An Igbo group, Concerned Igbo Citizens Council (CICC), has urged the Federal Government to release all individuals detained for self-determination agitations, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to a free society.

In a statement released over the weekend by the Interim National Coordinator, Comrade Ukachukwu Anaele Obioha, and the Interim National Secretary, Mazi James Uke Okorie, the group emphasized the need for the unconditional release of pro-Biafra activists and others advocating for self-determination.

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While acknowledging the recent release of Sunday Igboho, a pro-Odua Republic agitator, and Omoyele Sowore, the group stressed the importance of extending the same gesture to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and all others detained for similar activities.

Obioha highlighted the disparity in treatment between Igbo and Yoruba activists, citing the continued detention of Kanu and numerous Igbo youths involved with IPOB activities. He asserted that such actions by the government create an “unsavoury ethnic and sectional colouration” to its actions.

The group further called on the Department of State Services, Police, and the National Human Rights Commission to promptly investigate and compile a comprehensive list of individuals affected by self-determination agitations, including those killed, maimed, or unlawfully incarcerated.

“We demand the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and all Igbo and Eastern Nigerian youths detained for supporting the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB),” Obioha stated.

The council pledged to mobilize Nigerians across ethnic lines to advocate for a free society and urged organizations like Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and Igbo Governors’ Forum to support the release of Kanu and his supporters.

Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, has announced a significant subsidy of N1 million for each prospective pilgrim from the state, in response to the recent hike in Hajj fares by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

Alhaji Ahmed Umar Labbo, Director-General of the Jigawa Pilgrims Welfare Board, stated this in Dutse, the state capital.

Labbo emphasized the necessity of this subsidy, especially for intending pilgrims who had already made full payments but were affected by the sudden increase in Hajj fares.

He highlighted the financial strain posed by the fare hike and urged all prospective pilgrims from Jigawa State to promptly remit the remaining balance, amounting to over nine hundred and eighteen thousand naira, to the board.

The subsidy is specifically designated for those who have already made partial payments to the board, ensuring that they receive some relief from the increased costs associated with the pilgrimage.

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Governor Namadi’s initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on pilgrims and facilitate their journey to fulfill their religious obligations.

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has announced its intention to conclude the ongoing recruitment process into the Federal Fire Service (FFS) by June 15, 2024.

Chairman of the Board, Minister of Interior Olubumi Tunji-Ojo, revealed the updated timeline during the Board’s quarterly review meeting with heads of the four paramilitary agencies under its oversight.

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Speaking through the Board’s secretary, Ja’afaru Ahmed, Tunji-Ojo emphasized that shortlisted candidates would receive notifications to visit the Board’s portal via email and mobile phone messages.

The minister cautioned the public against responding to social media messages soliciting payment for placement, clarifying that such communications were fraudulent.

Additionally, the Board addressed 118 cases of misconduct involving officers from the four services under its jurisdiction, resulting in appropriate disciplinary actions.

A summary of the cases revealed that 48 officers from the Nigerian Correctional Service, 21 officers from the Nigeria Immigration Service, 12 officers from the Federal Fire Service, and 37 officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were implicated.

Outcomes included the dismissal of 30 officers, with five others facing dismissal and prosecution.

Furthermore, nine officers were recommended for retirement, 17 for demotion and punishment, and 14 for discharge with commendation letters.

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has affirmed his commitment to spearhead the economic revitalization of the South East region following his appointment as the coordinator of economic activities by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Uzodimma, one of the six governors inaugurated in Abuja by the national chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, expressed his readiness to take on the responsibility during the ceremony.

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His selection may be attributed to his consistent exceptional performance in various roles assigned to him by the party at both national and regional levels.

In a statement shared on his social media platform, Governor Uzodimma said “The desire to provide greater service to the people has motivated the need to coordinate the activities of our esteemed party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), at the zonal level. Our national chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, inaugurated zonal coordinators to rekindle relationships among members and oversee party affairs and growth in the zones.”

He continued, “I am honored to have been tasked with coordinating the South East region, and I view it as a call to further serve our party and the nation. Prior to this, I have been an advocate for unity within our party and across the South East, promoting national integration and development.”

Governor Uzodimma emphasized that his primary focus would be on revitalizing economic activities in the region, with a strong commitment to collaborating with fellow leaders from across the South East to achieve set objectives.

Deputy national chairman, South of the APC, Emma Enukwu, congratulated Governor Uzodimma, affirming that he is the most suitable candidate to coordinate activities in the South East, ensuring the desired results are attained. Similarly, former minister of state in the ministry of science and technology, Henry Ikoh, echoed Enukwu’s sentiments, highlighting Uzodimma’s mindset, capacity, competence, temperament, and influence to mobilize support for the party in the South East, benefiting both the region and the nation.

Both party leaders called for unwavering support for Governor Uzodimma in his additional role of serving the people.