Israel carried out powerful airstrikes at the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, Yemen on Saturday.
It came a day after Israeli officials vowed revenge for a drone that struck Tel Aviv.
Airstrikes sparked a huge blaze as they hit a refinery and electricity infrastructure.
This was the first time Israel would attack Yemen directly since Houthi rebels there began targeting Israel with missiles and drones last year.
Israel had been intercepting all of the missiles and drone attacks until Friday’s strike on Tel Aviv that killed one person and injured at least 10.
The Almasirah television channel, which is owned by Yemen’s Houthi movement, announced on Saturday evening that airstrikes had targeted the city.
Images circulating on social media showed vast plumes of smoke and fire next to the port.
According to the television channel, the strikes left at least three people killed and 87 wounded.
Israel said the attack was in response to the earlier drone strike by Houthi, warning that it would respond accordingly to attack from any group.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) further explained that its fighter jets struck military targets in the Hodeidah Port in Yemen “in response to the hundreds of attacks carried out against the state of Israel in recent months”.
Defence minister Yoav Gallant said “the fire that is currently burning in Hodeidah is seen across the Middle East and the significance is clear…
“The first time that they harmed an Israeli citizen, we struck them. And we will do this in any place where it may be required”.
The latest airstrikes in Hodeidah followed a vow by Gallant, to “settle the score…”
War: We’ll do this in any place – Israel warns as it strikes Yemen
War: We’ll do this in any place – Israel warns as it strikes Yemen
Why we didn’t participate in Ebonyi local council election – PDP
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State has given reason for its non-participation in the local council election in the state.
The Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) on Saturday conducted an election in the 171 wards of the 13 local councils in the state.
The chairman of the PDP caretaker committee in the state, Mr. Steve Oruruo, in a chat with journalists in Abakaliki blamed the party’s non-participation in the election on the leadership crisis.
He said the party was not happy with the situation.
Oruruo said the PDP executives in Ebonyi are working assiduously to bring the party back to life in the state.
READ ALSO: APGA candidate alleges Ebonyi South bye-election marred by intimidation
He said: “Actually, we are not happy for not fielding a candidate. Of course, you must build your house first before you will be able to nominate candidates for elections.
“It’s true, our party is facing a lot of challenges, ranging from a leadership crisis and all that. I encourage our members to be focused in oneness.
“Right now, we are building on a strong platform to ensure that our party is stronger and united for a better Ebonyi and Nigeria at large.
“It is not good having one party system only in Ebonyi and that’s not good for democracy.”
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Obi accuses presidency of blackmail on planned protest
The Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has rejected an attempt by the presidency to link him with the planned protest in the country.
He was reacting to a statement credited to the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga, on the planned protests by a group of Nigerians on the current economic hardship in the country.
Onanuga had in a post on his verified X handle on Saturday, alleged that Obi’s supporters are behind the planned nationwide protests against the Federal Government.
He described the Obidients as anarchists who should be held responsible for any mayhem that may arise from the protest.
But in a statement issued by the spokesman of Peter Obi Media Reach, Yunusa Tanko, the former Anambra State governor described the allegations as wild, wicked, and baseless.
He stressed that the “unsubstantiated allegations” were orchestrated to arrest him and limit his freedom and association.
The statement read: “The attention of the Peter Obi Media Reach, POMR, has been drawn to the wild, wicked, and baseless allegations by one of the Spokespersons in the Presidency, Bayo Onanuga, accusing the Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, of being the mastermind of a planned protest in the country.
READ ALSO: PROTEST: Presidency accuses Peter Obi supporters of plotting mayhem
“The statement even said that Obi should be held responsible for any mayhem that may occur in the protest. But POMR can report from good and reliable authority that these unsubstantiated allegations are being orchestrated to arrest Obi, limit his freedom and association and stop his propagation for good governance which they find injurious to their lavish lifestyle.
“Peter Obi, by his mien in and out of political office, has not in any way shown or been associated with violence even in the most obvious provocations. He has always shown, even during the electioneering, that he is issue-driven as he carries on without calling anybody’s name.
“POMR is also aware that multiple attack dogs have been hired and strategically deployed to ensure that Obi does not enjoy the ear of the Nigerian populace who are keen on hearing his voice on issues.
“These spine doctors and hirelings, to justify their pay, indulge in all kinds of falsehood ostensibly to distract Obi and confuse Nigerians who already see Obi as a suiting balm in the current turbulent political and economic environment.
“POMR, therefore, wishes to urge Nigerians to ignore the Presidency’s cheap blackmail as Obi and the Obidient family all over the country and in the diaspora remain resolute in their search for a new Nigeria that is possible and would not be cowed or be made to lose focus.”
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Ebonyi council poll records impressive turnout
The local government elections that took place across 171 wards and 13 local government areas of Ebonyi State on Saturday recorded an impressive turnout.
The poll, monitored by TVN, was peaceful.
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State cast his vote at 002 Edukwuokemini Polling Unit, Anyawu Ward in Oferekpe Agbaja, Izzi Local Government Area.
Briefing newsmen shortly after casting his vote, Governor Nwifuru expressed belief in the provision of the constitution that local government chairmen should be democratically elected.
He added that governors, still studying the judgement of the Supreme Court on local government autonomy, have some reservations.
His words: “I am very delighted and excited that despite the rain, people are coming to vote. It gladdens my heart and encourages me.
“I just cast my vote now. I believe that in no distant time, everybody who registered in this polling unit will come and cast their vote. As the leader of the party and party man, I believe my party will triumph.
“This is a free election; nobody is quarrelling and eleven political parties are here. I am very sure that at the end of the day, this atmosphere will be maintained until EBSIEC declares the winner of the election.”
Speaking further, he said: “When you talk about the local government election, I think it is very necessary for a society like ours.
“The government needs to be close to the people and it should be the person that the people elect because if the people elect you, you will have that responsibility to meet up with the promise you made to the people during the campaign.
“But if the governor gets up and appoints you, you will not make any promise to the people because you are not holding their mandate. I think these are the differences, that is why I think conducting elections for the local government areas is what the society needs.”
On local government autonomy, he said: “I agree with the Supreme Court in so many areas, and in some areas, I have reservations [and] we are still studying the judgement.
“After studying the judgement, all of us (governors) will come together and see the outcome of the judgement. Like I said earlier, I believe in a democratically elected chairman in our local government system. I believe in that and that is what the constitution says.”
Ebonyi council poll records impressive turnout
Focus on ending insurgency in Borno – Group advises Ndume
The Northern Ethnic Youth Group Assembly, NEYGA, has called on Senator Ali Ndume to channel his energy into addressing the lingering issue of the Boko Haram insurgency in his constituency, Borno South senatorial district.
The group made this plea in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Mallam Ibrahim Dan-Musa.
According to NEYGA, Senator Ndume has been in the National Assembly for over two decades, yet the insurgency has continued to ravage his district, with vast resources being expended on fighting the terrorists.
The group expressed concern that, despite his long tenure in office, the senator has not done enough to alleviate the suffering of his constituents.
They urged Senator Ndume to work with his people to find a lasting solution to the insurgency rather than engaging in political grandstanding.
NEYGA also reminded him of his past experiences in the Senate, including his suspension and removal as Senate Leader, and encouraged him to use his influence to bring peace to his constituency.
“Senator Ndume should focus on ending the insurgency in his district rather than making noise about political vendettas.
“His constituents are suffering, and he has a responsibility to alleviate their plight,” the group’s statement reads in part.
Focus on ending insurgency in Borno – Group advises Ndume
Ganduje inaugurates campaign council, vows to reclaim Edo for APC
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Umar Ganduje, on Saturday vowed to reclaim Edo State for the party in the September 21 election in the state.
The chairman stated this when he inaugurated the APC national campaign council headed by the Cross Rivers State Governor, Bassey Otu, in Abuja.
He charged the members to ensure the party reclaimed the state from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the election.
Ganduje, who was excited with the defection of the state deputy governor, Philip Shaibu to the APC, said the party had secured up to 50 percent of the people in the government of the state.
He urged the campaign council to ensure that all members at the local government areas and unit levels come out to campaign and vote for APC in the election.
“A flag-off rally will soon be organised so that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will be in Benin City.
“We are so happy because our incoming governor and his deputy have already produced a blueprint for the development of Edo State; they are not full with MoUs.
“They are coming with a blueprint and practical steps so that Edo can fully develop and be connected to the centre.”
The former Kano State governor said the state would not experience full political participation and dividends of democracy if it was not connected to the centre,
Ganduje commended the Oba of Benin for maintaining peace and tranquility in the state and assured that APC government would appreciate and respect the traditional council under the monarch.
On his part, the APC candidate in Edo, Monday Okpebholo, said the state had never been so divided in its history.
He castigated Governor Godwin Obaseki for raising the state debt profile from about ₦43 billion in 2016 to over ₦500 billion.
“We are here to change it; we are coming to restore infrastructure, education, and security to the state.
“We are bringing practical governance into the state,” he said.
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Niger Vigilante Corps denies existence of factions in its camp
Assistant State Operations Officer of the Niger State Vigilante Corps, Alhaji Sule Butu, has refuted the allegation of division among vigilantes.
Butu stated this while addressing officers and men of the corps shortly after a town hall meeting organised by the Niger State Government in Minna.
He explained that there is no faction or splinter group in Niger State Vigilante Corps, warning those trying to cause division to desist forthwith or be ready to face disciplinary actions.
He also asserted that Alhaji Nasiru Mohammed Manta remains the state commander of the body and is recognised as such by the Niger State Government.
He noted that armed banditry, kidnappings and other criminal tendencies in Niger State will soon be a thing of the past.
” The state command of the Corps under Alh Nasiru Mohammed Manta has vowed to fight this negative tendency to its logical conclusion.
” For over nine months now, Maikunkele, Beji, Zungeru and Wushishi axis have not witnessed any cattle rustling or kidnapping and we assure you that it will be maintained,” Butu maintained.
He appealed to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to assist the vigilante corps with vehicles and other necessary working equipment to enable members to effectively and efficiently discharge their duty.
” We promise to work and fight the enemies of our land within the ambit of the law with the support and cooperation of other security apparatuses in the state for peace to return to our state,” Butu added.
Niger Vigilante Corps denies existence of factions in its camp
Ekpa a businessman disregard his threats, orders – Gov Mbah
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has alleged that Biafra activist, Simon Ekpa, is a “murderer, scammer, and common criminal feeding fat on the emotions and sufferings of the Igbo.”
He enjoined the people of the South East region to disregard his threats and sit-at-home orders.
Mbah also expressed displeasure over Ekpa’s continued habouring by the Government of Finland even when many lives and properties had been wasted by his foot soldiers.
The governor spoke at the weekend, when he received members of the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence, who were on an oversight working visit to the state where they also inspected the construction of the Department of State Services, DSS, Training Institute at Awgu.
He said the import of security underscored his administration’s decision to end illegal sit-at-home hitherto enforced by non-state actors that held the people hostage both psychologically and economically, noting, however, that his government was not leaving anything to chance.
He said, “As you may also have noticed recently, they have continued to make attempts, particularly, that megalomaniac, who ironically resides with his family peacefully in Finland, a country where the rule of law reigns, but he encourages the rule of anarchy here and to goad some of our youths to their self destruction.
“This is also a business for him, pretending to be fighting for igbos intrest, but does not know anything about the Igbo or have their interest at heart.
“He creates some kind of siege atmosphere and thrives on it to make a living, continuing to extort and exploit our people, who may not be aware and telling them that he is fighting for their interest. He he is just a common criminal.
“We are talking about a murderer, who just thinks about how to inflict terrorism on the people. Otherwise, how can you claim you love our people, a people that are known for hardwork in our DNA and sit somewhere to dictate to us when to go to work and when not to go to work.”
Mbah assured the people of Enugu State of their continued protection, saying the state could not be intimidated by criminals.
“So, I want to also take this opportunity to call on our people to disregard this threat. We have demonstrated our capacity to provide security for our people and we will continue to do so through the help of our security agencies.
“We cannot be intimidated. We cannot submit ourselves to this siege atmosphere he wants to create in the South East. We treasure our hard work as a people. So, you can’t love a people and all you do is at the very expense of their existence just to grow followership and gain cheap publicity.
“I’m also calling on the youths, not to fall for these sorts of cheap antics because this is completely antithetical to our belief system. It contradicts our value and opposes our work ethics,” he said.
Mbah urged the House of Representatives to take up the challenge of ensuring Ekpa’s repatriation to Nigeria to answer to his acts of murder and terrorism in the South East region.
“It is surprising that the Finnish Government allows this man to reside peacefully in their country and then be perpetrating terrorism in Nigeria.
“And I think this is something your Committee may have to wade into and see how this guy can be repatriated and then be brought to justice.
“Through his statements and his actions, a lot of people have died and he continues in that trajectory. So, this is a tragedy that we must all work as a country to end. He doesn’t represent the Igbo interest,” Mbah stated.
He assured the House Committee of his administration’s readiness to assist in ensuring the early completion of the DSS Training Institute, stressing that security was too important to leave entirely to any tier of government.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Hon. Ahmed Satomi, described Governor Mbah as a worthy example for other states in security and good governance.
Listing Mbah’s giant strides in security and various other sectors, he called for the governor’s assistance towards the early realisation of the DSS Institute to help to actualise his lofty vision for the state.
Ekpa a businessman disregard his threats, orders – Gov Mbah
Gunmen kill two, abduct 5 in Ondo
Gunmen on Friday killed two persons and kidnapped five others along the Ifon-Owo Expressway in Ondo State.
The victims were the driver of a commercial bus and a female passenger who were shot dead at the scene by the hoodlums.
A member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was among the five passengers whisked to an unknown destination by the armed men.
An eyewitness told journalists on Saturday the bus was coming from Anambra State and heading towards Akure when it came under attack.
The spokesperson for the Ondo State police command, Fumilayo Odunlami-Omisanyan confirmed the incident to journalists in Akure.
She said police operatives are currently combing the forest for the kidnappers and the hostages.
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NSCDC arrests nine illegal fuel dealers, others in Akwa Ibom
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested nine suspects for illegal dealings in petroleum products and other offences in Akwa Ibom State.
The NSCDC Commandant in the state, Mr. Eluyemi Eluwade, disclosed this during a media briefing at the command headquarters in Uyo on Saturday.
Eluwade said the command’s Anti-vandal Unit arrested the suspects along the Ikot Abasi- Port Harcourt Expressway on July 14.
He added that the agency’s operatives impounded three trucks conveying 135, 000 litres of petroleum products in the operation.
He said: “The trucks were halted for a routine inspection of documents by NSCDC personnel, who insisted on sighting relevant papers including a licence to buy, sell and convey petroleum products as stipulated in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
“The inability of the suspects to produce complete relevant documents led to their arrest and their trucks impounded for illegal dealing in petroleum products, an offence punishable by section 17 of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
“Two of the trucks were conveying about 45,000 litres each of Automative Gas Oil (AGO) popularly known as Diesel.
“The third truck was conveying about 45,000 litres of petroleum product suspected to be crude oil or used engine oil, a petroleum by-product for which a license is also required to buy, sell or transport.”
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