TheNewsGuru

Tag: IPOB

  • President Buhari says Nnamdi Kanu’s fate is for court to decide

    President Buhari says Nnamdi Kanu’s fate is for court to decide

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday reiterated his stand on the release of pro-separatist leader, Nnamdi Kanu, saying court will determine the treason charge against the latter.

     

    President Buhari met with Southeast leaders from Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, at the New Government House.

     

    TheNewsGuru.com gathered that he is in Ebonyi for a two-day working visit.

     

    Reacting to a demand by leaders of the region who pleaded with him to release Kanu and other Igbo youths in detention across the country, President Buhari said they are in dialogue with dissident groups in the region with a view to bringing them to a round table discussion for return of peace.

     

    However, he holds the view that Kanu’s matter would be properly adjudicated in the law court.

     

    President Buhari expressed concerns over the worsening security situation in the region, stressing that a few persons from the region have brainwashed and incited many against the government.

  • Release Kanu to restore peace, security in South-East – Ohaneze

    Release Kanu to restore peace, security in South-East – Ohaneze

    The Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide says that releasing the Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, from detention will restore peace and security in the zone.

    This is contained in a communiqué issued by the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation at the end of the one-day meeting of Imeobi (highest decision-making organ) on Thursday in Enugu.

    The communique was signed by its President-General, Prof. George Obiozor.

    The group said it was convinced that the release of Kanu and other Igbo youths being detained for different alleged offences remained the first crucial step towards restoring peace and security in the zone.

    It stated that Kanu’s case could be resolved through dialogue.

    It condemned the worsening security situation in the zone, poiting out that all hands must be on desk to halt it.

    The group also examined the ongoing electoral processes in the country, ahead of the 2023 general elections.

    It therefore called for greater efforts in sensitising Igbo people on the importance of the voter registration.

    It underscored the need for people of voting age to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards where they reside.

    The communiqué further stated that the meeting empowered Obiozor to constitute a Political Action Committee, which would help in achieving the desired result on issues raised at the Imeobi.

    According to the communiqué, only Obiozor and the Secretary-General of the group, Mr Okey Emuchay, are authorised to issue official statements on behalf of the organisation.

    “We laud the efforts of the current leadership in steering the ship of Ohaneze and urge all the Igbo nation to give it the support it deserves,” the communique added.

  • Soldiers kill one suspected IPOB member in Abia state

    Soldiers kill one suspected IPOB member in Abia state

    A gunman suspected to be a member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has been killed by operatives of 14 Brigade Army Headquarters in Ohafia, Abia State.

    Findings show that the incident happened in the Uratta area of the Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway on Wednesday.

    Although a source claimed four members of the outlawed organization died in a shootout but another report said one pro-Biafra agitator was killed.

    It was gathered that the IPOB members marched through popular streets and markets yesterday, warning traders and residents of dire consequences if they disobeyed IPOB’s sit-at-home order today and Friday.

    The sit-at-home order given by IPOB to be observed by people in all southeastern states was to protest the scheduled visit of President Buhari to Ebonyi state on Friday for commissioning of projects by Governor Dave Umahi.

    The sit-at-home order was announced by gun-wielding men dressed in black

    Many shoppers, who had just arrived in Aba from other parts of the country and neighbouring African regions, could not hide their fears and anger over the sit-at-home order as it was going to force them to stay beyond their planned departure date.

    Meanwhile a source at the 14 Brigade Army barracks said that members of the proscribed group had a face-off with soldiers that led to the exchange of gunfire.

  • Buhari reacts to beheading of soldiers

    Buhari reacts to beheading of soldiers

    President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed deep condolences to the Nigerian Army, the families of Master Warrant Officer Audu Linus and his partner, Private Gloria Mathew, who were brutally murdered by terrorists.

    The deceased soldiers were beheaded after being shot by the terrorist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Saturday as confirmed by the Nigerian Army.

    The corpses were inhumanely treated and gleefully posted on social media platforms.

    The president, in a statement by his media aide, Malam Garba Shehu on Wednesday in Abuja, said he joined fellow citizens in expressing deep sense of shock over the unfortunate incident.

    Buhari, who condemned the barbarism of the perpetrators of the incident and similar acts of violence against law enforcement agents, described it as alien to all cultures and civilizations.

    He, therefore, directed the military authorities and other security agencies to do their utmost in apprehending the perpetrators of the barbaric acts and bring them to justice.

    The president also called on all communities, regional and national leaders to “speak with one voice, to show that the entire country is one against this cruel and barbaric act of violence. This is unacceptable.

    “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of this sad and tragic incident”.

  • Beheading of two soldiers callous, wicked-Nigerian Army

    Beheading of two soldiers callous, wicked-Nigerian Army

    The Nigerian Army is still mourning the gruesome murder of two gallant soldiers who travelled home to Imo state to formalize their wedding as despicable and very wicked.

    The Army who has fingered IPOB/ESN for the murder has described the act as a witch-hunt on soldiers.

     

    In a statement signed and released on Tuesday, by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, on Saturday, April 30, 2022 state that they received information on the gruesome murder of two soldiers; Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Audu M Linus (retired) and Private (Pte) Gloria Matthew, by Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network (ESN).

    According to him, the soldiers (male&female) were murdered while travelling to Imo state to formalize their wedding in the Igbo traditional manner before they were apprehended and killed by IPOB/ESN in the state.

     

    He said though, one of the soldiers, Pte Gloria Matthew hails from Nkwerre LGA of Imo State, did not prevail on the sensibility of the dissidents, adding that the dastardly act, clearly portends the deep seated hate, desperation and lawlessness with which foot soldiers of IPOB/ESN have being unleashing terror on Ndigbo, whom they claimed, are on a mission to protect and emancipate, as well as other innocent Nigerians who are resident or transiting the South East.

    He reiterated the Nigerian Army will ensure the perpetrators of this dastardly act unleashed on its personnel do not go unpunished, just as it condoled with the families, relations and close associates of the victims.

    While enjoining members of the public to oblige security agencies with actionable information that will lead to the arrest of these criminals, he said the NA has commenced investigation to unmask and bring the criminals to book.

  • I support IPOB but dislike their violent approach to issues – Wike

    I support IPOB but dislike their violent approach to issues – Wike

    Rivers state Governor Nyesom Wike has mentioned that he supports the agitation of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB)

    Wike made the remark while appearing on a politics programme on Channels TV ,where he recalled that IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu once sang his praises.

    Wike said he supports IPOB’s agitation, but frowns against the group’s violent approach.

    Wike further appealed to the federal Government to listen and discuss with IPOB over their agitation and demands.

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    According to the Rivers state Governo “IPOB is not a threat to me, it’s because of the division in the country that we have the kind of agitation we have today.

    “There was a time IPOB was singing praises of Wike, Nnamdi Kanu was singing praises about Wike that he is our son.

    “There is nothing wrong in people agitating but all the Federal Government should do is listen to their agitations, talk with them; there is nothing wrong about that.

    “My problem came when they came to my state and burnt infrastructure like the courts, police stations, and I said told them not to do that.

    “Whether anybody likes it or not, I support the agitation, I support that we should sit down and discuss the marginalization of the Southeast.

    “I’m a governor and I asked them, do you need to kill people in my area, destroy infrastructures put in place for you to know I’m with you? I said no; I won’t do that.”

  • BREAKING: Buhari finally returns to Twitter

    BREAKING: Buhari finally returns to Twitter

    President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Twitter after the federal government lifted the restriction on the microblogging platform.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) recalls in June 2021, the FG announced an indefinite suspension of Twitter’s operation after the platform deleted tweets by Buhari.

    The president had threatened to treat members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the “language they understand” with the tweet.

    After talks with the social media service which lasted months, the restriction was lifted on January 13.

    In a series of tweets to commemorate Eid-el-Fitr on Monday, Buhari spoke of how the fight against Boko Haram has been long and hard, but said victory is within sight.

    Buhari tweets read: “As we celebrate #EidMubarak with joy amidst friends & family members, we’re fully conscious that many families are in a state of anxiety on account of the many captives held by terrorists against their will, including those taken away after the tragic #AbujaKadunaRail bombing.

    “Rescuing the abducted victims is a delicate situation that requires wisdom, caution and also patience. Any rescue operation that results in the death of any hostage cannot be deemed a success. The government doesn’t want this kind of tragic outcome.

    “This is a complex situation that demands proper handling. The primary objective of any rescue operation is to free the hostages safely, unharmed and alive”.

  • IPOB using propaganda to malign Nigerian army – Nwachukwu

    IPOB using propaganda to malign Nigerian army – Nwachukwu

    The Nigerian Army, says members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) are using pictures of fake soldiers arrested by Nigerian army troops recently to malign the institution.

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    Nwachukwu said that one Solomon Okafor of Radio Biafra London had been peddling malicious disinformation and falsehood on social media, alleging complicity by troops in a fictitious case of kidnapping of a family of 10 in Kaduna State.

    He said the said Okafor also alleged that about 87 per cent of Nigerian soldiers were kidnappers and bandits.

    Nwachukwu said the said report was a creation of IPOB/ESN social media foot soldiers, with the intent to malign the Nigerian army.

    He said the picture being circulated on the social media was a picture of fake soldiers (impostors) who were arrested recently in the Lagos-Ondo states axis by troops of Operation Checkmate under 81 Division.

    According to him, the operation was widely publicised in both the new and traditional media before handing over the suspects to the Nigeria Police.

    “It is also crucial to emphasise that following troops’ successful exploits in unravelling and unmasking IPOB elements who have been masquerading as unknown gunmen and wreaking carnage against Ndigbo in South East Nigeria, IPOB/ ESN have severally attempted to use doctored graphic images, video footages and spurious narratives in online and social media campaigns to disparage the Nigerian army and bring her to disrepute.

    “The author and his sponsors should note that no matter the campaign of calumny by IPOB and other fifth columnists, the Nigerian army will be undeterred and remains a cherished national institution that will continue to execute its constitutional mandate of defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria, toward building a united nation.

    “Members of the public are therefore urged to disregard this mindless and irresponsible propaganda clearly emanating from IPOB, aimed at promoting insecurity in the country,” he said.

  • 2023: IPOB warns Wike to desist from visiting Southeast to canvass for votes

    2023: IPOB warns Wike to desist from visiting Southeast to canvass for votes

    The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has issued a note of warning to the governor of Rivers state Nyesom Wike not to associate with Igbos because of 2023 elections.

    IPOB said Wike always denied having any kind of links with the Southeast in the past,asking why is the Rivers Governor now forming affinity now?

    The spokesman of IPOB Emma Powerful, condemned Wike’s recent visit to the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe.

    IPOB has vowed to go all out against anybody who hosts governor Wike in the Southeast.

    Powerful berated Wike one of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential aspirants saying he should be ashamed of himself for begging the Igbos he denied in the past for votes.

    Powerful reiterated that in the past Wike denied being an Igboman; hence visiting the Southeast may consume him.

    He said: “We, the global family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by our great leader Mazi Nnamdi KANU condemn the recent visit by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State to Obi of Onitsha Igwe Alfred Achebe in Anambra State. The visit is part of the reasons the youths are not happy with Igbo leaders.

    “IPOB will not take it lightly on any person who intends to host Nyesom Wike in the hinterland after the genocide he committed in #Obigbo, and he declared that he is not an Igboman. Wike is a genocidist and should not be forgiven. His father took over Igbo property in the name of abandoned property and he trained Wike with the money he accumulated from abandoned property he collected from Igbo people in Igweocha after the war of genocide against the Igbo people in 1970, which moved Wike to hate anything associated with Igbo but he should not come for Igbo vote. We are warning him.

    “Gov, Nyesom Wike committed genocide against the people in his state claiming he is not Igbo man and today he became an Igbo man because of political interest and votes he needs from Igbo land, Wike refused to understand that a time like this will come in his life. Wike should be ashamed of himself because he could openly beg Igbo people for one vote in the election.”

    The separatist group stressed that Wike’s visit to the Southeast is highly provocative.

    IPOB added: “Is Wike coming to urinate on the graves of the Igbo youths he slaughtered in Obigbo during the #EndSARS protests? His visits to any Igbo state is highly provocative because some of the Igbo youths taken into several security cells in the Northern states are yet to return. Wike and his advisers should stop daring IPOB and Igbo youths. Wike’s family, friends and associates should advise him to stay off any state in Igbo land because it may consume him, anybody who knows him should let him know that.

    “We are equally warning any traditional ruler, PG, Chief, elder, Governor or anybody who will invite Wike in any part of Igbo land to tread with caution because that amounts to challenging Igbo youths and IPOB members.

    “Those hosting Wike now, where were they when Wike was ordering the killing of Igbo youths at Obigbo? They all maintained criminal silence then. Are they now rewarding him for killing Igbo youths? Love for money has enslaved elders and traditional rulers who should know better but we won’t tolerate that anymore. Wike cannot be going about celebrating in Igbo states which he denied having any links with after ordering the execution of Igbo youths and suspected IPOB members. This is iniquity against the innocent victims of his wicked actions.

    “Wike said he was not Igbo and we have taken him by his words that he is not Igbo and can never become Igbo man because he hates Igbo with passion.

    “We respect Igwe Achebe because he is a respected traditional ruler in Igbo land but we want him and others to keep a distance from Wike because Wike hates Igbo if they don’t know and if they don’t retrace their steps let the public never blame us.

    “Those Wike arrested and handed over to Fulani controlled federal government in Abuja are still there till today languishing in different security detentions. We managed to release more than a thousand (1000) innocent citizens both men and women most of whom were raped at these security detentions and dungeons.

    “Considering all his wickedness to the Igbo youths at Obigbo in Rivers State, we declare that Wike has no moral ground to even contemplate not of the temerity to want to visit any part of Igbo land. He is, therefore, not welcome to any Igbo State. Wike cannot be coming to Igbo land to spit and dance on the graves of those he unjustly slaughtered and we all know that he is a demented fellow.”

    Recall that recently, Ohaneze endorsed the candidacy of former Rivers Govenor Rotimi Amaechi and current Governor Nyesom Wike saying that they are from Ikwerre parts of Rivers state and have roots in Igboland.

  • Igbo Presidency: Apologize to me, Oluwo replies Ohaneze

    Igbo Presidency: Apologize to me, Oluwo replies Ohaneze

    The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi has again accused the South-East of engaging in self-inflicted punishment in a united Nigeria.

    The Iwo monarch admonished the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to drop their weapons and embrace peace and dialogue to achieve a United country.

    Recall that the monarch had said in one of his statements that the Igbos cannot be trusted with the country’s presidency saying that there is instability in the South-East region; to which Ohaneze replied that the Monarch should stop meddling into politics and face his monarchical business.

    Reacting to the post, the Iwo Monarch demanded that the Pan Igbo group (Ohaneze) should tender an apology to the throne of the Oluwo.

     

    He accused Ohaneze of rushing to push out hasty and unguarded vituperations.

    Citing that no monarch felt the pains of Ndigbo like he did, he asked the Ohanaeze Ndigbo to read more about his activities before jumping to the media.

    The monarch, posited that his message was in the interest of the Igbos and not against them, saying the advice was mentioned in good spirit and oneness.

     

    His words read, “I want to challenge the Igbos further to name a monarch outside the South-East who has ever dressed like an Igbo king? I remain an Oba and very committed to the unity and oneness of Nigeria. The Igbos should act more, talk more and do more on the unity of Nigeria instead of their vituperation against an unrepentant preacher and promoter of one Nigeria.

    “I was the first monarch outside the South-East to visit Innoson manufacturing company owned by an Igbo man Innocent Chukwuma and the only Nigerian monarch using an Innoson vehicle, which I bought in January 2018. I went further to advertise and promote the made in Nigeria vehicle on highway billboards throughout the country on my personal expenses.”

    Oba Akanbi, who lamented that he was surprised Ohanaeze Ndigbo could picture him as dividing Nigeria, added that he has cordial relationships with respected monarchs and personalities from the South-East.

    He noted that he never meant Igbos can’t produce the president, explaining that there was need for them to re-strategize.

    “I appeal to IPOB to sheath their sword and embrace one Nigeria. Our diversity is a strength. We must be smart with it and convert it to advantage. Achieving one Nigeria is a collective responsibility. I challenge Ohanaeze Ndigbo to take responsibility, appeal to IPOB and ESN to ceasefire. It is then that we will know we are all Nigerians in Nigeria and enjoy a better sense of belonging.

    “The stakeholders in the zone should address their subjects to promote mutual coexistence. People should be allowed to go to work and transact business. Sit-at-home order will do more harm to people’s means of survival. Secession is an abstract concept in modern Nigeria,” he added.

    The Iwo monarch had in an earlier statement declared that he cannot trust any Southeasterner to be the President of Nigeria.

    The traditional ruler’s comment and Ohaneze’s counter-comment are made at a time when the Igbos are clamouring for an Igbo presidency.