Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano has given a counter directive to the people of the state to confront the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), over threat that it would disrupt the November 18 governorship election in the state.

He urged them to challenge any person or group that attempts to disrupt peace or cause chaos during the election.
Obiano who spoke in Awka, the state capital observed that security reports available to him revealed that those behind the threat were from outside the state and wondered why such people should always come to Anambra to foment trouble.

He said the state has been declared very safe and assured that it would remain so before, during and after the election. Obiano urged the people not to be disturbed by election boycott threats, but to be prepared for such persons, should they attempt any such ill-advised intention to disrupt peace during the election.

“We cannot allow somebody from another state to invade our peaceful state and issue unwelcome directives to us.
“We will not fold our hands and watch such an individual motor in people from Abia, Enugu and other places to disrupt order in our state.
“Ignore the empty threats. Go about your lawful businesses and sleep with both eyes closed. I will keep watch over you with my two eyes open. I will let anyone who dares us know I am from Aguleri.”

The governor called on the people to take the threats as empty, saying that the majority of those at Nnamdi Kanu’s rally at Ekwulobia on Sunday were people from Abia, Enugu and other places, who should not be part of the election in the state.

Kanu had during a rally of IPoB members at Ekwulobia in Aguata local government area on Sunday, renewed his call on the people to boycott the forthcoming election in the state. [myad]

The Nigerian Association of Entrepreneurs in the United Kingdom has condemned those who criticized the nation-wide broadcast of President Muuhammadu Buhari on Monday, saying that such critics are ignorant and malicious,

Chairman of the group, Charles Sylvester said in a statement today, Tuesday, said: “for crying out loud, this is not a budget speech. The government is in continuum as the acting president was in charge in his absence.

“Delivering a long speech would have rendered the work of our capable Vice President as incompetent, which would have been disrespectful and the president is wise not to do just that.”

Charles Sylvester, who described Buhari speech as “a well-articulated and direct speech,” said that members of the group are happy that the President has energetically resumed duty and delivered a well-articulated speech which pointedly summarized the country’s situation, while been decisive in dealing with security threats and economic security.

“This will provide assurances to foreign investors who will be encouraged to do business in Nigeria.

“The large turnout of millions of Nigerians to welcome our president despite glaring challenges is a testament of how he is dearly loved and a phenomenon.

“We call on all Nigerians to continue to support the President and pray that God will grant him good health and the wisdom to lead Nigeria to attain greatness.” [myad]

The United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) has expressed discomfort in the rise of Boko Haram recruited children suicide bombers from 19 last year to 83 this year, especially in the North Eastern of Nigeria.

In a statement today, Tuesday, the world body looking after the well being of children, also regretted that some of the children who have been released, rescued or escaped from Boko Haram or similar Islamist terrorist groups are being rejected by the communities.

The statement which was issued by the UNICEF spokesman, Marixie Mercado said: “there is an extraordinary level of tension obviously in these communities and… people are afraid of children who have been victimized in this absolutely appalling way,”

“There are instances of children being ostracized by their communities and worse. Terrible things are happening to children after already horrific things have happened to them.”

The statement said that in total, 55 attacks used girls, often younger than 15 years old, 27 used boys and one even used a baby strapped to a young girl to carry out a suicide bomb attack.

UNICEF described such terrorist attacks as an “atrocity,” stressing that the children involved are “victims, not perpetrators.

“There were two girls taught by Boko Haram to be suicide bombers … The girls confirmed that they were taught that their life was not worth living, that if they die detonating the bomb and killing a lot of people, then their lives will be profitable.”

So far, 1.7 million people have been displaced by the Islamist insurgency in the northeast of the country, 85 percent of whom come from Borno state, the main focus of such attacks.

The insurrection is now in its eighth year, having claimed the lives of more than 20,000 and forced more than 2 million people to flee their homes, reports Reuters. [myad]

The Nigerian navy has announced the release of the list of successful candidates in the aptitude test that was held nationwide on August 12, 2017.

The spokesperson of the Navy, Captain Suleman Dahun, in a statement today, Tuesday, directed the successful candidates to report at the Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Ojo, Navy Town, Lagos for the final selection interview from August 25 to September 14, 2017.

Captain Suleman asked the candidates to come along with the original copies of their credentials, sporting kits and writing materials for the exercise.

“Meanwhile, candidates are advised against patronizing online fraudsters who use fake Facebook accounts bearing names and pictures of serving senior naval officers to extort money from innocent candidates for the purpose of the recruitment exercise.”

Captain Dahun advised the candidates to check online at www.joinnigerianavy.com for scheduled dates for the final interview for each of the states in the country. [myad]