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  • Itsekiri group condemns violent attack on peaceful protesters in Warri

    Itsekiri group condemns violent attack on peaceful protesters in Warri

    The Itsekiri Interest Group, led by its President, Comrade Gbubemi Awala has condemned the reprehensible actions taken by the state government and affiliated security agencies against peaceful demonstrations by the Itsekiri people in Warri, Delta State.

    According to Awala, “The recent escalation of violence, including the shooting and maiming of innocent citizens exercising their fundamental right to protest, is not only a gross violation of human rights but also a stark affront to the principles of democracy and justice.

    “The Itsekiri people have been compelled to voice their concerns over a deeply troubling report from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which outlines alarming measures that threaten to undermine their political representation and marginalize their ethnic identity. In the face of such egregious attempts to manipulate electoral structures and diminish the political agency of the Itsekiri community, our peaceful protests are not only justified but necessary.”

    “It is utterly unacceptable that the state government has chosen to respond to these legitimate grievances with violence and aggression. The deployment of security forces to suppress dissent, particularly through the use of lethal force, is a blatant violation of the social contract between the state and its citizens. Such actions betray the very essence of a democratic society, which should prioritize dialogue, understanding, and respect for the rights of all individuals.

    “We demand that the state government and security agencies adhere strictly to protocols that ensure the safety and rights of peaceful protesters. The indiscriminate targeting of our community members is not only a moral failing but also a criminal offense that will not go unchallenged. Those responsible for these violent acts must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

    “The Itsekiri Interest Group calls upon the leadership of the state to engage in meaningful dialogue with the Itsekiri community, to listen to their concerns, and to take immediate steps to rectify the injustices perpetuated by the recent INEC report. The path to resolution lies not in oppression and violence but in understanding, respect, and genuine engagement.

    “We urge all members of the security forces to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and human decency in their conduct. “The eyes of the nation are upon you,” Comd. Awala warned, “and any actions that result in harm or intimidation of peaceful protesters will be scrutinized and met with appropriate repercussions. You must protect the citizens you serve, not to become agents of oppression.”

    “The Itsekiri Interest Group stands in solidarity with the Itsekiri community in their struggle for justice and equity. We call on all stakeholders, including civil society organizations and international observers, to monitor the situation closely and to advocate for the protection of human rights and democratic freedoms in our society.

  • Ndume knocks Tinubu over lopsided federal appointments

    Ndume knocks Tinubu over lopsided federal appointments

    Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC Borno South) has kicked against lopsidedness in federal or political appointments by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which, according to him, has favoured one section or ethnic group, contrary to the dictates of the Federal Character guidelines.

    Ndume said he was shocked when he read the endless and sectional list of federal political appointees which have gone viral in social media or public space, describing the situation as non-inclusive and not reflecting the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of Mr President, who has took an Oath of Office and that of allegiance, that sort to carry everybody along while discharging any responsibility as government.

    Ndume stated this on Arise News (Prime Time) yesterday, which was monitored by our correspondent.

    He pointed out that as a lawmaker, and based on his observation, President Tinubu’s appointments so far violated federal character and should be corrected.

    The senator, who is a member of the ruling APC, has always been vocal and a critic, especially on some government policies and programmes allegedly not in favour of the Nigerian masses and the electorate.

    Responding to a question on the list of political appointees by Mr President, which is in circulation and in favour of one ethnic group, Ndume said, “Well, I don’t think I have anything to add, because the figures are there; you can look at it; I sent you all. It is not that I am making accusations or saying that Mr President does not have the right to make appointments, but Section 14/3 of the Constitution is very clear. When you look at it vis-à-vis the appointments made so far, they are political appointments.

    “If appointments that are professional, so to say, like you can’t appoint someone who is not a soldier to become Chief of Army Staff, or you can’t appoint someone who is not a police officer to become the Inspector General of Police, IGP, but then, when you come to look at political appointments, the Constitution, as I said earlier, is very clear, and it is because to avoid such infractions that the constitution of Section 14/3 states that political appointments should reflect the Federal Character….., which is not the case here.

    “All I am saying is to call the attention of Mr President to such infractions so that they can be corrected; otherwise, this thing can boomerang at a certain period of time. Just like you said, people look at me as somebody that is critical of the government, but I have the right to do that because that is why I am elected as a legislator at the National Assembly in the first place.

    “Collectively, we are supposed to oversee the acts of Mr President and point out some of the irregularities. This is what we swore to do. It is not personal, because if you count five people in the North that have a personal relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I (Ndume) am one of them. But that does not stop me from saying the truth, because I have the obligation to do that in the interest of all Nigerians.

    “As a Nigerian and a lawmaker, I have the right to voice this out, but Tinubu’s attack dogs will attack me, not the message. It is not personal, as I said, especially now that everybody will stand before God Almighty and account for his/her own stewardship as leaders. It is unfortunate that after this interaction, these so-called Tinubu Boys or people will start attacking Ndume, saying he is a very frustrating person,” Ndume said.

  • Tinubu’s political adviser, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, resigns

    Tinubu’s political adviser, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, resigns

    ABUJA – Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the Special Adviser on Political Matters in the Office of the Vice President, has resigned from his position.

    Presidency sources confirmed that Baba-Ahmed, a former spokesperson for the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), submitted his resignation approximately two weeks ago.

    Although no specific reason was disclosed, sources indicated that he cited personal grounds in his resignation letter.

    As of the time of filing this report, it remained unclear whether the presidency had formally accepted his resignation.

    Appointed in September 2023, Dr. Baba-Ahmed played an active role in representing the presidency at several high-level engagements during his tenure.

    His resignation follows that of Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, who stepped down on September 7, 2024.

    In a statement at the time, Ngelale announced he was proceeding on an indefinite leave of absence to focus on urgent medical issues affecting his immediate family. He noted that his decision came after consultations with loved ones, and that he was stepping back from multiple official roles, including:

    Special Adviser on Media and Publicity

    Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action

    Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen

    Ngelale stated: “While I fully appreciate that the ship of state waits for no man, this agonizing decision… was taken after significant consultations with my family… as a vexatious medical situation has worsened at home. I look forward to returning to full-time national service when time, healing, and fate permit. I respectfully ask for some privacy for my family and me during this time.”

    Dr. Baba-Ahmed’s departure marks the second high-profile resignation from President Tinubu’s administration.

  • China to impose additional 34% tariffs on US goods from April 10

    China to impose additional 34% tariffs on US goods from April 10

    China said on Friday it would slap 34 percent tariffs on all imports of US goods from April 10 after Washington imposed steep new levies on Chinese products.

    “For all imported goods originating from the US, an additional tariff of 34 percent on top of the current applicable tariff rate will be imposed,” Beijing’s finance ministry said.

    Beijing’s Commerce Ministry also imposed export controls on seven rare earth elements, including gadolinium — commonly used in magnetic resonance imaging — and yttrium, which is used in consumer electronics.

    China will also file a lawsuit with the World Trade Organization (WTO) over tariffs, the ministry said.

    US President Donald Trump ignited a potentially ruinous global trade war this week by imposing 10 percent levies on imports from around the world and harsh extra duties on key trading partners.

    Trump unveiled particularly stinging tariffs of 34 percent on China, one of its largest trading partners, on top of existing levies.

    China swiftly vowed “countermeasures” to protect its rights and interests.

  • Insecurity: Tinubu urged to declare state of emergency in Zamfara

    Insecurity: Tinubu urged to declare state of emergency in Zamfara

    Due to the insecurity incidents in Zamfara State, the United Democratic Coalition (UDC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately declare a state of emergency in the state.

    The group asked the President to nip the crisis in the bud before it snowballs into a breakdown of democratic order in the state.

    The demand was contained in a statement on Friday signed by Abdulrahman Danladi, president of the coalition.

    Danladi described Zamfara as “a state under siege,” accusing the state government of abandoning its constitutional duty to protect lives and uphold democratic principles.

    “The situation in Zamfara has gone from troubling to terrifying. Armed groups operate freely, citizens are at the mercy of bandits, and yet those elected to speak up are being silenced,” the statement read.

    He was referring to the recent suspension of 10 lawmakers in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, whom he said were punished for raising concerns about insecurity and illegal mining in their constituencies.

    “What we are witnessing is not just lawlessness — it is executive tyranny. These lawmakers were elected by the people and have a duty to speak out. Instead of listening to them, the state assembly, clearly acting on orders, has shut them down,” Danladi said.

    He likened the political tension in Zamfara to the recent situation in Rivers state, where Governor Siminalayi Fubara governed with just four lawmakers after a split in the House of Assembly — a scenario that prompted calls for federal intervention.

    “If Rivers with four lawmakers sparked talks of emergency rule, how is Zamfara with 10 suspended lawmakers and spiraling violence not a national concern?” Danladi asked.

    “The same standard must apply. Democracy is being murdered in Zamfara in broad daylight. If the federal government could consider intervening in Rivers, it must not turn a blind eye to the breakdown in Zamfara.”

    “We are calling for a six-month state of emergency in Zamfara to allow security forces take control, restore peace, and return the state to constitutional order.”

    The group also demanded the immediate reinstatement of the suspended lawmakers and an investigation into what it called “executive interference” in the legislature.

    “This is not the time for political correctness. It is the time for leadership. The people of Zamfara are under siege — both by bandits and by those who should be protecting them,” the statement added.
    Zamfara, one of Nigeria’s most troubled states, continues to face persistent attacks from armed groups, with thousands displaced and dozens killed in the past year alone.

  • Suspected gunmen kidnap Ebonyi govt female official

    Suspected gunmen kidnap Ebonyi govt female official

    Suspected gunmen have abducted Mrs Blessing Adagba, Coordinator of Ngbo Central Development Centre in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi.

    SP Joshua Ukandu, Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Police Command in Ebonyi, confirmed the incident on Friday in Abakaliki.

    Ukanda, who confirmed her abduction, said, “Yes, Adagba was abducted in the Okposhi Eheku community of Ohaukwu Local Government Area.”

    He said that the abduction occurred in the early hours of Thursday, adding that the police had already launched an investigation.

    “The Anti-Kidnapping Squad has been deployed to rescue the victim. I believe they are working tirelessly to ensure her immediate release.” (NAN)

  • Police, military rescue kidnapped Israeli national in Taraba

    Police, military rescue kidnapped Israeli national in Taraba

    A joint operation involving the Police, Military, and local hunters has successfully rescued an Israeli national who was abducted in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.

    The victim, Gil Itamar, an employee of SCC, was kidnapped on Thursday at approximately 9:15 a.m. by armed assailants in Atim Community, along the Takum–Chanchanji road.

    The rescue mission culminated in a fierce gun battle between security operatives and the kidnappers at Kofai Ahmadu, where Itamar was eventually freed.

    Confirming the incident, the Acting Public Relations Officer of the Taraba State Police Command, ASP James Saminu, said:

    “Information was received via a phone call from one Alhaji Saidu, a staff member of SCC in Takum, that at about 09:15 hours on the same date, Mr. Gil Itamar, an Israeli national and SCC employee, was kidnapped by armed hoodlums at Atim Community along the Takum–Chanchanji road while under military escort.

    “Upon receiving the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Takum promptly mobilized his personnel alongside operatives from the 67 PMF, in collaboration with the military and local hunters, and stormed the scene.

    “A rigorous cordon, search, and rescue operation ensued, which led to the successful rescue of the victim at Kofai Ahmadu after a heavy exchange of gunfire. The kidnappers were overwhelmed and forced to flee.”

    The rescued Israeli is currently receiving medical attention at SCC’s medical facility in Takum.

    ASP Saminu added that efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects, noting that security operatives have placed them under surveillance to ensure justice is served.

    Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bretet Emmanuel Simon, psc(+), commended the bravery of the officers and other security personnel involved in the operation. He reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property in Taraba State.

  • Trump unveils $5m ‘gold card’ for wealthy Nigerian migrants, others

    Trump unveils $5m ‘gold card’ for wealthy Nigerian migrants, others

    U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled the first “gold card,” a residency permit set to be sold for $5 million each.

    The high-priced visa, designed as an alternative to the traditional green card, aims to attract wealthy investors and job creators to the United States.

    Holding a prototype featuring his face and an inscription reading “The Trump Card,” the Republican president expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative. “I’m the first buyer,” he told reporters. “Pretty exciting, huh?”

    Trump stated that the special visa would likely be available “in less than two weeks.”

    He has previously asserted that revenue generated from the program could be used to reduce the U.S. national deficit.

    The billionaire former real estate tycoon, who has prioritized the deportation of millions of undocumented migrants during his second term, emphasized that the new card would offer a pathway to U.S. citizenship for those who can afford it.

    In February, Trump suggested that his administration hoped to sell “maybe a million” of the cards.

    When asked about potential eligibility, he did not rule out Russian oligarchs as prospective buyers.

    The announcement marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, emphasizing wealth-based residency opportunities amid ongoing debates over border security and legal migration pathways.

  • Peter Obi condemns Bokkos killings, charges FG to act decisively

    Peter Obi condemns Bokkos killings, charges FG to act decisively

    As the death toll in Bokkos killings rises, Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election, has raised concern over the increasing spate of insecurity in many parts of the country.

    On the night of Wednesday, April 2, 2025, armed men invaded five communities in the Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing 10 people.

    By Thursday, over 40 bodies had been recovered in the Local Government Area as additional bodies were reportedly found.

    Reacting to the tragedy, Obi condemned the ‘senseless attacks’ on families in Bokkos communities.

    “I woke up this morning reading about yet another gory and deeply distressing report from Bokkos, Plateau State. Entire families have, again, been slaughtered in yet another senseless attack. Children and pregnant women were not spared.

    “Five communities in Bokkos, Mangor Tamiso, Daffo, Manguna, Hurti, and Tadai have been left in mourning, forced to bury their loved ones in mass graves.

    “How long will these killings, kidnapping, maiming and criminality continue in our nation that is not at war? How long must we wait to act decisively and focus on this drastic situation that is crippling our nation? How many more must die before the government act for the people?” he queried.

    The former Governor of Anambra State said killings and kidnapping are becoming normal occurrences, adding that insecurity is so rife in the country that Nigerians now live in fear.

    “We are now normalizing mass killings and mass burials as a way of life in our nation. Every Nigerian life is sacred, whether in Edo State, Benue, Enugu, Borno, Anambra, Ondo, or Plateau.

    Communities now live in fear and no longer have a livelihood, either in their farms or in their markets, without being killed, kidnapped, and maimed. Communities like Bokkos in Plateau, Jato-Aka in Benue, Eha-Amufu in Enugu, Ufuma in Anambra, and Aba Oyinbo in Ondo deserve government protection,” Obi said.

    He, therefore, called on the Federal Government to “end this grief and terror, as this is becoming extremely unacceptable.”

    “The government and security agencies must ensure that these killings are stopped, concrete steps are made to prevent future occurrences, and those arrested face the justice they deserve,” he stated.

  • Court stops pro-Wike rally in Bayelsa

    Court stops pro-Wike rally in Bayelsa

    The High Court of Bayelsa State, sitting in Yenagoa, has issued an order restraining associates of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, from holding a mega rally in the state pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.

    The proposed rally is scheduled for Yenagoa, the state capital, on April 12, 2025.

    Hon. Justice I. A Uzakah, on Thursday, granted the Motion Ex-Parte in Suit No. BYHC/YHC/CV/133/2025 filed by the state’s Attorney General, Mr. Biriyai Dambo SAN.

    Listed as first and second defendants/respondents in the suit are the lead convener of the NEW Associates, organisers of the rally, Mr. George Turnah, and the FCT Minister, Wike.

    The other defendants are the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Police Command.

    The enrolled court order read: “An order of the interim injunction is hereby made or granted restraining the 1st and 2nd Defendants, whether by themselves, their agents, associates, privies, representatives (or any person whatsoever acting at their behest), from conducting, convening, coordinating, engaging in, organizing, participating in, holding, hosting, or facilitating any political assembly, rally meeting, or gathering within Bayelsa State for solidarity, hosting and celebrating the 2nd Defendant in Bayelsa State, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction.”

    The matter was adjourned to April 11, 2025, for hearing.