News

Why Army Is Linking Us To Soldiers’ Killing – IPOB

Published

2 years ago

October 16, 2022

Editor

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, on Sunday, denied responsibility for the recent murder of soldiers and security operatives in Anambra State.

IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, accused the Nigerian Army of linking the group to the murder of soldiers and security agents due to hatred for the Igbo people and its leader, Nnamdi Kanu’s Biafra agitation.

Powerful urged the Nigerian Army to desist from spreading propaganda and blackmailing IPOB.

Reacting to a viral video of soldiers linking IPOB to the alleged murder of security agents in Enugu and Anambra States, Powerful stressed that the separatist group is a peaceful movement.

A statement by Powerful reads: “In view of the recent alleged murder of four Nigeria soldiers in Enugu State, as well as those in Anambra State which were accompanied by the most reckless and senseless accusations against IPOB as being behind the attacks, it has become very imperative to caution the Nigerian Arny and govt to desist from such unfounded and false accusations against the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). One of such irresponsible and false accusation is contained in a viral video from Nigerian Army personnel who was heard openly mentioning IPOB by name in the said video trending online.

“It is a common phenomenon that Nigeria Government and their Security Agencies are quick to point accusing fingers at IPOB within minutes of any attack in the East without investigation. Surprisingly, they haven’t linked IPOB to the insecurity ravaging Northern Nigeria. We understand that these are part of their cheap blackmail against the movement, even when the State mastermind most of these attacks. If the Government is not behind the attacks how come they know the attackers within minutes without investigation? How come they cannot predict the many unresolved murder cases in Nigeria?

“We, the global movement and family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) under the command and leadership of the liberator Mazi Nnamdi Okwuchukwu KANU condemn the reckless murder of Nigeria soldiers but at the same time caution the Nigeria Army to stop accusing IPOB members falsely. We are not responsible for the attacks and killings.

“Nigeria Army and their Government are only carrying out propaganda and blackmail against IPOB in an effort to stop the Biafra agitation, but they will fail. Nigeria Government and their Court know that IPOB is not involved in the killings and attacks on Security Agents and its Institutions. That is why no Court in Nigeria has been able to convict any of the prosecuted IPOB members. Yet the Nigeria Government has continued arresting, persecuting, and extrajudicially executing IPOB members while unconditionally releasing and compensating Northern terrorists and bandits.

“We have remained a peaceful movement seeking for freedom and Independence of the Biafra people in spite of all the persecutions and provocations at the hand of the Nigeria State. But we shall not take any blackmail from the Government just because they hate our resolve to get Biafra at all cost but most importantly through peaceful agitation.

“The Nigerian Army must stop linking IPOB with the killing of their men because of their evil agenda and hatred against Ndigbo and Biafra agitation championed by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB members.

“By tagging every Igbo man and woman as IPOB and ESN members, the Nigerian govt and its security apparatus have created the enabling ground to justify their ongoing extrajudicial executions of Igbo people which simply amount to ethnic cleansing. Moreso, their decision to make some of their soldiers on duty in Biafra land expendables to achieve their evil plan and justify their military siege and assault to the unarmed people is a State-sponsored terrorism. The more the Nigerian terrorist-sponsoring Government and their compromised Army try hard to blackmail IPOB, the more they rub their integrity in the mud.

“The viral video of the Nigeria Army personnel openly accusing IPOB of being responsible for the death of four of their men in Enugu State recently is nothing but a cheap blackmail. We demand an International and independent investigation on all the killings going on in Biafraland so as to unmask the killers and their sponsors.”

News

Step-by-step Guide To Accessing FG Consumer Credit Scheme

Published

16 mins ago

May 15, 2024

Editor

Following the approval for the takeoff of the first phase of the Consumer Credit Scheme as part of efforts to enhance social mobility among Nigerians, the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) opened a website to encourage Nigerians to register loans for important purchases.

The scheme aims to make consumer credit accessible and empower economically active citizens.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how civil servants and other Nigerians who are economically active can apply to enjoy this opportunity:

Step 1: Understand the scheme

Before applying, understand what CREDICORP offers. The scheme is designed to:
– Improve Nigeria’s credit reporting systems, ensuring every economically active citizen has a reliable credit score.

– Provide credit guarantees and wholesale lending to financial institutions.

– Promote responsible consumer credit to improve quality of life and foster financial responsibility.

Step 2: Check eligibility

Initially, the scheme is open only to civil servants. Ensure you are employed in a civil service role to proceed with the application.

Step 3: Prepare the necessary documents

You will likely need the following documents to apply:

– Proof of employment in the civil service.

– Identification documents such as a national ID or passport.

– Proof of income or salary slips.

Step 4: Visit the official website

Access the CREDICORP application portal by visiting credicorp.ng (http://credicorp.ng).

This website will serve as your primary resource for application forms and additional information.

Step 5: Fill out the Application Form

Complete the application form available on the website. Ensure all information is accurate to avoid any delays in your application process. Double-check all entries before submission.

Step 6: Submit Your Application

After filling out the form, submit your application through the website. You might receive a confirmation email or a notification on the portal confirming your submission.

Step 7: Await Response

Once submitted, await feedback from CREDICORP. This could take a few days or weeks, depending on the volume of applications. Keep an eye on your email and the portal for any updates.

Step 8: Follow Up

If you haven’t heard back within the expected timeframe, it’s advisable to follow up through the contact details provided on the CREDICORP website.

The PUNCH had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu had approved the takeoff of the first phase of the Consumer Credit Scheme.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.

“The President believes every hardworking Nigerian should have access to social mobility, with consumer credit playing a pivotal role in achieving this vision,” the statement said.

News

Sweden Announces Return Of Benin Artefacts

Published

1 hour ago

May 15, 2024

Editor

The Swedish government has resolved to return 39 pieces of Benin Artefacts in her Museum to the custody of Oba of Benin, Ewuare II.

According to a statement issued by Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Chief Press Secretary to Oba of Benin, the disclosure followed a Gazzette by the Federal Government which recognises ownership and vesting custody and management of repatriated Benin Artefacts in the Oba of Benin.

Iguobaro in the statement said that the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Her Excellency Annika Hahn-Englund, conveyed the Swedish government decision when she paid a courtesy visit to Oba of Benin Palace in Benin City, Edo State.

Ambassador Hahn-Englund informed the Royal father that Sweden and Nigeria, which is the second largest market in Sub-Sahara Africa, are trading partners, including infrastructure, Telecommunication, Energy and other businesses that supported the economies significantly.

The Swedish envoy, said, “also, I would like to mention that with cooperation, we have in Culture, Education with Nigeria; I would like to mention the decision of why the Swedish government has to return 39 Artefacts to Benin Kingdom.

“So, your Majesty, I am very honoured to be here tonight”, Ambassador Hahn-Englund said this while paying respect to Oba Ewuare II.

Responding, Oba Ewuare II on behalf of Edo people also welcomed the decision and expressed his deepest gratitude to the Swedish government for the intervention.

The Benin monarch recalled how he made a request through the Swedish monarch in 1998 to return Benin Bronzes in Sweden during his courtesy visit to him as Nigeria Ambassador to Scandinavian Countries.

The traditional ruler disclosed that the federal government-backed Benin Royal Museum project is still on course, and commended partners for their support and devotion towards the project.

The Oba also commended the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), which is an agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria, responsible for the preservation, promotion, and development of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

The traditional ruler who prayed for members of the Diplomatic Mission, shared a captivating tale of his Diplomatic exploits as Ambassador in the Scandinavian Countries, noting that the remarkable reign and enduring affection of the Swedish monarch, His Royal Majesty, Carl Gustaf Folke Hubertus remain indelible.

According to Oba Ewuare II, the demand for the return of looted Benin Artefacts has been on since the reign of Oba Akenzua II, “and you are here today telling that it has been approved. This has been my request a long time ago. God’s time is always the best”.

To underscore the significance of the historic visit to the Palace, the Ambassador in the accompany of her husband and a member of the Diplomatic Mission, presented a souvenir to Oba Ewuare II, who in turn gave a copy of the federal government Gazette on all Benin Artefacts to the envoy in appreciation.

News

UPDATED: Rivers Political Fight Gets Messier As Three pro-Wike Commissioners Quit Fubara’s Cabinet

Published

2 hours ago

May 15, 2024

Editor

Rivers commissioners Prof. Chinedu Mmom (Education), Dr. Gift Worlu (Housing), and Austen Ben-Chioma (Environment).

Three commissioners serving in the cabinet of Governor Siminalayi Fubara have resigned from the Rivers State Executive Council.

The commissioners are Prof. Chinedu Mmom (Education), Dr. Gift Worlu (Housing), and Austen Ben-Chioma (Environment), who are all loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

They were among the nine commissioners who had previously resigned in the heat of the political crisis in the state before the intervention of President Bola Tinubu.

Their resignations came 24 hours after Fubara slammed his predecessor and estranged his political godfather, accusing him of leaving a huge debt burden for him.

A copy of Gift Worlu’s resignation letter.

The three commissioners tendered their resignations in separate letters addressed to the governor through the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo.

Mmom’s letter read, “I write to formally tender my resignation as a member of the Rivers State Executive Council as the Commissioner for Education with effect from today, May 15, 2024.

“It is a truism that a calm, safe, and friendly environment would stimulate efficient service delivery and enhanced productivity. It is, however, unfortunate to note that my current workspace has become toxic and no longer guarantees a favourable environment to enable me to realise my set targets for the education sector in the state.

A copy of Austen Ben-Chioma’s resignation letter.

“There is loss of trust, animosity and sharp division among colleagues in the same cabinet which is unhealthy and very unfortunate. I want to thank Your Excellency for the opportunity to serve in your cabinet and wish your administration well.”

Moments later, Ben-Chioma forwarded his letter dated same May 15. He noted that his reason for resigning is because of the political crisis in the state.

His letter read, “I hereby tender my resignation as the Commissioner for Environment, Rivers State, on this day, May 15, 2024.

“I want to sincerely appreciate Your Excellency for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the State Executive Council. My decision to resign is due to the political crisis befalling our dear Rivers State and other personal reasons.

“It was a privilege to have been of service to you in your administration and wish you all the best in your tenure.”

Similarly, Worlu in his letter dated May 15, said, “I write to resign my appointment as the Commissioner for Housing formally. One of the most difficult decisions in my life yet, it is precipitated by the toxic atmosphere that has characterised our working relationship, especially the smouldering arbitrariness of decisions and actions, including the attempt to fuse the executive and legislative arms of government in Rivers State.

“I thank you for the opportunity to serve in your government and wish you the best as you continue to steer the ship of state. Kindly accept the assurances of my esteemed regards.”

Before the trio of Mmom, Worlu, and Ben-Chioma, others who resigned were the former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof Zacchaeus Adangor, and former Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu.

Adangor and Kamalu resigned after Fubara directed that they should be redeployed to the Ministry of Special Duties (Governor’s Office) and Ministry for Employment Generation and Empowerment, respectively.