MASSOB commends Southern Governors, says moves would end Islamists’ terrorism agenda

MASSOB leader, Comrade Uchenna Madu addresses members at a gathering

Leadership of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) says it acknowledged the eloquent and bold steps being taken by the governors of southern Nigeria.

MASSOB in an electronic mail to Jungle Journalist Media Ltd, described Southern Nigeria as ‘comprising territorial lands of Biafra and Oduduwa Republics’, arguing that the move by the governors will protect the political interest and future survival of southern Nigeria regions from domination by the Hausa Fulani.

Signed by MASSOB leader Comrade Uchenna Madu, the release said the indigenous peoples are happy with the moves, and warned that people in power are colluding with Fulanis across the globe to ‘islamize Nigeria’, kill off the indigenous peoples and take over their ancestral lands, using terrorists and bandits.

It read further “The unanimous decision of the southern region governors in banning the open grazing by Fulani herdsmen and insistence on national dialogue have suddenly aroused and stirred up the frustrated anger and insensitivity of the northern leaders through Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) that opposed the position of the southern region governors Forum in banning open grazing and call for national dialogue. The ACF spits poisonous venoms against the southern region governors and declares war against the southern region.

“MASSOB encourages the southern region governors and other leaders to sustain the southern unity and brace up for the defense of their indigenous people. The Hausa Fulani people are fearful cowards, they only depend on the indigenous people of Middle Belt region to carry out their political, subjective domination, religious and economical wars against the southern region.

“MASSOB advises the indigenous people of Middle Belt region to unanimously oppose every external pressure of the Fulani oligarchy to subject them as political tools of waging war against the southern region. The indigenous people of Middle Belt region must join the southern region in their quest for political emancipation from the subjective domination of Fulani oligarchy”, Comrade Madu said in the release.

FULL COMMUNIQUE: 17 Southern governors meet in Asaba, ban open grazing, ask Buhari to address Nigerians, convoke ‘national dialogue’

The governors of the 17 southern states in Nigeria on Tuesday called on the federal government to “convoke a national dialogue as a matter of urgency.”

They also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to “address Nigerians on the challenges of insecurity…”

The governors also resolved to ban open grazing of cattle in all their states.

The three resolutions were among 12 reached by the governors at their meeting in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

Below is a full list of the resolutions reached by the governors:

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE MEETING OF THE GOVERNORS OF SOUTHERN NIGERIA IN GOVERNMENT HOUSE, ASABA, DELTA STATE, ON TUESDAY, 11TH MAY, 2021

At its meeting, held today, 11th May, 2021, the Southern Governors Forum reviewed the situation in the nation generally and focused
on the current security situation, agitations/restructuring,
prospect for inter-state collaboration and partnerships as well as on the incidence of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Rising from the meeting, the Forum:

i) affirmed that the peoples of Southern Nigeria remain
committed to the unity of Nigeria on the basis of justice,
fairness, equity and oneness and peaceful co-existence
between and among its peoples with a focus on the attainment of shared goals for economíc development and prosperity;

ii) observed that the incursion of
armed herders, criminals
and bandits into the Southern part of the country has presented a severe security challenge such that citizens are not able to live their normal lives including pursuing
various productive activities leading to a threat to food supply and general security. Consequently, the meeting resolved that open grazing of cattle be banned across
Southern Nigería;

iii) noted that development and population growth has put pressure on available land and increased the prospects of conflict between migrating herders and local populations in the South. Given this scenario, it becomes imperative to enforce the ban on open grazing in the South (including
cattle movement to the South by foot);

iv) recommended that the Federal Government should support WILLING States to develop alternative and modern
livestock management systems;

v) agreed that the progress of the nation requires that urgent and bold steps be taken to restructure the Nigerian Federation leading to the evolution of state police, review
of revenue allocation formula in favour of the sub-national
governments and creation of other institutions which legitimately advance our commitment to and practice of true federalism;

vi) recommended that in view of widespread agitations among
our various peoples for greater inclusiveness in existing
governance arrangements, the Federal Government should
convoke a national dialogue as a matter of urgency;

vii) recommended that in deference to the sensitivities of our
various peoples, there is need to review appointments into Federal
Government Agencies (including Security Agencies) to reflect federal character as Nigeria’s overall
population is heterogenous;

viii) resolved to foster cooperation among the Southern States
and the nation at large. In this connection, Secretaries to
the Governments of the Southern States are to work together to develop and institutionalize a mechanism to foster this cooperation which will advance the comparative economic advantages and other interests of the Southern
States;

ix) expressed concern on the continued gridlock on the
Oshodi – Apapa Expressway and the chokehold it has exerted on the nation’s economy being the sole outlet from Apapa Wharf. The meeting therefore recommended the activation and establishment of ports in other States of the
federation to create new jobs and promote socio-economic
activities in the country;

x) the meeting expressed concern on the economic implications of another lockdown on the country, and therefore suggested greater coordination and cooperation
between Federal and State Governments in evolving
strategies for dealing with the pandemic;

xi) expressed very grave concern on the security challenge currently plaguing the nation and strongly urged that Mr. President should address Nigerians on the challenges of insecurity and restore the confidence of our people; and

xii) expressed gratitude to our host, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa
for his generosity and hospitality.

Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN
Governor, Ondo State

His Excellency
Dr. Victor Okezie Ikpeazu
Governor, Abia State

His Excellency
Chief Emmanuel Udom
Governor, Akwa Ibom State

His Excellency
Senator Diri Duoye
Governor, Bayelsa State

His Excellency
Willie Obiano
Governor, Anambra State

His Excellency
Prof. Ben Ayade
Governor, Cross Rivers State

His Excellency
Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa
Governor, Delta State

His Excellency
Engr. David Umahi
Governor, Ebonyi State

His Excellency
Godwin Obaseki
Governor, Edo State

His Excellency
John Olukayode Fayemi
Governor, Ekiti State

His Excellency
Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi
Governor, Enugu State

His Excellency
Senator Hope Uzodimma
Governor, Imo State

His Excellency
Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Governor, Lagos State

His Excellency
Dapo Abiodun
Governor, Ogun State

His Excellency
Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola
Governor, Osun State

His Excellency
Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde
Governor, Oyo State

His Excellency
Ezenwo Nyesom Wike
Governor, Rivers State

Excels
Asaba, Delta state.

Sanwo-Olu Honours RRS Officer Assaulted By Traffic Offender

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has honoured and commended ASP Sunday Erhabor, a Police officer attached to the Rapid Response Squad of the State Police Command, who was assaulted by one Victor Ebhomenyen at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Oniru last the weekend.

In a viral video, Ebhomenyen was seen threatening to ensure that Erhabor loses his job for daring to apprehend him for committing traffic offence.

Throughout the physical assault, Erhabor kept his cool, despite being armed with Ak 47 rifle.

OEC Foundation pays a visit to Iwaya Community

Over the weekend, Members of the Omonuwa Echie Charity Foundation visited the Iwaya community in Yaba, Lagos State for their first soup kitchen of the year. The outing took place on Saturday, April 10, at the palace of the Oba-elect of Iwaya. It was organized to mark the OEC Foundation day ofThe six-man team consisted of dedicated volunteers and were led by Ehiaghe Echie, co-founder of the foundation. They were received by Iwaya palace chiefs including the secretary of the council and the youth leader namely Chief Balogun, Chief Otumba and Chief Akogun.The event began with a welcome address from Chief Akogun, expressing their appreciation to the OEC Foundation team for the timely visit. The chiefs mentioned the sorry state of the Nigerian economy and how individuals need to look after each other.The team lead, Ehiaghe Echie thanked the chiefs for their warm welcome and talked about what the foundation’s basic mission is; to offer a helping hand to the less privileged. She stated that the foundation’s target audience for the day was adolescent girls and children of Iwaya.After the preliminary discussions, food packs were distributed to over a hundred women, young girls and children. Sanitary pads were also given to adolescent girls.The outing ended with a vote of thanks from the palace secretary on behalf of the Kabiyesi and the rest of the royal council. He mentioned again that it is not an easy feat for people to dip their hands into their pockets to support strangers. He added that the people of Iwaya deeply appreciate the kind gesture from the foundation. The Iwaya women’s leader also offered a short prayer for the OEC Foundation team on behalf of the council.As the OEC Foundation team took their leave, they left smiling women and children behind them at Iwaya.The Omonuwa Echie Charity (OEC) Foundation is a Pan-African aid organization that exists to uplift the less privileged in society and be a helping hand to those in need. it is based in South Africa but operates in Nigeria.In the words of the founder of OEC Foundation, “Poverty is right in front of us, and its eradication begins with us”.More photos from the event:

SECURITY:Gani Adams is obstructing justice – Yoruba Women

Onadeko and Adams

South-West women on Monday accused the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, of threatening peace and security, obstructing justice, distorting facts and embarking on a campaign of blackmail.

‘’We will not fold our arms and allow Gani Adams to rubbish the good name and excellent track record Mrs. Ngozi Onadeko has built over the years’’ the descendants of Oduduwa said.

They also tongue-lashed Adams for his apparent disregard for law.

‘’ Gani Adams and his co-travellers are behaving like a pack of juveniles. They don’t mean well for this country’’

In a statement in Osogbo, the women praised Onadeko for her extraordinary courage and absolute understanding of security issues in Oyo State.

They accused Adams of pushing the real issues aside and employing sentiments and blackmail to explain the security situation in Oyo State.

The notable South-West women expressed delight and satisfaction with the high degree of determination so far exhibited by Onadeko to address the security challenges in Oyo State.

Signed by the Chairperson of Yoruba Women in Government (YWIG), Chief Fumilayo Adesanwo, the women commended the courage and patriotism of Onadeko to rid Oyo State of kidnappers, arsonists and other criminal elements.

The women underscored the shameful show of power, uncivilized tactics and the rights of citizens.

They condemned the uncouth language, arrogant demeanor and use of brute force by Gani Adams and members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC).

‘’Gani Adams did not put on his thinking garb before calling for the redeployment of the police commissioner. He is misinforming the people’’

Specifically, they took a swipe at the action of the OPC members in Kajola community, Ibarapa North Local Government, describing it as unacceptable.

‘’The solution does not lie in the use of blackmail or force’’

The women further praised Governor Seyi Makinde for protecting the lives and property of the people of Oyo State

They also urged the Inspector General of Police and the Police Service Commission to ignore Gani Adams.

‘’The South-West people are solidly behind Mrs. Ngozi Onadeko. We are very proud of her. She has given good account of herself in Oyo State’’ the statement added

Sanwo-Olu appoints Sheriff Hammed Lagos State Judo Association Board Chairman

Determined to tap from his wealth of experience, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has appointed the Managing Director, Mobsha Solution Limited, Mr. Sheriff Hammed as the Chairman of Lagos State Judo Association.

The governor also approved the appointment of Runsewe Babajide Adewunmi, Femi Dawodu, Comfort Ojafare Oladunni, Quam Animashaun and Yusuf Owolewa Abdulazeez as board members of the Association.

In a statement by the Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Sola Aiyepeku, Governor Sanwo-Olu urged the new Judo Board Chairman to bring his extensive knowledge and understanding of sports management, political communication and marketing communication to the service of Lagos State.

‘’Your appointment is as a result of your keen interest and contributions to sport development as well as selfless service to humanity and sterling achievements in your chosen fields’’

The governor also urged Hammed and other members of the board to work assiduously for the transformation of the Judo Association in line with the Lagos State Sports Commission’s vision of building ‘’The Foundation for a Sustainable Vibrant Sports Industry and Mission’’ to make Lagos the leading sports destination in Africa.

Hammed, who is from the Bankefun line of the Bashua Family of Lagos State, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, an Advanced Diploma in Law Enforcement Administration from the University of Lagos and a certificate of proficiency in Integrated Brand Experience from Orange Academy, an affiliate of Vega School of Branding, South Africa.

Hammed is also an Associate Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and the Institute of Strategic Management.

Before becoming Judo Association Board Chairman, other posts the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain held included Board Member, Lagos State Sport Commission, Service Centre Manager, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, Offsite Marketing Consultant, Abilat Company Limited, Senior Account Executive, Town Criers Limited and Event and Public Relations Officer, PR Africa International.

The Assistant State Coordinator, Tinubu Support Organization and General Mobilization Coordinator, Asiwaju Volunteers is expected to resume in his new capacity on Wednesday, March 17, 2021.

37 herdsmen, 5000 cattle sent packing from Ondo, heading to Osun, Edo and Kogi States

No fewer than 37 herdsmen and 5,000 cattle were, yesterday, sacked by the Ondo State Security outfit, codenamed Amotekun, for violating the quit notice of forest reserves by the state government.

The herdsmen and their cattle, Jungle Journalist Media Limited has learnt, are currently on their way to Osun, Edo and Kogi States.

They were dismissed from the government forest reserves located at Ala, Oda and Ofosu.
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu had issued a seven day quit notice to the herdsmen in the government forest reserves across the state.

Commander of the state Amotekun Corps, Chief Adetunji Adeleye confirmed the arrest of the herders adding that other herdsmen have met with the Corps and had peacefully moved out of the state.

Adeleye said: “Some of them have opted to leave the state because they couldn’t meet with our terms and conditions.

“They came through the Chairman of Miyetti Allah in the state. Some opted to go to Osun, Edo and Kogi States.
“So our men escorted them to the boundaries of those states.

We have to monitor their movements out of the state so that they would not destroy farms on their way out.
“About 37 herders have been arrested with about 5, 000 cows. The majority of the herders have been coming to us through their chairman and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Hausa Matters.

Vanguard

Afro Juju music icon, Shina Peters ordained Bishop

Popular Afro Juju musician, Sir Shina Peters, has been ordained a bishop of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church.

The legendary singer was ordained at a ceremony in a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in the Iju area of Lagos on Saturday.

The singer shared a video and photo of his ordination on his Instagram handle on Sunday with the caption, ‘‘Bishop with the swagger. God above all.”

On his Facebook page, the ace singer wrote: “To God be the glory. I will serve my God till the end’’.

Ovation International magazine publisher Dele Momodu wrote: ‘‘Congratulations Bishop Isaac Oluwashina Akanbi Peters. Ore mi pataki pataki. A ti ko esu ati gbogbo ise buruku owo re sile (My very very dear friend. We have rejected the devil and all his evil works)”.

The singer’s most recent music was collaboration with Teni on her hit, ‘Jo’, released in December 2020.

SSP, as he is fondly called, released his debut album as a solo musician, Ace (Afro-Juju Series 1), in 1989.

The album went double platinum and was the career breakthrough that made him a household name in the music industry.

‘Shinamania’ produced by Laolu Akins was released in 1991, winning three awards at once with a Platinum Disc for selling more than 250,000 copies.

SSP currently has 16 album releases to his credit.

BREAKING: Arsonists burn down house belonging to Yoruba Leader Sunday Igboho

One of the houses of Yoruba rights activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo a.k.a Sunday Igboho in Soka, Ibadan, capital of Oyo State, has been razed by suspected arsonists, according to a breaking news by The Nation.

The incident was said to have occurred in the early hours of today, Tuesday, January 26, 2021.

Details were not immediately available.

Igboho recently came to the limelight when he issued a quit notice to Fulani herdsmen in the Ibarapa area of the state, accusing them of being behind a spate of kidnappings, rapes and murders.

He has vowed to take the campaign, which has stoked tension across the country, to other parts of Yoruba land.

QUIT NOTICE TO HERDSMEN: Ondo Govt orders massive recruitment into Amotekun

Rotimi Akeredolu, governor of Ondo, has ordered massive recruitment into the state chapter of the Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun.

Adetunji Adeleye, commander of the corps in the state, confirmed this in an interview with journalists on Friday.

“The governor has ordered massive recruitment to the corps. The recruitment is free. You can download the form on our website,” Adeleye said.

Donald Ojogo, commissioner for information, also confirmed reports of the recruitment.

“We have not repudiated the story,” he said.

On Monday, Akeredolu had ordered herders to vacate the forest reserves over rising insecurity in the state

He had said “bad elements” have turned the forest reserves into hideouts for keeping victims of kidnapping, negotiating ransom and carrying out other criminal activities.

The governor’s directive had sparked different reactions, with Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, saying the governor could not unilaterally oust thousands of herders “who have lived all their lives in the state”.

But Afenifere, Yoruba sociopolitical group, said Shehu’s response showed that President Muhammadu Buhari’s government prioritise Fulani interests above those of other ethnic groups.

The Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) had asked herders to disregard the governor’s directive.