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Tag: Anambra

  • Killings in Anambra: What does Obiano do with N1.5bn monthly security vote, says Ogene

    Killings in Anambra: What does Obiano do with N1.5bn monthly security vote, says Ogene

    The Senator Andy Uba Governorship Campaign Organisation, SAUGCO has requested the Anambra State Governor, Chief Willy Obiano, to shake off his lethargy and frontally confront the worsening insecurity in the state.

    In a statement signed by Hon.Victor Afam Ogene, Director, Media and Publicity, SAUGCO, Senator Uba stated that Obiano is not only fiddling while Anambra is burning, but is clearly absent from duty.

    His words: “President Buhari, not Governor Willy Obiano, is the Commander in Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces and head of all security agencies in the country,” the Anambra State Government said yesterday in a statement signed by its Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. C. Don Adinuba; clearly absolving the governor of any responsibility.

    Reacting to the statement on Sunday, October 3, 2021, we are then compelled to ask the following questions:

    “When Mr. Adinuba proceeds to glow in the same statement that our dear state “for seven years enjoyed the richly deserved reputation of the most peaceful state in the whole country,” was President Buhari not the Commander in Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces?

    “Each time Gov. Obiano clownishly adorns himself in military camouflage, does he do so for mere comic display?

    “When Governor Obiano collects the humongous sum of N1.5 Billion monthly as security vote, and his wife, N250 million, is it meant for carousing in the Governor’s Lodge, or to secure the state?

    “From the Commissioner’s unsavoury submissions, we make bold to say that Governor Obiano appears to have thrown up his hands in heedless surrender.

    “But we make haste to advise that it is too early so to do. In fact, until March 17, 2021, we insist that Gov. Obiano remains the chief security officer of Anambra state and must do his level best to secure the state, its people and properties.

    “It is only after then, APC will take over the state because he will hand over power to Senator Andy Uba.

    “But instead of seeking to finish strong in the area of security – for which he ceaselessly prides himself – the administration rather appears to revel in its inability to provide a secure environment for all, regardless of party affiliation. Otherwise, why would the government descend into a partisan arena to rejoice in the fact that the All Progressives Congress, APC had to put on hold its scheduled flag off, owing mainly to several killings brought about in the first place by its security incompetencies?

    “Instead of seeking ways of making restitution to the people of Anambra who have been misgoverned over the last seven years and half, leading to key stalwarts and functionaries of both the party and government leaving in droves to join the APC, Governor Obiano, rather, refuses to act, lending credence to claims in several quarters that he does not want the November 6, 2021 governorship election to hold.

    “Indeed, with Governor Obiano and his Administration openly admitting that the recent spate of killings in the state is “politically motivated,” it is now very clear that the orchestrated reign of violence, perhaps, has the imprimatur of government.

    “Rather than insisting on foisting an inclement weather on the very people the administration ought to govern, we urge Governor Obiano to smell the coffee and not attempt to pull down the state with him.”

    Signed,
    Hon. Victor Afam Ogene
    Director, Media and Publicity
    For, and on behalf of the Senator Andy Uba Governorship Campaign Organisation, SAUGCO

  • Video: Joe Igbokwe fingers IPOB as gunmen raze his house in Anambra

    Video: Joe Igbokwe fingers IPOB as gunmen raze his house in Anambra

    The spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress, Lagos State chapter, Joe Igbokwe, has accused members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra of invading his house in Nnewi, Anambra State, and setting it ablaze.

    Mr Igbokwe said security cameras captured the arsonists arriving in a vehicle at his residence in the commercial Anambra town. He said he was doing fine after the attack, but did not clarify whether or not he was at home during the attack.

    “IPOB invaded my house in Nnewi about now,” Mr Igbokwe, a top ruling party politician in Lagos, said on Facebook. “I am sure they raised down the my house giving the jerrycans of petrol I saw being offloaded from their Sienna car via CCTV. To God be the glory.”

    “I am still alive,” he added. “My study is my greatest regret.”

    A police spokesman in Awka, the state capital, did not return a request seeking comments about whether Mr Igbokwe had reported the matter or if the police have identified suspects.

    Mr Igbokwe’s disclosure came as reports emerged from Nnewi that headquarters of police and State Security Service in the community were torched by hoodlums chanting destruction of Nigerian flag. Several people were reportedly killed in the attack.

    Mr Igbokwe said security cameras captured the arsonists arriving in a vehicle at his residence in the commercial Anambra town. He said he was doing fine after the attack, but did not clarify whether or not he was at home during the attack.

    “IPOB invaded my house in Nnewi about now,” Mr Igbokwe, a top ruling party politician in Lagos, said on Facebook. “I am sure they raised down the my house giving the jerrycans of petrol I saw being offloaded from their Sienna car via CCTV. To God be the glory.”

    “I am still alive,” he added. “My study is my greatest regret.”

    A police spokesman in Awka, the state capital, did not return a request seeking comments about whether Mr Igbokwe had reported the matter or if the police have identified suspects.

    Mr Igbokwe’s disclosure came as reports emerged from Nnewi that headquarters of police and State Security Service in the community were torched by hoodlums chanting destruction of Nigerian flag. Several people were reportedly killed in the attack.

  • Anambra: Andy Uba postpones guber campaign flag-off over violent killings

    Anambra: Andy Uba postpones guber campaign flag-off over violent killings

    Sen. Andy Uba, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Anambra, has shifted his campaign flag off at Onitsha on Saturday following upsurge in violent attacks and killings in parts of the state.

    In a statement he personal signed and made available to journalists at about 9pm on Friday in Awka, Uba said the postponement was in sympathy with families of those killed and wounded.

    He said, like every other well-meaning member of the public, I have followed with sadness and grief, the recent, unfortunate and mindless spate of violence and insecurity in Anambra state.

    “I have also watched with disdain obvious breakdown of institutional capacity and inability of the APGA-led state government to address security challenges and prevent the state from further descent into anarchy and chaos,” he stated.

    Uba said his condolences goes to the families of all who lost loved ones in the ongoing politically-motivated killings.

    He said Anambra people, who are now living in fear of their lives and properties as a result of the ongoing mayhem, should place their hopes in God.
    The APC standard bearer in the November 6 election charged the people to go about their normal lawful businesses while keeping vigilant and taking necessary precaution.

    He noted, as a mark of respect and honor and in consultation with both APC and his campaign council leader, that the campaign flag-off rally, scheduled for October 2, 2021, in Onitsha has been shifted to a later date.

    According to him, “I, Senator Andy Emmanuel Uba, will be the last person to sacrifice or play politics with the lives of our people.

    “Neither will I allow anybody to do so under my watch”, saying that he would ensure that he put everything lawfully at his disposal to ensure that the politically-motivated
    killings was brought to an end.

    Uba therefore called on the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)-led government in the state to rise up to the challenge, noting that security of lives and property are key function of government.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Anambra had between last Monday and Thursday recorded daily violent attacks in parts of the state.
    The attackers, however, killed Dr Chike Akunyili and seven others at NKpor area on Tuesday and razed the Divisional Police station at Ajali on Thursday with six persons killed among others.

  • Officers feared killed, prisoners trapped as gunmen attack, set police station ablaze in Anambra

    Officers feared killed, prisoners trapped as gunmen attack, set police station ablaze in Anambra

    There was pandemonium in Ajalli, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State on Thursday after armed men attacked a police station, with some officers feared killed.

    The building was also set ablaze and some persons who are most likely suspects in police custody are feared trapped in the building.

    The police are, however, yet to confirm the number of casualties.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that the incident happened hours days after the murder of Dr. Chike Akunyili, the husband of the late former Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dora Akunyili, and others in the state.

    Dr. Chike Akunyili was killed by the gunmen on Tuesday alongside his driver and a police escort around the Nkpor junction in Idemili North, Anambra State.

    He was said to have been returning from an event where he received a posthumous award of excellence for his late wife when he ran into the hoodlums at Nkpor and was murdered in cold blood.

    Meanwhile, Governor Willie Obiano has placed a ₦20 million bounty on the perpetrators of the gruesome killing.

    The Governor said that the sum will be awarded to anyone who is able to provide useful information to track the killers.

    He said this in a special broadcast after an emergency State Security Council meeting at the Governor’s lodge in Amawbia on Wednesday, while condoling with the Akunyili family, as well as families of others who were killed in the attack.

    Governor Obiano condemned the attack, calling on residents to join forces with security agencies to confront the common enemy and protect the state.

    Speaking further, he lamented that between Sunday, September 26 to date, over 10 persons have been killed in various areas of the state.

     

  • 11 lawmakers dump APGA, PDP for APC in Anambra

    11 lawmakers dump APGA, PDP for APC in Anambra

    The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the People’s Democratic Party have suffered some setbacks in Anambra as they jointly lost 11 lawmakers to the All Progressives Congress.

    The defectors include: Mr Douglas Egbuna, Ebuchi Offor, Vincent Oguwelu, Ifeanyichukwu Ibezi, Emeka Anoku,Chris Emeka, Ifeanyi Monah, Ohwudili Ezenwa, Chinwe Nwaebili, Chuma Nzeribe and Emeka Azubogu.

    They were received in Abuja by Gov Mai Mala Buni, Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC).

    Alhaji Mamman Mohammed, APC Director-General, Press and Media Affairs, announced this in a statement on Thursday, in Abuja.

    According to him, the lawmakers include five serving and four former House of Representatives members, and two Anambra House of Assembly members that defected from PDP and APGA to APC.

    He said that Buni, who is also the governor of Yobe, congratulated the new members, saying, they made the right decision by joining the APC and bringing their people to the national movement.

    “You have taken the right decision at the right time, you will enjoy all the rights and privileges of the party,” quoted Buni as saying.

    The defectors eulogised Buni for giving APC the required leadership and taking the party to greater heights.

    They promised to deliver their constituencies to the party in the forthcoming Anambra governorship election slated for Nov. 6.

    He said that the Speaker House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, Governors of Imo, Kogi, Kano, Jigawa and Kebbi States assisted Buni to receive the lawmakers into APC at Imo Governor’s Lodge, Abuja.

  • DSS reacts to reports of masterminding Chike Akunyili’s gruesome murder in Anambra

    DSS reacts to reports of masterminding Chike Akunyili’s gruesome murder in Anambra

    The Department of State Services (DSS) says it has no hand in the killing of Dr Chike Akunyili, widower of former information minister, Dora.

    Akunyili was killed in Anambra by unknown gunmen on Tuesday. A social media video has claimed that the DSS was responsible for the attack on the medical doctor.

    But Dr Peter Afunanya, DSS spokesman, in a statement on Wednesday, described the claim as “spurious and illogical”.

    “The attention of the service has been drawn to an allegation that its operatives killed Dr Chike Akunyili.

    “It was also alleged that the DSS murdered security escorts at Nkpor, in Anambra, on 28th September, 2021.

    “The service hereby denies these allegations and wishes to clearly state that they are spurious and illogical.

    “There was no basis for the DSS to kill the medical doctor and/or fellow law enforcement agents. The service cherishes life and believes in the rule of law.

    “The public should be wary of the false narratives by those desirous of using it (the Service), to cover up their heinous acts.

    “The operations of these hostile elements are already well known in the public space and to the discerning,” he said.

    The image maker said that the service and sister agencies would not relent in tracking down those behind the breakdown of law and order so as to bring them to justice.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that the gunmen killed Dr Chike Akunyili at Umuoji in Idemili North Local Government of Anambra Tuesday evening.

    A family source said Akunyili was returning from an event organised by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka Alumni Association (UNAA) where the late Dora was honoured.

  • Anambra: Obiano laments mindless killings in statewide broadcast, places N20m bounty on killers of Chike Akunyili [Full speech]

    Anambra: Obiano laments mindless killings in statewide broadcast, places N20m bounty on killers of Chike Akunyili [Full speech]

    Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, has placed a ₦20 million bounty on the perpetrators of the gruesome killing of Dr. Chike Akunyili, the husband of the late former minister and Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dora Akunyili, and others in the state.

    The Governor said that the sum will be awarded to anyone who is able to provide useful information to track the killers.

    He said this in a special broadcast after an emergency State Security Council meeting at the Governor’s lodge in Amawbia on Wednesday, while condoling with the Akunyili family, as well as families of others who were killed in the attack.

    Governor Obiano condemned the attack, calling on residents to join forces with security agencies to confront the common enemy and protect the state.

    Speaking further, he lamented that between Sunday, September 26 to date, over 10 persons have been killed in various areas of the state.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that Dr. Chike Akunyili was killed by the gunmen on Tuesday alongside his driver and a police escort around the Nkpor junction in Idemili North, Anambra State.

    The late Chike was said to have been returning from an event where he received a posthumous award of excellence for his late wife when he ran into the hoodlums at Nkpor and was murdered in cold blood.

    Meanwhile, the Police have visited the scene, as investigations into the incident and several other recent killings are now ongoing.

    Read Governor Obiano’s full address below:

    It is on a very sad note that I address the State today to condemn in very strong terms, the violence that has been witnessed in Anambra in the past few days.
    Since last weekend, some armed persons have unleashed terror with sporadic attacks on innocent citizens in various parts of the State.

    From the briefings I have received from Security Commanders, Offices of some political parties, branded campaign vehicles and individuals occupying them have been attacked with killings and burning of vehicles observed. Other innocent road users have become victims of this menace with many losing their lives and others, their properties.

    Between Sunday 26th and yesterday 28th September, 2021 attacks on citizens at Oko, Agulu, Obosi, Nkpor, Nnobi, Nnewi and other places have left about ten (10) people dead including an illustrious son of this State, Dr Chike Akunyili, husband of late Prof Dora Akunyili who was reportedly gunned down yesterday around Nkpor.

    These are our own people dying every day and for what reason?

    Ndi Anambra, these attacks and accompanying deaths cannot be justified and must stop now.

    I have therefore conducted an extensive security meeting and have directed all Security Agencies to step up and confront this monster ravaging our land. I charge everyone involved in the security architecture of Anambra State to take very seriously, this threat to our livelihood and boldly rise to confront same. Everything that needs to be done will be done and no stone will be left unturned in this effort. My directive to this effect is clear and i urge every security personnel on duty in Anambra State to do his utmost best to secure our people.

    To all citizens of Anambra State and every person living and doing business in our State, I urge you now to join forces with us to confront this common enemy.

    We cannot condone this savagery for any reason whatsoever. I therefore call on all our youths in the State to rise up and protect our communities. Traditional Rulers, Presidents General, Clergy men, Vigilante Groups and all leadership structures must now take responsibility and in conjunction with the Police, Military and other Law Enforcement Agencies, work to restore order immediately.

    To reinforce our commitment and seriousness on this issue, I on behalf of the State Government, wish to announce a twenty million Naira (N20,000,000.00) reward for any useful information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators of these heinous attacks on our State. The people behind this must be unmasked and brought to book. I urge Citizens to report to us, anybody bearing firearm who is not a Security or Vigilante personnel, so we can deal with this monster, once and for all. Call 07039194332 or approach any Security deployment if you have any information. As the Americans say, IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING.

    At this point, I wish to most heartily condole with the families of all those who have lost their loved ones in the course of these senseless attacks. I promise you that we will leave no stone unturned in getting justice for them. May their souls rest in peace.

    Finally, I urge all citizens of the State to unite in this fight against all forms of terror, intimidation and tyranny. We will not succumb to invaders as I am convinced that no Anambra son will indulge in this kind of heartlessness. I warn all those promoting and participating in these violent attacks to leave our State or pay a high price as we will definitely catch up with them.

    To all law abiding citizens and persons living in our State, I urge you to go about your lawful businesses but we must now ALL go to work and take back our State. This is Anambra, the Light of the Nation, where darkness has no place. The events of the last one week will not be allowed to fester and by God’s grace, we shall overcome.

    Thank you and God bless.

  • Andy Uba Names Ogene, Media Director

    Andy Uba Names Ogene, Media Director

    Frontline candidate in the November 6, 2021 Anambra governorship election, Senator Andy Uba, has appointed Hon. Victor Afam Ogene as Director, Media and Publicity of his campaign.

    Hon. Ogene, a former member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, is also a long standing journalist, with over 30 years of practice.

    “As Director of Media and Publicity, you will be responsible for the overall coordination and management of the Campaign’s messaging,” Sir Paul Chukwuma, Director General of the Senator Andy Uba Governorship Campaign Organisation, SAUGCO said in a statement announcing the appointment.

    A stalwart of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC since it’s formation six years ago, Hon. Ogene has since assumed duties.

  • BREAKING: Gunmen shoot late Dora Akunyili’s husband dead in Anambra

    BREAKING: Gunmen shoot late Dora Akunyili’s husband dead in Anambra

    Dr. Chike Akunyili, husband to late former Information Minister, Prof. Dora Akunyili, has been reportedly murdered by gunmen.

    According to reports, he was killed at Umuoji in Idemili North LGA of Anambra State on Tuesday evening.

    Though details of the incident are still sketchy, a source close to the family said the deceased was still at the University of Nigeria Nsukka Alumni Association (UNAA) where the late Dora was honoured some hours before he was killed.

    The source said: “God, please render the devil and his agents powerless and useless.

    “I was with this man yesterday same yesterday at Sharon Hall, All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha. It was an occasion of University of Nigeria Nsukka Alumni Association (UNAA), Onitsha branch event where they honoured late Dora Akunyili.

    “He spoke glowingly about Dora and made a donation of 500k to the association.
    He was there with his son ,Obum now working with Anambra state government.

    “We saw them off to the car and it was emotional when Obum hugged him tight as both of them separated to join their respective vehicles.

    “Obum was in a white Hilux while the man was in a big Jeep (i think Prado). God have mercy!”

    Confirming the sad incident, the deceased brother, Cyril Akunyili on Wednesday accused members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of being behind the dastardly attack in a Facebook post.

  • Anambra guber: LP Gov Candidate, Agbasimalo abducted days after elder brother was released

    Anambra guber: LP Gov Candidate, Agbasimalo abducted days after elder brother was released

    By chuks Collins, Awka

    The governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Anambra state for the forthcoming Nov 6,2021 election, Mr Obiora Agbasimalo has been abducted.

    According to family and party sources, the young man in his early 40s was abducted by unknown armed men shortly after his groundswell rally at Nnewi at the weekend. So far, no news has been received on his whereabout or those behind the abduction.

    Efforts to keep the news under wraps yielded no positive results as local and international news agencies, diplomatic community and other interested groups have been calling for confirmation and to know whether any news have been gathered about his whereabouts.

    As at the time of filling the report, neither the police, nor the party sources was able to say exactly what happened to the candidate. His family appeared as confused as the party officials who were contacted.

    Repeated calls to the national chairman of LP Barrister Julius Abure and National Organizing Secretary, Chief Clement Ojukwu was not responded to.

    But close sources said they were engrossed in top security meeting geared towards securing Agbasimalo’s release.

    It was also learnt that about few weeks earlierhis elder brother, High Chief Godwin Agbasimalo (Oga Ndi Oga ) himself was abducted too.

    Inquiries from the state government and police as to how it happened, or was he without security officers meant to enhance his security when the incident occurred has not yielded fruit as at time of going to press.

    Sadly, reports have it that no fewer than six persons have been killed in execution style in parts of the state in the last week which began wit( the unfortunate assassination of former traditional ruler of Mkpunando Aguleri, Igwe Alex Edozieuno and his driver.