state. A few weeks ago, we found that a lot of ransom that was paid for kidnapping ended up somewhere around Umunneochi, and we decided to raid the place. During the raid, we made shocking discoveries.
“In less than 48 hours, we recovered over 50 dead bodies around the cattle market in Umunneochi. We recovered over 20 decomposing headless bodies- men, women, and children. We recovered so many skeletons of people killed.
“We also discovered that gun running, prostitution and so many evil things were happening in the market. So, we realized that the first thing to be done is to secure the market. We went in and brought down many brothels, and we felt that the market, just like any other market, should be a day market that starts in the morning and closes in the evening”.
Continuing, Otti said: “We have started fencing the market even though it will cost a lot of fortunes. We also want to make it a general market, not just for cattle alone. There will be sections for provisions, foodstuffs, electronics, and others.
“We also feel that those people hibernating in the market should go and live in the communities. We want to have a peaceful environment around Umunneochi and other parts of the state. Anybody not supporting this move must be a criminal, and there is no place for criminals anymore in Abia”, he warned
Discoveries by soldiers on Southeast Operation Udoka
Also raiding criminal hideouts in the region, soldiers on Operation Udoka, at Ugbakwa community in Nkanu East council of Enugu State, apprehended one Chimezie Chukwu (aka Biggi), said to have escaped during the Jos prison break and also said to be a known drug peddler, gunrunner and specialist in armed robbery.
They recovered from him items such as mobile phones and mobile phone batteries; a Moniepoint POS and ATM card, packs of substances suspected to be cannabis, and some cash. Also, in camps at Ogbunka, Orumba South council area, which security operatives said had been abandoned by the criminals, they recovered three abandoned vehicles, two Toyota Highlander jeeps and one Mercedes Benz ML350 jeep.
Cattle dealers kick against plans to sanitize, make Lokpanta market a daily market
The people residing inside the Cattle Market, who are of Northern extraction, some of them cattle dealers, have rejected the eviction order by Abia Government. Their spokesperson, Mallam Buba Abdullahi Kedemure, said the plan to fence the market situated on 80 hectares of land “will not work”.
Kedemure said asking them to live outside the cattle market, which they have occupied since 2005, translates to telling them to leave Abia State as it was not practicable for the 15,000 members of the Northern community to live among the natives.
“If the government will fence the market, demolish our houses, urge us to go and live in the neighbouring villages, it means the government has automatically chased us away from Abia State,” he claimed.
Also, a statement signed by 14 market leaders and cattle traders, including the chairman, Alhaji Saleh Algare, and the secretary, Auwal Hamma, said “It is unjust, unfair and ungodly for anyone to prevent any Nigerian, irrespective of tribe and religious affiliation from staying in any part they desire to stay in Nigeria”.
Peter Obi supports the Abia Govt to sanitize the market
The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 Elections, Peter Obi described the discovery of decomposing corpses as “bone-chilling” and “extremely cruel”.
Obi said the discovery “reflects how insecure our environment has been” and “unearths how insecurity has continued to ravage many parts of the country, taking innocent lives and killing the economy”.
He commended Governor Otti, for taking a “bold step” against insecurity in the state and recalled facing a similar situation in 2013 as the Governor of Anambra State.
Obi said that the security of lives and property remains the primary duty of any government.
“We must prioritize security. “We cannot continue to allow our people to live in fear and uncertainty”.
We support Government plan- Environmental Rights Group
Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development, FENRAD, a leading human and environmental rights advocacy group, supports the Government’s plan and calls for proper investigation of anyone opposed to the move to fence the Lokpanta Cattle Market. The Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nwafor, said no responsible government folds its arms while any part of its territory is converted into a breeding ground for criminals.
“What an infamy that the market built to promote cattle and foodstuff enterprise was turned into a den of hostage takers who run a kidnapping and abduction industry that has thrived for decades now. FENRAD is aware of the gruesome activities of these faceless gangs which have been extended from Lokpanta and Umunneochi to Ihube, Uturu, Okigwe, and Isuikwuato axis. The fact that the killings and decapitation happened and were not reported, neither by the traders nor market occupants, only leaves much to be desired”, the group said.
The Civil Liberties Organization, CLO, Anambra State also supports the plan of Abia State Government. The chairman, Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme, CLO commended Governor Alex Oti for the effort that led to the shocking discoveries around the Umuezechi/Lokpanta cattle market.
Umunneochi community, and stakeholders back the Government to sanitize the market
The immediate past member who represented the Umunneochi state constituency at the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Okey Igwe, said the revelation by the Governor, though shocking and pathetic, was not new to some stakeholders.
“To some people, it is just coming to light but we have lived with this terror for a long time. But hopefully, this is the start of the lasting solution to the menace. I don’t think the Governor of the state will be playing a game with a serious issue like this. I have seen some of the pictures. I don’t think anybody should lecture me on the reality of the situation. If anybody is in denial that we have been besieged, I don’t know why.
“People who were kidnapped lost their lives in the process. A senior police officer in Isuochi was kidnapped and later killed. The former Prelate of the Methodist Church was also kidnapped in this same area. So, I don’t think anybody should be in denial of this. It shouldn’t be a tribal thing. I rather think what should matter to all is how to bring a lasting solution to the menace. Our people have been through this horror, and I hope we are beginning to get respite.
“If the measures by the state government are considered the solution to this security threat, it should be supported by all because anybody could be a victim. So, I don’t think the move is to witch-haunt anybody.
“It’s a security policy, and if the Government suspects that the cattle market has been hijacked by some elements, fencing it and making it a day market, I think, makes sense. I don’t think the original intention was to make it a residential market. People should go to the market and return to their houses afterward. I don’t think the market should be a residential area”.
Prince Ikedi Ezekwesili, also a former lawmaker, said that movement around Umunneochi had become a nightmare following a spike in criminality in the area. He said that the number of casualties as disclosed by the Governor should not be argued considering the atrocious activities of bandits and kidnappers on the prowl in the area spanning to Isuochi/Ihube/Aku forest.
“It is quite a disturbing revelation. It was a common knowledge. When our women went to the farm they would return with very gory experiences of having met decomposing bodies or skeletons or documents of kidnap victims.
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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com
Politics
Rivers: PDP Group Dismisses Purported Suspension of Rep. Abiante As Child’s Play
Published
13 hours agoon
May 1, 2024*Rivers: PDP Group Dismisses Purported Suspension of Rep. Abiante As Child’s Play
The PDP National Solidarity Vanguard (PDP-NSV) has dismissed the purported suspension of the member representing Andoni/Opobo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante.
In a statement signed by its national president Comrade Rowland Ovie, the group described the suspension as unlawful, baseless and something of a child’s play.
Ovie said the acclaimed ward executives from Ngor Ward 1, Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State are impostors and not even members of the party.
He added that Abiante is a time-tested party loyalist who has always stood for justice, equity and good governance hence his support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The group, therefore, commended the lawmaker for standing by Governor Fubara who is one of the life-wire of the PDP in Nigeria today.
“The purported suspension of Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante by some unknown persons claiming to be members of our great party is not only unlawful but laughable,” the statement said.
“It is another political escapade gone wrong. We know those behind this show of shame and their paymasters. We are glad also that Nigerians know them as well.
“Abiante is a highly principled man known for his honesty, integrity and knack for justice and good governance. He is not one to be easily bullied.
“Due to his strong principles and high moral values, he has shown massive support for Governor Fubara. He believes in the governor’s philosophies and leadership model.
“We, therefore, commend the lawmaker for standing on the side of truth and the masses. He remains a bonafide member of the PDP and one of the party’s strongest pillars in Rivers.
“It is, however, unfortunate that those who have thrown away every iota of honour in them are now going after genuine patriots within the party. We call on all party men and women to expel ‘the bull in the China shop.’
“We also urge the general public to ignore his purported suspension as they are antics of frustrated politicians, particularly in Andoni and Rivers State who are discomforted by his towering political profile.”
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Politics
Wike Didn’t Make Asiwaju Tinubu Nigeria’s President – Oduduwa Group
Published
2 days agoon
April 30, 2024Wike Didn’t Make Asiwaju Tinubu Nigeria’s President – Oduduwa Group
**** Warns FCT Minister to stop acting like an emperor
The Oduduwa Development Congress (ODC) has disputed the claim of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that he played a significant role in bringing President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to power.
The group said Wike’s claim is merely a product of his imagination.
ODC emphasized that Nigerians, not Wike, made Asiwaju Bola Tinubu their President, and his victory was a reflection of the will of the people.
Addressing a press conference in Lagos on Monday, the president of the group, Oluwasanmi Sola stated that the FCT Minister should be grateful to President Tinubu for saving him from political obscurity.
According to Sola, Wike’s utterances and body language imply insubordination.
“The Oduduwa Development Congress wishes to set the record straight that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike didn’t make Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu the President of Nigeria,” the statement said.
“We would normally ignore Wike’s claims as the ramblings of a delusional person, but given the power of propaganda to cause harm, we feel compelled to correct the record.
“It’s important to note that the results of the 2023 presidential election, as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), show that Nigerians elected Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as their President, not Wike. Tinubu received a total of 8,794,726 votes, the highest of all candidates, meeting the first constitutional requirement to be declared the winner. He also received over 25% of the votes cast in 30 states, exceeding the 24 states required by the constitution. Local and international observers confirmed that his victory reflected the will of the people, and the Supreme Court upheld the outcome.
“Therefore, Wike’s claim of singlehandedly bringing President Tinubu to power is false and misleading. How could he when he couldn’t secure ordinary ticket of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for himself? In President Tinubu’s election victory acceptance speech, he recognized and thanked those who worked hard to secure the victory. However, he did not mention the name of Nyesom Wike. This suggests that the FCT Minister’s claim of playing a significant role in the President’s electoral success is merely a product of his imagination. The former Rivers State governor owes Nigerians an apology for attempting to take credit for our collective mandate.”
The group criticized Wike’s handling of the affairs of the FCT, saying he is running the territory like his personal property.
ODC noted that Wike’s appointments so far have been lopsided, and his actions could negatively impact the support that the President Bola Tinubu administration enjoys from Northerners if the issue is not addressed urgently.
“Unfortunately, Wike’s claim is not only blatant lie but also a crass display of ingratitude. His public posturing is the height of political arrogance. His utterances and body language reek of insubordination. One would expect that haven been saved from political obscurity by President Tinubu’s magnanimity, Wike would be the most loyal of all the President’s ministers but instead he has turned out to be not only ungrateful but also a power-drunk little emperor in Abuja and a liability to this administration.
“The rate of nepotism, cronyism and favouritism in the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory under Wike is egregious. The FCT Minister has skewed all strategic appointments to favour his cronies and political affiliates from the River State, while millions of other Nigerians, and indigenes of the territory, are left marginalized.
“Wike needs to be reminded that the FCT is not his personal property or an extension of Rivers State. As the Center of Unity, the principle of inclusion must be given priority over any other interest. Therefore, we urge Wike to stop using resources and jobs meant for the FCT to buy and sustain the loyalty of his political allies in Rivers State in his pointless fight against the Governor, Sim Fubara, and focus on discharging his duties as FCT Minister impartially.
“It is regrettably lugubrious, that Wike, who was appointed as the FCT Minister by President Tinubu despite not being a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), is now making enemies for the President with his tyrannical regime in the FCT instead of serving Mr. President diligently for saving him from monumental shame and disgrace.
“Bearing in mind that the President Tinubu’s administration is at the receiving end of Wike’s actions, we urge the FCT Minister to retrace his steps and tread cautiously or be forced to resign,” the statement added.
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Politics
IFMSL vs AICL: Lagos Group Warns Wike for fighting APC loyalist over his selfish interest to own ICC
Published
3 days agoon
April 28, 2024IFMSL vs AICL: Lagos Group Warns Wike for fighting APC loyalist over his selfish interest to own ICC
By Tom Garba
Sahara Weekly Reports That A group under concerned citizens of Nigeria umbrella nation wide said the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr Nyesome Wike is punitive and capable to divide Nigeria along regional and ethnics lines.
The group during a world press conference with Dr Joseph Jabani to have addressed journalists at Carlton gate hotel FESTAC, Lagos cried for justice on behalf of Integrated Facilities Management Services Ltd ( IFMSL) Under the Good management of Its Managing Director Senator Abubakar Ahmed MoAllayidi whose contract with Abuja Investments Company Ltd (AICL) was illegally revoked.
Jabani said the implications of revoking the contract with IFML are dire, both domestically and internationally.
According to him domestically, it sends a message of instability and unpredictability to investors, shaking their confidence in the Nigerian government’s commitment to honoring contracts and fostering a conducive business environment.
And the International implications according to Jabani it tarnishes Nigeria’s reputation as a reliable partner for investment and collaboration.
“Overseas investors, who have been eyeing opportunities in Nigeria, may now reconsider their plans in light of this abrupt decision, leading to potential loss of investment and stunted economic growth.” He said
Called President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate president, Speaker Federal House of Representatives, Traditional Leaders, Council of Oba’s chiefs southern Region and the good people of Nigeria, about the unfriendly and aggressive tactics employed by Barrister Nyesom Wike in superintending over the FCT.
“His pattern of finding faults and instigating conflicts with thriving businesses based on personal interests and differences is not only alarming but detrimental to the economic growth and stability of the FCT.
” We are calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and leaders of thought and good Nigerians to intervene in this matter and uphold the integrity of the contract with Integrated Facilities management services (IFML) Continuing the partnership with IFML is not just a matter of business but a demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to honoring agreements and fostering a conducive environment for both local and international investors.
“We call upon the government to uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability in governance and to ensure that individuals like Minister Wike, who prioritize personal interests over the welfare of the nation, are held accountable for their actions.
“It is imperative that we protect the interests of businesses and investors in the FCT and create an environment that fosters growth, innovation, and prosperity for all. Minister Wike’s actions have no place in a government that seeks to promote progress and development, and it is time for the federal government to take decisive action to remedy this situation.” Jabani Stated
The text signed by Jabani continued to read that:
“Wike’s penchant for taking illegal and extra-judicial actions against businesses and individuals not only undermines the rule of law but also works directly against the interests of the federal government. His actions create an atmosphere of uncertainty and hostility that is detrimental to investment and development in the FCT.
“Nyesom Wike, in his usual combative style had announced in the media the purported cancellations of the facility management of the International Conference Center, for no justifications nor adherence to due process. Much as there was no justifications and fair-hearing, this purported action by Mr Wike is at best illegal, punitive, totally strange and at variance with any known protocols and procedures of handling such matters.
“For some years now, Integrated Facilities management services Limited (IFMSL) has diligently and effectively managed the International Conference Center, ensuring its smooth operation and upkeep. Under their stewardship, the center has flourished, becoming a beacon of excellence in hosting international conferences, events, and gatherings.
“The work of Integrated Facilities management services Ltd (IFMSL) has not only been exemplary but also crucial for the growth and development of Nigeria. Their dedication to maintaining the International Conference Center at the highest standards has attracted local and overseas investors, boosting economic activity and fostering international relations.
“The federal government must take swift and decisive make Barrister Wike to respect law and order, as well as contractual agreements and processes in the FCT ministry. Allowing him to continue unchecked will only lead to further erosion of investor confidence and cripple the potential for economic growth and prosperity in the federal capital territory.
“In conclusion, we further urge Mr. President to consider the long-term implications of this decision and act in the best interest of Nigeria’s economic prosperity and international standing.
Thank you so much for coming.”
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