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IPOB Blames Army, Police, Uzodinma For Imo Killings
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) said the Nigerian Army, Police Force, and Governor Hope Uzodinma were responsible for the innocent killings in Imo State.
A statement by the group’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, noted that the security agencies peddled false reports regarding the residents of the state to paint a negative picture of them.
The statement read in part, “Following the frustration and lack of professionalism by the Nigerian security agencies, they have as usual resorted to lies and propaganda to deceive the gullible minds.
“The Nigerian Army and police parading and killing innocent citizens in Imo State have started with falsehood to demonise their innocent victims. They can only deceive those who don’t know what is happening in Imo State since Hope Uzodinma and his APC party turned Imo State into an abattoir for innocent Biafrans.
“Nigerian security agents and Ebubeagu security members recruited by Hope Uzodinma were operating and killing innocent citizens in Imo State have lied again that they repelled Eastern Security Network (ESN) operatives who allegedly besieged the palace of Eze Emmanuel Okeke of Amaifeke in Orlu LGA Imo State.
IPOB added that it had no grouse with monarchs in the South-East, against what the security agencies are peddling as a hunt on the traditional institution.
IPOB stated that the community policing network, known as Ebubeagu, under the direction of Uzodinma, lied that it repelled operatives of the ESN after allegedly holding siege to a palace.
“This is another blatant lie from the pit of hell. IPOB/ESN operatives have no issues with traditional rulers in Biafraland but Nigeria army and police are trying to create the wrong impression that we are hunting the monarchs,” IPOB stated.
However, IPOB has warned those behind incessant attacks in the South-East, saying “they (criminal elements) have as usual resorted to lies and propaganda to deceive the gullible minds”.
Exonerating itself from the killings in the region, the group through its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, yesterday, said they have no hands in the spate of killings and abductions in any part of South-East.
The group claimed some criminal elements parading as security agents were the ones behind the incessant killings in a bid to demonise IPOB.
“It is true that we criticise some traitors among our people, including politicians, traditional rulers, and even fake religious leaders.
“Our condemnation of their unpatriotic actions against Biafra has not got to the level of going after any of them.
“Maybe very soon these criminals behind the bloodletting in our land will start going after religious leaders and blame their abominable act on IPOB and ESN.”
“The recent confession by Rochas Okorocha has vindicated us.
“Some wicked people in collaboration with the security agents are the masterminds of the insecurity in our land.
“Many buildings were burnt down in Umutanze, Amaifeke in Orlu and Orsu by compromised security agents in Imo. This madness must stop,” the group added.
Meanwhile, the Indigenous People of Biafra, through its Media and Publicity Secretary, Mr Emma Powerful, has confirmed that the group had banned recitation of the Nigerian national anthem in schools in the South-East region.
It would be recalled that IPOB, had last Monday, apart from banning the national anthem in schools, also banned the use of Fulani cows during festive seasons in the region.
Speaking with newsmen, yesterday, Powerful said the order came from the “head of directorate and leadership of the group as led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”
He, however, explained that he would expatiate with further details more information as regards the directive, yesterday.
Powerful, who denied the group’s involvement in the killings and kidnappings of some monarchs in the South-East, said “shedding of blood” is not included in their mandate, but rather, the emancipation of its people from slavery.
He said, “Yes, our head of directorate and leadership made it so that Nigeria national anthem should be banned in schools, including the use of Fulani cows during festive season.
“We will work out mechanisms to ensure compliance in a non-violent manner. We are freedom fighters working for the emancipation of our people from slavery as led by our leader, MNK. We are not a violent or terrorist group.
“We are putting heads together for a more robust deliberation and before the end of the day; further details would be put out in the public domain.
“This campaign will be tagged the ‘Prisoner of conscience campaign’ and all IPOB family members, Biafrans and friends of Biafra are expected to key into this campaign.”
Also, the Indigenous People of Biafra has made known its intention to create an Education Department that would teach Igbo history in schools.
In a New Year statement signed by the group’s Head of Directorate of State, Chika Edoziem, IPOB stated that three books are ready for publication to support this effort.
“We have about three books that will be published this new year in furtherance of this. After the head of this department is made public, Biafran writers will be called upon to bring forward books and educational materials to be published for our children in primary and secondary schools,” the statement reads in part.
Meanwhile, IPOB has stated that it would start a worldwide campaign for the release of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who is detained by the Nigerian government on charges of treason.
This came in a statement signed by Edoziem and IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful, which outlined the group’s activities for the year 2022.
The proscribed group added that it would take the campaign to embassies and international governments and organisations to spread its message.
The statement read in part, “Secondly all IPOB families worldwide are hereby directed to activate the earlier instruction passed down to them. We shall embark on a worldwide protest in cities and capitals around the world.
“The campaign will be called, ‘The Prisoner of Conscience Campaign’. In furtherance of this campaign, all IPOB family members, Biafrans and friends of Biafra are hereby urged to change their profile pictures on social media with our official campaign poster.
“The focus of our protest shall be British Embassies, the British Parliament, 10 Downing Street, the Kenyan Embassies, the Nigerian Embassies and international organisations like the UN, the EU, Amnesty International and media houses.”
The Rivers State Chief judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi has granted pardon to six inmates standing awaiting trial at the Port Harcourt maximum correctional center.
The six lucky inmates granted pardon on Tuesday by the state Chief Judge included Nwekeala Chizoba, Samuel Emmanuel, Aniete Kelvin, Ebube Fubara and Goddey Okpara who were on awaiting trial as murder suspects and have all spent between 10 years to seven years in the custody without a proper information filed against them in the court.
Justice Amadi during a special gaol delivery exercise last Tuesday at the Port Harcourt Maximum Correctional Centre opined that the special gaol delivery was part of activities lined up to commomerate the 2024/2025 legal year in the State and restated the commitment of the state judiciary in decongesting the correctional centre and ensuring that those inmates who are not supposed to be there are removed from the custody.
The state chief judge stressed the need for all stakeholders to work together to build a society that supports rehabilitation and gives a second chance to anyone or group of people who have fallen short of the expectation of the law and have been punished accordingly.
He stressed that the National Judicial Council(NJC) encourages judges to pay more attention to criminal matters to enable them to decongests the correctional facilities, noting that since his assumption into office, his administration has been able to reduce the number of inmates in Nigerian Correctional Centres and the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre in particular, to less than 2,000 as against the over 4,000 inmates previously in the faculty.
According to him, “as they release the deserving inmates, they affirm their commitment to justice, compassion and rule of law but that they must not forget the fundamental principles of justice delivery system which is truth and fairness, integrity and equality before the law.”
I encourage you all the released inmates to return to your families and become better citizens. You must not engage in action that will return you all back to prison. Let me say that while the judges show empathy to you all, it does not absolved individuals from being held accountable for actions against individuals, corporate organisations and state which the law frowns at, ”he stated
The Chief Judge thereafter stood down the exercise to enable the DPP to intervene to case files following the fact that majority of the persons listed to benefit from the exercise are facing murder charges and adjourned to a date that will come before December.
Earlier in his goodwill message, the outgoing state Comptroller of Nigerian Correctional Centre, Port Harcourt, Felix Lawrence, who was recently promoted to the rank of Assistant Controller General, commended the state judiciary led by Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi for their continuous effort aimed at ensuring justice and decongesting the facilities.
Other activities lined up for the event included special church service at St Paul’s Cathedral , Anglican Communion, Rebisi Port Harcourt, inspection of guard of honour by the state Chief Judge mounted by officers of the Nigerian police and a special court session held at the ceremonial court hall.
By: AkujobiAmadi
The Director General of Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement (RBoPP), Dr. Ine Briggs, has explained that the Sir Siminalayi Fubara administration plans to enforce transparency in governance through public procurement.
Speaking at a one-day Public Procurement Enlightenment workshop organised in collaboration with the State Local Government Service Commission for newly elected chairmen, vice chairmen, secretaries and leaders of legislative assemblies, Dr. Briggs said it is key for grassroot development.
She stated that the Sir. Fubara administration plans to reduce wastage and at same time infuse efficiency in public expenditure.
The RSoPP DG said the local government political office holders remain key drivers in the new vision hence the workshop is to arm them with knowledge on how to execute projects in tandem with needs of the people.
“ Your role in the prudent management of public resources is, therefore, not just administrative it’s the cornerstone of delivering the dividends of democracy. Every procurement decision you make must reflect a commitment to fairness, transparency and accountability” Dr. Briggs submitted.
One of the key goals of the administration she further reminded the participants was to use their offices to foster economic growth through public procurement.
She warned that the law establishing the agency empowers it to penalise defaulters, but that what is more important is voluntary compliance to the laws.
In addition to that, she said urged the local government council leaders that champion the practice and implementation of public procurement law.
On his part, Acting Chairman of Local Government Service Commission, Pastor GoodLife Ben Iduoku averred that the aim of the workshop is to arm key stakeholders in the local government system to generate new ideas, innovation and strategies in tandem with government policies and programmes.
The workshop dealt on various topics on procurement planning, methods, Understanding Bid Process, including types of Construction Contracts and law.
Some participants were awarded excellence and meritorious awards as part of the programme.
By: Kevin Nengia
The 19th anniversary of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Rivers State Chapter, recently ended in Port Harcourt in grand style, with participants from various schools including proprietors, the academia, civil society groups and top government functionaries charting the way forward for educational improvement.
The 19th NAPPS anniversary christened, ‘Innovation and Adaptation: Transforming Challenges Into Opportunities’ was held at Casoni Hotels, Port Harcourt.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Rivers State Chapter of the association, Dr. Jaja Adafe Sunday expressed gratitude to the members and executives for their untiring efforts towards the achievements of the body.
He sought the intervention of government on the lingering crisis on the economy as it is affecting the running of schools.
He decried high cost of things including fuel and raw materials which has adversely affected the running of schools and payment of teachers.
Dr. Sunday hinted that the current economic situation in the nation is biting hard on the operations of schools, saying inflation, removal of fuel subsidy, fuel scarcity, poor electricity supply, tariffs and lack of government grants are some of the challenges faced by schools, and urged the members to brace up to the challenges, as it is the panacea to building a brighter future.
Guest speakers from the health sector and the academia thrilled the gathering on the essence of basic education which they said is the key to national development.
Former Dean of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Professor Azuru and the Chief Medical Director of Meridian Hospitals, Dr. Odo Iyke were some notable guest speakers who delivered lectures at the occasion.
Some distinguished proprietors also got special recognitions and awards.
The 19th anniversary cake was cut by the Rivers State NAPPS Chairman with representatives of the state government assisting.