News
You Goofed Saying Biafra Is Dead, Buried, IPoB Replies Obasanjo
Published
2 years agoon
By
Editor
The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPoB, Wednesday, replied to former president Olusegun Obasanjo, over his alleged comment that Biafra is dead and buried, saying he goofed and Biafra is still a life.
IPoB in a statement by its Media and Publicity Secretary Emma Powerful, entitled ‘Chief Obasanjo knows that Biafra is much alive and will be restored soon,’ alleged that Chief Obasanjo, as a special guest at Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s one-year celebration in office at Awka, erroneously claimed that Biafra is dead and buried, saying that the former president of Nigeria goofed on that statement.
IPoB’s statement read, “The global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPoB, under the command and leadership of our great leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu wish to remind the former president of Nigeria Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, that Biafra is not dead and was never buried. but much alive and eventually the Sun shall rise to never set again.”
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“Chief Obasanjo, as a special guest at Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s one-year celebration in office at the event in Awka, Anambra State, erroneously said he believed that Biafra died and was buried on 13th January 1970 while making a speech at that occasion.
“How can Chief Obasanjo believe that an entire nation will die and be buried? Did he forget the warning of the then surrendering officer, General Philip Effiong, when he warned Nigeria to treat the descendants of Biafra well, or they will rise up to continue the demand for a separate country?
“Can Chief Obasanjo be sincere to himself that his government and subsequent ones treated Biafrans as equals in this country? We want to ask Chief Obasanjo, has there been any ethnic group in Nigeria that has been subjugated, maltreated, deprived, discriminated, profiled, hated, militarized, and their youths murdered by the Nigerian State like Biafrans?
READ ALSO: Why I Was Against Soludo’s Gov Ambition – Obasanjo
“Thank God that he, Obasanjo, publicly acknowledged that there is an “Igbophobia” in Nigeria. The hatred against Ndigbo in Nigeria is visible even to the blind.
“We would not have responded to Chief Obasanjo’s comment but we want him to bear in mind that Biafra is coming and very soon. We wish that God Almighty will keep him, Gowan, and other Biafra genocides alive to witness and celebrate Biafrans whose mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and ancestors they butchered in cold blood because of ethnic profiling and hatred from 1967-1970.
“The hatred we are witnessing today from other Nigerians if the country does not conduct the Biafra referendum in peace will soon cause it to implode in a more devastating way. This time, every part of Nigeria will feel the heat. It shall no longer be the Biafra civil war, but every part of Nigeria will receive its own share of a blood bath.
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“We want Chief Obasanjo and other interested groups to know that our demand for Biafra exit from Nigeria is not born out of hate for anyone but because we want to survive as a race. We have tried our best to belong and contribute to building Nigeria, which was founded on fraud and sustained with injustice and shared hatred against Biafrans, all to no avail. Our quest for the Biafra referendum and independence is a quest for survival.
“Chief Obasanjo, who wondered why there is “igbophobia” in Nigeria, was the same president who oversaw an evil policy to close all Seaports in Biafra territory in his show of hatred. He ensured that Lagos became the only operational seaport in Nigeria, thereby putting Biafran territory an economic disadvantage over his Yoruba territory.
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“Umu Igbo should Obasanjo be able to stand in ala Igbo and speak such words to us? Has Chief Obasanjo called the Nigerian government to obey their court order and release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, whom the Courts have discharged and acquitted?
“We, therefore, urge him not to patronize us with his hypocrisy. Biafra is our legal and human right and we must get it.
“We want Chief Obasanjo to know that Biafra is not dead and definitely not buried. No amount of propaganda and blackmail against the IPoB movement will make us change our resolve to restore Biafra. We either restore Biafra or we die restoring Biafra. That is why we say Biafra, Biafra or Biafra, nothing more nothing less.”
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News
W’Cup Qualifiers: Super Eagles Edge Rwanda 1-0 To Revive Qualification Hopes
Published
12 hours agoon
September 6, 2025By
Editor
In a high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria secured a vital 1–0 victory over Rwanda, breathing new life into their qualification hopes.
The only goal of the match came in the 51st minute when Tolu Arokodare capitalized on a loose ball in the penalty area, slotting it past Rwanda’s goalkeeper to give Nigeria a crucial lead.
The first half ended goalless, with both teams cautious in their approach. Nigeria’s defense, marshalled by Calvin Bassey, held firm despite Rwanda’s tactical shifts in the second half.
READ ALSO:
Nigeria suffered a blow as star striker Victor Osimhen limped off in the first half, replaced by Cyril Dessers. Despite the setback, the Super Eagles maintained pressure to secure the vital win.
The victory moves Nigeria to 10 points from 7 matches in Group C, while Rwanda remains on 8 points, making the race for World Cup qualification even tighter.
Fans reacted passionately on social media platforms, with many praising the team’s resilience and expressing concern over Osimhen’s injury.
Looking ahead, Nigeria will aim to build on this momentum in their upcoming fixtures to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
News
NCDC Alerts Nigeria As DR Congo Declares Ebola Outbreak
Published
12 hours agoon
September 6, 2025By
Editor
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a public health advisory following the confirmation of a new Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
As of September 4, 2025, the DRC has reported 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths, including four health workers, in the Kasai Province.
The Director-General of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, said the agency will continue to monitor the regional and global situations as there are no cases of Ebola virus disease in Nigeria, as of now.
However, the NCDC is taking proactive measures to prevent the spread of the disease, and it is working closely with relevant Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Partners to strengthen preparedness and response measures in Nigeria.
READ ALSO:Ebola In Uganda: NCDC Ups Preparedness, Cautions Nigerians On Travel
Idris urged Nigerians to practice good hand hygiene by washing their hands regularly with soap under running water or using hand sanitisers. He also advised Nigerians to avoid physical contact with anyone showing symptoms of infection or an unknown diagnosis.
Additionally, individuals should handle animals with gloves and protective clothing, and cook animal products thoroughly to reduce the risk of wildlife-to-human transmission.
Furthermore, people should avoid direct contact with the blood, saliva, vomit, urine, and other bodily fluids of suspected or confirmed EVD cases.
The NCDC advises Nigerian citizens and residents to avoid all but essential travel to countries with confirmed Ebola cases. Those with recent travel history to affected areas who experience symptoms should promptly call the NCDC hotline (6232) or their State Ministry of Health hotline for assessment and testing.
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They should also shelter-in-place to avoid further spread through shared transport systems and await dedicated responders for assessment and possible transport to a treatment centre.
The NCDC is strengthening surveillance across the country, including borders and airports, and enhancing laboratory capacities for quick testing of suspected cases.
Idris assured that the agency will continue to provide periodic updates on the situation as the Ebola outbreak in the DRC is caused by the Zaire strain, with a mortality rate estimated at 57%.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has deployed experts to support response efforts, and the DRC has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.
News
5% Fuel Surcharge: What Nigerians Should Know
Published
13 hours agoon
September 6, 2025By
Editor
Confusion has erupted online over a supposed 5% fuel surcharge under Nigeria’s new tax laws, with many fearing a sudden increase in fuel prices.
The chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, on Saturday through a post on X, clarified what is fact and what is fiction.
The controversy arises from the recent passage of the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025, which consolidates and harmonises previous tax laws.
Some social media posts suggested that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had introduced a new surcharge on fuel, sparking public concern.
Oyedele clarified: “The charge is not a new tax introduced by the current administration. The provision already exists under the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (Amendment) Act, 2007. Its restatement in the new Tax Act is for harmonisation and transparency rather than immediate implementation.”
According to Oyedele, the surcharge is meant to fund road infrastructure, an area that has historically suffered from underfunding.
Over the years, Nigeria’s road network has faced chronic maintenance challenges, resulting in potholes, travel delays, and higher vehicle operating costs.
Oyedele further noted that the surcharge is intended to create a dedicated, predictable funding source for road construction and maintenance.
READ ALSO:Nigerian Lawmakers Approve Tinubu Tax Reform Bills
Oyedele addressed key questions raised by citizens:
Will the surcharge start automatically in January 2026?
No. It will only take effect when the Minister of Finance issues an order published in the Official Gazette:
“The surcharge does not take effect automatically with the new tax laws. It will only commence when the Minister of Finance issues an order published in the Official Gazette as stated under Chapter 7 of the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025. This safeguard ensures careful consideration of timing and economic conditions before implementation,” Oyedele stated.
Does it apply to all fuels?
No. Household energy products such as kerosene, LPG, and CNG are exempt. Clean and renewable energy products are also excluded to support Nigeria’s energy transition agenda.
Why maintain the surcharge amid economic hardship?
Oyedele explained that the fund is meant as a dedicated mechanism for road maintenance:
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He said, “The surcharge is designed as a dedicated fund for road infrastructure and maintenance. If implemented effectively, it will provide safer travel conditions, reduce travel time and cost, lower logistics costs and vehicle maintenance expenses, which will benefit the wider economy. This practice is virtually universal with over 150 countries imposing various charges ranging between 20% to 80% of fuel products to guarantee regular investment in road infrastructure.”
Could subsidy savings cover road funding instead?
The Chairman of theCommittee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms said: “While subsidy savings will provide some funding, they are insufficient to meet Nigeria’s huge and recurring road infrastructure needs among other public finance needs. A dedicated fund ensures reliable and predictable financing for roads, complementing the budget and ensuring roads are not left underfunded.”
Does this contradict the tax reform objective of easing citizens’ burden?
READ ALSO:Tax Reform Bills Offer 55% To States In New Sharing Formula
Oyedele reassured: “The reforms have already reduced multiple taxes and removed or suspended several charges that directly affect households and small businesses, such as VAT on fuel, excise tax on telecoms, and the cybersecurity levy. By harmonising earmarked taxes, government is reducing duplication and ensuring a more efficient tax system.”
Why not remove the surcharge entirely?
He clarified: “Yes, the surcharge has been removed from the FERMA Act and incorporated into the new tax laws which are designed to provide a forward-looking legal framework for Nigeria. Keeping this provision in place within a harmonised legal framework ensures Nigeria is prepared to address critical challenges, such as sustainable road financing and even climate change impacts. It is not about immediate implementation, but to ensure the law provides a clear and effective framework for when it becomes necessary in the future.”
In summary, Oyedele stressed that the surcharge is not new, not immediate, and selectively applied. Its inclusion in the law is about transparency, preparedness, and sustainable funding for Nigeria’s roads, and it aims to address long-standing gaps in infrastructure financing.
(PUNCH)
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