BREAKING! Trailer Crushes Police Van in Aba-Owerri Road; 2 Officers Dead

Reports just coming in say that a heavy laden truck with building materials from Owerri  have come on face- to- face collision with a moving police vehicle from the airport axis leading to the death of two police officers.
An eye witness,who spoke on the grounds of anonymity to Vivian Gist on telephone, said ,the incident occurred at obibi junction,Naze,along Aba-Owerri road,a surburb in owerri North LGA.







When the  Reporters visited the scene of the accident,rubbles and broken glasses as well as the ill-fated truck was seen to have barricaded the nearby building,  pulling down the fence in a such a fatal manner.

The Foolishness Among Yorubas And Igbos

By S. Olamide
I call them fools for their stupidity and it will continue to haunt them.
I don’t know how these two regions can be so blind for decades thinking they are each other’s enemy whereas the enemy has always been the NORTH.

Have you ever seen Northerner create threads to insult one another? Do you think they don’t exist as much as other tribes on here? That’s the typical nature of people of the North. The North is the MOST united region in Nigeria and you can take that to the bank. Anywhere you find these guys in a land not theirs, one thing you will notice is the BROTHERHOOD as they move around in group, share food together, back one another. I don’t know of any tribe in Nigeria where speaking their dialect will give you an easy pass, but the North.

I will give an example. Several years ago my brother was moving with some friends and they were picked by the police and they were arrested. One of the police on duty was a Benin man. My brother told me he spoke Bini but the police pretended not to understand.

My friend told me how he got admission into Petroleum Training Institute was by approaching a Northerner and speaking hausa requesting for help when the admission list came out and his name wasn’t among the first batch. He got the admission there after. You might say it’s a lie. The Mile 12 saga further proved this wherein it was reported that 2 men could have been killed IF not that they spoke hausa. Is this obtainable in any other tribe? I doubt it.

Day in Day Out, you fools come on here to insult one another while the Northerners are closing ranks on the frontiers of domination.

Someone created a thread Yesterday to adress possible solution to the Hausa/Fulani menace, as usual, the fools couldn’t hide their stupidity and turned the thread into a Yoruba Vs Igbo battle ground.

Olamide writes from Lagos

Corruption: American Bancorp Bank Writes To Buhari; Plans To Return Amaechi’s Loot

According To Hope for Nigeria, Former Rivers state Governor, Rotimi Amaechi has written to Bancorp Bank in Minnesota in the United States that the alleged $757 million Dollars domiciled in an account in his name; was authorized by him in error; from a Rivers State Government Account with Access Bank Plc.
The Rivers state ex governor reveals that a similar letter was also written to a bank in Switzerland; stating that a similar authorization was made in error.

The letter stated that the said transfers to both banks were for the purchase of security Helicopters, payments to a foreign company to combat malaria in Rivers state by using helicopters to spray mosquito insecticides, and for the purchase of an official residence for Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, in America.
The letter further explains that, the payments for the security helicopters, and mosquito insecticides to fight malaria were made through other sources, after the funds had already been transferred abroad. He reminded the bank that the Rivers state law on his severance package, provides for an official residence for a former governor; of which he chose to have his residence in America.

Amaechi said that, this law was later amended to have his official residence built in Nigeria, after the funds had already been transferred to Bancorp/Minnesota Account. Mr. Amaechi said these changes were the reasons he communicated the consultants for purchase of security helicopters, his official residence in the U.S and the Insecticide companies not to access the funds; since they have been paid through other sources.

According To Hope for Nigeria, Former Rivers state Governor, Rotimi Amaechi has written to Bancorp Bank in Minnesota in the United States that the alleged $757 million Dollars domiciled in an account in his name; was authorized by him in error; from a Rivers State Government Account with Access Bank Plc.

Tension as DSS, Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyers, Family Members Clash In Court

The trial of a leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, took a dramatic turn Monday, when counsel in the case told Justice John Tsoho of the Federal High Court that their lives were under threat.

The prosecuting team also accused Mr. Kanu’s lawyers and family members of constituting threats to its witnesses.

Mr. Kanu and two others – Benjamin Maudubugwu and David Nwawuisi – were brought before the court for alleged treason, for maintaining unlawful society, among others charges.

At the commencement of hearing on Monday, prosecution counsel, Mohammed Diri, informed the court that Mr. Kanu’s lawyer had altercation with members of the State Security Service while trying to enter the courtroom, Monday morning.

Reading from a short note he claimed was written by a staff of the SSS, Mr. Diri said the defence counsel and members of Mr. Kanu’s family were constituting threats to the lives of witnesses.
He asked the court to adjourn the matter till such a time when the witnesses would be granted the needed protection to help them confidently testify in court.

But the lead counsel to Mr. Kanu, Chux Muoma, asked the court to grant permission to Ifeayin Ejiofor, the counsel who had altercation with the SSS, to explain what happened.

When Mr. Ejiofor was given permission to speak, he accused SSS operatives of trying to kill him.
According to Mr. Ejiofor, he had gone to intervene in a dispute between members of Mr. Kanu’s family and staff of the SSS.

He said at the scene of the disagreement, he was told that the SSS staff were blocking Mr. Kanu’s family members from entering the court.

Mr. Ejiofor said the SSS operatives at the scene insisted that they would only allow three additional family members of Mr. Kanu to join those already in the court premises.

He said when he (Mr. Ejiofor) tried to explain to them that there was an order of court permitting members of the public to witness the proceedings, Mr. Ejiofor said a staff of the SSS threatened to kill him.
He therefore prayed the court to take note of the threat.

“My lord I will like you to take note of this threat to my life, because I don’t know what will happen tomorrow,” Mr. Ejiofor said.

The trial judge, Mr. Tsoho, who noted that events had taken a different turn from what was expected, added that if the parties to the matter felt threatened, the case might as well be handed over to the celestial order to resolve.

He asked the parties to decide whether or not they wanted the trial to continue.

The matter was thereafter stepped down for a 30-minute break to enable parties determine the way forward for the matter.

The court had adjourned the matter on February 19, for today March 7.

Fayose: I can’t be intimidated by one million Buhari’s DSS, says; “DSS going beyond its constitutional duties”

Fayose: I can’t be intimidated by one million Buhari’s DSS, says; “DSS going beyond its constitutional duties”

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has declared that even if the State was invaded by one million armed men of the Department of State Service (DSS) on the order of President Mohammadu Buhari, the government and the people of the State will never be intimidated to surrender governance of the State to political desperadoes, whose four years reign destroyed the economy of the State.

The governor, who said the DSS under President Buhari was operating beyond its constitutional mandate, added that “the government of Ekiti State may have to reconsider the usefulness of men of the DSS in the government house and other institutions of the State government.”

In a release issued on Sunday and signed by the Special Assistant to the governor on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Governor Fayose said the All Progressives Congress (APC) led Federal Government was pursuing a clandestine agenda of truncating democracy in Ekiti State and other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) controlled States like Rivers and Bayelsa.

He said; “If Buhari likes, let him relocate all DSS men in Nigeria with the entire ammunitions in their armoury to Ekiti, the will of Ekiti people can never be broken. They will only try, and like they have always done, they will fail because dictatorship has never triumphed over the people. Even Buhari’s dictatorship between 1984 and 1985 ended one day and Nigerians will also outlive his present dictatorship.”

The governor said the DSS under Buhari’s kinsman; Lawal Daura has abandoned its core mandate of providing intelligence for the protection of the internal security of Nigeria as provided in the Security Agencies Act Cap. N74 LFN, 2004 adding that; “Instead of assisting the Police, Military and other security agencies with classified matters, we now have a DSS that is running after perceived opponents of the president, arresting goat and fowl thieves as well as husbands who assaulted their wives.

“If the DSS was alive to its responsibilities, we won’t be having Boko Haram insurgents killing Nigerians, all these kidnappings and Fulani Herdsmen killings, raping and destroying farmlands in the South-West, South-East and North-Central zones in the country would have been nipped in the bud.”

He said the same way President Buhari used the National Security Organisation (NSO), headed by Ambassador Mohammed Lawal Rafindadi from Katsina State is the same way the President is using the DSS, headed by another of his kinsman, Lawal Daura to harass, oppress and intimidate Nigerians.
Governor Fayose said; “it is obvious that democracy in Nigeria is becoming unsafe in the hands of Buhari and his APC and those keeping silent now because of politics may also end up in the belly of this roaring lion that is threatening to consume our democracy.

“Therefore, Nigerians and the international community should take special notice of the use of the DSS and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to muscle opposition.

“As for me, I wish to say once again that I am not among those Nigerians that are afraid of harassment by any agency of the federal government.

“I make bold to state that in the overall interest of democracy and well-being of Nigerians, I will continue to speak my mind on issues bordering on governance in Nigeria. I will not be intimidated!”

Alleged DSS invasion: You can’t harass us into betraying Fayose, Ekiti lawmakers tell Buhari

Alleged DSS invasion: You can’t harass us into betraying Fayose, Ekiti lawmakers tell Buhari

The 26 members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly have declared that no amount of  harassment from the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government would make them submit to an alleged plan to use them to impeach Governor Ayodele Fayose. The lawmakers, reacting to the alleged invasion of the state Assembly by men suspected to be officials of the Department of State Services (DSS), on  Friday, which resulted in the alleged abduction of four lawmakers, raised the alarm that there is a “… clandestine plot by the Buhari led All Progressives Congress (APC) Federal Government to destabilise the Ekiti State Government, using the Department of State Service (DSS).”


In a release  by the Speaker of the House, Rt Honourable Kolawole Oluwawole, they alleged: “More than 10 DSS men, armed to the teeth, invaded the Assembly Complex, shooting sporadically into the air, thereby causing panic among members and staff of the House of Assembly, who had to scamper to safety. “At the end of the commotion, we discovered that four of our members could not be found. “ It was only this morning that we were able to establish that Hon Afolabi Akanni, representing Efon Constituency, was abducted and taken to Abuja.

The whereabouts of three other members  remain unknown as we speak, and reasons for the invasion and abduction of our members are not known”. Alleging  that the abduction  was a script by the FG and APC to detain top functionaries of the Ekiti government  to coerce them into submission, they said: “The plot is to harass, intimidate and embarrass top officials of the Ayodele Fayose government because of the governor’s  critical stance on the Buhari’s government. We are aware that 18 of our members have been pencilled down for harassment and the game plan is to harass them to submission, with a view to coercing them into signing an already prepared notice of impeachment of the governor and his deputy.”

Biafra Rolls out Strategy to Call US, UN and EU Govts; See How they Planned it

Biafra Rolls out Strategy to Call US, UN and EU Govts; See How they Planned it

CALL ALLERT!
Biafrans, Friends, and Well Wishers,
Starting Monday March 7, through Friday February 11, 2016, we shall embark on a second round of calls to the Governments of USA,United Nation and EU about the plight of Biafrans and the inevitability of Biafra restoration and independence.
Please endeavor to make phone calls starting this Monday, from 9 am to 5pm Biafra time (9am-5pm European time) to EU leaders,UN Office At Geneva; and from 3.00PM to 11pm Biafra time (9am to 5pm US time) to US leaders and UN Office At New York. (See complete list below)

Use the following prompts when you call:
“Hello, my name is (——–); I’m calling to appeal to the President (or the relevant government official) to:

1. Condemn the ongoing massacres, mass burials, mass graves, and crimes against humanity directed at Biafran protesters by the current President of Nigeria;

2. Tell British Government to stop masterminding the killing of Biafrans and lying to the whole world about Biafra.

3. Free the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra and other Biafrans abducted for exercising their United Nations rights of Indigenous peoples and self-determination.

4. Support the restoration and

Biafra: IPOB and Buhari in War of Words

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, yesterday welcomed the statement credited to President Muhammadu Buhari to the effect that Nigeria would not tolerate Biafra, pointing out that Biafra would also not tolerate Nigeria.

Spokespersons of IPOB, Emma Mmezu and Dr Clifford Iroanya who spoke for the organisation in a statement entitled “Response to Ohanaeze and Buhari’s disparaging remarks about Biafra on Al Jazeera,” said: “We wish to reiterate for record purposes that our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has not mandated Ohanaeze or any  youth group to negotiate for his release.

“The agitation for Biafra is a long and arduous process and the entire IPOB family all over the world understands this approach as espoused by our detained leader.

“We have not come to merely agitate, we have come to restore or die in the process. Some people think we are joking or can be easily dissuaded from this divine path that God-Chukwu Okike Abhiama has mandated us to follow.

“Any negotiation on Biafra must be led by Nnamdi Kanu and nobody else. If roads, bridges and a few junior staff at Aso Rock are our problems as Biafrans, then IPOB worldwide can fund such infrastructural development alone and very soon, we shall do it. Our quest is Biafra- nothing more, nothing less.

“On the issue of Buhari’s Aljazeera interview on Biafra, we welcome his comments because Biafra would not also tolerate Nigeria. Lord Lugard created Nigeria not Chukwu Okike Abhiama, God Almighty. So, like USSR, it will collapse. We, the IPOB Worldwide have decided not to go back on the quest for restoration of Biafra. Nigeria is not bigger than USSR just as Buhari is not stronger than Michael Gobachev. Buhari can kill Biafrans as he did during the 1967 to 1970 civil war, but this time, it will not be the same.”

IPOB, MASSOB Order Fulani Herdsmen to Vacate South South and South East

Meantime, a palpable trepidation is rife in the South-East geopolitical zone following yesterday’s warning from the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, and the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, directing all Fulani herdsmen engaged in pastoral activities to retreat to the northern part of the country as their safety can longer be guaranteed.

The pro-Biafra groups said it has become imperative for the Fulani herdsmen to leave the region as it can no longer, ”tolerate the systematic killing of our people and invasion of our land in the name of cattle grazing.”
In a statement signed and made available to newsmen in Enugu yesterday, MASSOB Leader, Uchenna Madu, revealed that it has mobilized its allies to ensure that its directive was heeded.

According to Madu, ”we can no longer tolerate the systematic killing of our people and invasion of our land in the name of cattle grazing. Seventy per cent of Fulani herdsmen in the eastern region are Northern-trained secret army assigned for devastation and secret killing of Biafrans.

“MASSOB in collaboration with IPOB and other affiliates have vowed to protect Biafra land with enthusiastic spirit and motivation  from foreign invaders in any disguise. As we have resolved to protect Biafra land, we warn Arewa secret army in disguise as Fulani herdsmen to concentrate on grazing with their cows as any further attack on our people shall be squarely returned.”

On the actualization of Biafra, MASSOB leader described President Muhammadu Buhari’s stance on the futility of Biafra secession from Nigeria as the,”ranting of a frustrated man who has lost major focus on international/diplomatic politics.

“The level of Biafra actualization has gone beyond Buhari’s imagination and comprehension. As long as Ndigbo and easterners in general live, Biafra can never be subdued by Nigeria. We advise the international community to ignore Buhari’s diplomatic propaganda against Biafra.

“We will continue to toe the line of non-violence in our pursuit for Biafra and will not lower our guard to continue to press for the release Nnamdi Kanu,Ben Onwuka and other pro-Biafra detainees in prisons scattered all over the country”.

Kalu Rejects Declaration of Ohuabunwa Winner after Returning Officer Declared Election Inconclusive

The former Governor of Abia State and PPA candidate in the last saturday’s Abia North Senatorial rerun election, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu has reaction rejected INEC’s declaration of PDP’s candidate Mao Ohuabunwa as winner by INEC  5 hours after declaring the election inconclusive. In a text message to Igbere TV Orji Uzor Kalu said:

“After declaring an election inconclusive only to turn around after everybody has gone to declare the loser (PDP) winner is absurd.  I thank you all for all your prayers, support and love. It is not over, I will continue to fight until Abia North LOST GLORY is restored. Keep HOPE ALIVE!”

A replay of the April 2015 governorship result collation in which the state returning officer reversed himself after cancelling the result of three local government areas played out again yesterday in Abia State. The returning officer for the Abia North senatorial rerun election, Dr. Nduka Nwankwo-Ojike, reversed his earlier declaration of the election as inconclusive by declaring the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Mao Ohuabunwa, winner of the election.

Nwankwo-Ojike, the head of Department of Engineering, Michael Okpara University, Umudike, had declared the Saturday senatorial rerun inconclusive at 7a.m. on Sunday after a night long collation based on the fact that the margin of lead of 195 votes is far lower than the number that did not vote put at 62,000. He said it will not be fair to disenfranchise 62,000 voters.

Other reasons he gave for declaring the rerun inconclusive was the report of ballot box and voting materials snatching, failure of card reader and absence of result sheet in some of the polling units. He had declared from the result collated that the PDP candidate, Ohuabunwa scored 26,009 votes while the Peoples Progressive Alliance (PPA) candidate, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu followed closely with 25,814 votes.

After declaring the rerun inconclusive, the returning officer was ordered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state to go back and declare the PDP candidate winner of the rerun. Six hours later, by 12p.m., Nwankwo-Ojike returned to Ohafia Local Government headquarters and did as he was ordered. Reacting to the reversal, the PPA agent, Chief Madukwe Ukaegbu, said he was shocked to hear that the rerun “that was declared inconclusive by 7a.m. has been reversed by 12p.m.”

He said: “Abia has turned to a place where elections are rigged and manipulated against the wishes of the people.” Ukaegbu said it was sad and disappointing that this kind of thing could happen with the active connivance of INEC.

The PPA agent said that the party had taken in good fate the declaration of the returning officer for those places with problem be done the next day. But the PDP agent, Udo Uduma, said that there is no provision for inconclusiveness in a rerun, saying that whatever the margin of lead was enough to declare the winner. Effort to get the INEC head of voter education, Mr. Edwin Enabor, to comment on the matter proved abortive as he did not pick his calls.

“I Can Turn Nigeria Around In 4 Months” Goodluck Jonathan Reportedly Says

Former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, yesterday made an astonishing claim during a chat with pressmen on the state of the Nations Affairs, when he said he could reverse Nigeria’s dwindling fortunes in 4 months reports say.

He made his comments after watching President Muhammadu Buhari’s interview with AL Jazeera. Jonathan said rather sadly “if I were the one who had said All these things he said, Nigerians would have eaten me raw.”

He went on to add “the APC promised Nigerians a lot and are obviously fading, but I can tell you this, me and my Friend Ifeanyi Ubah, we can reverse this mess in less than 4 months”.

When asked if that statement meant he would be running for the Presidency again in 2019, he declined to comment.

“All I know is, Nigerians should not lose hope. That’s all I can say. If your children studying abroad are
He made his comments after watching President Muhammadu Buhari’s interview with AL Jazeera. Jonathan said rather sadly “if I were the one who had said All these things he said, Nigerians would have eaten me raw.”
He went on to add “the APC promised Nigerians a lot and are obviously fading, but I can tell you this, me and my Friend Ifeanyi Ubah, we can reverse this mess in less than 4 months”.

When asked if that statement meant he would be running for the Presidency again in 2019, he declined to comment.

“All I know is, Nigerians should not lose hope. That’s all I can say. If your children studying abroad are forced to come back home, don’t lose hope. If dollar is N600, don’t lose hope. Me and ifeanyi Ubah are working on something big’.

BREAKING! Tension as IPOB, MASSOB Order Fulani Herdsmen to Vacate South South and South East

Meantime, a palpable trepidation is rife in the South-East geopolitical zone following yesterday’s warning from the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, and the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, directing all Fulani herdsmen engaged in pastoral activities to retreat to the northern part of the country as their safety can longer be guaranteed.

The pro-Biafra groups said it has become imperative for the Fulani herdsmen to leave the region as it can no longer, ”tolerate the systematic killing of our people and invasion of our land in the name of cattle grazing.”
In a statement signed and made available to newsmen in Enugu yesterday, MASSOB Leader, Uchenna Madu, revealed that it has mobilized its allies to ensure that its directive was heeded.

According to Madu, ”we can no longer tolerate the systematic killing of our people and invasion of our land in the name of cattle grazing. Seventy per cent of Fulani herdsmen in the eastern region are Northern-trained secret army assigned for devastation and secret killing of Biafrans.

“MASSOB in collaboration with IPOB and other affiliates have vowed to protect Biafra land with enthusiastic spirit and motivation  from foreign invaders in any disguise. As we have resolved to protect Biafra land, we warn Arewa secret army in disguise as Fulani herdsmen to concentrate on grazing with their cows as any further attack on our people shall be squarely returned.”

On the actualization of Biafra, MASSOB leader described President Muhammadu Buhari’s stance on the futility of Biafra secession from Nigeria as the,”ranting of a frustrated man who has lost major focus on international/diplomatic politics.

“The level of Biafra actualization has gone beyond Buhari’s imagination and comprehension. As long as Ndigbo and easterners in general live, Biafra can never be subdued by Nigeria. We advise the international community to ignore Buhari’s diplomatic propaganda against Biafra.

“We will continue to toe the line of non-violence in our pursuit for Biafra and will not lower our guard to continue to press for the release Nnamdi Kanu,Ben Onwuka and other pro-Biafra detainees in prisons scattered all over the country”.

Biafra: IPOB and Buhari in War of Words

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, yesterday welcomed the statement credited to President Muhammadu Buhari to the effect that Nigeria would not tolerate Biafra, pointing out that Biafra would also not tolerate Nigeria.

Spokespersons of IPOB, Emma Mmezu and Dr Clifford Iroanya who spoke for the organisation in a statement entitled “Response to Ohanaeze and Buhari’s disparaging remarks about Biafra on Al Jazeera,” said: “We wish to reiterate for record purposes that our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has not mandated Ohanaeze or any  youth group to negotiate for his release.

“The agitation for Biafra is a long and arduous process and the entire IPOB family all over the world understands this approach as espoused by our detained leader.

“We have not come to merely agitate, we have come to restore or die in the process. Some people think we are joking or can be easily dissuaded from this divine path that God-Chukwu Okike Abhiama has mandated us to follow.

“Any negotiation on Biafra must be led by Nnamdi Kanu and nobody else. If roads, bridges and a few junior staff at Aso Rock are our problems as Biafrans, then IPOB worldwide can fund such infrastructural development alone and very soon, we shall do it. Our quest is Biafra- nothing more, nothing less.

“On the issue of Buhari’s Aljazeera interview on Biafra, we welcome his comments because Biafra would not also tolerate Nigeria. Lord Lugard created Nigeria not Chukwu Okike Abhiama, God Almighty. So, like USSR, it will collapse. We, the IPOB Worldwide have decided not to go back on the quest for restoration of Biafra. Nigeria is not bigger than USSR just as Buhari is not stronger than Michael Gobachev. Buhari can kill Biafrans as he did during the 1967 to 1970 civil war, but this time, it will not be the same.”

Kalu Rejects Declaration of Ohuabunwa Winner after Returning Officer Declared Election Inconclusive

The former Governor of Abia State and PPA candidate in the last saturday’s Abia North Senatorial rerun election, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu has reaction rejected INEC’s declaration of PDP’s candidate Mao Ohuabunwa as winner by INEC  5 hours after declaring the election inconclusive. In a text message to Igbere TV Orji Uzor Kalu said:

“After declaring an election inconclusive only to turn around after everybody has gone to declare the loser (PDP) winner is absurd.  I thank you all for all your prayers, support and love. It is not over, I will continue to fight until Abia North LOST GLORY is restored. Keep HOPE ALIVE!”

A replay of the April 2015 governorship result collation in which the state returning officer reversed himself after cancelling the result of three local government areas played out again yesterday in Abia State. The returning officer for the Abia North senatorial rerun election, Dr. Nduka Nwankwo-Ojike, reversed his earlier declaration of the election as inconclusive by declaring the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Mao Ohuabunwa, winner of the election.

Nwankwo-Ojike, the head of Department of Engineering, Michael Okpara University, Umudike, had declared the Saturday senatorial rerun inconclusive at 7a.m. on Sunday after a night long collation based on the fact that the margin of lead of 195 votes is far lower than the number that did not vote put at 62,000. He said it will not be fair to disenfranchise 62,000 voters.

Other reasons he gave for declaring the rerun inconclusive was the report of ballot box and voting materials snatching, failure of card reader and absence of result sheet in some of the polling units. He had declared from the result collated that the PDP candidate, Ohuabunwa scored 26,009 votes while the Peoples Progressive Alliance (PPA) candidate, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu followed closely with 25,814 votes.

After declaring the rerun inconclusive, the returning officer was ordered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state to go back and declare the PDP candidate winner of the rerun. Six hours later, by 12p.m., Nwankwo-Ojike returned to Ohafia Local Government headquarters and did as he was ordered. Reacting to the reversal, the PPA agent, Chief Madukwe Ukaegbu, said he was shocked to hear that the rerun “that was declared inconclusive by 7a.m. has been reversed by 12p.m.”
He said: “Abia has turned to a place where elections are rigged and manipulated against the wishes of the people.” Ukaegbu said it was sad and disappointing that this kind of thing could happen with the active connivance of INEC.

The PPA agent said that the party had taken in good fate the declaration of the returning officer for those places with problem be done the next day. But the PDP agent, Udo Uduma, said that there is no provision for inconclusiveness in a rerun, saying that whatever the margin of lead was enough to declare the winner. Effort to get the INEC head of voter education, Mr. Edwin Enabor, to comment on the matter proved abortive as he did not pick his calls.

BREAKING! Tension as DSS, Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyers, Family Members Clash In Court

The trial of a leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, took a dramatic turn Monday, when counsel in the case told Justice John Tsoho of the Federal High Court that their lives were under threat.

The prosecuting team also accused Mr. Kanu’s lawyers and family members of constituting threats to its witnesses.

Mr. Kanu and two others – Benjamin Maudubugwu and David Nwawuisi – were brought before the court for alleged treason, for maintaining unlawful society, among others charges.

At the commencement of hearing on Monday, prosecution counsel, Mohammed Diri, informed the court that Mr. Kanu’s lawyer had altercation with members of the State Security Service while trying to enter the courtroom, Monday morning.

Reading from a short note he claimed was written by a staff of the SSS, Mr. Diri said the defence counsel and members of Mr. Kanu’s family were constituting threats to the lives of witnesses.

He asked the court to adjourn the matter till such a time when the witnesses would be granted the needed protection to help them confidently testify in court.

But the lead counsel to Mr. Kanu, Chux Muoma, asked the court to grant permission to Ifeayin Ejiofor, the counsel who had altercation with the SSS, to explain what happened.

When Mr. Ejiofor was given permission to speak, he accused SSS operatives of trying to kill him.
According to Mr. Ejiofor, he had gone to intervene in a dispute between members of Mr. Kanu’s family and staff of the SSS.

He said at the scene of the disagreement, he was told that the SSS staff were blocking Mr. Kanu’s family members from entering the court.

Mr. Ejiofor said the SSS operatives at the scene insisted that they would only allow three additional family members of Mr. Kanu to join those already in the court premises.

He said when he (Mr. Ejiofor) tried to explain to them that there was an order of court permitting members of the public to witness the proceedings, Mr. Ejiofor said a staff of the SSS threatened to kill him.
He therefore prayed the court to take note of the threat.

“My lord I will like you to take note of this threat to my life, because I don’t know what will happen tomorrow,” Mr. Ejiofor said.

The trial judge, Mr. Tsoho, who noted that events had taken a different turn from what was expected, added that if the parties to the matter felt threatened, the case might as well be handed over to the celestial order to resolve.

He asked the parties to decide whether or not they wanted the trial to continue.

The matter was thereafter stepped down for a 30-minute break to enable parties determine the way forward for the matter.

The court had adjourned the matter on February 19, for today March 7.

JUST IN! Court may Discharge Kanu as DSS Fails to Provide any of it’s 8 Witnesses

JUST IN! Court may Discharge Kanu as DSS Fails to Provide any of it’s 8 Witnesses






Following the inability of the federal government to produce any of the eight witnesses scheduled to testify before the court, the defendants, through their lawyer, Chief Chuks Muoma, SAN, applied to be discharged and acquitted of the charge against them.
They predicated their application on the provision of section 351(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. Earlier, the DPP informed the court that the witnesses said they would not appear to testify against the defendants unless the are allowed to wear masks or their identities shielded from both lawyers and people observing the proceeding. ‘My lord this is because they are already receiving threats from associates of the defendants that they will be dealt with. The witnesses said they love their lives and requested that their identities be shielded from people who are coming to witness the proceeding’, Diri added.

He said DSS operatives also billed to testify in the matter, made similar request on the basis that they are investigating terrorism cases and would not want their identities exposed. Justice Tsoho had on February 19, refused an application by the federal government which sought leave to mask the witnesses.
The application was vehemently opposed by counsel to the defendants who urged the court not to allow ‘masquerades’ to testify before it. Meanwhile, the parties are still exchanging arguments on the application for the charge to be quashed and the defendants discharged and acquitted.

Kanu who was hitherto the Director of Radio Biafra and Television, ‎has been in detention since October 14, 2015, when he was arrested by security operatives upon his arrival to Nigeria from his base in the United Kingdom. The defendants were alleged to have committed treasonable felony, an offence punishable under Section 41(C) of the Criminal Code Act, CAP C38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria. FG alleged that they were the ones managing the affairs of the IPOB which it described as ‘an unlawful society’.

Specifically, Kanu was alleged to have illegally smuggled radio transmitters into Nigeria, which he used to disseminate “hate broadcasts”, encouraging the “secession of the Republic ofBiafra”, from Nigeria. The accused persons however pleaded not guilty to the charge on January 20, even as the court ordered their remand at Kuje prison ‎in Abuja.‎‎

Court grants DSS permission to protect witnesses

Kanu said his team will challenge today’s court ruling which permitted the DSS to make use of masked witnesses. A Federal High Court has granted an application by the Department of State Services (DSS) to protect its witnesses. The judge over the matter, John Tsoho, in his ruling said that the DSS application is not different from his previous order. He dismissed the defense counsel’s argument that Section 351 subsection 1 of the Administrative Criminal Justice Act that complainant must be ascertained affects this matter before the court. He said the complainant in this matter is the Attorney General of the Federation, who is the chief legal prosecutor of the state represented by the Director of Public Prosecution, Mohammed Dir and his team. Tsoho said that he upholds the argument that Section 351 subsection 1 of the Administrative Criminal Justice Act. He said the previous court order is not different from the application made by the DSS.

While discharging the prayer of the defendants to discharge the charges before the court and restrict the complainant to re-arresting the defendants, Tsoho said his order of February 19, included that the witnesses are shielded in a manner that they can be seen by the counsels. He added that the witnesses are also allowed to use private paths within the court premises that are different from the public paths. He said the DSS application does not amount to opening an already settled matter. The judge further explained that the witnesses will not be masked but will be screened in such a way that the counsels will be able to see the witnesses. Tsoho ruled that the matter be adjourned to Wednesday, March 9, as screens not facial masks will be used to protect the witnesses during examination and cross-examination. The prosecution counsel, Mohammed Diri also told the court that the DSS intends to examine all its witnesses on the same day.
He had earlier urged the court to vary its order that the identities of its witnesses be protected from the public. Diri told the court that the inability of the DSS to bring the witnesses for the commencement of trial was because the witnesses were scared of their lives. Meanwhile, Nnamdi Kanu has said that he would challenge the order of the Federal High Court Abuja to allowed witnesses to be protected in his trial. Speaking after a court ruling in Abuja, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, one of the  counsels to Kanu said his team will challenge today’s court ruling. “We are going to challenge the decision of the court in a higher court,” Ejiofor said. Kanu was arrested on October 14, 2015, by operatives of the DSS upon his arrival into Nigeria from the United Kingdom. He is facing charges bordering on felony, illegal possession of firearms and assisting in the management of an unlawful society alongside two others.

Biafra: DSS ‘Uncovers’ Plot to Abduct Kanu, Others in Court

BREAKING NEWS!!! Biafra: DSS ‘Uncovers’ Plot to Abduct Kanu, Others in Court

The Department of State Service, DSS, on Monday, told a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, that it has uncovered plot by some pro-Biafra agitators, to invade the court and forcefully free the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu.

The security agency made the allegation on a day the federal government was to open its case against Kanu who is facing a six-count treason charge alongside two other pro-Biafra supporters, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi.

Nnamdi kanu The Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, Mr. Mohammed Diri, told trial Justice John Tsoho that the DSS has already commenced investigation on the planned invasion. Meantime, following the inability of the federal government to produce any of the eight witnesses scheduled to testify before the court, the defendants, through their lawyer, Chief Chuks Muoma, SAN, applied to be discharged and acquitted of the charge against them.
They predicated their application on the provision of section 351(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. Earlier, the DPP informed the court that the witnesses said they would not appear to testify against the defendants unless the are allowed to wear masks or their identities shielded from both lawyers and people observing the proceeding. ‘My lord this is because they are already receiving threats from associates of the defendants that they will be dealt with. The witnesses said they love their lives and requested that their identities be shielded from people who are coming to witness the proceeding’, Diri added.

He said DSS operatives also billed to testify in the matter, made similar request on the basis that they are investigating terrorism cases and would not want their identities exposed. Justice Tsoho had on February 19, refused an application by the federal government which sought leave to mask the witnesses.
The application was vehemently opposed by counsel to the defendants who urged the court not to allow ‘masquerades’ to testify before it. Meanwhile, the parties are still exchanging arguments on the application for the charge to be quashed and the defendants discharged and acquitted.

Kanu who was hitherto the Director of Radio Biafra and Television, ‎has been in detention since October 14, 2015, when he was arrested by security operatives upon his arrival to Nigeria from his base in the United Kingdom. The defendants were alleged to have committed treasonable felony, an offence punishable under Section 41(C) of the Criminal Code Act, CAP C38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria. FG alleged that they were the ones managing the affairs of the IPOB which it described as ‘an unlawful society’.
Specifically, Kanu was alleged to have illegally smuggled radio transmitters into Nigeria, which he used to disseminate “hate broadcasts”, encouraging the “secession of the Republic ofBiafra”, from Nigeria. The accused persons however pleaded not guilty to the charge on January 20, even as the court ordered their remand at Kuje prison ‎in Abuja.‎‎

JUST IN!!! “I Can Turn Nigeria Around In 4 Months” Goodluck Jonathan Reportedly Says

Goodluck Jonathan beats Tinubu, Kofi Anan to prestigious prize

Former president, Goodluck Jonathan has won yet another prestigious award – Jonathan has been named the ‘Person -of-the-year 2015′, for the African Leadership Magazine – He beat APC chieftain, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and five others to get hold of the coveted prize – The judges chose him because of his role in Nigeria’s historic election which saw APC come into power Dr Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria’s immediate past president, has beaten many high-profile nominees drawn from across Africa to emerge Person of the Year 2015. The prestigious award was bestowed on him by the African Leadership Magazine.
The disclosure was made in a letter signed by the former Liberian Pro tem Senate president and chair, 2015 African Leadership Person of the Year Selection Committee, Cletus Wortoson. The nominees for this year’s award include former Secretary General of the United Nations, Koffi Anan; National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu; founder of Econet Wireless; Strive Masiyiwa; Chairman of Heirs Holding, Tony Elumulelu; Executive Director of UN Women, Mlambo-Ngcuka, President of African Development Bank, AfDB, Akinwunmi Adesina. Wortoson noted that the selection committee and the African Leadership Advisory Board placed a very high premium on Jonathan’s commitment towards deepening democracy on the continent.

The letter reads, “There is no one best suited at the moment than Your Excellency, to advise the continent’s leaders on the merits of good governance and enduring democracy. Jonathan wins man of the year award “Your popular mantra of ‘one man one vote’ and ‘my ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian,’ is a message that must be preached loud and clear on the continent, hence our endorsement. “In adopting you as our choice, we placed a very high premium on your commitment towards deepening democracy on the continent – a characteristic which is uncommon among most African leaders at the highest level today.
“Chief among the many factors we considered was your efforts towards promoting good governance in Africa-through the promotion of free and fair elections across the continent. Your recent assignment to Tanzania received accolades and international acclaim, because, you discharged the responsibility most creditably.” Jonathan has continued to be applauded for his “classy role” in the 2015 presidential election which marks a significant milestone in the Nigeria’s democracy. After losing the election, Jonathan congratulated his opponent, Muhammadu Buhari, and conducted a smooth transition of power.

BUHARI’S BILATERAL AGREEMENTS : NIGERIANS REQUIRE A REFEREE IN QATAR BEFORE VISA

This is from a country buhari told us he signed bilateral agreement with: “For a Nigerian to get a Qatari visa, he ought to have a sponsor who is resident in Qatar; that is the new policy for those countries that are not listed among the nations that its citizens are allowed to visit the country (Qatar).”
_____
A Questionable Deal with Qatar

March 3, 2016 64 12637 The verdict olusegun By Olusegun Adeniyi: olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com
President Muhammadu Buhari was in Qatar last week and the major news that came out of the visit was the signing of Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Qatar to pave way for direct flights between major cities of both countries. While I continue to wonder whether any due diligence was done by the relevant authorities before committing Nigeria to such an agreement, there are pertinent questions as to whose idea this BASA deal is. Since Nigeria currently has no national carrier, it stands to reason that Qatar initiated the idea and that is where the problem lies: I don’t believe that the interest of our people was served by the agreement.

Early in January this year, I got a mail from a lady, Mrs Chioma Okigbo, narrating one of those unpleasant experiences to which Nigerians are usually subjected in their own country. On receiving the mail (with supporting documents), I immediately forwarded them to THISDAY aviation editor, Chinedu Eze, asking him to investigate the claims and give me a feedback. Since Mrs Okigbo’s enclosed her phone number, I also called to assure her I would follow up on the matter. It took Chinedu a week to get back to me but he confirmed Mrs Okigbo’s story. Now, this was what she wrote in her mail:

“To my shock and utter dismay, I received an almost instant response from the website informing me that the government of Qatar does not issue visas to Nigerian nationals. This response upset me a great deal and raised a number of questions in my head: If we, as Nigerians are not good enough to visit their country, what exactly are they doing running an airline in ours? What is the Nigerian Government’s stance on Qataris visiting Nigeria? Do we issue visas to them or are they also not allowed in Nigeria? Why is the Federal Government of Nigeria allowing a company to run a business in Nigeria, whilst their host country feels we are all criminals?

“Anyway, I went to the Qatar Airways office where, by the way, I met some really nice Nigerians, and asked for a full refund. To add insult to injury, the airline will be deducting a 10 percent fee for cancellation! Where in the world is this fair and equitable? I felt that I needed to share this with you as I do not know the number of other unsuspecting Nigerians that would be affected by such discrimination.”
When THISDAY sought explanation for such discrimination against our nationals, the Qatar Airways Lagos Airport Manager, who simply gave his name as Hashim said: “for a Nigerian to get a Qatari visa, he ought to have a sponsor who is resident in Qatar; that is the new policy for those countries that are not listed among the nations that its citizens are allowed to visit the country (Qatar).”
And it is this same Qatar with which Nigeria has just signed a BASA deal!
For those who still may not get it, what we are dealing with here is not the usual impunity of some foreign companies operating in our country, the summary of Mrs Okigbo’s ordeal is that Qatar Airways operates and makes money from Nigeria yet our citizens are considered not good enough to enter their country like other nationals.
There are several critical issues here for both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Consumer Protection Council but I will highlight only two. First, Mrs Okigbo was practically fleeced of 10 percent of her ticket money because she did not embark on a flight to a country that would not give her a visa. Two, it is an official policy of Qatar to discriminate against nationals of Nigeria.
I believe that the humiliating experience of Mrs Chioma Okigbo should not be seen as a personal insult, it is a serious affront to our country. What is perhaps more worrying is that the presidential statement announcing the BASA deal went further to disclose that Nigeria has commenced discussions on partnership (with Qatar, I imagine) towards establishing a national carrier without providing any details.

Given that the nation’s aviation industry is currently going through financial crisis with many of our local airlines highly indebted, the Buhari administration has refused to answer the most pertinent question about this idea of national carrier that is being driven more by nostalgia than economic common sense: On what model will the flag carrier be based and what are the funding plans, especially at a time like this?

Again, coming up with a prestige project at a time Nigeria needs all the resources it can muster to meet pressing national demands betrays a clear lack of seriousness on the part of this administration. Against the background that even countries like Italy and others that are better managed have found running airlines a difficult proposition with most of them divesting from the business, I still fail to understand what is driving this obsession with national carrier. However, more pertinent is the question of why the latest announcement was made in Doha after signing the BASA deal.

Since our international aviation sector is very lucrative (Nigerians travel a lot and to everywhere in the world) and we currently do not have a national carrier, the implication of any BASA deal with Qatar can only be to the advantage of Qatar Airways. While I should not begrudge them for that, I hope the Nigerian authorities also have ready answers for the questions posed by Mrs. Chioma Okigbo. Yet, there is something in this untidy affair that should make one very sad. Apparently because we are now looking anywhere and everywhere for “foreign investors”, we don’t have a sense of shame anymore. But just how cheap can a nation be?

“Dear Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi,

“I felt a need to share an event that happened to me with you. On 19th November, 2015, I accessed Qatar Airways website with the intention of purchasing a ticket to visit Doha and Dubai. The visit to Dubai was the major reason for the trip as we had planned a reunion of our secondary school classmates from all over the world in that location. Having a friend working in Doha, I opted to leave Nigeria some days earlier than the planned reunion dates of 25th – 28th February.

“Before buying my ticket, I confirmed from the website that the airline was able to process visa for visitors to Qatar; in fact this information was very prominently displayed on their website. I proceeded to purchase my ticket and on Tuesday, January 19th, a month to my travel date, I visited Qatar Airways website again, this time to complete the visa process. The site redirected me to a website called Discover Qatar, which I believe is the official information center for all visitors to Qatar and had been set up by the Qatari government to provide accurate and timely travel information to visitors. I was required to complete a simple form but the first unpleasant surprise was that Nigeria was not listed among the countries under the pull down menu for Nationality. I found this curious and told my classmates that I had planned the Doha trip with a friend (who would be flying in from London) and she suggested that a country called Niceau was their own clever way of writing Nigeria. I decided however to contact the center and make proper inquiries.

One Person Burnt To Death As APC, PDP Supporters Clash In Rivers

One Person Burnt To Death As APC, PDP Supporters Clash In Rivers

A violent clash in Rivers State between Peoples Democratic Party members and All Progressives Congress members has left one man burnt to death.

Mr. Ofinjite Amachree, popularly known as ‘Kalampo’ has been burnt to death during a clash between supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Buguma, headquarters of Asari-Toru local government area of Rivers State.

According to LeadershipNG, the incident occurred at the new Health Centre area built by the immediate past administration of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, for the community, while the victim, Kalampo was identified as a stalwart of the APC.

Giving graphic details about the incident, a resident of the Buguma, who spoke on the condition of anonymity said,“We don’t really know what caused the fight but what we know is that it is a clash between the APC and PDP. There were series of gun shots so we had to take cover in our house. One guy popularly known as Kalampo, who I think is an APC member was killed and burnt. As I speak with you, there is tension in entire community.”

The incident was confirmed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Ahmad Kadiya Muhammad.

It’s awkward for Buhari to ban forex for education when his own kids school abroad – Ben Bruce

It’s awkward for Buhari to ban forex for education when his own kids school abroad – Ben Bruce

Outspoken Senator and businessman, Ben Murray-Bruce, representing Bayelsa East senatorial district, has said that it is unfair for President Muhammadu Buhari to ban foreign exchange for Nigerian students abroad, while his own children school abroad.

Mr. Buhari during an interview granted to Al Jazeera said: “Nigeria cannot continue to subsidize the forex needs of everyone.”
“Those who can afford foreign education for their children can go ahead, but Nigeria cannot afford to allocate foreign exchange for those who decided to train their children outside the country. We can’t just afford it. That is just the true situation,” he said.
Reminded by the interviewer that his own children school abroad, President Buhari said “I can afford it.”

Reacting to this, Mr. Senator Bruce said: “Its awkward for a leader to say no #ForexForEducation for kids schooling abroad when his own kids school abroad!,” he wrote on his Twitter page.
“Mr. President, these are people who voted for you. Shouldn’t you be more sensitive to their need for #ForexForEducation.”
“This year officials, including the Presidency, will spend billions importing cars. If we can afford that cant we afford #ForexForEducation”
“What should parents whose kids have spent 2+ years studying abroad do? Should their kids drop out after going so far? #ForexForEducation”
“Its not a matter of “those who can afford it”. Parents aren’t saying they cant afford it. They’re saying they cant get #ForexForEducation”

“I advocate for #BuyNaijaToGrowTheNaira but I accept that there are some courses that we dont offer in our universities #ForexForEducation”
“If we can provide foreign exchange to those going on pilgrimage, surely we can provide #ForexForEducation. Education is a priority!”
“These policies will have the opposite effect of what you intend. Nigerians will take their funds to neighboring nations #ForexForEducation”
“We as elected representatives of the people must be sensitive to their needs and reflect this sensitivity in policies #ForexForEducation,” Mr Bruce said.

My children study abroad because I can afford it – Buhari

President Muhammad Buhari has said that the forex crisis in the country is being managed by his administration and that not every Nigerian will be able to access foreign exchange at official rates in the country.

The President made the revelation during an interview with Talk With Al Jazeera during his visit to Qatar.

When asked by the interviewer about the inability of parents with children schooling abroad to purchase forex at affordable rates to keep their children in school.

President Buhari said, “Not every Nigerian can afford it and the country cannot continue to subsidize the forex needs of everyone.”

Reminded by the interviewer that his own children school abroad, President Buhari said “I can afford it.”

The Al Jazeera anchor then asked, “So it’s their tough luck then?” in reference to those Nigerians who are unable to afford the school fees.

The President responded by shrugging his shoulders.

Many Nigerians voted for President Buhari due to the ability of his campaign managers to dress him up as a man of very modest means who could relate to the pains of ordinary Nigerians. However it appears Buharinomics may not be as forgiving to those class of Nigerians as they would have liked.

SHOCKER!!! Man Kills and Buries His Father in Shallow Grave in Anambra (See Photos)

The man  allegedly killed and buried his own father in Umuajana Village Umudioka, Dunukofia LGA of Anambra state.
The old man had gone missing for some days and his family had started looking for him. The shallow grave where the son buried him was discovered on Sunday March 6th, around 2pm after someone raised suspicion. The son was handed over to the police for further investigation.

See more photos after the cut…

Abia North Rerun Election: PPA Rejects Result (See their Next Move)

Abia North Rerun Election: PPA Rejects Result (See their Next Move)

The leadership of the People’s Progressive Alliance (PPA) in Abia State has rejected in total terms the result of the Saturday rerun poll in Abia North Senatorial District, calling for a cancellation of the  results of the controversial polling units in Ohafia and Arochukwu local governments.

 

According to the PPA Zonal Chairman in Abia North, Hon. Rapheal Ukoro, the returning officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),  Dr. Ojike Nwankwo, on Sunday afternoon announced Chief Mao Ohuabunwa of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as winner despite  declaring  the election inconclusive on Sunday morning based on the controversial results of Wards 2 and 3 in Arochukwu (home base of the PDP candidate, Chief Mao Ohuabunwa) due to heavy ballot-box snatching and falsification of results‎.

 

Addressing a press conference in Umuahia on Monday, he said, “we wish to state categorically that our great party, PPA, affirms its position on the  rejection of  the result of the Saturday rerun poll in Abia North, noting that the returning officer of INEC, Dr. Ojike Nwankwo, had at the Ohafia INEC collation centre  on Sunday, March 6, 2016, at 7.00 a.m.,  announced in the presence of party agents and other INEC officials that due to irregularities in some wards in Arochukwu and Ohafia local governments, where election was marred by widespread rigging and violence, the election was inconclusive.

 

“Shortly after the declaration of the indecisiveness of the rerun poll, the returning officer and other INEC officials moved to the State INEC office in Umuahia, where the PDP candidate and agents met with them in closed door to perfect their illegal action. It was gathered that the returning officer and other INEC officials were compromised by the PDP agents with the support of the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, who doled out handsome cash gifts to them to reverse their earlier position.