PDP reacts to ’forceful takeover’ of secretariat by Ayade

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caretaker Committee, Cross River, has reacted to what it described as a trespass and forceful takeover of its secretariat by the state’s governor, Ben Ayade. Vanguard had earlier reported that Governor Ayade defected from the PDP to the All Progressive Congress (APC) on Thursday. In a follow up development, Vanguard reported that the property located at 142( a) along Muritala Mohammed Highway in Calabar which housed the PDP Secretariat in Cross River was on Saturday morning painted into All Progressive Congress, APC, colours. A reaction press statement signed by Effiok Cobham, the Chairman, PDP Caretaker Committee, Cross River State, reads; ”This morning armed policemen cordoned off the Cross River State PDP secretariat at 42 Murtala Mohamed Highway, Calabar, and created cover for thugs from the Governor Ben Ayade faction of the APC to invade the PDP state secretariat with the intention of converting the property to the state secretariat of the APC. ”Currently properties of the PDP, especially vital documents and records of the party, that have been built up for over twenty years are either vandalised, destroyed or in the custody of Governor Ben Ayade. ALSO READ: Ayade, APC take over PDP Secretariat in Cross River ”Members of the newly constituted PDP state Caretaker committee have been prevented from accessing the property by APC thugs and men of the Nigerian police. The building is currently being painted in the colours of the APC. ”Accordingly, we vehemently protest this primitive invasion of the PDP secretariat by the APC on the instructions of Governor Ben Ayade. PDP has a subsisting tenancy over the property. ”We have the tenancy agreements and receipts evidencing payment of the rent for the current tenure in respect of the property. ”The lessor of the property has clarified that the tenancy of the PDP in respect of 42A Murtala Mohamed Highway is still subsisting. Protesting the primitive action of the APC, the Lessor lamented: ”I understand that the property is right now being painted with APC colours and I am calling to say that I have no agreement whatsoever with APC. I hereby state that PDP’S tenancy is still subsisting and they remain my legal and recognised tenant. ”This invasion amounts to criminal trespass, malicious damage to property, and constitutes conduct likely to lead to a breach of the public peace. ”We are surprised that it is Governor Ayade, who has the constitutional responsibility, as chief security officer of the state, for maintaining law and order, that is promoting this type of dubious and vicious conduct. ”When the ordinary man on the street copies this behaviour and moves into any house or property that catches his fancy, including Governor Ayade’s newly acquired sprawling properties in Cross River state, we hope this will be taken as political fair game. ”The conduct of the APC is a new level of low in Nigerian politics. This action is inciteful and vendetta driven. The PDP delivered the mandate of the people of Cross River state to Governor Ayade firstly as a senator, and twice as governor. While we respect Governor Ayade’s political choices, we state that he has no right to impede the peaceful conduct of the affairs of law abiding citizens of Cross River State, including the organisation of any political party. ”We therefore call on the leadership of the APC in Cross River State, and the national leadership of the APC, to reject Governor Ayade’s infantile behaviour and allow the PDP the peaceful occupation and use of its property. ”We also demand the return of all documents, property and equipment removed from the PDP secretariat by the APC. ”We believe that President Mohamed Buhari can encourage Governor Ayade to respect law and order and desist from conduct that further exacerbate the security situation in the country. ”Finally, we believe that Governor Ayade is missing an opportunity by not acquiring a new building for his faction of the APC in the state. ”Doing so will be his opportunity to at least complete a project in Cross River state during the lifetime of his administration”. Vanguard News Nigeria

WHY NIGER DELTANS DO NOT WANT TO BE PART OF BIAFRA - H.E Goodluck Jonathan

Former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan yesterday delivered a lecture at Texas US on why remaining indivisible with Nigeria than joining forces with Biafrans in splitting the country will pay Niger Deltans more. I begin this write-up by saying that I mean no ill-thought towards the Biafran struggle or Igbos in general. What I’ve written here are mainly my personal reflections concerning the Niger Delta, especially with regards to non-Igbo groups and their stake in the Biafran movement which has been rebirthed for some time now. I am not a mouthpiece for the Niger Delta but I believe I’ve been in the Niger Delta long enough to know our problems and our stand. I’ve also interacted with many Niger Deltans to know their stand in the Biafran struggle. When I use the term Niger Delta, I am referring to the region covering Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states. However, I understand that the region also covers Ondo, Imo, and Abia states. I’m not concerned with the latter because they are either Igbos or Yorubas and have their own struggles. The ethnic groups within my coverage include Urhobo-Isoko, Bini, Esan, Itsekiri, Ijaw-Epie-Ogbia, Ogoni, Afemai, Efik-Annang-Eket-Oron-Ibibio, Ogoja, Ejagham, and other groups in Cross River North. Ikwerre, Ukwuani, Ika, Aniocha, Ogba, and other Igboid groups, are not included. Historically, Biafra covered all the Niger Delta states EXCEPT Delta and Ondo states. This fact must be emphasised. Pro-Biafrans are welcome to debate and address my issues in a civil manner. I understand that most pro-Biafrans resort to insults when salient issues are addressed. Please let’s set a good precedence from hereon. 1. Biafra may not be better for Niger Deltans because Niger Deltans may end up living one form of subjugation for another. The argument Igbos have made for their freedom is the desire to be free from Hausa-Yoruba domination. That argument also applies to the average Niger Deltan. Igbo, no doubt, will be the major ethnic group if Biafra is actualised. Ijaws may have a stake due to their numbers. What about the Ogonis, Urhobo-Isokos, Itsekiris, Efiks, etc? Where will they fit in at the national level? The sad reality is that another Nigeria will just be made manifest and resentments will build up. What will really be the fate of minorities? Will they fare better in Biafra or alone? In Nigeria, big groups such as Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo checkmate each other’s excesses very well. Who will checkmate that of Igbos in the new nation? 2. Where will the capital be located? If we are to follow the notion of central location, the capital of Biafra won’t be Enugu but around Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene axis. Will Igbos allow their capital to be sited in a non-Igbo location? This is a very salient issue because you don’t expect the riverine Niger Deltan in Twon-Brass, for instance, to journey all the way to Enugu to see their President. It has to be a location where ALL BIAFRANS can access easily. Enugu won’t go. 3. The issue of annexation comes to play. For so long, e-Biafrans have annexed Niger Delta as part of the proposed nation. The map below shows us what Biafrans have drawn to constitute the new nation: If we judge from this map, it means all groups in the Niger Delta have been annexed. My question is whether the leaders of these groups have been consulted before the annexation was done. I, for one, know that Urhobo-Isoko and Efik-Ibibio leaders have not approved of Biafra neither have anybody in these regions declared Biafra. So how and why were they included in the proposed map? Little things like this bring distrust and I understand that many of these non-Igbo regions have disowned the map and pledged allegiance to Nigeria. The declaration by the Delta State government is a case in point. I see this as forceful annexation. The so-called e-Biafrans have also not done much in calming the nerves of the people of the annexed regions. I’ve seen comments such as “if you don’t like it, go and stay in Sokoto”, “all land in the South is Biafraland”, etc. Is it not ironic that a group of people who want freedom want to annexe others? 4. What languages will be made the official languages of the new nation? I have seen several posts by e-Biafrans where Igbo was proposed as the official language of the new republic. What then will happen to other languages such as Urhobo, Isoko, Okpe, Efik, Ibibio, Oron, Ogoni, Eleme, Okrika, Kalabari, Bini, Esan, etc? Will they die off because of Igbo? Certainly NOT! If English is made the official language, the Igbo majority factor will kick in. If your name isn’t Chukwuemeka or Oliseh, Amarachi or Nneka, etc, you won’t get any appointment nor shall you be recognised. These are things we can’t deny. We are very ethnocentric in Africa. 5. What and what have Igbo nation done for Niger Deltans to gain their trust? Every day I see Igbo youths making enemies where there were none. They constantly use the agency of the internet to sprout controversy, hurl insults at dissenters and make unfounded claims. There is this general air of mistrust for Igbos by some Niger Deltans, particularly by Urhobo-Isoko and Bini people. What have Igbos done to checkmate this? Has any Igbo leader or group extended the hand of friendship to the Niger Deltans. Mistrust cannot be wished away. Most Niger Deltans would rather follow Hausas as slaves than follow Igbos as kings. This is the real reality and truthfully, Igbos caused this. 6. Who will lead the new nation? Obviously, Nnamdi Kanu, their hero, has fought tooth and nails for Biafra and he is currently cooling off in jail. If Biafra comes today, who will be the interim leader and what modalities are in place for subsequent leaders to be elected? Igbos have been the only ones fighting for Biafra since time immemorial with a handful of other groups here and there. Will Igbos allow other groups to rule over them? Will they allow an Urhobo man to be President, for instance? This is not a case of mere wishing. We have to understand that Niger Delta groups MAY NEVER BE ALLOWED TO RULE BIAFRA IF IT IS ACTUALISED. 7. Still on the issue of leaders, are the new leaders going to fall from the skies or they are simply going to change addresses from Abuja to Enugu. If so, what will change in the new nation? It is not arguable that Igbo national leaders are the most corrupt persons in Nigeria. If these same people are the ones to rule the new nation then there is no hope because corruption will be so rife that the economy of the new nation will shut down like a knocked engine. If we argue that new and younger leaders will arise, we still have the issue of who fought for Biafra to contend with. Most pro-Biafrans will not allow someone who sat at the periphery of the struggle to just come and waltz power away from the “heroes” of Biafra. If this is true then we will not have a proper democracy in Biafra. 8. Will Biafra be a utopia? The impression that e-Biafrans give is that Biafra will be perfect and we all know for a fact that this is not true. Apart from the issue of corruption and sentimentalism that have been addressed, we still have the issue of development. Where will money be generated from to develop the nation? In the whole of the proposed Biafra, only Port Harcourt and Onitsha are economically viable cities. Where will the investors come from? Why should they invest in a volatile country? Only in Warri, we have Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo at loggerheads, imagine what would happen to the whole nation. Secondly, I am sure that no Niger Deltan will allow his “oil” to be used to develop Enugu like what happened with Abuja, and is still happening today. Niger Deltans are getting wiser and by the time the new nation is formed, matters that border on oil, wealth distribution and infrastructural development will be raised. 9. The current structure of the proposed nation, as shown in the map earlier embedded, favour Igbos with more states. Urhobo has one, Efik-Ibibio has two, Itsekiri has none, etc. How will this be addressed? Certainly, every ethnic nationality will want adequate representation and so the structure on that map will never work. 10. Last, but not the least, is the issue of referendum. Some Biafrans are already calling for a referendum which will involve all parts of the proposed nation. I am pretty sure how this referendum will turn out. However, for the sake of being hypothetical, let us imagine that some ethnic groups/states vote against Biafra by the majority, what will be their fate at the end of the day? Secondly, will the result of such a referendum be true and honest? I understand that electoral malpractice forms a part of our identity. How are we going to get a true reflection of people’s thoughts? Thirdly, if states and ethnic groups do decide to vote for Biafra, what mechanisms are in place to contain Igbophobia, Igbomania, Igbocentrism, Igbo hegemony, Landgrabbing, and all issues that minorities have raised? Above are the reasons why I feel that Niger Deltans will NOT subscribe to the Biafran movement. I have been very practical, philosophical and hypothetical in my approach. I do not speak for any group or persons but I present these issues for the pro-Biafrans to address. Niger Deltans can raise more issues that I have not raised. Finally, it should be noted that I expect insults directed at my person by e-warriors and keyboard mercenaries, as usual, but I won’t pleasure such persons with answers or altercations. If you raise good points, we can discuss like intellectuals. H.E. Goodluck Jonathan.

US to Supply Nigeria Drones to Curb Insecurity by Davidson Iriekpen

The United States government has revealed plans to supply drones to Nigeria as part of its commitment to help overcome security challenges in the country. The American Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms. Mary Beth Leonard, stated this in Sokoto at a round table discussion with journalists in the state. She said the drones would help Nigeria to end the activities of bandits, kidnappers, and Boko Haram in the country. The American ambassador said: “Insecurity has shortchanged the development of the country in many areas of human endeavour. “America is concern about the security situation of the country.” The ambassador further explained that the US has been supportive of Nigeria on information gathering and hardware to combat security through modern technologies and other relevant areas of concern. She said, however, protocols and channels that facilitate the implementations were considered by departments and expertise. The ambassador who is going round states in the country to inspect American programs in the country said, “USAID had from 2015 to date invested about one hundred and twenty-two million dollars on different activities that comprised improving primary healthcare, immunisations, public access to quality healthcare, education, agriculture, and empowerments programmes. “USAID future interactions aimed at strengthening the commitments include improving agriculturalists’ capacity for farmers to engage on right agricultural practices for growth and enhanced food production.” She added that the Safe Schools Initiative and other educational support was accorded with priority, stressing that the US government accorded respect and concern on the plights of Nigerians. She noted that the US government is assisting Nigeria in various human endeavours, stressing that her country is the largest single bilateral contributor to Nigeria. The Ambassador commended the Sokoto State government for its commitment to developing the agricultural sector especially the cotton value chain.

2023: APC govs shoot down zoning, say anyone free to contest - By Omeiza Ajayi

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, on Friday put paid to speculations regarding zoning of party offices and elective positions in the country, saying the party belongs to all Nigerians and that everyone from any part of the country is free to vie for any position. “APC belongs to all Nigerians. Everyone, from every part of the country, is free to aspire for any position in the party in line with provisions of our party’s constitution and the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended. The guiding philosophy as enshrined in the provisions of our manifesto is economic, social, and political development of Nigeria”, the governors declared. This came as they pledged to yield the platform of the party to its new entrant, Gov Ben Ayade of Cross River State to actualise his future political aspirations and viable negotiations. “Given all his achievements in Cross River State, Mr Ayade is only coming home where he belongs. APC is indeed the party that will provide him and his people, and indeed all Nigerians the viable platform for political aspirations and negotiations”, the governors said in a statement by their Chairman and Kebbi State Governor, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu. Bagudu said, together with Mr Ayade and all leaders in the APC, “our party’s capacity to serve the collective interests of all Nigerians through effective representation will be strengthened and reinforced”. “Our party, APC, is open, transparent, and will continue to guarantee fair contestation in politics, in line with the overarching commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari and all our founding leaders. Our National Caretaker Extraordinary/Convention Planning Committee has worked hard to restore the political credentials of the APC as a strong institution for Nigeria’s democratic development”, he added. ALSO READ: FG ‘ll engage private sector to transform economy ― Buhari Welcoming Prof Ayade to their fold, the governors said the political and democratic credentials for President Muhammadu Buhari have continued to attract more people to the APC. “The Progressive Governors Forum, PGF, welcome His Excellency, Mr Ben Ayade, Governor of Cross River State to the All Progressives Congress, APC. We join all leaders and members to welcome this illustrious Nigerian into our great party. “The decision of Mr Ayade to join the APC is a testament of our party’s capacity to mobilise all Nigerians consistent with the vision of the founding fathers to ensure that the APC is a platform to unite all Nigerians. The coming of Mr Ayade into the APC further reinforces the process of membership and leadership recruitment at all levels”, the APC governors added. After several weeks of permutations about his political trajectory, Prof Ayade had on Thursday dumped his erstwhile Peoples Democratic Party PDP for the ruling All Progressives Congress APC. Chairman, APC Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee and Yobe state Governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni and several other governors of the APC had received Ayade on Thursday in Calabar. The governors in their statement said; “We congratulate our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari, whose sterling qualities and fair-mindedness endear patriotic Nigerians to the party. “Mr President’s credentials as a fair leader who is impartial will continue to promote our party and serve as a major source of electoral advantage. As Progressive Governors, we will remain steadfast in supporting the efforts and initiatives of Mr President to build our party, APC, as a strong and democratic political party in the country. “Also, we salute our members of the APC National Caretaker Extraordinary/Convention Planning Committee under the leadership of HE Mai Mala Buni for this milestone achievement of once again getting another experienced leader in the person of His Excellency Ben Ayade to join the APC. “We welcome Mr Ben Ayade for taking the courageous decision of leaving the Peoples’ Democratic Party PDP to join our party, the All Progressives Congress. The movement of our compatriot to the APC is indicative of his principles, commitment, and conviction to the development of Nigeria. “We will continue to support the National Caretaker Extraordinary/Convention Planning Committee in all its current initiatives to rebuild our great party. With the coming of Mr Ayade, the capacity of our party to mobilise all patriots and other like-minded progressive Nigerians to join the APC is stronger. “The Progressive Reinforcement of our party continues. We look forward to receiving more patriots and progressive-minded Nigerians into the APC.” Vanguard News Nigeria

BREAKING: Nigeria Army Chief, General Ibrahim Attahiru dies in air crash - By Wale Odunsi

Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Ibrahim Attahiru died in an air crash at about 6:00 p.m. on Friday. A military Beachcraft 350 carrying him went down at the Kaduna International Airport on Friday, claiming all passengers. The top military officer was in Kaduna on an official trip. DAILY POST gathered that Attahiru’s aides passed away. Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Nigerian Air Force Director of Information confirmed the mishap in a statement. “An air crash involving a @NigAirForce aircraft occurred this evening near the Kaduna International Airport. “The immediate cause of the crash is still being ascertained. More details to follow soon”, the spokesman noted. The Commissioner, Accident Investigation Bureau, Akin Olateru, confirmed eight people died. “Beachcraft 350. 8 souls on board. Unfortunately all dead,” Olateru said. Attahiru was among the Service Chiefs appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2021.

Govs fret as CBN insists budget support repayment starts May - by Stephen Angbulu

State governors again on Thursday requested that the repayment of their loans, especially the budget support, which ought to start this month be deferred. But the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, emphasised the importance of the timely repayment of loans, especially those owed to commercial banks. This was one of the highlights of the National Economic Council meeting presided over by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo. The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, disclosed this in a statement. The statement was titled, ‘NEC receives Sovereign Investment reports showing significant income, net asset growth.’ The statement read, “On the Budget Support Facility, state governors restated their request to defer the repayment of the loans, which was to have started this month. Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who is also Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, reported interactions with the Finance Minister and the CBN Governor regarding the matter. “The CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, also emphasised the importance of the timely repayment of loans, especially those owed to commercial banks, indicating the challenges inherent in a further delay in payment, including audit concerns. He said the repayment of the commercial loans should resume this month. “In addition, the vice president stated that he will be holding a meeting with representatives of the state governors, the Finance Minister and the CBN Governor to resolve the issue raised.” According to the statement, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority also reported that Nigeria’s net assets rose from N579.54bn to N772.75bn. The statement quoted the Managing Director of the NSIA, Uche Orji, as disclosing this at the meeting. Also at the meeting, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, made a presentation on the Digital Switch Over. He stated that the International Telecommunications Union had urged member states to switch off analogue television transmission to “go digital,” According to the minister, the DSO will be taking off first in Lagos, Kano and Rivers States. The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Chikwe Ihekweazu, also briefed the council on the new variant of the coronavirus from India. According to him, there has been a reduction in the number of cases globally in the last two months, including in India whose infection rates have declined the last five days. The NCDC boss maintained that although the “transmission rate in the country is low,” more attention will go into tracking the new B1.617.2 variant from India. So far, he confirmed only three such cases in Nigeria. He urged Nigerians not to give in to what he called “pandemic fatigue” and stick to the COVID-19 safety protocols PUNCH.

Boko Haram planning to attack Abuja, Jos, IGP alerts police commissioners - by Olalekan Adetayo

The acting Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has put the commissioners of police in the Federal Capital Territory and Plateau State on the alert over imminent attacks by Boko Haram members. The alert was contained in a May 19, 2021 circular addressed to the two commissioners of police and signed by the Principal Staff Officer to the IGP, Idowu Owohunwa, an acting CP. He said intelligence report revealed that terrorists are planning to attack Abuja and Jos. The circular with reference number TB: 0900/IGP.SEC/ABJ/VOL.TI/47 was titled ‘Terror elements to expand frontiers of attack.’ A copy of the circular was obtained by our correspondent on Friday. In the circular, the acting IGP directed the commissioners of police to review their security architecture and beef up security around government facilities particularly in Abuja and Jos. The circular read, “Intelligence report at the disposal of the Inspector-General of Police has uncovered plans by Boko Haram terrorists to attack major cities in the country, particularly in Jos, Plateau and the FCT, Abuja. “The proposed attacks would be coordinated by the duo of Muhammad Sani, a Boko Haram commander, domiciled in Sambisa Forest and his deputy, Suleiman, hibernating around Lawan Musa Zango, Gashua, Yobe State. “In light of the above, it is the directive of the Inspector-General of Police that you review your security architecture across all critical government infrastructures and police facilities in your jurisdiction with a view to checkmating the dastardly plans of this marauding terrorists. “Accept the assurances of my warmest regards, please.”