News
Tinubu never said Gov Uzodinma was blocking release of Nnamdi Kanu – Presidency
On Tuesday, the Presidency refuted reports suggesting that Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State had obstructed President Bola Tinubu from securing the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Tinubu, dismissed these reports as untrue. In a statement he issued, Onanuga clarified that Tinubu had never met with Igbo businessmen with the intent of securing Kanu’s release.
The reports had alleged that Tinubu disclosed that his government’s efforts to release Kanu from prison were thwarted by Uzodinma. Tinubu was reported to have stated during the meeting that the Governor had provided reasons why releasing Kanu before the Imo elections posed a danger.
The alleged statement from the President mentioned, “Uzodinma told me the dangers of releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu now that the Governorship election of Imo state is at the corner. My intention was to order for his release a few weeks ago when our brother, Igboho was released, but I was surprised when the Governor of Imo State approached me to reverse my decision to do so. My reason to even attempt to release him is to enable the people of the South East geopolitical zone to have peace. The zone has witnessed major security challenges where armed security militia, ESN, has killed several people.”
In response, Onanuga called on the people of Imo State to ignore the alleged fake news against Uzodinma.
He stated, “The people of Imo State should please disregard the fake news in circulation that Governor Hope Uzodimma is blocking the release of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu by President Bola Tinubu.”
“The fake news is obviously designed to create resentment against the governor, who has performed admirably for his people and deserves a second term in the upcoming Saturday’s election.”
“President Tinubu did not meet with Igbo businessmen on Monday. He did not make the statements attributed to him, nor did he hold Governor Uzodimma responsible for anything.”
“Sahara Reporters did not report the fake news, and the link provided did not lead to the fake news on the Sahara Reporters platform. It’s all a malicious fabrication by politically desperate individuals.”
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reported that a joint operation involving Nigerian military troops and Department of State Services (DSS) operatives resulted in the elimination of 52 terrorists and the apprehension of a leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Bauchi State.
The ISWAP leader was captured in a sting operation at Tarum, a village outside Bauchi Metropolis, as disclosed by Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, in a statement on Friday.
While the DHQ did not disclose the name of the arrested ISWAP leader, it revealed that the individual held a significant role in the North Central and North West zones.
The military high command emphasized that targeting terrorist leadership is crucial in ensuring the safety and security of citizens, with ongoing operations consistently diminishing the fighting force and capacity of these groups.
Maj.-Gen. Buba noted that Nigerian Air Force airstrikes played a key role in destroying terrorist leaders’ enclaves in the North West and North Central zones in the past week.
The week’s operations resulted in the neutralization of 52 terrorists, the arrest of 204 individuals associated with terrorism, and the rescue of 234 kidnapped hostages. Additionally, in the South-South zone, troops recovered stolen crude oil and illegal refined products, destroyed various equipment and sites used for illegal activities, and seized a substantial amount of weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and other items associated with criminal operations.
Solomon Arase, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, has expressed distress regarding the escalating violence against security personnel, particularly police officers, in the South East region.
The former Inspector General of Police highlighted the growing number of police officers’ wives becoming widows due to attacks by gunmen in the area. In a statement by Ikechukwu Ani, Head of Press and Public Relations, Arase conveyed his apprehension during a courtesy visit by leaders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter, in Abuja.
Arase emphasized that it’s essential to communicate to the assailants that the police are not their adversaries and have committed no wrongdoing. He lamented the loss of numerous serving officers in the South East, urging the perpetrators to recognize the police as friends and cease making widows out of officers’ wives, who are essentially their sisters.
Furthermore, Arase assured that the Commission has addressed the perceived marginalization of the South East in police representation nationwide.
Elder Onwu Arua, the leader of the Ohanaeze delegation, expressed concern about the lack of interest among people in the South East regarding the ongoing police recruitment exercise. He urged the Police Service Commission to devise strategies to address this issue.
On Friday, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) alleged that Governor Peter Mba was facing pressure from “Aso Rock” to discredit the Supreme Court ahead of the judgment on its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, scheduled for December 15. IPOB based this claim on Mba’s characterization of the group as a proscribed organization, a statement he made after visiting President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
IPOB cautioned the governor against making a “costly mistake” by using the group’s name to gain favor from Tinubu’s administration. In a statement by Powerful, a spokesperson for IPOB, it was emphasized that Mba’s comments were deemed reckless and unguarded. The statement alleged that Mba, under pressure from the federal government, accused IPOB of being responsible for the sit-at-home protest and insecurity in the Southeast.
The statement pointed out that Mba had previously condemned Simon Ekpa, who was associated with the enforcement of the Monday sit-at-home. IPOB expressed skepticism about the governor’s motives and suggested that his statements were influenced by the Tinubu administration.
IPOB urged the public to dismiss the governor’s remarks, describing him as a “cowardly governor” making unfounded accusations. The statement reminded Mba that IPOB is not easily intimidated and warned against attempting to use the group’s name for political advantage.
The statement concluded by calling on the Nigerian Supreme Court Justices not to succumb to blackmail, urging the release of Nnamdi Kanu, who was acquitted by the Court of Appeal. IPOB reiterated its commitment to the cause of self-determination and emphasized that the movement would not yield to blackmail or pressure.
Troops kill 52 terrorists, arrest ISWAP leader in Bauchi – DHQ
‘Stop making police officers’ wives widows’ – Arase decries killing of cops in South East
Gov Uzodinma has shown lack of leadership capacity in last three years – ADC
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