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OPINION: Kalu’s Brazen Assault and Calculated Torpedo To Undermine South East Governors’ Peace Effort

Published

2 years ago

December 30, 2023

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Onwuzuruike Uchenna

By Onwuzuruike Uchenna

Abia at the eve of the year, braced another spectacle of self-aggrandizement yesterday. A local figure, Benjamin Kalu, cloaked in the pretense of gratitude, took the stage, not to offer thanks as he wanted people to believe, but to spin the yarn of his imagined peacekeeping exploits. His thirst for undeserved accolades fueled this charade.

When the fragile threads of security hang by a thread in a society desperately craving peace, deception can be a weapon more lethal than any blade. The South East is under a calculated assault, not from guns and blades, but from a weapon far more insidious: deception.

A wolf draped in the sheep’s clothing of a peacemaker, a figure imposing himself on the people as the new leader of the region, aiming to torpedo the genuine efforts of established leaders and derail the region’s progress towards true tranquility, is at it again!

Abians must remain vigilant, lest they fall prey to those who would exploit their yearning for stability and plunge the entire South East region further into the abyss of confusion.

The clock ticks down on the year, and a worrying trend has emerged with individuals like Benjamin Kalu, under a newly formed charade- Peace in South East Project, targeted to undermine the genuine efforts of leaders and threatening to potentially stall the region’s progress towards true tranquility.

Kalu, an individual whose political tactics have previously involved maneuvering and betrayal, has now chosen a different path. This time, he has entered the delicate landscape of security concerns in the Southeast, seemingly aiming to capitalize on the situation for personal gain and garner undeserved sympathy.

We must “pray and watch”!

His actions haven’t just cast a cold shoulder on regional leaders, many of whom, I suspect, are caught in a web of personal pressures that force them to acquiesce. Meanwhile, within the region, dedicated individuals toil day and night to stitch the fragments of a shattered peace back together, all while he remains oblivious.

Kalu now projects himself as the sole navigator towards stability, preying effortlessly to sway hearts through persuasive rhetoric, while inadvertently diverting attention from the already established channels of reconciliation recently adopted by the five governors of the South East region.

Each time this man finds a way to circumvent a genuine process, he does it without recourse, typical in a clever and surreptitious way.

In light of the sensitive nature of this topic, I believe it is crucial to preface my remarks with a reminder. This article originates from a place of deep empathy and unwavering devotion to my people, those who have borne the brunt of decades of social and political injustice at the hands of their own leaders like Kalu; citizens, whose lives have been marked by chronic social and political disadvantage perpetrated by those entrusted with their well-being.

In September 2023, a pivotal two-day summit titled “SOUTH EAST SUMMIT ON SECURITY AND ECONOMY” with the theme: SOUTH EAST BEYOND 2023: TIME TO RESET” gathered key figures from the region, including five governors and prominent individuals, to address pressing issues of security and economic development.

Notably absent from this pivotal gathering was Benjamin Kalu, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and a significant figure in the region. His failure to attend, or even send a representative, raised eyebrows and sparked questions about his commitment to tackling the challenges facing the South East.

This absence stood in stark contrast to the participation of other high-profile leaders, such as Governor Hope Uzodima, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, and his counterparts from Anambra, Prof Charles Soludo, Alex Otti of Abia State, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, and Governor Francis of Ebonyi State. Their presence underscored the gravity of the summit’s theme and their dedication to finding solutions. Kalu’s absence, on the other hand, left an unsettling void, prompting speculation about his motives and dedication to the region’s well-being.

The summit in Owerri, Imo State, served as a vital platform for brainstorming strategies to revitalize the South East beyond 2023. The conspicuous lack of Kalu’s input, especially given his prominent position, cast a shadow of doubt on his commitment to the region’s progress and collaborative efforts to overcome security and economic hurdles.

The recent snub by Benjamin Kalu of a peace summit organised by regional leaders raises serious questions about his commitment to unity and progress in the South East. His absence, despite being in the country during the event, casts a shadow over his own self-proclaimed peace summit.

One wonders if Kalu harbors ulterior motives. Could he be deliberately sabotaging the genuine efforts of established leaders to bring peace and stability to the region? Is he, perhaps, driven by personal political ambitions, seeking to supplant the existing leadership?

Onwuzuruike Uchenna writes from Orsu LGA of Imo State

Related Topics:#opinion Onwuzuruike Uchenna

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JUST IN: FCT Head Of Service Is Dead

Published

2 hours ago

September 1, 2025

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The Pioneer Head of the Civil Service of the Federal Capital Territory, Mrs Grace Adayilo, is dead.

The late Adayilo reportedly died in the early hours of Monday, 1st of September, 2025.

The Special Assistant on Media to the HoS, Anthony Odey, confirmed the reports to our correspondent in a short text.

“Yes, please,” the text message read.

Odey, however, gave no further details surrounding the circumstances of her death.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu approved the appointment of Grace Adayilo as the Head of the Civil Service of the FCT on the 6th of October 2024, with the appointment taking effect immediately.

She made history as both the first HoS and the first female HoS of the FCT.

Before her appointment, Adayilo served as the Permanent Secretary of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat.

As of the time of filing this report, no official statements have been made by the family or the FCT Administration.

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JUST IN: Finnish Court Jails Simon Ekpa Six Years For Terrorism Offences

Published

3 hours ago

September 1, 2025

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The Päijät-Häme District Court on Monday sentenced Nigerian-born Finnish, Simon Ekpa, to six years in prison for terrorism-related crimes and other offences, according to official court documents seen by BBC News Pidgin on Monday.

The 40-year-old former municipal politician from Lahti was convicted on multiple charges, including participation in the activities of a terrorist organisation, incitement to commit crimes for terrorist purposes, aggravated tax fraud, and violations of the Lawyers Act.

The court ordered that Ekpa remain in custody.

According to the judgment, between August 2021 and November 2024, Ekpa attempted to promote the independence of the so-called Biafra region in southeastern Nigeria through illegal means.

“He used social media to gain a politically influential position and took advantage of the confusion within a key separatist movement in Nigeria to play a significant role in it,” the court statement stated as reported by BBC News pidgin.

Ekpa denied all the charges against him.

The court also found that Ekpa was instrumental in founding and developing the separatist movement into a more organised structure, working alongside others.

It was revealed during the trial that armed groups were established under the movement, which the court classified as terrorist organisations.

“Ekpa equipped the groups with weapons, explosives and ammunition through his contact network. He also urged and enticed his followers on X (formerly Twitter) to commit crimes in Nigeria,” the court said.

The trial was conducted over 12 sessions between May 30 and June 25, 2025, with a panel of three judges unanimously delivering the verdict.

Finnish authorities arrested Ekpa in December 2024 on charges linked to terrorism.

He was held on probable cause and suspicion of publicly inciting people to commit crimes with terrorist intent.

The alleged offences were said to have occurred between August 23, 2021, and November 2024, primarily in the city of Lahti.

The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation also initially arrested four other men in connection with the case. However, charges against them were later dropped due to insufficient evidence.

Ekpa, who previously served as a municipal councillor in Lahti, is widely known for his controversial role in the Biafran separatist movement.

His online broadcasts and social media activity have drawn both support and condemnation within and outside Nigeria.

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JUST IN: Doctors Issue 10-day Ultimatum, Threaten Strike

Published

4 hours ago

September 1, 2025

Editor

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors issued a 10-day ultimatum to all relevant government agencies on Monday, warning that its members would embark on a nationwide strike if the demands were not met.

NARD disclosed this in a communiqué signed by its President, Dr. Tope Osundara; the General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity and the Social Secretary, Omoha Amobi, issued after its Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting, which was held virtually on Sunday.

In July, NARD had issued a three-week ultimatum, but in the interest of industrial harmony, the NEC granted the National Officers’ Committee an additional three weeks to engage with all relevant stakeholders, after which it would reconvene to reassess the extent of implementation of its demands.

In Sunday’s meeting, the E-NEC condemned the failure of the Federal Government to fulfil its promises, noting with dismay that a substantial number of resident doctors remain unpaid for their 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, and the refusal to pay the outstanding five months’ arrears arising from the 25 per cent/35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, as well as other longstanding salary arrears.

It also condemned the government’s failure to pay the arrears of the 2024 Accoutrement Allowance.

“The E-NEC expressed displeasure over the unjust downgrading of the membership certificates of the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, as well as the persistent non-issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.

“The E-NEC condemned in strong terms the failure of the Kaduna State Government to honour its commitments to members under ARD Kaduna and Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, despite earlier agreements and signed Memoranda of Understanding. The E-NEC condemned the failure of the Oyo State Government to address the challenges faced by members of ARD LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, despite an ongoing indefinite strike action in the hospital,” it noted.

It, however, commended state governors who have demonstrated commitment to the welfare of doctors by paying the 2025 MRTF.

Meanwhile, the doctors said that if their demands are not met by September 10, 2025, they would embark on a nationwide strike.

E-NEC, however, demands the immediate payment of the outstanding 2025 MRTF to all eligible resident doctors by the Federal Government, as well as the settlement of the outstanding five months’ arrears of CONMESS, alongside other longstanding salary arrears.

The Council also demands, “The immediate payment of the arrears of the 2024 Accoutrement Allowance. The E-NEC demands the commencement of payment of specialist allowances to all doctors without further delay, given their indispensable role in delivering specialist medical care across the nation. The E-NEC demands that the MDCN immediately restore the recognition of the West African postgraduate membership certificates to their rightful status and calls on the NPMCN to commence without delay the issuance of membership certificates to all deserving candidates, in line with international best practices.

“The E-NEC demands the immediate implementation of the 2024 CONMESS and resolution of all outstanding welfare concerns in Kaduna State, noting that the indefinite strike by our members has already resumed and will continue until these demands are met. The E-NEC demands that the Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde, immediately resolve the welfare concerns of resident doctors under the employment of the state government, particularly those at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho.

“The E-NEC urges all State Governors to prioritise the welfare of doctors in their state-owned hospitals and training institutions, ensure the timely payment of MRTF to their resident doctors, and take proactive steps to curb emigration while maintaining industrial harmony.

“The E-NEC extends the ultimatum by a final 10 days to all relevant government agencies to meet these demands. Failure to do so within this period (expiring on Wednesday, 10th September 2025) will leave the NEC with no other option than to embark on a nationwide strike action.”