News

Alleged Abduction Of Labour Candidate: Ebonyi Network Sends Strong Message To IGP

Published

4 years ago

October 19, 2022

Editor

A group, Ebonyi Transparency and Accountability Network (E-TAN) has urged the Inspector General of Police to ensure that all those involved in the alleged abduction of a Labour Party candidate in Ebonyi State, Hon. Linus Okorie are brought to book.

Recall that Okorie was whisked away by men suspected to be operatives of the State security apparatus, Ebubeagu.

He is Governor Dave Umahi’s major challenger in the election.

In a statement on Wednesday signed by Okey Nwosu and Ikechukwu Igbo, the President and the Secretary, respectively, E-TAN condemned the action of the Ebubeagu operatives.

“We note with dismay the alleged abduction and torture of Hon. Linus Okorie, a former House of Representatives member from Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency, Ebonyi State by members of the South East Vigilante outfit, Ebubeagu on Sunday night, 16th October, 2022 on his way home in Abakaliki. We strongly condemn that assault on Hon. Okorie in violation of his right and dignity as a citizen of Ebonyi State and Nigeria and therefore call for his immediate release.

“We note that such a heinous act of intimidation, harassment and threat to life under any guise make mockery of our constitutional democracy in which the protection of lives and rights of citizens should be guaranteed by security agencies. It also negates the underlying imperatives behind the establishment of Ebubeagu. Such an incident, allegedly having a political undertone, is capable of heating up the polity, with undesirable consequences, if not urgently addressed.

“We also note with deep worry the alarm raised by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) on its Deputy Gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Nkata chuku and other candidates and members of the Party, who have been allegedly marked for attacks by political opponents, ahead of the upcoming 2023 general elections. Such threats of violence and intimidation of opposition are redflags to achieving free, fair, peaceful and credible elections. We condemn any form of persecution of perceived political opponents in Ebonyi State.

“In view of the foregoing, as an organization that is committed to ensuring good governance, transparency and accountability, and deepening democracy in Ebonyi State, we call on the Ebonyi State Government and the Inspector General of Police to investigate the matter with a view to:

“Bringing to book the perpetrators of that heinous act against Hon. Linus Okorie;

“Uncovering and neutralizing any plans of violent attacks and intimidation by any political party and their agents whatsoever in the State, such as alleged by APGA;

“Ensuring that rule of law and due process are adhered to in the enforcement of law and order in the State;

“Ensuring a peaceful and secure atmosphere and a fair playing ground for all political parties and opposition in Ebonyi State, especially during this period of campaign, leading to the 2023 general elections.

“It is imperative that the Government of Ebonyi State commits to providing a safe and level playing ground for all political parties and activities in the State.

“We also call on our fellow citizens of Ebonyi State to remain calm and law-abiding with the confidence that the petitioned authorities will address the concerns raised herein,” the group stated.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

3 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

4 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

6 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.