The Nigerian Army says its troops have successfully dislodged and destroyed a terrorists’ camp belonging to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The army, in a post on its official X-handle on Saturday, said the operation was conducted early in the day in the Ezere Forest of Umuawa Aku, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo.
It said the operation, which also extended into Akawa Nnneato and Lomara communities in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia, resulted in the capture of a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) and other assorted items.
It said the troops acting on actionable intelligence regarding the harassment and intimidation of local residents by the terrorist elements, swiftly mobilised to neutralise the threat.
According to the post, troops, in arrival, engaged the terrorists in a fierce shootout, dislodging them from their camp.
It added that the troops exploited their success and gave the fleeing terrorists a hot pursuit, compelling them to abandon a significant cache of arms.
These, it said, include one GPMG, assorted rounds of ammunition, two motorcycles, and two communication radios.
“The operation underscores the Nigerian army’s undeterred commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region.
“Troops will be decisive in dismantling any threat to ensure the safety of the communities.
“This significant operation serves as a testament to the army’s dedication to protecting civilians and combating terrorism.
“The successful operation has not only served to disrupt the activities of the terrorist group but also sends a strong message on the army’s resolve to restore and maintain order in the affected areas,” it said.
Troops dislodge IPOB/ESN gunmen, capture weapons in Abia
Troops dislodge IPOB/ESN gunmen, capture weapons in Abia
War: Stay in shelters – Military warns as Russia attacks Ukraine capital, Kyiv
Serhiy Popko, the head of Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv’s military administration, has warned residents of the city to stay indoors.
This is following multiple missile attacks fired on the capital city by the Russian military.
The Guardian, UK, reports that Ukraine’s air defence systems were engaged in repelling a Russian air attack on the capital.
The Ukraine’s military said on Sunday that it has activated its defense systems.
“Air defence systems are being activated on the approaches to Kyiv,” Popko said on Telegram.
The military head added, “Stay in shelters until the air raid alarms are lifted.”
War: Stay in shelters – Military warns as Russia attacks Ukraine capital, Kyiv
Nationwide protest: ‘Tinubu, locust cabal only love wealth of Nigeria’ – Ex-Minister
Nigeria’s former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Solomon Dalung has said that President Bola Tinubu and his ‘locust cabal’ love only the wealth of Nigeria.
Dalung also berated Bayo Onanuga, a presidential spokesperson, for claiming that the proposed nationwide protest against bad governance is meant to destabilize the country.
The former Minister in a post on his X handle on Saturday said that Onanuga’s statement was not only uncharitable but wicked.
According to him, “the generation of Nigerians demanding for good governance, accountability and justice are more entitled to Nigeria than the group of scavengers occupying power.”
Dalung insisted that the proposed protest is sacrosanct, saying it is to demand accountability from those who are destroying Nigeria’s common heritage.
His words: “Make no mistake about it, we love our country but @officialABAT and his locust cabal love only the wealth of Nigeria.
“The protests are to demand for accountability from those who are destroying our common heritage. Nigerians have nowhere to go but @officialABAT has France, while others have Europe, Canada and USA.
“Therefore @aonanuga1956 calling out Nigerians as those planning to destabilize Nigeria is not only uncharitable but wicked.
“The generation of Nigerians demanding for good governance, accountability and justice are more entitled to Nigeria than the group of scavengers occupying power. Take it to the bank, the protests are sacrosanct.
“Deploying antics of divide and rule will not only fail but antiquitated. The only antidote to the protests is for @officialABAT and his cult of plunderers to surrender to the demands of the people.
“The fear of the protests degenerating into anarchy is evil imaginations of your mind calculated at abating holding the government responsible. All we are demanding is good governance, which is not too much.”
Nationwide protest: ‘Tinubu, locust cabal only love wealth of Nigeria’ – Ex-Minister
Minimum Wage: Gov Oborevwori labour friendly, won’t take back seat – Delta govt
Delta State government has assured that the administration of Gov Sheriff Oborevwori, as a labour friendly state, will not take the back seat over what it will pay its workers as minimum wage.
This came after the federal government’s approval of N70,000 minimum wage.
Delta State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, spoke on Saturday while declaring the position of the state government on the payment.
He said, “So be rest assured that our Governor. Sheriff Oborevwori is committed to the welfare of workers in the state, especially now that a new minimum wage has been agreed on and is waiting for the National Assembly’s consent.”
On whether the state government will need federal government’s assistance to pay the new minimum wage or will ask for an upward review in the monthly allocation, he said that President Tinubu himself has also assured that efforts will be made to support the private sector and sub-national entities (State and Local Governments) to ensure that they can afford to pay the new minimum wage.
“So there is no doubt that the state governments and the federal government will be working closely together to ensure that all measures will be put in place to see that the new minimum wage is paid.
“The Governors Forum will also be expected to meet and take a collective position on the new minimum wage,” he added.
Minimum Wage: Gov Oborevwori labour friendly, won’t take back seat – Delta govt
War: We’ll do this in any place – Israel warns as it strikes Yemen
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
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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