News
Drop your guns, negotiate with Nigerian Govt – Deputy Speaker tells unknown gunmen in South East
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Benjamin Kalu, has urged armed individuals operating in the South East to abandon their hideouts, relinquish their weapons, and engage in negotiations with the Federal government for improved employment opportunities and a secure future. This advice coincided with the launch of a Food-For-Peace Program aimed at addressing hunger in the South East.
Speaking at a gathering of All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders and an empowerment program for his constituents in Bende, Kalu commended President Bola Tinubu for fair appointments and developmental initiatives in the South East. He expressed concern over the economic downturn in the region due to sit-at-home orders, leading to the departure of many South East-origin investors.
The Deputy Speaker condemned the actions of unidentified gunmen as a challenge to the Federal Government, asserting that resorting to violence undermined the South East’s economy and overall progress. Kalu advised agitators still operating in the bush to lay down their arms and support the Federal Government’s peace initiatives, particularly the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P).
Highlighting Tinubu’s contributions to the Igbo nation, including key appointments, Kalu stressed the need for unwavering support for Tinubu’s current and future political endeavors. While expressing his interest in the release of detained IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Kalu emphasized that dropping weapons and embracing peace by those involved in violent activities could expedite Kanu’s release.
He cautioned against the futility of sit-at-home actions and encouraged individuals to heed the call for peace, emphasizing that violence would not prevail against the Federal Government’s firepower. Kalu shared the destruction of the Tinubu/Shettima campaign office in Abia State before the 2023 general election by gunmen as an example of the consequences of violence.
Despite challenges, Kalu acknowledged the success of PISE-P in fostering relative peace in the South East during the Yuletide. He also advocated for social cohesion between the Igbo community and other tribes as crucial for the region’s development. Additionally, during the stakeholders’ meeting, approximately 25 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defected to the APC in the constituency.
The Federal Government has announced the closure of the Eko Bridge and Ramps for eight weeks to carry out essential asphalt resurfacing work.
Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, shared this information in a statement on Saturday. She noted that the resurfacing project is set to begin on Friday, September 20, at 7:00 a.m., and will continue until November 20.
Due to the closure, drivers will need to follow detours and alternative routes. Kesha advised that motorists traveling to the Island from Funsho Williams Avenue should utilize the service lane at Alaka to connect to Costain and access the Eko Bridge.
She explained that some sections of the bridge will be fully closed while others will have partial access.
“This important project aims to enhance road safety and improve the driving experience for motorists,” she stated. The work will involve milling the existing asphalt and laying down new asphalt on both the bridge and ramps to address wear and tear and create a smoother, safer roadway.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has appointed Akinwale Sarafadeen Adeyemi as the new Chairman of the Governing Council for Osun State College of Education in Ila-Orangun.
The announcement was made in a statement on Friday by Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed. The statement described Adeyemi as an experienced educationist and noted that he will succeed Peter Babalola, the former chairman, who was dismissed by the state government earlier this month.
Babalola, who was also a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, faced suspension from his local ward in Irewole due to public criticism over alleged financial misconduct before his removal.
The statement highlighted, “Governor Ademola Adeleke has approved the appointment of Mr. Akinwale Sarafa Adeyemi, a seasoned educationist, as the new Chairman of the Governing Council of Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun. Mr. Adeyemi replaces Dr. Peter Babalola, who resigned following a controversial term at the college.”
Adeyemi holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Education from the University of Ibadan and is a retired principal of the Federal Girls College in Ipetumodu. His swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday at the EXCO lounge.
The police have reported that their operatives apprehended political thugs and seized firearms during overnight operations in Edo State, where the governorship election is taking place today, Saturday.
They also vowed to address illegal weapons possession and prevent any disruptions to the electoral process in the state.
Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, shared this information in a statement on Friday night, along with images of the recovered firearms.
He identified the arrested individuals as Edwin Obanor, 43, and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old PDP member from Ugbogbo quarters in Igara Akoko, Edo.
“The Nigeria Police Force has made a significant breakthrough in combating electoral violence in Edo State with the arrests of Edwin Obanor, 43, and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old PDP member,” the statement noted.
According to DAILY POST, residents of Edo State will be voting for a new governor today, September 21, 2024, who will succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki after his eight-year term ends.
Nigerian Govt shuts Eko Bridge, ramps for 8-week repairs
Gov Adeleke appoints new Governing Council Chairman for Osun College of Education
Edo Decides: Police arrest armed political thugs ahead of election
What we know about Israel’s war with Hamas
LaLiga: Everyone want to play with him – Vinicius on player Real Madrid should sign
Iran calls on Islamic, Arab countries to confront Israel
-
World News12 months agoWhat we know about Israel’s war with Hamas
-
Sports11 months agoLaLiga: Everyone want to play with him – Vinicius on player Real Madrid should sign
-
World News12 months agoIran calls on Islamic, Arab countries to confront Israel
-
Tech12 months agoTop 10 AI Skills to Learn in 2023
-
ICT1 year agoApple Bows To EU, Unveils iPhone With USB-C Charger
-
Entertainment12 months agoBET Hip-Hop Awards: Black Sherif wins big as Burna Boy loses seven nominations
-
ICT1 year agoApple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro pricing around the world
-
Entertainment11 months ago‘Black Panther’ star Lupita Nyong’o breaks up with boyfriend, Selema Masekela