Author: oduduwanews

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo has advised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to ignore the rumour that members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) are plotting to attack Lagos, noting that it is a ploy to distract the State Governor and his administration from providing good governance for all residents of the State.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to Governor Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House, Marina on Thursday, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Ambassador (Prof.) George Obiozor, said the “dangerous rumour or statement is aimed to cause division, crises and conflict amongst us.”

Obiozor in his address titled “Violence in any part of Lagos State is violence on all of us” said Ndigbo cannot indulge in any act that will harm the harmonious peace and cordial relationship between Igbo and Yoruba, especially Lagos, which he described as second home of several Ndigbo.

The leader of the Igbo apex socio-cultural organization also commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for the exemplary leadership he exhibited at the peak of COVID-19 pandemic that ravaged Nigeria, especially in Lagos State, adding that the Governor deserved commendation for controlling and restricting the speed of coronavirus with his quick response.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hakeem Odumosu, during a Security Townhall Meeting at the Lagos State secretariat, attended by Governor Sanwo-Olu, and other principal officials in Lagos State on Monday, said there were plans by some groups, which include IPOB to attack ‘soft spots’ in the state.

But responding to the statement, Prof. Obiazor said Igbo nation was renowned for being agents of development and not destruction.

“Today, the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, in the company of Igbo Elders and Leaders in Lagos, are here to pay you (Governor Sanwo-Olu) a solidarity visit and to further reassure you that Ndigbo are not violent in nature, neither are we known for acts of violence anywhere we live.

“The constant and periodic dangerous insinuations, rumour, gossips and callous statements that Ndigbo in Lagos or any part of Yoruba land contemplate or instigate violence in Lagos or any part of Yoruba land; we wish to state clearly that anywhere this dangerous rumour or statement is emanating from is aimed to cause division, crises and conflict amongst us.

“We think that this rumour is intended to distract the Lagos State Government from its efforts to provide good governance for all and cause disaffection between Ndigbo who live in Lagos and their host community which is the second home of several Ndigbo.

“The quick denial of this rumour by members of IPOB and Yoruba groups in Lagos and across the South West was a source of relief,” he said.

Prof. Obiozor also reiterated Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s total support for Lagos State Government and the security agencies’ patriotic efforts to keep everyone safe in the State and throughout the country.

“I am aware that the Government and good people of Lagos State under your able leadership, and through their hospitable gestures, have continually kept the trust and friendship between Ndigbo and our host communities in Lagos State alive.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo through this medium reiterates total support to the state government and the security agencies in their patriotic efforts to keep everyone safe in Lagos and throughout the country. The Igbo nation is renowned for being agents of development, not destruction. Ndigbo are builders and their contributions to the development of Lagos State are evident and exemplary,” he said.

Responding, Governor Sanwo-Olu assured Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership of continuous good governance, security of lives and properties of all residents in Lagos State.

The Governor said he had no doubt that the Ndigbo are great people, noting that his administration would continue to foster harmonious relationships with all the different tribes and ethnic nationalities in the State.

The courtesy visit was at the instance of the Ohaneze Ndigbo, to clear the air on the rumoured attacks on Lagos by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The Ondo State Security Network Agency Codenamed Amotekun has commenced training for its newly recruited 600 officers drawn from the Oodua People’s Congress, Vilgilante groups, hunters and ex-militants.

Commander of the Ondo Amotekun, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, said the 600 successful candidates were selected out of 14,500 applicants.

Adeleye, who spoke at the opening ceremony of the training program at the Technical College in Owo Local Government area, said the new recruits would undergo basic Amotekun training such as intelligence gathering, combat, arm usage, monitoring, intervention, quick response and other issues.

The Amotekun boss said the security network does not tolerate any act of indiscipline.

He warned them to imbibe all what they would be taught so as to perform well on duty or be summarily dismissed.

“There are 600 trainees in this camp as well as numeral instructors who are professionals in their respective fields.

“You are advised to abide by the rules and regulations as regimentation and discipline are the order of the day.

“You will undergo series of lectures, drills, basic tactics and weapon handling during the course of your training. These would be carefully fashioned purposefully to bring out the best in you.

“The people before you became the bright because of their doggedness and dedication to the society.

The commander warned that Amotekun is not an avenue to oppress another nor embarking on corruption from any one.

“It’s not everyone that started the course that finished. It depends on how much you put out in the training you get,” he said

Senior Special Assistance to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Security, Alahaji Jimoh Dojumo, said the training was part of the state security architecture to ensure adequate security

“They were drawn from different background from the hunters and OPC, Vigilante and various freedom fighters who have on their own contributed to security in the state.

“We are bringing them together to drop what they think they have to now imbibe in them the Amotekun culture in the next six weeks,” he said.

ODUDUWA NEWS has just gathered that men of Nigerian Customs Services on Thursday shot four dead as one seriously injured during a sporadic gunshot in Iseyin, area of Oyo state. 

Some of those hit by stray bullets were residents who went out to enjoy sallah celebration and this has caused tension in the community as family and friends of those affected have started protesting.

Recall that indiscriminate shooting by the Nigerian Customs Personnel recently led to a face-off between them and members of the proscribed Nigerian Union of Transport Workers (NURTW), as the Chairman of the Union in Iseyin was hit by a shot from the Customs officers.

Details later.…

The Founder of Dele Bajaj Foundation (DBF), Mr Usman Bamidele Olohunwa has joined other prominent Nigerians to felicitate and rejoice with Muslims across Ibarapa zone of Oyo state and Nigeria at large.

Mr Dele who described the completion of Ramadan fast as unique blessing from God urges Muslims faithful to immediately start implementing the lessons learnt during the 30 days of fast and also enjoys them to continue propagating actions that promote peace and tranquility in the land.

Mr Dele appreciates the support and love his foundation has enjoyed from the people of Ibarapa society far, he then reiterates his commitments to the betterment and development of Ibarapa land.

In his words, he said : I personally appreciate the love shown and the rain of hospitality showered on us when we launched DBF, It has been a good experience so far as we strive to give back to the society that made us, actions of our people are enough encouragement to do more. I now Want to, again, use this medium to tell our people in Ibarapa that DBF remain resolute in her pursuits for a better Ibarapa. We have a lot of developmental programs in stock that will surely ease the poverty level of our people and better their life.”

Mr Dele then admonishes all Ibarapa residents to be their brothers keeper on the issue of insecurity challenges ravaging the whole land. He said that’s the only way the sad situation can be corrected.

Barka De Sallah, May We Live To Witness More In Good Health.

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, said he never interfered with the appointments of judges in the state, adding that he only ensured that due process was followed to the letter in the appointments.

The governor, who stated this while hosting the Muslim Ummah in the state at his residence in Ibadan, added that his government has continued to be fair and just to all religions and that he has always ensured that merit and excellence were considered for appointments and recruitments in the state.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as stating that though some elements had been trying to cause confusion along religious lines, they have not been successful because the government has been transparent and fair.

He added that rather than dissipate energy on religious differences, residents of the state should unite to fight the challenges of poverty and hunger, which, according to him, know no religion.

The governor, who charged the Muslim faithful in the state not to listen to those who want to use religion to destabilise the state, stressed that they should rededicate themselves and focus on the development of the state.

He said: “The message for us this morning is to rededicate ourselves and focus on our state and not tolerate those who want to use religion to destabilise our state. Also, in our different positions, let us be fair to everybody. Let us use this period to assist the have-nots and underprivileged.

“We thank God for Oyo State and for allowing the efforts of those who are trying to cause confusion and chaos in this government to always prove abortive.

“Though they come out, talk about all sorts of things, God, in His infinite mercy, has always revealed the truth on time to shame the detractors.

“The latest one is on the issue of the judges. I know we cannot question God on those he decided to call. We just have to accept it that way. I didn’t interfere in the matters of judges but I always like to know those who will be appointed, because of the approval I need to make – to know if due process was followed and that has been my approach.”

The governor equally challenged those alleging that he wrote a letter to block a particular person from being appointed as a judge in the state to produce the letter, adding that his focus has always been on merit, capacity and performance.

“If they say I want to block a particular person, am I God? I was alleged to have written a letter indicating that the appointments of one Muslim and three Christians should be balanced out. We just finished fasting and I am saying before you that when they came to meet me, I insisted that the person that came first in the interview must be included. I didn’t even know if the person was a Christian or a Muslim.

“As a matter of fact, those who know me know I don’t consider religion in my appointments. My focus is always on merit, performance and delivery. So, I challenge anyone that saw such a letter anywhere in the system either from me or the Attorney-General, to bring the letter out. I want to see it.

Nollywood actor, Yomi Fabiyi has finally staged the much-publicized protest to demand the release of his embattled colleague, Baba Ijesha, who was arrested for allegedly defiling a minor.

The actor, who has shown support to Baba Ijesha since the alleged rape saga began, had appealed to the police to release his colleague on bail, but all efforts proved abortive.

Following his appeal, he threatened to lead a protest against the continuous detention of Baba Ijesha without trial, which he claims is a violation of his human rights.

Fabiyi wrote:

“PEACEFUL PROTEST on Human Rights, Illegal Detention by Police coming up on Wednesday if the Police refuse to do the right thing and grant BABA IJESHA administrative bail which is his fundamental rights.

“Any progressive state and society MUST respect the RIGHTS of others as enshrined under the law.

ODUDUWA NEWS has gathered that The Chief Imam of Ibadan, Sheikh AbdulGaniyu Abubakry Agbotomokekere on Wednesday performed Eid prayer at the Ibadan Central Eid praying ground, Agodi.

This was held in contrary to Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs directive that the Ramadan fasting should continue today while Eid-el-Fitri Prayer holds on Thursday due to inability to sight moon in Nigeria and some other countries.

The Report by the Committee on the Review of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State was formally presented to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN at his office at the Secretariat on Tuesday 11th May 2021 in the presence of top management of the Ministry including the Solicitor General/Permanent Secretary, Ms Titilayo Shitta-Bey.

The criminal laws when reviewed will address certain deficiencies in the existing on criminal cases in Lagos State.

The Attorney General, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN while speaking said, it is imperative to address some loopholes in the extant laws of Lagos State. He thereby thanked the committee for the job well done and assured them that the report will be properly looked into for further consideration.