NEWS
Sanwo-Olu urges Yoruba sons, daughters to unite for Tinubu
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Monday called on Yoruba sons and daughters to unite and support the presidential aspiration of Sen Bola Tinubu.
Sanwo-Olu made the call at the 2022 edition of the Annual Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
He urged the Yoruba race to support Tinubu, since he was an experienced politician, even within Africa.
”Let me pronounce that in the unifying spirit of the Ojude Oba celebration, it is my firm hope and belief that the Yoruba race will unite as one behind the momentous candidature of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
”He is a proud son of the race and one of the most formidable and experienced politicians to have ever emerged from Africa,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He said that the Ojude Oba had grown to become a prominent cultural and religious festival in Nigeria, and yet stayed true to its Islamic roots.
READ ALSO: Lagos to Tackle Health Tourism with World-Class Health System — Sanwo-Olu
According to him, celebrations like the Ojude Oba reminds that evil will never triumph over good.
”It is also noteworthy that the Ojude Oba Festival has, while staying true to its Islamic roots, expanded to become a unifying symbol and occasion for people of all faiths, tribes, and tongues; as well as a global celebration of Ijebu heritage and culture.
”We must never lose sight of this unifying element, especially at a time when the forces of division seem to be working so actively to undermine all that we cherish as a people,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu also praised the historical and cultural bond between Lagos and Ogun states, saying that they were shaped by same forces and experiences.
He said that the two states were nourished by the same waterways, and lived up to the same ‘Omoluabi’ standards and ideals.
”This was what spurred my brother Governor, Dr Dapo Abiodun and I to, in 2021, establish the Lagos-Ogun Joint Development Commission, to collaborate on key areas of mutual benefits and development, and accelerate socio-economic growth for all our communities and our people.
”The road network linking Ijebu-Ode, Epe and Lekki is yet another concrete manifestation of our collaboration – Ogun has completed its own stretch while we will complete our own end this year.
”This will open up new commercial and logistic opportunities in that axis, and positively impact the lives of our people.
”Our Adiyan Waterworks project draws its water from the Ogun River. These are just a few examples of the very many ways in which our destinies are bound together,” he said.
The annual Ojude Oba Festival is hosted by the Awujale of Ijebu and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu Land, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
It was last held in 2019, as the COVID-19 pandemic stopped the 2020 and 2021 editions.
Five persons also won tricycles in the raffle draw sponsored by telecommunications company – Globacom.
The Hausa community was represented in their numbers, while the Chief Imam of Ijebu-Ode and grand Imam of Ijebu Land, Sheikh Miftaudeen Gbadegesin said the opening prayer. (NAN)
NEWS
I Previously Called For Simon Ekpa To Be Shot – APC Chieftain
A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jesutega Onokpasa, has expressed strong support for the recent arrest of Simon Ekpa, the self-styled Prime Minister of the Biafran Republic Government in Exile.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Friday, Onokpasa, a lawyer, described Ekpa as a dangerous figure whose actions warranted severe measures, including his elimination.
READ ALSO: Edo State Governor Sets Up Committee To Recover Missing Gov’t Vehicles
Simon Ekpa was apprehended in Finland earlier this week by the country’s Central Criminal Police alongside three other individuals.
The arrests were part of an investigation into suspected terrorist activities.
Finnish authorities confirmed the development in a statement, noting that Ekpa and others were being questioned for their alleged roles in terrorism-related crimes.
Onokpasa, who has been a vocal critic of the separatist leader, revealed that he had previously called for Ekpa to be neutralized due to his alleged involvement in violent activities in Nigeria’s Southeast.
“The case of Simon Ekpa—his arrest is long overdue,” Onokpasa said during the interview. “In fact, I had actually encouraged that he should be shot because he was killing his fellow Igbos. If the person is an enemy combatant, he is liable to be shot. I know the law. This is just intelligence stuff.”
The APC chieftain also described Ekpa as “a crazy, poorly educated fellow,” adding that his actions have led to significant bloodshed among Igbos in the region.
Onokpasa emphasized his unwavering support for Ekpa’s arrest, which he believes is a necessary step in addressing the violence linked to separatist agitation. “In that case, I am in full support of his arrest,” he added.
Ekpa has been a polarizing figure, often accused of fueling unrest in Nigeria’s Southeast through his advocacy for Biafran independence.
His arrest is being hailed by some as a crucial step toward restoring peace in the region.
NEWS
Senator Ifeanyi Ubah Laid To Rest In Nnewi Amidst Tight Security
On Friday, November 22, 2024, the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah was laid to rest in his hometown of Nnewi, Anambra State.
The funeral, held at his residence in Umuanuka, Otolo Nnewi, was attended by a multitude of mourners, including political figures, business associates, and community members, all paying their final respects to the esteemed businessman and politician.
The burial proceedings commenced with a funeral mass at 10:00 a.m., followed by condolence visits and other funeral activities. The ceremonies are scheduled to continue through the weekend, culminating in a Thanksgiving Mass and Outing Service on Sunday, November 24, at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in Otolo Nnewi.
READ MORE: JUST IN: Anambra Senator, Ubah, Dies In London
In light of security concerns, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, ordered the closure of schools in Nnewi for a week. This decision followed threats from separatist elements who vowed to attack those attending the burial. A circular from the state Ministry of Education directed school principals to inform parents and ensure students remained at home during this period.
The Anambra State Police Command addressed an incident that occurred on Wednesday night, clarifying that it was not related to the burial. According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the incident involved security operatives mistakenly engaging police personnel, leading to an exchange of gunfire. The situation has since been brought under control.
Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who represented Anambra South Senatorial District, passed away in London in July 2024 at the age of 52. His death was met with an outpouring of grief from across the nation, with many acknowledging his significant contributions to the development of Anambra State and Nigeria.
As the community of Nnewi and the nation at large bid farewell to Senator Ubah, his legacy as a philanthropist, businessman, and public servant continues to resonate, leaving an indelible mark on those he served and inspired.
NEWS
Simon Ekpa’s Arrest Will Restore Peace In South East, Says Enugu Gov’t
The Enugu State Government has commended the Republic of Finland for the arrest of Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based leader of the proscribed separatist group, Autopilots.
Ekpa has been accused of orchestrating violence and chaos in Nigeria’s South East region.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the government described Ekpa as a “common criminal, con man, and terrorist” who has exploited the Igbo people while claiming to represent their interests.
RELATED NEWS: Finnish Police Arrest Simon Ekpa Over Terror-Related Allegations
“The Enugu State Government welcomes the arrest of the Finland-based terrorist, Simon Ekpa,” the statement read.
“His arrest and trial will no doubt go a long way in strengthening peace, security, and stability in all parts of the South East.”
The state government accused Ekpa of sponsoring violent activities that have resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of property, and disruption of the region’s economic activities.
It stated that Ekpa’s actions were driven by personal greed and not genuine concern for the Igbo people.
Onyia said, “Ekpa is a murderer and fraudster who delights in killing his people and living large off their misery.
“He thrives on manipulating, exploiting, and extorting the people on the pretext of fighting for their interest and for the restoration of Biafra.”
The government emphasized its readiness to provide evidence of Ekpa’s alleged crimes to support his prosecution, whether in Finland or Nigeria.
“This arrest is in line with the demand of the Governor Peter Mbah Administration, which has repeatedly made it known that Ekpa is a megalomaniac, common criminal, murderer, and fraudster who takes joy in feeding fat on the manipulated emotions of Ndigbo and inflicting misery on the South East region,” the statement added.
The government further criticized Ekpa for fostering a climate of fear and insecurity that has harmed the entrepreneurial spirit and economic growth of the Igbo people.
“Ekpa has for long, and unfortunately from Finland, made a living by creating a siege climate and mentality in the South East, destroying lives, property, and the Igbo trademark of entrepreneurship and hard work,” Onyia said.
The Enugu State Government expressed optimism that Ekpa’s arrest would mark a turning point in the quest for peace and stability in the South East, urging residents to remain vigilant and supportive of ongoing efforts to restore normalcy in the region.