May You Burn In Hell, CharlyBoy Curses Simon Ekpa, IPOB Leader Arrested In Finland

February 23, 2023

Nigerian entertainer and activist, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has cursed Simon Ekpa, self-proclaimed disciple of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu,.

Simon Ekpa was arrested today, February 23 in Finland by the security operative in Finland from where he has been inciting Igbo people in the Southeast against the government of Nigeria.

Charly Boy, who reacted to the arrest, via his Instagram handle, to the arrest of Simon Ekpa, asked God to put the self-acclaimed leader of IPOB in hell for causing so much confusion and pains to the people of the Southeast..

Charly Boy wrote: “Is it true that this scum bag has finally been arrested by the Finis Police. The Saboteur in Igbo land causing mayhem and sponsoring terrorists. For all the youths you have led to their untimely death, may u burn in Hell.”

Finnish Police Release Biafran Agitator, Simon Ekpa, “As Crime Suspect”

Editorial staff

February 23, 2023

The Finnish Central Criminal Police has confirmed that the Biafran Republic agitator, who lives in that country, Simon Ekpa, has been released after being tagged crime suspect.

The police said that Ekpa’s arrest was in connection with the ongoing preliminary investigation.

“The person being questioned today is suspected of a crime. We will return to the title on Friday,” Tommi Reen from the Central Criminal Police told HS during a phone interview.

Simon Ekpa, a self-acclaimed disciple of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, had repeatedly ordered Igbos in the Southeast to observe sit-at-home and asked them to boycott the country’s general elections scheduled to begin on Saturday, February 25.

Earlier in the day, Ekpa was escorted out of his apartment in Lahti by Finnish policemen.

Ahead Of Saturday Election In Nigeria, Finland Arrests Biafran Agitator, Simon Ekpa

Editorial staff

February 23, 2023

Two days to the Presidential election slated for Saturday, February 25 in Nigeria, the fire spitting Biaftan Republic agitator, Simon Ekpa has been pick by security agents in Finland where he lives.

Criminal Tommi Reen from the Central Criminal Police, confirmed to Finland news outlet, HS, that the KRP had a police operation in a private apartment in the center of Lahti.

Reen said that the operation was in connection with an ongoing preliminary investigation. He did not comment further on the matter.

Nigeria had asked Finland to intervene in Ekpa’s activities.

Last week, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Godfrey Onyeama invited the Finnish ambassador, Leena Pylvänäinen to a meeting.

Simon Ekpa who is Finland-based legal practitioner and former athlete is known for his subversive comments against Nigeria and its leadership.

The political activist has in recent years spoken against the unity of the country, insisting the Republic of Biafra must be achieved.

Simon Ekpa increased his campaigns after the June 2021 re-arrest and repatriation of Nnamdi Kanu, founder of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Security and intelligence service have linked the kidnapping and murders in the South-East to speeches made by Ekpa, who recently gave directive to Igbo people in the Southeast not to participate in the general elections that will usher in new President and leaders in various political offices.

Nigerian Press Organization Sets Up National Media Complaints Commission

Greenbarge Reporters

February 23, 2023

The Nigerian Press Organization (NPO) has announced the setting up of a nine-man board of the National Media Complaints Commission (NMCC), otherwise known as the National Ombudsman.
The commission, according to a statement by the President of the Newspaper Proprietors’’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Malam Kabiru A. Yusuf, is a major step by the industry to strengthen public confidence in the media through prompt resolution of issues bordering on ethical breaches in media content.
Kabiru Yusuf who is also the President of the NPO that is made up of NPAN, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), with Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), said that the process for the setting up of the National Media Complaints Commission was conceived working in tandem with other strategic media players and the civil society, in particular the MacArthur Foundation
The statement said that membership of the commission were drawn from the media, the Bar, the academia, and civil society, giving the names of the members as Emeka Izeze , former Managing Director, Guardian Newspapers as Chairman; A. B Mahmoud, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, and a member of the Body of Benchers; Professor Chinyere Stella Okunna, Deputy Vice Chancellor, (Academic) Paul University, Anambra State; Dr. Hussain Abdu, a Development & Humanitarian Specialist and Country Director, Care International (Nigeria) ; Lanre Idowu, Editor-in-Chief of Diamond Publications Ltd. and Founder, Diamond Awards For Media Excellence (DAME); Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director, Media Rights Agenda (MRA); Mrs. Dupe Ajayi-Gbadebo, a Journalist, Lawyer and Arbitrator ; Mrs. Eugenia Abu, Broadcaster, Author and Columnist, and Managing Partner/CEO, Eugenia Abu Media, and the Chair, House of Representatives Committee on Information
The statement said that the commission will serve as an independent forum for resolving complaints about the press, quickly, fairly, and free of charge; maintain high standards of Nigerian Journalism and journalistic ethics; and defend the freedom of the press and the rights of the people to know.
it said that prior to the announcement, each media house had been directed to institute at the newspaper level, the local Ombudsman. The National Ombudsman will serve as an appellate body for the local Ombudsman as well as a court of first instance.

Desperate Politicians Have Cornered New Notes To Buy Votes, Bishop Adeoye Alleges

Greenbarge Reporters

February 23, 2023

The Lead Bishop of Worldwide Anglican Church (WAC) in Nigeria, Bishop Seun Adeoye has alleged that politicians desperate to win elections have cornered the new naira notes and make them scarce to common people for the purpose of buying votes.
The World Bishops’ Council (WBC) spokesman in Africa said, in a statement today, February 23, in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, said that going by the agonies Nigerians have been passing through in the last few weeks over the shortage of new naira notes, it will be out of order for anyone to possess such cash to buy votes during the polls.
“We were told that the new naira notes are unavailable for Nigerians because politicians have mopped up the cash printed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
“So, our real enemies are those who removed from circulation the new naira notes and kept them out of the reach of the masses for the purpose of using same to buy votes on election day.
“If we see anyone sharing same new naira notes as inducements to buy votes, we should not hesitate to report them to security agencies. Already, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released telephone numbers you can call when you see such.
“Vote against any political party that makes attempt to bribe you. Some say take their money and vote against them but I say reject it and vote against them because that money is blood money from wicked people.”
Bishop Adeoye advised Nigerians to troop out in large number on Saturday to vote for the candidates of their choice while calling on security agents to be alert to check those who plan to cause trouble.

2023: Abdulsalami’s Committee Berates Political Parties For Violating Peace Accord

Greenbarge Reporters

February 23, 2023

Chairman of the National Peace Committee for the 2023 general elections in Nigeria, retired General Abdulsalami Abubakar has berated political parties and their candidates jostling for elective offices, especially Presidency, in the elections that begin this week’s Saturday, February 25 across the country, for violating the letter and spirit of the peace accord they signed in September last year.

Speaking yesterday, February 22 in Abuja, at the renewal of peace accord amongst the candidates of the various political parties in Nigeria, Abdulsalami said that the main culprits in the lack of compliance to the earlier accord are the major political parties.

According to him, 44 per cent of the violations were carried out by the spokespersons of the political parties; 26 per cent by party members; 19 per cent by the presidential candidates themselves; 11 per cent by the hardcore supporters and 4 per cent by the Chairmen of the parties,” he said.

The Chairman of the Peace Committee said that since the start of official campaigning on September 28, 2022, there have been 60 attacks recorded on political rallies, resulting in nine fatalities, with the highest numbers in the southwest and southeast and lowest in the northeast and north-central.

“This is according to data collated by the National Election Violence Tracker.”

He, therefore, called on all political actors, key stakeholders and Nigerians to support a peaceful transition, promote the ideals of peace and a violent free post-election period.

“I urge all politicians who will sign the accord to fully commit themselves to the letter and spirit of the Accord.”

This was even as the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Mahmood Yakubu assured the nation that the presidential election will hold on Saturday, February 25, saying: “INEC is ready.”

According to him, INEC has already commenced the movement of sensitive materials to the various Local Government Areas (LGAs) nationwide.

“By Friday we will activate the registration area centres so that at first light on Saturday, polling units will open on time.

“The commission is committed to free, fair, and credible elections in compliance with the electoral framework and the spirit of the peace accord.

“All political parties and candidates are hereby reassured of the commission’s neutrality. INEC is not a political party. We have no candidate in the election. Our allegiance is to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and our loyalty is to Nigerians.

“Therefore, Nigerians should feel confident that their votes will count.”

Presidential Election: Buhari’s Govt Insists No Going Back On February 25

Editorial staff

February 22, 2023

File photo of Electoral commission officers count votes | Credit:

All are set for the Presidential election scheduled for this week’s Saturday, February 25 across the country, as the Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari insisted that there is no going back.

At the end of a crucial meeting today, presided over by President Buhari, the National Security Council (NSC) unanimously resolved that February 25 D-Day for the scheduled polls.

At the meeting, the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Inspector General of Police (IGP), all the Service Chiefs, including Department of State Service (DSS), the Nigeria Intelligent Agency (NIA), the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Ministry of Justice and others spoke about their readiness to conduct peaceful, free and fair election.

Speaking to newsmen separately after the meeting at the Presidential villa, Justice minister, Abubakar Malami; IGP, Baba Alkali Usman and others, recalled the previous meetings by the President with vital segments of the Nigeria on the preparation for the conduct of the election.

Such segments, according to Malami, are the Federal Executive Council meeting (FEC), the Council of State that is made up of past Presidents and leaders.

“Now out of desire to further consolidate and appraise the comprehensive and general preparation of the system, relating to the conduct of the election, this meeting, which is third in series of appraising and reviewing the state of preparedness is called upon by the President, which is the National Security Council meeting.

“At the National Security Council meeting, briefings were made by security agencies generally and service chiefs. National Security Adviser made submission; Chief of Defense Staff made one; Chief of Army Staff made submission; Chief of Naval Staff made submission, Chief of Air Staff did; Inspector-General of Police, who incidentally is equally addressing you, made submission; Director-General, State Security Service did; and indeed DG NIA and CDI all made submissions.

“The summary and conclusion of all submissions was to the effect that the system is wholeheartedly ready for the conduct of the election and arising there from, the position of the government, the position of the President is to the effect that the election is holding of the 25th day of February, 2023 and Mr. President and the National Security Council are happy with the preparations on the ground and wholehearted arrangements are put in place in that direction.

“So we have been mandated, arising from the conclusions of the Security Council meetings to now brief you accordingly, but the summary of it, the conclusion of it, the resolution of the Council, is to the effect that the elections are holding and there is no going back about it.”

This was even as the IGP Baba Alkali said that the Council is satisfied that the Nigerian Police, leading other security agencies and also the members of the armed forces and intelligence community, are all prepared towards providing the umpire.

“We were able to inform Mr. President that security-wise we’ve been able to … this country in terms of threat analysis in terms of what we expect, what we need to do during, before and after the elections and the military have also pledged their commitment to support the process by providing the needed support at their own level, which requires different kinds of assistance in terms (because they may not be actually policing the election, but they are to ensure that no adversary, by whatever means, comes out to disrupt the process).

“The INEC has also told us that it has everything in its custody, the Chief of Air Staff has confirmed his continuous commitment to making sure that where his assistance is needed, everything that requires his assistance in terms of deployment of materials will be done. So also, the Chief of Naval Staff, who’s going to give the same support in the riverine area and we, on our part, are going to provide security like I briefed this press sometime last week that we expect we will be able to cover every polling station in this country with our men and we also expect to provide a motorized patrol to ensure that no adversary comes by any way to disrupt the electoral process.”

Buhari To Contestants: Respect Voters’ Choice, Accept Outcome of The Polls

Editorial staff

February 22, 2023

President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed Presidential candidates contesting elections at all levels to respect the choice of voters and accept the result of the elections as would be announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The President, who witnessed the signing of the Second Peace Accord for the 2023 Presidential elections today, February 22, in Abuja, reminded the political class and their supporters that INEC is the agency empowered by law to announce the results.

”Any aggrieved candidate should resort to the established judicial processes, and we must have the confidence to trust our legal systems.

”I once again ask the candidates to abide by the spirit and letter of the Accord they have signed today.

”Let me remind all Nigerians not for the first time that this is the only country we have, and we must do everything to keep it safe, united and peaceful.

”There should be no riots or acts of violence after the announcement of the election results. All grievances, personal or institutional, should be channeled to the relevant courts.”

The President acknowledged that deep concerns have been raised about the conduct of the 2023 general elections and the outcomes they may throw up.

He, however, assured Nigerians that his administration will continue to do the utmost to deliver a free and fair election.

”Since my assumption of office, we have worked so hard to ensure that we pass on a legacy of free, fair, credible, safe, and peaceful elections.

”We will continue to act with neutrality and allow the rule of law to take precedence over political expediency.

”We have demonstrated that with the off-circle elections in Edo, Ondo, Anambra, Ekiti and Osun States. We allowed Nigerians to decide who should govern them. We are committed to that legacy in this administration.”

President Buhari therefore assured INEC, security agencies and all relevant institutions saddled with responsibility of conducting the elections, of his administration’s continuous support.

He asked them to be firm and courageous, abiding by the laws and constitutional provisions in conducting the elections.

”We must constantly improve our electoral process using technology and all the positive elements it brings to consolidate the integrity of the elections.”

The President thanked the Chairman and members of the National Peace Committee, led by General Abdulsalami Abubakar, for their commitment and sacrifices to support peaceful elections in Nigeria.

He recalled that in September 2022, the Chairman had respectfully asked him to deliver a goodwill message in support of issue-based and peaceful campaigns and political rallies devoid of insults and personal attacks.

”I readily agreed because this is my personal belief and conviction; that we need to dwell more on issues that are fundamental to Nigerians.

”Despite having no financial support from the government, the Peace Committee has remained steadfast, working with relevant agencies to provide moral compass and serve as an independent agency for alternative dispute resolution on the electoral process.

”I commend the Committee’s commitment and loyalty not only to the electoral process but to peace generally in Nigeria,” President Buhari said, adding that the ”committee has made a name for itself, at home and abroad.”

The President pledged that Federal Government would give the Peace Committee all the necessary support needed to make their work more impactful and successful.

He called on all other agencies and the International Development Partners to give them all the support in facilitating peaceful elections in the country.

Saturday’s Elections: The World Is Watching – U.S Reminds Nigeria.

Editorial staff

February 22, 2023

The United States of America has reminded Nigeria that the whole world is watching as Nigerians elect their next President this week Saturday, February 25.

In a 58 minutes video by Antony Blinken, United States Secretary of States; Samantha Power, USAID Administrator and Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. Ambassador to the UN, which was made available to news men today, February 22, by the U.S. Mission Nigeria, the U.S. advised that the election should be peaceful.

The US expressed the willingness to continue supporting Nigeria’s democracy, advising that during this election, Nigerians have a chance to make their voices heard and to choose their future.

Blinken said: “Your vote matters. This election matters – not only to Nigerians but the rest of the world.”

They stressed that the U.S. does not support any individual candidate for office but strongly supports a peaceful election that reflects the will of the people of Nigeria, adding that free and fair elections in Nigeria, help create a freer and fairer world for everyone.

“We are investing in your success. Our shared democratic futures depend on it,” said Greenfield.

They urged Nigerians to go out and vote for their preferred candidates.

The United Kingdom had on Tuesday threatened to sanction whoever is planning to subvert democratic processes in Nigeria.

EFCC Set To Seize, By Court Order, 14 Properties, Firms, Linked To Kogi Govt

Editorial staff

February 22, 2023

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the approval of the Federal High Court, Lagos to temporarily seize 14 properties and firms in Lagos, Abuja, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) linked to some Kogi State government officials.

The 14 properties affected by the order include Plot No. 1160, within Cadastral Zone CO3, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja; No. 2, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro Abuja; Block ‘D’, Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4 Abuja; Plot A 02/176 Block 488B, Lome Street, Wuse 1, Abuja; Fair Plus International Limited at No. 2 Kubwa Resettlement Area Cadastral Zone E1, Abuja; Fair Plus International Limited, at No 41 Ikorodu Road, Jibowu, Mushin, Lagos State; Fair Plus International Limited at No. 2 Bisi Odunsanya Street, Agege Motor Road, Agege Lagos State; Plot No. 1773 Guzape District, Abuja; and No B13 Citiscape-Shariff Plaza, lying, being and situate at plot 739 Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2 Abuja.

The UAE property is Hotel Apartment Community: Burj Khalifa, Plot 160 Municipality NO 345-7562, Sky View Building No 1, Property No 401, Floor 4, Dubai U.A.E.

Others include Plot No. 2934A, Cadastral Zone A06, also known as, No. 1 Ikogosi Spring Close, Maitama District, Abuja; Plot No. 1058, measuring about 1450.77sqm in Cadastral Zone AO8, Wuse 2, also known as No. 2 Durban Street, Abuja; Plot No. 1981, Maitama District, also known as No. 6 Dala Hills, Abuja and the sum of N400million allegedly recovered from Falala.

Justice Nicholas Oweibo granted the interim forfeiture order today following an ex parte motion by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).

Justice Oweibo also authorized the EFCC to confiscate the sum of N400million recovered from one Aminu Falala in connection with the alleged fraud.

Oyedepo told the judge that the application followed the EFCC’s probe of “damning intelligence of monumental fraud allegedly perpetrated by some principal officers of Kogi State Government and their cronies.”

The senior lawyer alleged that through the fraud huge sums of money belonging to the Kogi State Government were fraudulently converted and used to either outrightly acquire properties or renovate already existing but dilapidated buildings.

He informed the judge in suit FHC/L/CS/301/2023 that the properties were reasonably suspected to have been derived from unlawful activity and intended to be used for the acquisition of Plot No. 1224 Bishop Oluwole Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The judge directed the (EFCC) to publish the order in a national newspaper within 14 days for any interested party to show cause why the forfeiture order should not be made permanent.

He adjourned till March 28 for a report on compliance with the order.

The EFCC’s motion ex-parte dated February 17, 2023, sought a “preservation order of properties reasonably suspected to have been derived from unlawful activity pursuant to sections 9 and 10 of the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022 and Section 44(2)B of the 1999 Constitution.

Oyedepo backed the motion ex-parte application with an affidavit deposed to by an EFCC officer, Adekunbi Mojibola, who was part of the team that investigated the case.

Mojibola averred that the Kogi State government opened account number 1010662710 with Zenith Bank Plc named Kogi State Government House Admin.

She averred in her affidavit that the owner of the account between February 2016 and September 3, 2021, procured one Abdulsalam Hudu to make cash withdrawals of N46,039,579,919.38 (billion) from the account.

The deponent claimed that one “Comfort Olufunke was equally procured to make a cash withdrawal of N2,402,533,621.00 (billion) from the same account between March 23, 2016 and April 30, 2018.

She claimed that Hudu, between August 6 and September 29, 2019 “whilst fraudulently working in concert with his syndicate withdrew in cash the total sum of N612,650,000 (million) from an account known as Kogi State House Administration (operation) with account number 0793190623 domiciled in Access Bank.

She averred that between February 2016 and October 22, 2021, “Hudu in a desperate bid to conceal the proceeds of the several unlawful activities whilst working in concert with other principal officers of the state, made a cash withdrawal of N34,206,890,170.50 (billion) from the account known as Government House Admin Lokoja with account number 1003889575 domiciled in United Bank for Africa (UBA Plc).

The deponent further claimed that “a peep into the registers has revealed that about N7,900,000,000 (Billion) from the cash withdrawals made by Hudu and his cronies from the account of Kogi State Government were concealed in the care and custody of Murtala Maigari and his associates.”

Source: The Guardian.

1...355356357...2,499 Page 356 of 2,499