Metro
Why Hired Youths Tried To Bomb P’Harcourt Hotel — Fubara
Published
4 days agoon
By
Editor![](https://infodailyng.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Gov.-Siminalayi-Fubara-of-Rivers-1.webp)
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has clarified that he is not fighting anybody but rather defending the state against predators.
He asserted that the failed attempt to detonate an explosive device at the Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt, owned by the state, was a deliberate ploy to strengthen the call for a state of emergency by haters who want to undermine the state to achieve their evil plans.
Fubara made the assertion when he received, on a courtesy visit, a delegation of the Senate Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation, led by its Chairman, Senator Orji Uzo Kalu, to Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
This was contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi, and sent to newsmen.
The governor explained that some youths were hired to engage in a protest to demand for extension of tenure of former local government chairmen who have served out their statutory three-year tenure.
Governor Fubara said the protesters and their sponsors were aware that some honourable members of the National Assembly were guests at the Hotel Presidential, which is why they attempted to detonate an explosive device near the facility to give reason to support the call for a state of emergency when the matter is raised at plenary but they failed.
He said, “As a matter of fact, let me tell you, I know of everything that is happening. Yesterday (Tuesday), they (protesters) were aware that you are in the state. So, there was an attempt to create a serious problem.
“In fact, there was a plan to detonate dynamite at the Hotel Presidential because you people were there. But this God that we serve, it happened that the man who was trying to do it detonated it but just few seconds after, it blew his hands off.
“The idea was that as you were hearing state of emergency, it will be so that by the time they finish when you return to have your sitting tomorrow (Thursday), the debate will be from somebody from this state who called you people to tell you not to come.
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“He will now raise the issue of state of emergency, and say after all, distinguished colleagues saw it happen while you were in Rivers State, that you saw what happened.
“But you see, when you are with God, even your own child who is planning evil, will go and tell somebody that, God is with this man because he is clean, this is what my father is planning. That is what is keeping us in this state.”
The Rivers State Governor wondered why it seems that the law is silent or inactive to take its course over offenders because somebody appears to be bigger than the law on the agitation because there is nowhere in the country where tenure elongation for former local government chairmen has been an issue.
The State Chief Executive pointed out that there is no governor in Nigeria who can take 10 per cent of the abuse railed at him by former local government council chairmen.
He said, “Where on earth can the tenure of local government chairmen be elongated? You were a former governor; was it tried during your time? Even those of you who are Senators here, even in your own states, have anyone tried this before?
“Is it that the Constitution that governs Nigeria is different from the one that operates in Rivers State? These are the very pertinent questions we should ask.
“Why should it be that when it comes to the case of Rivers State, the law is always silent? Is it that there is somebody bigger than Nigeria? That is the question I want you to go back with.”
Governor Fubara insisted, “I tell you, we know everything that is happening, and you know it, everybody knows it. We should be bold enough to look at the faces of people and tell them the truth.
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“I am not fighting anybody. If I am fighting, people will know that I am fighting: My pattern will change. What we are doing is to defend ourselves. We can’t just fold our hands. Only a tree will be standing, and somebody will come and cut it off.
“It doesn’t happen as a human being. If you know that danger is coming, you shift. What we are doing is just to protect ourselves. So, Distinguished Senators, I am not fighting anybody.”
Fubara said, “Somebody thinks or some people feel they own life. I don’t own life. The person who owns life is God. What we are doing here is to serve the people of Rivers State because God has given us this opportunity.
“It doesn’t matter the channel the opportunity came from. But the most important thing is God, and nobody takes the place of God in anything.”
The Governor told committee members to factor in the interest of Rivers State as they recommend the privatisation and commercialisation of public companies.
“I will also appeal to you that in this process of privatisation, anything that has to do with our own State here that needs to be privatised, the Rivers State Government will be interested.
“Because you can’t come here and own our property when we have the resources to have shares or to acquire some portion of it.
“So, as a committee, if there is anywhere you can support us; if they is anyone that is still available, let us know, and let us get the details so that we can own it.
“It is only when we own it that those assets can be protected. It is only when we own it, that is when those assets become viable to the State, and also become viable to the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he noted.
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In his address, Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation, Senator Kalu, said they were in the state to carry out oversight duties on some projects under their purview.
Senator Kalu, who is the member representing Abia North Senatorial District, commended Fubara for his love for peace and determination to offer quality governance and keep pace with providing the right climate to engender economic growth to all residents in the State.
The Senate committee chairman also urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to sheath the sword and call his supporters to order as a commitment to fostering peace and putting the interest of the State above all considerations.
He said, “I want to admire Your Excellency, your Deputy and your team for the good things you are doing in the State, but it is good to have peace.
“I want to thank you because you look like a very peaceful man. Your face shows a peaceful man. Your laugh shows a peaceful man. So, I want you to continue in that manner of peace. There is nothing like peace. Let people who are eating with this problem stop eating from it.
“We know that politics has taken its shape. We commend you for what you are doing for the people of your State. I will continue to ask you to focus on the job.
“Leadership is a very big burden. It is not a sweet potato. It is not anywhere where you can see rice and beans. On the street of Rivers, everyone is saying that the Governor and the former Governor are quarrelling.
“We want to plead with you, continue to be holding your people back because if your people demonstrate like the other people, we will have a state of anarchy, and it is not good to have anarchy.
“I want to plead with you to abide by the rules of the land. I plead with you to abide by what the Constitution says. I plead with you to also abide by the decisions of the Judiciary. Wait for every judicial interpretation and act on judicial interpretation,” he added.
He pledged the readiness of the committee to work with the State Government to achieve mutually beneficial goals that will advance the interest of all Nigerians, adding that the hardship in the land was already enough burden that leaders need to concentrate efforts to address to promote growth and prosperity for all.
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Metro
UPDATED: 30 Killed, 100 Injured In Suicide Attacks At Borno Wedding, Funeral
Published
12 hours agoon
June 29, 2024By
Editor![](https://infodailyng.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Bomb-blasts-Gombe.webp)
No fewer than 30 persons died, with over 100 injured when suicide bombers attacked wedding and funeral ceremonies in Borno state.
The First Class Emir of Gwoza Local Government Area in Borno state, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, on Saturday, confirmed that multiple suicide attacks were carried out at various locations, including a wedding reception and a burial ceremony in Gwoza town.
The coordinated incidents, which took place in the afternoon, caused pandemonium as people scamper for safety.
Reliable sources said: “More than 30 innocent civilians were killed, while over 100 sustained various degrees of injuries.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Soldier, Six Others Killed As Suicide Bombers Detonate IED In Borno
“Many of the victims have been evacuated to Maiduguri for medical attention.”
Woman and two children
Confirming the incident to Vanguard exclusively, the royal father, Timta, said, “The entire Gwoza council area is in serious mourning following multiple suicide attacks on our community.
“The first suicide attack was masterminded by an unidentified woman. She sneaked in with two children into a wedding reception of a popular young man in Gwoza. Then she detonated her Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs, killing herself and many people.
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“Few minutes after, another suicide bomber sneaked into a burial ceremony nearby and detonated IEDs. And as i am talking to you right now, the third explosion just occurred a few minutes ago with more casualties.
“At least, over 100 people were injured, and most of them who sustained serious injuries have been rushed to Maiduguri with military escort for proper medical attention.
“This is just a preliminary confirmation, as details of the casualties are still yet unknown. But I will keep you posted on any developments,” the Emir stated.
READ ALSO Anambra Couple Arrested For Starving, Abusing Five Sons
Reacting to the incidents, a member representing Gwoza/Chibok/Damboa federal constituency, Ahmed Usman Jaha a.k.a Babawo, sympathized with the families of those who lost their loved ones in the multiple attacks.
He prayed Allah to grant the souls of the deceased Aljannatul Firdaus. Also, he wished those who sustained injuries quick recovery.
Gwoza, a town in southern Borno borders the Cameroun Republic.
It was hitherto declared Boko Haram territory. It was captured by insurgents with hundreds of people killed before it was later liberated by troops
Metro
PHOTOS: Drama As Couple Take Wedding Vows Inside Lagos Airport
Published
13 hours agoon
June 29, 2024By
Editor![](https://infodailyng.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Image-2024-06-29-at-19.58.03_0a008bd0_1719687707.jpg)
Airport users were on Saturday astonished as a couple, Olamide Agboola, and Abiodun Alli, took their wedding vows at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal II (MMA2).
The terminal is operated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd. (BASL).
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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the barricaded section of the departure area, for the wedding, accommodated only about 50 guests.
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Mr Kola Bamigboye, the Chief Operating Officer, BASL, told NAN that the wedding, which was first of its kind at the airport, was to tell the world that MMA2 was more than a terminal.
He hoped that with the successful wedding ceremony, more people would like to wedding at airports.
“We like to bring people together. Its either you are travelling through our terminal or you are coming here to solidify your love,” he said.
Mrs Monica Oguta, the Head of Aviation Security for BASL, said the wedding was an opportunity to create value for airport terminals.
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When asked if the couple were airport staff, Oguta said: They are just Nigerians who felt the idea is good.
“I started nursing the idea of an airport wedding some years back and when the opportunity came, we seized it.”
NAN reports that the couple exchanged their wedding vows and rings at the terminal.
The wedding was officiated by Ms Oluwabukunmi Aminu, a vow coordinator.
A passenger, Mrs Abigail Babatunde, said she had never witnessed such a wedding before.
NAN reports that the couple were given free flight tickets by Value Jet Airline.
(NAN)
Metro
Anambra Couple Arrested For Starving, Abusing Five Sons
Published
14 hours agoon
June 29, 2024By
Editor![](https://infodailyng.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot_20240629_143829_Chrome_1719668622.jpg)
A couple has been arrested and handed over to the police over the treatment meted out to their five underage sons in the Osumenyi community, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Mr Uche and Mrs Peace Mbonu are accused of alleged child abuse, starvation and refusal to provide necessities for their five underaged boys.
The arrest was carried out by the security operatives of the Nnewi South LGA before they were handed over to the police through the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo.
This was made known on Saturday, June 29, in a statement by the media aide to the commissioner, Chidimma Ikeanyionwu.
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The statement read, “On why they starved the kids, the couple denied the allegation and stated in their defence that the kids are always in the habit of eating raw rice, which makes them infuriated.
“While pleading for pardon, the couple said that they always feed the kids but that the children prefer eating raw rice, which they don’t know where they picked up the behaviour from.
“On his part, the oldest of the kids, Chigbo Mbonu, revealed that Peace Mbonu is his father’s third wife, and ever since she came into their family, they have faced a lot of untold hardship.
“Chigbo Mbonu, who is currently 17 years old, said that they feed once a day for the days their stepmother will give them food but rely on raw rice and palm kernel after hunger must have greatly dealt with them.
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“He went ahead to explain that he, at some point, stopped schooling because he helped his father in his block industry. He noted that he moulds blocks with four bags of cement on a bad day and six bags on normal days.
“Further physical examination of the children by the Women Affairs commissioner showed that they have been greatly starved and in need of medical care.
“It is important to note that Mr Uche Mbonu has married two wives before finally settling with the third one Peace Mbonu, who was his sales girl, and that the kids are all product of his previous marriages.
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“According to the security operatives who helped in apprehending the culprits, they explained that after they got the husband, his wife Peace ran to Nnewi, her maternal home to hide before they eventually apprehended her too.”
While reacting to the development, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Ify Obinabo, condemned the act and stated that the state government will continue to ensure that child labour, abuse and all forms of maltreatment are reduced to the barest minimum.
The couple has since been handed over to the police for further investigation, after which the matter will be charged to court.
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