We’ll Declare Biafra’s Independence On May 30

Enugu — The Biafra Zionists Federation (BZF) has said the Federal Government was trying to intimidate its members from carrying out their plans to declare Biafra Republic on May 30 by deploying fighter jets in the zone.

It declared that no amount of fighter jets deployed against the zone would stop the group from announcing Biafra and occupying the Enugu State Government House, which it said, was the designated headquarters of Biafra on May 30.

 The Guardian learnt that air surveillance by the joint patrol of Army and Police had increased in the zone since Monday; fuelling fears of possible clashes in the event of security breaches.

BZF leader, Mazi Benjamin Onwuka, told journalists in Enugu that the group was prepared to face any kind of security apparatuses that may be deployed to frustrate the exercise.

He called on Biafrans to assemble at the Enugu Government House on May 30, asking Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to steer clear of controversy “by vacating office before that date.”

He said already the, “fighter jets deployed for that purpose are hovering everywhere in Enugu State and southeast. The agenda is simple, to intimidate and instill fear in us and in our members.

“But, we want to make it clear that we cannot be intimidated; that era is gone. Should anything happen to any of our members on that day all those involved will pay dearly for it.

“Nigeria and President Muhammadu Buhari are already in panic. You can see them flying fighter jets all over. This is intimidation. They have failed,” he said.

Onwuka equally said his group expects “all Biafrans to observe a public holiday on May 30, adding: “Nigeria will not escape independence of Biafra on May 30th, if they arrest us, they have dug their hole. If they don’t arrest us, the announcement will be made.

Meanwhile, no fewer than 32 members of the Ralph Uwazuruike-led Biafra Independent Movement (BIM) have been remanded in prison for illegal procession and possession of ornaments belonging to the group.

The affected members, who include 30 males and two females, were arrested at various locations in Enugu on Tuesday during a procession to mark the Biafra Day celebration.The Police arraigned them before an Enugu Magistrate Court presided over by S. Okoro for breaching section 41 of the criminal code, laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Police said in Enugu yesterday that it would not tolerate any breach to peace and security.

State Commissioner of Police, Danmallam Mohammed, therefore, warned pro-Biafra agitators planning showdown on May 30 to beware, stressing that the command would not compromise the security of the state

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APC CONGRESSES: GOV OKOROCHA STILL IN SHOCK, REGRETS ALLOWING DEPUTY LEAD REVOLUTION AGAINST HIM

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has expressed shock over the role played by his Deputy, Prince Eze Madumere that led to his humiliation in the just concluded APC congresses in the state, and described him as a political strategist he never knew.

Governor Okorocha made this disclosure on Sunday at Victory Chapel, Government House, Owerri while delivering his Sunday message to his congregants.

According to him, reasons why the gang up against him by Allied Forces became successful was as a result of the executive role played by his deputy, and regretted having fuse with him.

Governor Okorocha further disclosed that having stayed with Madumere for over 20 years, it was very easy for him to use all the contacts he had established in the past against him, pointing out that he never knew that his former trusted ally could lead a revolution to conquer him due to politics.

He therefore expressed annoyance for falling apart with his deputy whom he described as very trustworthy, recalling that the only thing that could have provoked Madumere may be one of his publications by his CPS that he lacks political value.

Meanwhile, all efforts to reach the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okorocha, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo to ascertain the authenticity of the comment made by his principal proved abortive as his phone was switched off as at the time of fielding this report.

Credite: Ohamadike Emmanuel Best

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Power Project: Obasanjo Releases Yar’adua-Era EFCC 20-Page Report.

The former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has made public the report of the investigation conducted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in 2007, on various allegations, including that of the $16 billion power project.

The about 20-page report, captioned:
“Investigation report: Alleged conspiracy, fraudulent conversion of funds, abuse of office, foreign exchange malpractice and money laundering” against the former President, was signed by the former Head of Operations, Ibrahim Lamorde.

The investigation according to the former Acting Chairman of the anti-graft agency was based on the petitions received from former Abia State governor, Orji Uzor Kalu and the Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL) signed by its Chairman, Mr. Debo Adeniran in 2005 and 2007 respectively.

However, the report noted that the former governor failed to meet with the investigation team just as he refused to supply evidence to substantiate the allegations he made.

“This was followed by series of telephone calls to all his houses both in Nigeria and abroad. A final appeal, through the publication of the invitation was made in newspapers.

All these spirited efforts were unacknowledged as Chief Kalu declined the repeated invitations. The second petitioner, the Chairman of CACOL, Mr. Debo Adeniran, appeared before the Commission in Lagos and threw more lights on his write-up.”

The report added that, “letters and/or physical visits were made to various government ministries, parastatals and agencies where the team had discussions with the officials and requested them to provide information regarding the allegations made by the petitioners.”

It was reported that, “immediately the first petition was received, a team was constituted to look into the various allegations made and ensure that proper investigation is conducted. However when the second petition arrived, upon its review, it was found to be similar, and was therefore compounded with the initial one to enable both investigations enjoy a seamless process and optimization of human and logistic resources. Investigators were mandated to visit, invite, and interview any individual or group that could assist in the investigation. They were also directed to interview and obtain documentary evidence from any of the government’s agencies mentioned in the petition.”

On the power project allegation, the Commission reported that, “in the period under review, a total of N10, 776,493,271:84; $69,808,942:70; Euros 12,853,883:40 and UKP8, 987,322:00 were paid to the various contractors.

However, outstanding payments for the contractors stand at N11, 520,669,195:53; $375,435,687:37; and Euros7, 257,552:91 pending the completion of the project.

“Further investigations also revealed that the National Integrated Power Project is currently in six zones of the country for which about N1, 230,949,066,528:99 was committed by the federal government. The projects are also at different levels of completion but as at the moment of this report, N360,714,147,700:03 have been paid out to contractors leaving a balance of N870,234,918,828:06 yet to be paid pending the completion of the project”.

In conclusion, the Commission submitted that: “Going by the evidence from the facts assembled during the course of the investigation, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo could not be directly linked with the allegations.”

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Imo APC Crisis Deepen As Jasper Azuatalam Caution Governor Rochas Okorocha!

Jasper Azuatalam the Executive Director, Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and APC Board of Trustee Member (BOT) caution the Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha through his social media (facebook) see below.

Any further claim by Gov Rochas Okorocha of Imo state that he is being fought because he supported President Buhari or is still supporting President Buhari, then I will be forced to speak to the public. I am not aware of anyone fighting the Governor and I am not fighting anyone. I only think fairness, equity and justice should reign. I have great respect for the Governor of Imo state and all elders and highly placed political office holders but I have more respect for Almighty God who is truth and stands on the truth. People are free to pursue their ambition wether good or bad, but truth is sacrosant. President Buharis integrity, uprightness and long history of antimaterialism and anti corruption should never be dragged down to petty politics for any reason. Everyone can talk, but those who have verifiable facts always chose to be silent and shouldn't be taken for granted.

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Democratic Coup ... How Governor Okorocha Lost Out in APC Congresses and Power Game

After a successful conduct of Ward and LGA Congresses of the Imo State chapter of the All Progressive Congress, and subsequent upheld of the exercise by the party's electoral appeal panel and by extension the National Working Committee, NWC of the party. Imo State Governor, Chief Rochas Anayo Ethelbert Okorocha who was completely schemed out in the exercise by a powerful Imo APC stakeholder coalition, led by Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, Senator Osita Izunaso, Senator Benjamin Uwajumogu, Chief Tony Chukwu, Chief Uzoma Obiyor, Hon Emeka Nwajiuba, Hon Jasper Azuatalam, Prince Eze Madumere, Sir Jude Ejiogu, Hon TOE Ekechi, Hon Longers Anyanwu, and many others. The Imo Governor became apprehensive of his political future and fate, especially as regards his determination to install his Son-in-law, Uche Nwosu as the candidate of the party and by extension the Governor of Imo State come May 29, 2019, while himself return to the National Assembly as Senator representing the twelve LGAs of Orlu Zone.

Worried that all his protests , petitions and demonstrations against the hijack of the APC structure in Imo State by those he referred to as ingrates fell on the deaf ears, the lookwarm altitude of President, Muhammadu Buhari, Vice president Prof OSINBAJO, Leader of APC Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Secretary to the Federal Government, the Chairman of  All Progressive Congress, Chief John Oyegun and members of the National Working Committee,etc, Governor Okorocha returned to Owerri, the Imo State capital to seek for self help.

With plan to stop Saturday May 19th scheduled State Congress of the ruling All Progressives Congress which will produce the State Working Committee of the APC and possibly replace his former political 'boy', Chief Hillary Ekeh now turned man and his albatross , Governor Okorocha first enlisted the support of Ohaji-Egbema /Oguta ex-militants he was alleged to have granted amnesty as a decoy to achieve political gains. Assured of maximum corporation; as a powerful force of coercion or intimidation against any opposition to his plan. Maximising the power of his office, as Imo chief executive with enormous power and access to state treasury, a court injunction was secured by 4:30pm Friday evening, and a no gathering and movement order by the Imo State Police Command issued . Okorocha’s foot soldiers went to town celebrating, "who born monkey" . "I am in charge the Governor boasted" .

On Friday evening, around 5pm, his nemesis; Imo APC Stakeholders coalition all returned to Imo State with a chartered Aircraft that landed at Imo Airport, followed by another aircraft carrying State Congress Electoral Committee, INEC Observers from Commission head office Abuja, Police Officers from Force headquarters Abuja and DSS, they all went straight to a hotel in Owerri waiting for Saturday May 19 for the scheduled conduct of the APC State Congresses across the Federation.

On the fateful day, while the Abuja Coalition used the night to brainstorm and strategies on how to overun the Governor with full compliments of State apparatus, Governor Okorocha was busy mobilising his thugs, and and State Security architecture to deal with any body who challenges his authority.

Imo State police command deployed trucks of Police van and personnel to the Imo State University junction state Secretariat of the party burnt few days before as a way to stop the Abuja group not to access the facility for the state congress. The Police Public Relations officer through a press statement warned the good people of Imo State of the danger of coming out on the said day for any form of gathering or assembly in the name of party congresses , coupled with a court order to be served within 48hrs of issue.

In order to evade services and avoid disobedience of the court order while keeping to the rules of engagement as stipulated in party's constitution and extant laws, the Imo APC Stakeholders coalition mobilised their members and delegates from the 27 LGAs of the State and proceed to the venue for the state congress in observance to the law. Between the hours of 5am to 6am on Saturday May 19, the scheduled date for the state congress, all delegates had arrived the venue for the congress at Ehime-mbano magnificent council hall. It's Imo APC state congress, the party office previously burnt, any venue approved by the Party State Working Committee, SWC, led by Chief Hillary Ekeh is recognized by law as long as it's within Imo territory. Ehime-mbano Council Hall was idle.

Governor Rochas Okorocha with more than 200 security operatives including state own security outfits, more than 20 buses loaded with thugs, the governor embarked on search operations looking for anywhere with resemblance of gathering of APC Congress, touring all the Local Government Areas in Owerri zone, disguised as project inspector , Okorocha’s long convoy went to Okigwe Zone and houses of Top members of the Imo APC Stakeholders coalition were monitored. After a an unsuccessful search operation, in a decoy, Governor Okorocha ended up at the project site of Okigwe Township stadium where he granted a press conference calling the Imo APC opposition group cowards.

But unknown to him, while he was full of himself,calling the opposition leaders names, smart and tactical opposition group are in a mini stadium hall in Ehime-mbano LGA carrying out the accreditation and voting to elect would be State working committee members of the Imo State chapter of the All Progressive Congress.

Youths of Ehime-mbano had all gathered at the boundary leading to the Hall and field in solidarity to their worthy son, Chief Tony Chukwu and possibly chase away any Invader including Okorocha himself. For No institution or government has done to Ehime-mbano local government areas what their son Chief Tony Chukwu has been able to do, so the traditional, religious institutions, men, women and youths can risk anything to protect whatsoever is the interest of their revered son, no wonder, APC Coalition opted to choose Ehime-mbano as best destination.

By 4pm, the accreditation and voting was over, and Chief Hillary Ekeh, Hon Ugochukwu Nzekwe, among others were reelected as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Imo State chapter of the All Progressive Congress and duly returned by the Imo APC State Congress Electoral Committee and acknowledged by the Chief John Oyegun led APC National Working Committee as duly elected. 

And it was all jubilation in the streets of Owerri, and across the 27 LGAs of IMO state how the Governor of Imo State Owelle Rochas Okorocha who developed to an empiror was caged, palmed off and humiliated by members of his party as a prelude to a revolution awaiting him from Imo pensioners, civil servants, traders, artisans, politicians commercial transport workers, Imo electorates, etc.

How has the mighty fallen, truly absolute Power intoxicates. Okorocha’s Imo, a planned political estate has started to crumble. And Imo people are happier for it!

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Matter Arising of Imo APC

It has come to the notice of the State Exco of Imo State  All Progressive Party that some members of the party are impersonating the State Exco and in that stead purports to have taken over the FORMER burnt office of the party. 

To all members of the party at various levels of the party be informed that the APC no longer operates from the building situate by IMSU Junction. Prior to the Congress another office was secured by the last Exco and arrangements were in Top Gear to furnish same and move into it. All members of the State  Exco and indeed members of the party and general public will soon be communicated with  where and when the office will be opened to the public. 

We are through with the various Congresses of the party and are getting set for the National Convention. As soon as that is done we will commence with the rebuilding of the party preparatory to the primaries scheduled for August/September. We will not be distracted by bad losers who wants to rewrite the rules of politics. And the rules are simple. In every political contest one person will win while the other lives to fight another day. Anyone who can not be persuaded with this simple political principle can then float or join another party. 

Ignore the depleting camps of impostors and impersonators. Bad losers who lost ordinary congresses but can now hyperventilate chasing shadows. 

Barr. Patrick Uzukwu,
State Secretary,
APC.

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Trump cancels meeting with Kim Jong Un

President Donald Trump has canceled his meeting with North Korea leader, Kim Jong Un, next month. 

He announced this on twitter by posting a letter sent to Kim by the White House Thursday morning.

He said the decision amounted to a "tremendous setback" and warned North Korea that the US military is ready to act should Pyongyang take any "foolish and reckless" action.

"Our military, which is by far the most powerful anywhere in the world that has been greatly enhanced recently as we all know, is ready as necessary," he said.

But he left open the door to renewing the diplomatic thaw which had preceded the anticipated talks.

Below is his letter to Kim Jong Un. Click on it to read more clearly:

 

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Deputy governor of Bauchi Resigns

According to Channels Television, the Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Nuhu Gidado, has resigned, citing waning enthusiasm for the job as reason for quitting.

Gidado's exit makes the third high-ranking official to leave Governor Abubakar’s cabinet.

First to leave was the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Shehu Ningi, who resigned in December, a day after Governor Abubakar presented the 2017 budget estimates to the state’s House of Assembly.

He said the governor was not willing to seek advice on how to run the state.

Ningi described working with the governor as “unaccommodating, debilitating and non-adviser friendly.”

The second high profile to leave was the Special Adviser on Investment, Samaila Sanusi, who cited  “unfriendly working environment”.

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Ekweremadu Assures Of NASS Support To Nigeria’s Restructuring

The Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has given the assurance that the National Assembly would pursue the case for Nigeria’s restructuring.

Ekweremadu stated this on Monday in Awka, the Anambra State capital where he addressed delegates of the South East Summit on the Restructuring on Nigeria.

“The National Assembly (NASS) would continue to network with our brothers and sisters from other parts of Nigeria in order to arrive at sufficient consensus on the issue of restructuring,” he said.

According to him, the Senate has shown its dedication to the project by providing bills that would be made laws as it affects the people of the region.

Stating further, the Senate leader said the leadership of NASS was committed to the South East Development Commission bill put forward before the floor of the red chamber.

He added, “In the last week or two, in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the South East Development Commission bill would definitely be passed by the grace of God.”

While admitting that the task of bringing about a New Nigeria is a collective responsibility, he called for the support of every citizen from the sex geo-political zones.

“No part of Nigeria can do it alone. We need to talk to ourselves, we need to network, we need to explain. We need to carry everybody along in this exercise.

“And let them understand it is the best for everybody, it is a will-win situation. I will like to call on our leaders from different parts of the country to engage those who are not sufficiently convinced on this enterprise that Nigeria will be better for everybody if we restructure our country.

“And I will like to commit myself to the fact that all the bills on restructuring as produced, that I, Senator Ekweremadu would be the lead sponsor of those bills.”

While thanking his colleagues at the Senate, Ekweremadu expressed the confidence that Nigerians would not back out in the cause of making Africa’s most populous nation a better place with the call for true federalism.

Also, the host Governor, Willie Obiano, welcomed everyone to the state known as the Light of the Nation.

He, however, appealed for cooperation in ensuring that the nation’s restructuring is achieved.

Channels

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Imo APC Congress and Governor Rochas SAGA

“No Court Stopped Imo APC Congress”. APC Stakeholders Reply Okorocha .As Matter Resumes in Fed High Court Owerri Today

The members of Imo APC stakeholders coalition, a group made up of respected leaders of All Progressives Congress APC in Imo, on Sunday, dismissed claims by Gov Rochas Okorocha, Imo state Governor, that there was a court order restraining the party from conducting state congress in Imo state and there was no congress.

Gov Okorocha had said on Saturday that the Federal High Court in Owerri, Imo state has ordered the All Progressives Congress APC to refrain from conducting Saturday’s state congress or any other congress in Imo, pending the determination of a suit filed by Barr. Mbagwu Augustine and four others against the APC and 10 others, even as he insisted on fresh congresses in the state, adding that APC members believed to be loyal to him were sidelined or schemed out of the exercise. But the Convener of Imo APC Coalition, Dr .TOE Ekechi while addressing newsmen at Protea Hotel New Owerri, said that the state elections which took place at Imo NDDC Youth Centre Umuze Mbano was peaceful and successful.
Dr. Ekechi maintained that there should be no contradiction on the state congress in the state, even as he challenged anybody saying that there was no ward congress in the state to come up with facts.

“There cannot be any contradiction between facts and allegations. We have facts of a successful election, and we will make this documented evidences open to the press to show a successful congress election across the state.”

“So, until they bring out facts to show that there was nothing, only then can you say there is a contradiction. We have facts and figures, documents and pictures, which you (journalists) have also seen here,” he said.

The one time Information Commissioner in Imo, pointed out that even the security agencies present could affirm to the fact that there were elections in Imo State.

Ekechi, however, thanked the party faithful, and the Independent National Electoral Commission, who were on the ground to monitor the elections the centre.

“There is nothing truthful about Okorochas assertion or claim .If the governor claims there was a court order, who was the document served and when did a notice of appearance become a restraining order.”“The state congress held successfully and we now have a new leadership. After accreditation and voting was over, Chief Hillary Ekeh, Hon Ugochukwu Nzekwe, among others were reelected as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Imo State chapter of the All Progressive Congress and duly returned by the Imo APC State Congress Electoral Committee and acknowledged by the Chief John Oyegun led APC National Working Committee as duly elected. “

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OWELLE ROCHAS OKOROCHA HIRED AMAJIRIS TO DEMANDS FOR THE IMMEDIATE REMOVAL OF SEN OSITA IZUNASO, APC NATIONAL ORGANIZING SECRETARY

Nigerian youths under the auspices of Democratic Youth Congress for PMB 2019 gallantly shut down the National Secretariat of the APC to press home their demands for the immediate removal of Sen. Osita Izunaso, the purported National Organizing Secretary of the APC.

This patriotic call was championed by the National Chairman of DYC, Hon. Kassim Muhammad Kassim, Member, Nasarawa State House of Assembly over the shenanigan, abuse of office, cluelessness, highhandedness and despotic tendencies of Izunaso which has generated tension, confusion and acrimony amongst Party loyalists across almost 28 States of the federation during the recently concluded Ward and LGCS Congresses in some states.

The most annoying show of shame displayed by Sen. Izunaso is that of Imo State where he committed lots of atrocities by preventing the Imolites of APC extraction from electing their Ward Exco. Out of desperation and selfish interest, he sat in a hotel alongside his co-travellers, hurriedly cooked results and sent to the National Secretariat that Ward Congresses took place in Imo State whereas there was nothing like that.

His actions and that of his co-conspirators is a calculated attempt to frustrate Rochas Okorocha out of the Party and possibly prepare grounds for the humiliation of Baba Buhari in the forthcoming 2019 polls in Imo State in particular and the South Eastern States in general.

Where was Sen. Osita when Rochas led the APGA faction for the formation of APC?

Where was Sen Izunaso when Okorocha nurtured APC from infancy till date in the South East?

As stakeholders in the Party, we can't fold our hands and watch this kind of malicious brigandage been perpetrated against the SENIOR STAKEHOLDERS of APC. We have taken over the secretariat and we shall not move an inch until Osita is removed from office and new date is fixed for Imo State Ward and LGCS Congresses.

Rt. Hon. Shuaibu Sani, 
Director-General, 
New Media and Publicity, DYC SHUT DOWN APC NATIONAL SECRETARIAT..

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Gov Okorocha Offers $1 million dollars to re-write congress result gives Tinubu $10 million dollars to save him from mess

Information reaching us at the moment has it that Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has offered $1 million dollars (N340 million equivalent) to each member of the APC convention committee to re-write result of the just concluded Ward and LGA congresses.

An authoritative source at the APC national Secretariat Abuja disclosed this on condition of anonymity that Governor Okorocha is hell bent on perfecting this act no matter what it takes, in concert with members of Imo State House of Assembly.

He further revealed that since one week, members of Imo State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Acho Ihim have taken over the state Liaison office, Abuja as conducive place to write and re-write congress results.

Expressing annoyance, the source frowned at the efforts of Governor Okorocha to use every possible desperate means to thwart the outcome of congresses that were adjudged to be peaceful and successful.

Disclosing further, the source who is an estranged friend of the ideato born Governor, said that apart from the $1million dollars, Governor Okorocha also gave the national leader of APC Asiwaju Bola Almed Tinubu another $10 million dollars to save him from the mess.

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B-R-E-A-K-I-N-G News!!! Court Grants Dasuki A Fresh Bail.

Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (Rtd), former National Security Adviser (NSA) was this afternoon re-arraigned before a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja, on the allegation of $2.1bn arms fund diversion and was granted bail by the Court.

Dasuki was docked on 32 counts of amended charges along with Aminu Baba Kusa, Acacia Holdings Limited and Reliance Referral Hospital.

President Buhari was alleged to be given $300,000 and bought two SUV car from the said arms money by the embattled former NSA boss.

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A chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and governorship aspirant in Imo State, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume

Senator Araraume: We’ve resolved to stop Governor Okorocha from destroying Imo
A chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and governorship aspirant in Imo State, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, said that ‘’all well-meaning citizens’’ in Imo State are in agreement to stop Governor Rochas Okorocha from further destroying the state.

He stated this in Abuja on Sunday in a statement signed by his Media Adviser, Mr. Ik Ogbonna.
According to Senator Araraume, ‘’From the political class to the academic, from professionals to the clergy, the traditional institutions and even artisans in Imo State are in agreement, beyond partisan, sectional, religious and cultural boundaries to stop Governor Rochas Okorocha from further destroying the state, economically, politically, culturally etc.

‘’In the last couple of months, Governor Okorocha has been raining abuses on every political leader of note in the state, including his predecessors, dead or alive.’’

Reacting to a recent press statement by the Imo state governor in which he made some scathing comments on Araraume and some other political leaders in the state, the statement added that the interest of strong political forces in Imo State that are determined to stop Okorocha goes beyond the allusions made by the governor.

‘’It is worth pointing out that by his statement, the governor has admitted that he is at war with the entire political class in the state. For instance, his inclusion of his two immediate predecessors, Governors Ikedi Ohakim and Achike Udenwa, as being members of a certain coalition that intends to distract him is a clear demonstration of this.

‘’Added to this is the fact that he is at loggerheads with his deputy and the two senators in his party. It was perhaps for want of proper language that the governor resorted to the use of the word coalition. But even a fresh man in a political science class knows that the word coalition is a clear misnomer in the present circumstances in Imo State.’’

Senator Araraume, a national commissioner in the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), added that the ‘’good people of Imo state’’ have so become used to the governor’s reckless and uncouth utterances that they no longer take him seriously each time he goes to town with the type of statement.

He said the governor’s recent utterances against him and others merely reinforces the feeling among Imo people that the governor harbours a morbid fear because of his wide acceptance by the people in his bid to emerge as their next governor and thus become the arrow head of the collective quest to end Okorocha’s dangerous hold on the affairs of the state.

Senator Araraume further stated, ‘’Governor Okorocha deludes himself as a political giant; but it is not a hidden fact that in his career, he has contested over 15 elections and lost all; even the 2011 governorship election in which he was declared winner was a make belief.

‘’In 2015, he ran for a second term but the election went into second balloting and he almost lost because of his abysmal performance in his first term. Prior to being finally railroaded into the office of governor in 2011, Chief Okorocha had moved from one party to another in search of political appointments.

‘’Even so, he was sacked as Chairman of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, by the person who gave him the appointment, President Olusegun Obasanjo.’’

Araraume added that contrary to Governor Okorocha’s claim that he joined the APC just to contest for the office of the governor, the truth is that he was talked into joining the party by people that belong to certain political circles that are outside the reach of the governor.

‘’It was only a matter of circumstances that it was during the 2015 general elections that I finally decided to join, in my continual insistence that there must be fairness and internal democracy in politics’’, he added.

The APC chieftain added that even if he joined later, especially to ensure his second term election victory, what about Governor Okorocha’s deputy, Prince Eze Madumere; the state chairman of the party, Chief Hillary Eke, and others who joined the party the same time with him and who are currently part of the coalition to stop him.

He added, ‘’It is not in doubt that the good people of Imo State are conversant with my political pedigree, which includes propensity for performance, consensus building, honesty, integrity and human capital development, attributes that are completely lacking in Governor Okorocha.’’

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Owelle Show Us The Man Convener Prince Dr Henry Okafor Quits Rescue Mission Government

The Convener Prince Dr Henry Okafor Accuses Some Rescue Missionaries of Betrayal, Masterminding & Rooting For His Downfall Rescue Mission Government Sets 7 Man Panel To Woo Him Back.

 

The former Chairman of Imo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission, ISOPADEC, and the lion of the Oil Kingdom from Oguta LGA, who is currently the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Imo State on Urban Renewal, Prince Henry Okafor has dumped Governor Rochas Okorocha led Rescue Mission government. 

Prince Okafor who is contesting for Oguta/Ohaji-Egbema /Oru East Federal Constituency under the platform of the All Progressive Congress until now was the promoter of "Owelle Show US the Man and Go to Sleep", but in a twist of turn, the grassroot politician and field marshall of the youths of the Oil producing community, stated that he promoted for Owelle to show us the RIGHT MAN and go to sleep not anyhow PERSON

In the coming days and weeks, more political Aides of the Governor will throw in the towel,our sources revealed.

Governor Rochas Okorocha who is not ready to loose Prince Okafor to the members of the Allied Forces; an opposition group against installation of his Son-in-law, Uche Nwosu as the candidate of the All Progressive Congress for the 2019 Imo Governorship election has set up a seven man committee to woo back Prince Okafor, who is a political Soul mates of the Minister of Education State, Prof Anthony Anwukah.

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Israeli Forces kill 52 in Gaza Clashes as US opens Jerusalem Embassy

A Palestinian boy holds his national flag during clashes between protesters and Israeli forces near the Gaza border on May 14, 2018

 

Israeli forces killed 52 Palestinians on the Gaza border in the conflict's bloodiest day in years on Monday as clashes and protests coincided with the deeply controversial opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem.

The clashes, which left more than 2,400 Palestinians wounded, erupted before a White House delegation and Israeli officials opened the embassy at an inauguration ceremony in Jerusalem and continued throughout the day.

It was the bloodiest day in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since a 2014 Gaza war.

The dead included eight children under the age of 16, according to the Palestinian envoy to the United Nations. The Gazan health ministry provided the overall death and injury toll.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin claps as Ivanka Trump unveils a plaque during the opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem on May 14, 2018

Tens of thousands had gathered near the border in protest while smaller numbers of stone-throwing Palestinians approached the fence and sought to break through, with Israeli snipers positioned on the other side.

The embassy inauguration nonetheless went on as planned, attended by a Washington delegation that included US President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner, both White House aides.

Ivanka Trump helped declare the new embassy open and a plaque and seal were unveiled before the 800 guests at the ceremony.

Trump addressed the ceremony by video.

"Our greatest hope is for peace," he said despite the Palestinian anger the move has provoked.

"The United States remains fully committed to facilitating a lasting peace agreement."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Trump in his address that "by recognising history you have made history." 

- Protests and clashes -

Along the Gaza border, crowds built throughout the day in the Palestinian enclave less than 100 kilometres (60 miles) away from Jerusalem and sealed off from Israel by a blockade.

Palestinians protest during clashes with Israeli forces near the Gaza border on May 14, 2018

Israel's military said 40,000 Palestinians had taken part in the protests and clashes.

"The rioters are hurling firebombs and explosive devices at the security fence and at (Israeli) troops and are burning tyres, throwing rocks and launching flaming objects with the intention of igniting fires in Israeli territory and harming (Israeli) troops."

The military also said one of its fighter jets had struck five targets at a Hamas training facility in Gaza.

Earlier, a military plane and tank targeted two other Hamas posts in response to what it said was fire toward its forces by Hamas.

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas accused Israel of "massacres," while Amnesty International called the violence an "abhorrent violation" of human rights. Human Rights Watch denounced a "bloodbath."

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said "we expect all to act with utmost restraint to avoid further loss of life," while British Prime Minister Theresa May's spokesman urged "calm and restraint".

Netanyahu defended the use of force, saying "every country has the obligation to defend its borders."

Israeli military spokesman Jonathan Conricus alleged "we have seen three different squads, fully equipped terrorist squads with weapons, trying to plant IEDs at the technical fence in three different locations."

The inauguration followed Trump's December 6 recognition of the disputed city as Israel's capital.

The ceremony took place at what until now had been a US consulate building in Jerusalem.

Abbas said the new embassy was tantamount to "a new American settler outpost" in Jerusalem and that the United States "is no longer a mediator in the Middle East."

Police and the Israeli military deployed massively.

Israeli security forces stand guard outside the US consulate in Jerusalem, which will host Washington's new US embassy, on May 13, 2018

Around 1,000 police officers were positioned around the embassy, while Israel's army said it almost doubled the number of troops surrounding Gaza and in the occupied West Bank.

Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman said in a message to Gazans "we will protect our civilians with all our means and not enable the fence to be crossed."

- 'Off the table' -

AFP / MAHMUD HAMS Palestinian demonstrators burn tyres near the Gaza-Israel border on May 14, 2018.

Israel occupied the West Bank and east Jerusalem in 1967 and later annexed east Jerusalem in a move never recognised by the international community.

Beyond the disputed nature of Jerusalem, the date of the embassy move was also key.

May 14 marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of Israel.

On Tuesday, Palestinians mark the "Nakba", or catastrophe, commemorating the more than 700,000 Palestinians who fled or were expelled from their homes in the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation.

Palestinian protests are also planned for Tuesday.

There had already been weeks of protests and clashes along the Gaza border, with 106 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire there since March 30.

No Israelis have been killed and the military has faced criticism over the use of live fire.

AFP / MOHAMMED ABED Palestinians prepare tyres to be burnt during demonstrations along the border with the Gaza Strip, on May 14, 2018

Israel says it only opens fire when necessary to stop infiltrations, attacks and damage to the border fence, while accusing Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the blockaded Gaza Strip, of seeking to use the protests as cover to carry out violence.

Jerusalem's status is perhaps the thorniest issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Israel considers the entire city its capital, while the Palestinians see east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.

In the decades since 1967, international consensus has been that the city's status must be negotiated between the two sides, but Trump broke with that to global outrage.

He has argued that it helps make peace possible by taking Jerusalem "off the table", but many have pointed out he has not announced any concessions in return from Israel.

AFP

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Imo APC headquarters set ablaze

The Imo State secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Owerri, the state capital, was on Friday evening set on fire by unknown persons.

This is coming barely a week after the same office was vandalized during last week’s controversial ward congress.

The Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, was said to have been routed by a coalition of stakeholders of the party at the congress.

Some leaders of the APC, led by the state’s Deputy Governor, Madumere, moved against Okorocha for endorsing his son in law to replace him in 2019.

Mr Okorocha has since complained publicly about the outcome of the congress and is believed to be lobbying for a fresh one.

He has maintained that no congress took place in the state, accusing the congress committee of hijacking materials for the said congress.

Though the fire did not affect the external parts of the building, the inside was engulfed in the inferno, as at the time the above video was recorded.

Many office equipment and important files and documents were reportedly destroyed in the fire.

The APC chairman in Imo, Hilary Eke, confirmed the fire to journalists.

He said the fire was deliberately lit by some unidentified persons who attacked the secretariat at about 6.30p.m.

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Attack on Rivers Judiciary by Police/APC: A coup against Rivers State Government - Governor Wike

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that the devastating attack on Rivers State Judiciary on Friday is an attempt by the Police and the All Progressive Congress (APC ) to overthrow the Rivers State Government. 

The governor spoke on Friday after he inspected the Rivers State High Court Complex destroyed by the Police and supporters of the APC from the faction of the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi. 

The APC and Police damaged several courtrooms, ransacked the court library , destroyed vehicles and looted shops . Hundreds of expended bullets littered the High Court Complex.

Governor Wike said it is unfortunate that the Nigeria Police connived with leaders of the APC to close the courts and stop it from dispensing justice to Rivers people. 

He said: "This is very unfortunate. Do not trivialize this invasion by saying it is just an attack by the APC on the judiciary. This is a complete coup by the Nigerian Police and the APC to overthrow the Rivers State Government. 

"We have said it before and we have been vindicated by this callous joint invasion of the Rivers State Judiciary".

He regretted that the Rivers State Police Commissioner decided to copy the Inspector General of Police in the exhibition of recklessness and lawlessness against an arm of Government carrying out its lawful duty.

"We cannot continue to rely on the police to defend us. We must all stand up to defend democracy. What has happened is a sign of what APC and Police have planned.

"APC Federal Government is not prepared for election. Therefore, they want to truncate the nation's democracy. They are fomenting trouble to create an avenue for the military to take over.

"The APC Federal Government sponsored Senator Omo-Agege at the Federal High Court. Nobody invaded the court. This action by the Police and APC is not acceptable", he said.

Governor Wike noted that it was the immediate past Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi who plotted the attack on the Judiciary on Thursday on behalf of the Federal Government , pointing out that the plot was executed by a Former Local Government Chairman already standing trial for murder.

"We must defend ourselves and the nation's democracy. We cannot continue to rely on the police. Remember, it was the police that kidnapped a sitting governor. 

"Nigerians have rejected the APC and there is nothing anybody can do about it. Since they are unpopular, they want to truncate the nation's democracy ", he said.

He commended Rivers youths for rising in defence of their mandate by mobilising to open the courts, despite the shootings by the Nigerian Police.

APC and Policemen on Friday locked the gates of the Rivers State Judiciary in an attempt to stop the court from hearing a suit filed against the party by aggrieved members. 

The governor was guided during the inspection tour of the High Court Complex by Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Adama Iyayi-Laminkara.

Simeon Nwakaudu ,

Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, Electronic Media.

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