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IPOB’s Lawyer Calls For Peace In Igboland Following Ekpa’s Arrest

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Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the lawyer for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has urged the people of the South East to come together and restore peace in the region amidst growing insecurity.

Ejiofor made the call in a statement issued on Monday in Owerri, as tensions rise following the recent arrest of Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in-Exile.

Although Ejiofor did not directly mention Ekpa by name, he emphasized that the region must move beyond lies, deceit, and criminality, which he believes have caused much harm to the Igbo people.

In his statement, Ejiofor referenced past warnings he had issued regarding the false claims made by individuals seeking self-promotion, particularly those who had spread rumors about military capabilities like fighter jets and warships.

Ejiofor further warned that such deceitful tactics have led to widespread confusion and suffering, noting that it is time for those deceived by such figures to reconsider their stance.

He called for the restoration of peace, stating that the people of the South East must focus on healing and appeasing the gods for the wrongs done to their community.

The lawyer acknowledged the marginalization of the Igbo people in the broader Nigerian political landscape but stressed that true liberation cannot be achieved through violence, fraud, or criminality.

He argued that these tactics only undermine the cause for freedom and urged the people of Igbo heritage to seek more peaceful and just avenues for change.

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Labour Party Rep Member Sparks Debate After Wearing Tinubu’s Signature Cap

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A recent image of Thaddeus Attah, the Labour Party representative for Eti-Osa Federal Constituency in Lagos State, wearing President Bola Tinubu’s signature cap, has caused a stir on social media.

The photo quickly garnered attention, with many questioning Attah’s intentions.

Attah, who was elected during the 2023 general elections, is among the lawmakers who gained office in the wake of the popularity of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate.

Obi, despite coming third in the presidential race, performed strongly in Lagos, a state traditionally considered a stronghold for Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC), and Attah was elected on the same day as the presidential and parliamentary elections.

However, over the weekend, Attah posted a photo on social media wearing a cap inscribed with the words: “THE TASK OF GOOD GOVERNANCE HAS BEGUN,” followed by his title: “Hon Thaddeus Attah, Honourable Member, Federal House of Representatives, Representing Eti Osa Federal Constituency.”

This led to a wave of reactions from Nigerians, with many questioning the motive behind Attah’s choice of attire.

One user, Prince Saviour, posted on X (formerly Twitter), expressing disappointment: “Opposition Otilo ooh. Our Lagos Labour Party House of Representatives, Representing Eti Osa Federal Constituency putting on Tinubu cap. What pains most is the sacrifices, time, resources, sweat, and blood that people put together to elect these guys voluntarily.”

Another commenter, @JustKingss, remarked, “Nobody elected him, bro, nobody even knew him. The thing is everyone was voting LP from top to bottom so he was lucky that Peter Obi’s grace got him elected. If it was about the candidates, Banky W was the best and everyone knew about that. The odds are he’ll join APC before long.”

A further tweet by @Sen_Adedotun read, “Politics is about personal interest. Don’t be surprised if he decamps to APC before 2027.”

One more user, @_JtAtta, sarcastically questioned whether the cap was a sign of Attah’s potential defection to the APC, while @abbeygovernor1 commented, “It’s called politics; no permanent enemies, just common interests.”

Despite the growing speculation, Attah has not confirmed any plans to defect from the Labour Party.

When contacted by a reporter, a woman who answered Attah’s phone assured that he was not planning to leave the party.

She stated, “He is not planning to decamp. He is a citizen of Nigeria under Tinubu. So, I don’t think the cap is limited to only APC members. He is 100% in LP.”

Attah’s actions come in the wake of a similar defection earlier this year when Ezenwa Onyewuchi, a Labour Party senator, switched allegiance to the APC, with his defection letter being read in the Senate by the President, Godswill Akpabio.

As of now, Attah’s future in the Labour Party remains unclear, though he has yet to make any official announcement regarding a possible defection.

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Rivers Crisis: PDP National Chairman Writes INEC, Calls For Bye-Elections To Replace 27 Defected Lawmakers

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The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagun, has formally requested the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct bye-elections for the 27 vacant seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly.

This follows the defection of the lawmakers from PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in December 2023.

Damagun’s request was made through a letter dated November 13, 2024, which was subsequently made public by the spokesperson for the Opposition Lawmakers Coalition, Ikenga Ugochinyere, during a press conference in Akokwa, Imo State.

The letter, titled “Demand for Immediate Conduct of Fresh Election in 27 State Constituencies of Rivers State,” highlights the alleged unlawful defection of 27 Rivers lawmakers on December 11, 2023, from PDP to APC. According to the PDP, this move is a violation of Section 109(1)(g) of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates that lawmakers who defect without lawful grounds vacate their seats.

Damagun urged INEC to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities by conducting elections to fill the vacancies left by these lawmakers.

He emphasized that the defections were made without any valid reason, as the Constitution only allows defections under specific circumstances, which did not apply in this case. As a result, the PDP argues that these lawmakers have forfeited their positions.

The letter also referenced the 2023 election process, during which PDP won all 32 seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The lawmakers were inaugurated in June 2023, but their defection came just six months later, leading the PDP to request the vacant seats be filled through fresh elections.

Damagun expressed gratitude to INEC for its efforts in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, urging it to act swiftly in resolving the matter.

Parts of the letter read, “The Leadership of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wishes to draw the attention of the Commission to the gross violation of Section 109 (1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) by 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly following their unlawful defection from our Party, the PDP who sponsored their elections to the All Progressive Congress (APC) on Monday, December 11, 2023.

“The Commission may recall that our Party, the PDP nominated all our 32 State House of Assembly candidates in Rivers State for the 2023 General Election on the 7th of July 2022 via your electronic candidate election nomination portal (See attached acknowledgement).

“The Commission may also recall that following the nomination, the Commission conducted election into the Rivers State House of Assembly on the 18th of March, 2023 and our Party won 32 seats in the state Assembly. The elected State House of Assembly members were inaugurated and sworn-in on June, 2023.

“However, on Monday, 11 December, 2023 a period of just six (6) months after inauguration, 27 out of the 32 members publicly announced their defection from our Party to the All Progressive Congress (APC). This defection is a gross violation of Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As amended).

“The only two grounds of division and merger provided for in the Constitution that permit such defection is completely non-existent in our political Party. It therefore means that the defections of the 27 members are without lawful excuse and these members have vacated their seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly by the operations of Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution.

“In view of the foregoing, we hereby demand that the Commission performs its constitutional duties and begin the process of conducting a Fresh Election to fill the vacancies created in the 27 State Constituencies by the unlawful act of the Assembly members. Find attached the list of the 27 State Assembly Members and their Constituencies.

“While thanking the Commission for its commitment to deepening democracy in our country, please accept the assurances of our highest regards.”

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Simon Ekpa’s Arrest Huge Relief For Ndigbo – Ohanaeze

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Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the leading Igbo sociocultural group, has welcomed the arrest of Simon Ekpa, the self-styled leader of the Biafran independence movement, describing it as a major relief for the Igbo people.

The group views Ekpa’s capture as a significant development in the ongoing efforts toward healing and reconciliation in Southeastern Nigeria.

A Finnish court recently sentenced Ekpa to prison for spreading terrorist propaganda on social media.

The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) apprehended Ekpa along with four others for their alleged involvement in terrorist activities.

Ekpa was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme district court in Finland.

In response to news of his arrest, the Nigerian military expressed its satisfaction with the outcome.

The Secretary General of Ohanaeze, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, issued a statement underscoring that Ekpa’s arrest was crucial in addressing the security crisis that has plagued the Southeast for years.

Isiguzoro emphasized that Ekpa’s plan to declare an independent Biafran Nation on December 2, 2024, was reckless and dangerous, warning that it could have sparked widespread civil unrest.

“Such a move could have led to another civil war, a conflict that the Igbo people have decisively rejected and do not want to revisit. The scars from the previous war are still fresh in our collective memory,” Isiguzoro stated.

He further condemned Ekpa’s activities over the past few years, particularly the disruption caused by his “Sit-At-Home” orders, which were enforced by armed groups and severely damaged the region’s economy.

According to Ohanaeze, the economic losses from these actions have been catastrophic, amounting to more than 22 trillion naira in lost investments.

The organization also voiced concerns over the Finnish government’s handling of Ekpa’s case, noting that as a Finnish citizen, Ekpa had exploited the freedoms of his adopted country to incite violence and division in Nigeria.

Ohanaeze questioned why Finnish authorities had not acted sooner against Ekpa’s activities, which they argued were detrimental to the peace and stability of both Nigeria and Finland.

Ohanaeze reaffirmed its commitment to the peaceful and democratic restructuring of Nigeria, stressing that the Igbo people seek dialogue, development, and progress, not conflict.

The group called for unity and collaboration among all Nigerians to ensure that the lessons from past conflicts are not forgotten, and that the country moves forward toward lasting peace.

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Bayelsa Governor, Diri Transfers Power To Deputy

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Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, will commence his annual leave on Monday, November 25.

In a statement released on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, it was announced that during the governor’s absence, Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo will assume responsibility for all state affairs.

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Governor Mbah To Present 2025 Budget To Enugu Assembly Tuesday

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Enugu State Governor, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, is set to present the 2025 budget proposal to the Enugu State House of Assembly for consideration and approval on Thursday, November 26, 2024.

This announcement was made by the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uche Ugwu, during a plenary session held on Tuesday.

Ugwu informed the House that the governor had formally communicated his intention to present the budget via a letter submitted by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia.

“The governor’s request to address the Honourable House on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, has been accepted,” Ugwu stated.

In other legislative matters, the House also introduced the Local Government 3rd Amendment Bill (House Bill No. 19), which was read for the first time.

Additionally, the Enugu State House of Assembly welcomed the members of the Enugu State Children’s Parliament, who were present to observe the session and inform the Assembly about the upcoming 2024 World Children’s Day celebration, scheduled for Wednesday, November 20, 2024.

The children’s parliament delegation was also accompanied on a visit to the Enugu UNICEF office.

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Buhari’s Removal of Onnoghen As CJN a ‘Dent On Nigeria’s Democratic Record’ – Clark Writes Kekere-Ekun

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Elder statesman, Edwin Clark, has once again voiced his strong condemnation of the 2019 removal of Justice Walter Onnoghen as Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) by former President Muhammadu Buhari, calling it a significant dent on Nigeria’s democratic integrity.

In a letter addressed to the current CJN, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Clark expressed admiration for her efforts to reform the judiciary, while revisiting the contentious events surrounding Onnoghen’s ousting.

In the letter, which was made public on Sunday in Abuja, Clark referred to Onnoghen’s removal as a “gross injustice” and a “blot” on the country’s democratic record.

He applauded Justice Kekere-Ekun’s resolve in seeking judicial reforms, stressing that without a fair and incorruptible judiciary, Nigeria faces the risk of becoming a failed state.

Clark expressed his hopes that ongoing efforts to revamp the judiciary would help restore public trust.

Recalling the circumstances surrounding Onnoghen’s removal, Clark described the event as an orchestrated attack on the judiciary by President Buhari and his then-Attorney General, Abubakar Malami.

He characterized the suspension of Onnoghen and the subsequent appointment of Justice Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed as Acting CJN as “callous” and “barbaric.”

Clark alleged that Onnoghen’s ousting was politically motivated, aimed at securing a judiciary that would support Buhari’s re-election bid in 2019.

He pointed out that the National Judicial Council (NJC) was not consulted, which he saw as a violation of due process, and claimed that tribunals established under Justice Tanko Mohammed were manipulated to favor Buhari’s second-term ambitions.

Clark also sharply criticized the culture of impunity fostered by Buhari’s administration, drawing comparisons to authoritarian regimes.

The elder statesman called for greater accountability in the current administration under President Bola Tinubu, insisting that no one, regardless of their position, should be above the law.

“No sacred cows,” he declared, emphasizing the need for a judicial system free from political interference.

Clark also expressed frustration at the failure of former leaders to face scrutiny, particularly in the area of corruption.

He pointed out the irony of the situation, recalling how Justice Onnoghen had been part of the Supreme Court panel that ruled in favor of Buhari in the 2011 presidential election dispute.

According to Clark, Onnoghen’s independence and principled stance had become a threat to Buhari’s re-election, making his removal appear as a calculated political move.

In his concluding remarks, Clark called for systemic reform within the judiciary and urged the Tinubu administration to address past wrongs in order to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and the rule of law.

He suggested that the actions of Buhari in the Onnoghen case should be legally challenged, setting a precedent for accountability and justice in the country.

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Uruguay: Voters Head To Polls Amid Tight Presidential Race

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Uruguayans went to the polls on Sunday in a highly anticipated presidential election, with the leftist alliance led by former president José “Pepe” Mujica aiming to regain the country’s leadership after a five-year stint under right-wing rule, marked by concerns over crime and taxes.

Yamandú Orsi, a former history teacher representing the leftist Frente Amplio (Broad Front), faces off against Álvaro Delgado, a 55-year-old former veterinarian from the National Party.

Delgado is a member of the outgoing President Luis Lacalle Pou’s center-right Republican Coalition.

Orsi, 57, is considered a protégé of 89-year-old Mujica, the iconic former guerrilla leader who earned global recognition as “the world’s poorest president” during his presidency from 2010 to 2015, largely due to his humble lifestyle.

Orsi secured 43.9% of the vote in the first-round election held on October 27, falling short of the 50% needed to win outright, but surpassing Delgado, who garnered 26.7%.

The two candidates emerged at the top of a competitive field of 11 contenders vying to succeed Lacalle Pou, who, despite having a high approval rating, is constitutionally barred from seeking a second consecutive term.

The outcome of this election will determine the country’s next direction after a period of center-right leadership.

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Access Bank Denies Allegations of Missing Funds, Unethical Practices

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Access Bank has refuted claims circulating on social media regarding missing funds and unethical conduct within the bank. In a statement released, the bank categorically denied the allegations, describing them as false and baseless.

The statement reads, “Our attention has been drawn to a video circulating online, where claims of missing funds and unethical behavior were made against Access Bank Plc. We want to make it clear that the safety and security of our customers’ funds are of utmost importance to us, and we uphold the highest ethical standards in all our operations.”

Access Bank stressed that there is no truth to the claim that N500 million or any other sum is missing from any customer’s account, reaffirming that thorough investigations by both the bank and independent industry stakeholders have confirmed the absence of any such discrepancies.

The bank further emphasized its commitment to transparency and customer privacy, urging the public not to give credence to sensational and unverified reports aimed at creating confusion.

“We continue to engage with our customers and remain dedicated to serving their best interests,” the statement concluded.

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Your Funds Are Safe – NDIC Assures Heritage Bank Customers After Bank’s Closure

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The Managing Director/CEO of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Bello Hassan, has assured customers of the recently failed Heritage Bank that their deposits are secure.

Hassan, represented by Mustapha Ibrahim, the Executive Director (Operations) at the NDIC, made the statement during the 2024 NDIC Editors Forum in Lagos on Saturday.

He emphasized the corporation’s crucial role in protecting depositors, especially following the closure of Heritage Bank, which was ordered by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on June 3, 2024.

Hassan outlined the NDIC’s responsibility as the appointed liquidator of Heritage Bank, following the revocation of the bank’s license.

He explained that the NDIC’s role includes overseeing the bank’s orderly resolution, managing the payment of insured deposits to depositors, and settling claims.

He highlighted that the NDIC began reimbursing depositors within just four days of the bank’s closure, a feat achieved by using Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) to quickly locate depositors’ accounts at other banks.

This method allowed many depositors to receive their funds without the need to visit NDIC offices or fill out forms.

Furthermore, Hassan noted that the recent increase in the deposit insurance coverage from N500,000 to N5 million significantly mitigated the impact of the bank’s failure on most affected customers.

He emphasized that this change aligned with the International Association of Deposit Insurers’ Core Principle 15, which stresses the importance of timely payouts to depositors in the event of a bank failure.

The NDIC has already reimbursed the insured deposits (up to N5 million per depositor), and the next step, according to Hassan, is to ensure that depositors with balances exceeding the insured amount are also compensated.

He assured that payments would be made from the proceeds of Heritage Bank’s asset liquidation and debt recovery efforts.

Additionally, Hassan noted that the creditors of Heritage Bank would receive payments once all depositors have been reimbursed.

The CBN revoked Heritage Bank’s license in June 2024, and the NDIC was appointed as the liquidator to manage the bank’s dissolution.

The NDIC is working diligently to settle the claims of uninsured depositors as part of the liquidation process.

In his remarks, Bashir Nuhu, the Director of Communication and Public Affairs at the NDIC, said the 2024 Editors Forum, themed “Strengthening Nigeria’s Financial Safety-Net: The Role of Deposit Insurance,” served as an important platform for educating participants on the vital role the NDIC plays in safeguarding the financial system.

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