Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has confirmed the loss of 20 lives in a renewed attack by herdsmen in the state. Alia made the confirmation in a post on his Facebook Page on Friday night. The governor, who expressed sadness over the latest killings, assured the people of the state that efforts were on to end the brutal killing of residents of the state. He said, “It is with a heavy heart that I address the people of Benue State regarding the recent coordinated attacks by suspected herdsmen on our beloved communities in Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas. “As of this moment, we have confirmed the tragic loss of twenty (20) precious lives in the Sankera axis. “Five corpses were initially recovered in Gbagir and taken to the mortuary. Two more were later found by residents searching for their loved ones. “One family, devastated by their loss, insisted on an immediate burial of their relative in Gbagir, and our security forces stood by them, ensuring their safety as they laid their relative to rest. “Simultaneously, in Logo, the police recovered twelve more bodies, bringing the total number of lives lost to twenty. These are not just numbers; these are fathers, mothers, children, brothers, and sisters whose lives were cut short by senseless violence.” “I have spoken directly with our security operatives and I want to assure you, we are not backing down. We remain committed to protecting every Benue life and will continue to work relentlessly to restore peace and order to our communities. “To our people, I appeal once again: speak up. Share information with our security agencies. Help us fish out the perpetrators of these evil acts. Our strength lies in our unity. “Benue will not bow to fear. We will rise, rebuild, and remain unshaken,” he assured. It could be recalled that suspected herdsmen have repeatedly launched a series of attacks on Benue communities for weeks now. Despite efforts of government and security agencies, the attacks have continued, forcing some natives to desert their ancestral homes and farm lands.

The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, during the 2023 presidential election, Mr Peter Obi has vowed to pursue justice for Quadri Yusuf Alabi who was detained for several months at the Kirikiri prison. NATIONAL POST recalls that Alabi was released by the court on Thursday, as confirmed by his legal representation, Barr Inibehe Effiong. Obi, thereafter, met with the teenager on Friday, during which he assured that those behind his ordeal would be held accountable. He wrote on his social media page: “Today, I had the opportunity to meet with Quadri Yusuf Alabi, the young boy whose story moved us all. After enduring unjust and illegal incarceration, he is finally free, and I am very grateful to the lawyers led by @inibeheeffiong, who fought for his release and also @DeleFarotim and Ms Hassana Nurudeen,, whose constant intervention was instrumental in securing justice for the young lad. “I listened to Quadri today, and one thing stood out clearly: his unwavering desire for education. Despite all he has been through, his only dream is to return to school and complete his education and I will make sure he gets it. “His determination is not just inspiring; it is a call to action, and I am committed to ensuring that he gets the education he desires and deserves. “In addition, we must not stop at his release. Those responsible for his illegal incarceration must be held accountable. As we strive to build a Nigeria where fairness and integrity prevail, we cannot afford to allow such acts of criminality to go unpunished. “I once again thank the lawyers and everyone who stood and remained unrelenting for justice. “Together, we will build a Nigeria where education, freedom, rule of law, equity and justice, care and protection of the less privileged in our midst will stand as the foundation of our democracy. A new Nigeria is Possible. - PO.”

Former Vice Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has advised President Bola Tinubu not to seek re-election. He was of the opinion that Tinubu and his ruling All Progressives Party would lose in 2027. Baba-Ahmed said if Tinubu is truly a smart politician, he should not seek re-election. He made the remarks when he appeared on Arise Television’s political program, ‘Prime Time,’ on Friday. The LP chieftain said, “I expect Tinubu to throw in the towel if he is that smart politician that he turns out to be.” While describing Tinubu as a smart politician, he added, “He skipped 2007 and jokingly made Atiku (presidential) candidate, made Ribadu and somebody 2011, made Buhari in 2015, Buhari won, and then skipped 2019 and they stole 2023. “If he is that smart, everything is there for him that he’s going to lose 2027.” He said further: “it has been proven that APC is a lie. “Buhari did not develop Nigeria, Buhari did not provide security, Buhari did not fight corruption. Neither will Tinubu ever do this. “I see APC losing this election. I see Nigerians somehow uniting, listening to what someone like me is saying that if you cannot practice this, democracy is not for you, and then Nigerians will decide to come out and practice democracy for the first time, and then bad leadership will begin to have no hiding place in Nigeria.”

Three suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB), have been arrested by men of the Imo State Police Command. They were arrested during a raid on an alleged terror hideout located on Cameron Street, Ubahu, in the Okigwe Local Government Area of the state. The suspects were paraded, alongside items recovered from them at the command’s headquarters in Owerri on Friday. Spokesperson of the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, announced that the raid, which took place in the early hours of Thursday, April 17, 2025, was carried out by the command’s tactical teams in collaboration with local vigilante groups, acting on credible intelligence. The operation led to a gun battle, during which two suspects reportedly fled into the surrounding bushes, while three others were captured. The arrested suspects were identified as: Onyekaba Ikenna Innocent (21), Ugwu Ikenna (31) and Ofor Kasarachi (37) The announcement of this operation and the subsequent arrests was made by the Imo State Police Command, underscoring their commitment to tackling suspected criminal elements within the state. According to Okoye, the successful raid marks a notable step in the ongoing efforts to maintain law and order and address security concerns in the Okigwe Local Government Area and the wider Imo State. Further details regarding the investigation and any recovered items are expected to be disclosed by the police command. Items recovered include: One AK-47 rifle, Two pump-action shotguns, Eighteen live cartridges, Multiple mobile devices and laptops, N10.3 million in cash. “The recovered cash, based on preliminary investigations, is believed to have been contributed by IPOB members to finance acts of terrorism,” Okoye said. He stated that the command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police CP Aboki Danjuma, remained committed to sustaining the ongoing crackdown on criminal elements threatening public safety in Imo State.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, came under attack in Abuja on Thursday night. The attack has left three officers hospitalized for gunshot injuries they sustained. It was gathered that they came under attack from some armed men during a raid operation in Jahi area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The incident was confirmed by Femi Babafemi, Director, Media & Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters. Babafemi disclosed that the incident occurred when a team of NDLEA operatives acting on intelligence and surveillance report raided an uncompleted building at NNPC area of Jahi where 74 bottles of codeine, 10 litres of codeine syrup, 48grams of tramadol 225mg and 4.9kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis, as well as five android phones were recovered. "As the NDLEA team made their way out of the location, they came under gun attack. "Three of the NDLEA personnel involved in the raid sustained gunshot injuries: one in the rib and two others on their back and leg. "The wounded officers were initially stabilized at the Police Clinic in Garki Area 1 before they were transferred to the National Hospital Abuja for further medical attention," he said. Reacting to the development, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), expressed appreciation to the staff of the Police Clinic for their prompt support. Marwa also thanked the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital who was personally reached by him for overseeing the treatment of the wounded officers. The NDLEA boss who is in Kano on official engagements also spoke on phone with the injured officers to wish them quick recovery. He further assured them that the Agency will deploy every means at its disposal and work in collaboration with other security agencies to fish out those responsible for the attack on them.

Suspected herdsmen have again attacked Benue community, leaving at least 10 persons dead. The incident occurred at Mbayam Council Ward of Logo LGA of Benue State on Friday. Some of the victims included: Angyoom Kwembe, Orterse Dajo, Negema Kyenge, Ahembe Shawa, Chieyol Shawa and Hangeior Ukor. It was gathered that the assailants, who operated severally hours unchallenged, also razed several houses in Tse-Ankon.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Uzo-Uwani local government area of Enugu state on Friday announced the suspension of Sen Chuka Utazi for alleged anti-party activities. Utazi, a two-time senator (2015-2023), who represented Enugu North Senatorial District under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), decamped from his party and joined APC in 2024. But in a letter of notification addressed to the State Chairman of APC, Barr Ugochukwu Agballah, and signed by the Chairman of APC Uzo-Uwani LGA, Chief Chris Ajodo; the Secretary, Hon. Pius Diara, and APC Chairman, Nkpologu Ward, Hon. Albert Aniebonam, the party stated that Utazi's suspension was sequel to and consequent upon a complaint/petition from the Senator's Nkpologu ward, alleging anti-party activities. The Ward accused Sen Utazi of having participated in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Enugu North Zonal Chapter meetings and endorsement of Barr. Peter Mba, the Governor of Enugu State, for second term in the coming 2027 election. They also accused the senator of granting interviews and engaging in open blackmail and de-marketing of APC Enugu State chapter in public, among others infractions. "These allegations were backed up by online video evidences as the case may be," the party officials stated in the notification letter, which was also copied to the leader of the party in the state, Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji (Nwakaibie). The party officials further clarified, "On receipt of the said complaint, the local government on 8/4/2025 setup a three-man disciplinary committee which notified the Senator of the petition and duly invited him to appear before the disciplinary body. "The invitation was however ignored by the Respondent. The above notwithstanding, the committee carried out a thorough investigation of the allegations and came out with a verdict of “guilt”. "The committee found the conduct of Senator Utazi highly disappointing, repugnant and unbecoming of a bona fide member of APC, and hence, recommended his indefinite suspension from the party. "Upon the receipt of the report of the Disciplinary Committee on 12/4/2025 and after careful examination of same, including the video evidence enclosed thereto, the Local Government Executive unanimously approved the recommendation of the Disciplinary committee, and hence, endorsed the indefinite suspension of former Senator Chuka Utazi from All Progressive Congress (APC) for anti-party activity in accordance with the Constitution of our great party."

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has described Mr Peter Obi as a social media candidate. Wike, who supported President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, said Obi has no capacity to win the presidential election. Atku and Obi trailed behind Tinubu in the election. Speaking at a media parley in Abuja on Friday, he also ruled out support for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in the 2027 election. When asked about Obi, Wike said, "He has no chance of winning the election; you people like this kind of social media candidate. "I don't do social media candidates. I sit down as a politician and analyse candidates who are likely to win an election."

Former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has expressed displeasure over the state of emergency declared in the state by President Bola Tinubu. Wike, who addressed journalists on Friday, said he had wished for outright removal of his successor, Siminalayi Fubara. It could be recalled that as the face-off between Wike and his estranged political son worsened, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state and appointed a sole administrator. Both Fubara, his deputy and members of the House of Assembly were moved. But speaking during the media parley, Wike, current FCT Minister, said he wanted the outright removal of Fubara. “As a politician, I am not happy with the declaration of Emergency Rule in Rivers state. "I wanted the outright removal of the governor. But for the interest of the state, the president did the right thing to prevent anarchy in the state,” he said.

The Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Paul Enenche, has cried out over the level of blood-letting in Nigeria. He spoke amid reported endless killings in Plateau, Benue and other parts of the country. The cleric addressed his congregation during a Special Service at the Glory Dome in Abuja, wondering why leaders are keeping quiet. He said, "You have your farmland and some people come to uproot cassava to feed their animals, and you ask why? They waste your blood on your father’s land. What did we do in this country to warrant this? “Blood flowing like water in Plateau State, Benue State, and others. "What evil did we do in this country that we have not had the solution to this matter? "When will we have people there that will have heart for people? That will sit up and make legislation. That will eliminate the wastage of blood in this land. "Why is blood flowing like water? And nobody is saying anything.”

The North-Central All Progressives Congress, APC, Forum, has described the decision of the political bloc comprising members of the defunct Congress for Progressives Change, CPC, led by former Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, as a clear message to failed politicians. This came after the CPC bloc rejected the coalition against President Bola Tinubu. The coalition, led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate in the 2023 election and Mr Peter Obi of the Labour Party is aimed at defeating Tinubu and the APC in 2027. Reacting to the CPC’s decision, the Forum, in a statement released on Thursday by its Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, said: "The North-Central APC Forum salutes the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc led by former Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, for snubbing the opposition coalition being formed against President Bola Tinubu and our great party, the All Progressives Congress, APC. "By this singular act, Tanko Al-Makura has shown that he is a committed, loyal party man who believes strongly in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and the APC. He and his team have demonstrated loyalty to the party and to Mr. President and we wholeheartedly commend them for this exemplary conduct. "By rejecting the opposition coalition, the Al-Makura-led CPC bloc has sent a message to Nigerians ahead of the 2027 election. The message, which is loud and clear, is that Nigerians should reject any attempt to derail the reforms and good work being done by President Bola Tinubu's administration to turn the fortunes of the country around. "The failed politicians who are championing the coalition against Mr. President do not have anything better to offer Nigerians - they do not even have the interests of Nigerians at heart - they are only aggrieved because they lost the last election, and they are not part of President Bola Tinubu's government. "Just as the Tanko Al-Makura-led CPC bloc has shown that they are people of integrity and honour by rejecting the coalition, we urge Nigerians to reject the coalition and any other attempt to turn back the progress recorded so far under President Bola Tinubu's administration. "With former Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura fully on board, the North-Central APC Forum is confident of actualising the promise to deliver six million votes for President Bola Tinubu in 2027. "The North-Central is indeed for the APC and President Bola Tinubu and this is not surprising when one considers the historical role played by the zone in the formation of the APC.” The statement added, "The North-Central brought a sitting governor in the coalition. Many of the other zones did not bring anything. "Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State in the North-Central was the only sitting governor that actively participated in forming the APC. "But it is unfortunate that after he became President, Buhari did not even consider that when we asked for the position of Speaker and the position was taken to Lagos. "During Buhari's government the North-Central suffered most - we were denied infrastructure, our roads were not attended to and the high level of insecurity in the region was not addressed. "Instead the North-East and the North-West concentrated all the benefits in their zones. Federal appointments, which many Nigerians believed favoured the North, only went to the two zones. The North-Central was left out."

The Central Bank of Nigeria has issued a fresh warning to Bureau De Change Operators and financial institutions in the country against violating anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing framework. The warning was issued on Thursday in a circular signed by the CBN director of compliance department, Amonia Opusunju. It vowed to impose sanctions on BDC operators who failed to adhere to its regulatory framework. “BDC operators are reminded that they are required to fully comply with the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022; the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022; and the Regulatory and Supervisory Guidelines for Bureau de Change Operators in Nigeria, 2024. “Any other relevant laws, regulations, and guidelines issued by the CBN and Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU). "All BDCs are advised to ensure that their operations, staff training, transaction monitoring, and customer onboarding procedures are always fully compliant with applicable requirements,” the apex bank said. It added that, “financial institutions are required to maintain a robust and dynamic sanctions compliance framework that enables them to identify and respond promptly to updates or changes across all applicable sanctions lists; prevent the use of their systems and platforms for transactions involving designated individuals or entities; conduct real-time screening of customers, transactions, and beneficial owners; and file appropriate reports with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit and notify the CBN, where necessary.”

Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, has linked the ongoing massacre in Plateau State to the 2027 presidential election. It could be recalled that bandits have killed over 100 persons in the state in two separate deadly attacks in the month of April. In a video on his social media page, Fani-Kayode said: “Here we go again, more killings in Nigeria and in particular Plateau State, all being orchestrated by the usual suspects from outside the country sending people from north Africa and the Sahel region to come and slaughter our people. “They are slaughtering both Christians and Muslims, including northerners and southerners. They are doing this now simply because they want to destabilise Nigeria and discredit the government. This was orchestrated and the same thing happened in 2014 prior to Jonathan’s defeat the next year. “They are doing this now, preparing ground for 2027. We know who they are, these are foreign elements from the west including Israel and a number of others because they don’t want a stable and peaceful Nigeria or for our people to succeed in their democracy endeavours. “These are all planned in an attempt to divide us and plunge us into a senseless civil war to be killing ourselves as brothers while the real enemy comes from outside the country who do not wish us well.” He added, “We should adopt the approach of President Donald Trump by sealing the borders and stop these people who have no business being here from coming. Let’s do what Donald Trump is doing by building prisons for them and most importantly eliminate them. "God’s will shall be done and Nigerians, both Christians and Muslims from the north and south will stand as one."

A Chief Magistrate Court has sentenced a football fan, Bashir Bala, to three months’ imprisonment for assaulting Vincent Temitope, a player of Plateau United Football Club. The convict was, however, given an option of fine. It was reported that violence erupted over the weekend at the Lafia City Stadium, shortly after a heated Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) clash between Nasarawa United and Plateau United, which ended 3-2 in favour of the home team. Bala, a resident of Lafia and suspected fan of Nasarawa United, was arraigned by the Nigeria Police on a three-count charge bordering on assault, criminal force, and public disturbance. Upon arraignment, he pleaded guilty to the charges. The court, in delivering its judgment, sentenced Bala to three months in prison, with an option to pay a fine. The incident, which sparked widespread condemnation among fans and stakeholders, saw the Plateau United player physically attacked shortly after the final whistle. Recall that Nasarawa United in an official statement issued Tuesday by the club’s Director of Media, Eche Amos, clarified that the incident, while unfortunate, was exaggerated. Amos stated that Temitope suffered only a slight bruise on the neck and was not stabbed with a knife or any dangerous weapon as claimed. He explained that eyewitness accounts confirmed that the suspect involved in the altercation, one Bashir Bala, used his sharp fingernails during a scuffle after the player allegedly attempted to hit a spectator with a plastic chair. However, contrary to earlier reports suggesting that Temitope was stabbed, the club has confirmed that he only sustained minor injuries. Temitope, who has since resumed training with his teammates, debunked the stabbing rumours, saying he is focused on helping his team in upcoming fixtures.

Former federal lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani has risen in defence of President Bola Tinubu as he faces allegations of skewing appointments in favour of the South-West. Tinubu’s administration has been under attack for giving most strategic appointments to the people from his South-West region. Senator Ali Ndume recently came hard on him, declaring that it was way too bad. But speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Sani countered the nepotism allegation against Tinubu, arguing that the Buhari administration was worse in terms of favouritism. According to him, It is clear the nation has a very short memory, and then we simply forget what happened the last time Buhari was in power. What was the profile of nepotism at that time? “The DG of SSS, Daura was from Katsina state, the DG of NIA, Rufai was from Katsina state, the MPA, my sister Hadiza, she’s from Katsina state, Director of Federal Mortgage Bank, Katsina state, SMEDAN, Katsina state, FRCN Katsina state, NIMET Katsina state, NIMASA Katsina state, Railway Corporation, Katsina state, all those things, you don’t talk of Chairman of federal civil service about 30 (of them) We don’t have time, I can state all of them. All from Katsina state. “At a certain time in this country, the Controller General of Immigration is from northern Nigeria. Customs, Hamid Ali is from northern Nigeria, Civil Defense, Audi is from northern Nigeria, Chairman of Federal Road Safety Corps is from northern Nigeria. Inspector General of Police, Alkali Baba is from northern Nigeria, the Chief of Naval staff, the Chief of Army Staff, they’re all from northern Nigeria. We have had all these things here, and you have never had any person from the southern part of the country raising issues.” He then took a swipe at Northerners criticising Tinubu, insisting that they lacked the morality to do so. “And when you keep quiet when it favored you, and now you speak out when it doesn’t favor you,” he said.

Legal luminary, Femi Falana has demanded the immediate removal of the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas. The Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, while making the demand on Thursday, accused Ibas of breaching constitutional provisions. He madereference to the official Federal Government Gazette, which outlined the terms governing the Sole Administrator’s operations. Falana said that “it is common knowledge that President Bola Tinubu has not issued any Regulation for the operation of the Sole Administrator.” “By treating the orders of President Bola Tinubu with contempt, the Sole Administrator has compounded the illegality of his appointment. "The Sole Administrator ought to be removed without any further delay,” he said in a statement.

The Presidency has played down President Bola Tinubu's absence from Nigeria amid the security challenges plaguing the country. Some concerned Nigerians, including former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar had criticised the president for staying outside the shores of the country while criminals run riot. However, in a statement on Thursday, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President,(Information and Strategy), said Tinubu was perfectly running th country from Europe. He said, "President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully engaged in Nigeria's governance even though he is away in Europe. "His absence remains temporary and in line with the communicated timeframe of approximately two weeks. "The President left Paris for London at the weekend and has maintained constant communication with key government officials, overseeing critical national matters, including directives to security chiefs to address emerging threats in some parts of the country. "His return to Abuja and the resumption of duties at Aso Villa will follow the conclusion of the Easter holiday. "The President’s commitment to his duties remains unwavering, and his administration continues to function effectively under his leadership. "We appreciate the public’s concern and assure all Nigerians that governance proceeds without interruption." It could be recalled that President Tinubu left the country for a working visit to France.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has urged the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia not to further delay the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Exchange of Sentenced Persons between both countries. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated the country’s position at a meeting with the Ethiopian Ambassador to Nigeria, Legesse Geremew Haile, in her office at Tafawa Balewa House, Abuja. This is as the minister expressed the Federal Government’s displeasure over the spate of embarrassment and harassment suffered by Nigerians including those with Official and Diplomatic Passports in Addis Ababa. Odumegwu-Ojukwu reminded the Ethiopian Ambassador that the Nigeria side had concluded with reflection of the Ethiopian observations in the draft MOU on Exchange of Sentenced Persons between both countries and wondered why signing of the MOU was being delayed despite assurances at their meeting of March 6, 2025. The minister highlighted with deep concern the plight of Nigerian inmates in Ethiopia who she said were not having access to medical care among other challenges. She also noted the overwhelming challenges this posed to the Ethiopian Government. She expressed dismay that a Nigerian recently died in Ethiopian prison, and declared that as a government deeply committed to citizen diplomacy, the federal government would not want a repeat of such ugly incident. “Our people don't want to hear that another Nigerian inmate died in Ethiopian prison,” the minister said. Odumegwu-Ojukwu further decried the continued delay in returning monies seized from Nigerian businessmen by the Ethiopian Government even after the country’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, had at the 40th Session of the Executive Council of the African Union held in February 2022, granted amnesty to all African travellers whose monies were seized at the Bole International Airport, due to non-declaration of the amount over and above three thousand US Dollars, as provided by then Ethiopian law. She regretted that of the 25 Nigerians whose monies were seized as at the time, only 15 had been approved for refund, due to the stringent condition put by the Ethiopian side for the refunds. Even at that, only two persons had actually been refunded their seized money. The minister cited the pathetic case of one Mr. Francis Chukwuma Uzoh whose US$70,000 was seized by the Ethiopian authorities. She bemoaned that despite meeting all the conditions, Francis was yet to be refunded since 2022. Consequently, Mr. Francis has become desolate, homeless, abandoned by family, hugely indebted and a shadow of his former self. The minister, therefore, urged the Ethiopian envoy to press for a last chance for the Ethiopian Government to refund Mr. Francis his $70,000 while he is still alive, “so they don’t use the money to bury him when he has gone.” Additionally, the minister noted that visa waiver for holders of Official and Diplomatic Passports was tied to the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) signed by the two countries. Following what Nigerians faced at Addis Ababa, Odumegwu-Ojukwu accused Ethiopia of unilaterally withdrawing from the MoU without notifying Nigeria. According to her, it is of great concern because Addis is a hub and many Nigerians have adopted Ethiopian Airline as the airline of choice. Regardless, the minister reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Ethiopia, assuring that the 4th Session of Nigeria-Ethiopia Joint Commission would soon hold in Abuja. Responding, the Ethiopian Ambassador, said that the visa waiver agreement was still in place but needed ratification by the country’s House of Representatives. That notwithstanding, Amb. Haile said that the Embassy had issued visas to Nigerians with official and diplomatic passports, pointing out that the problem is actually when the applicant is with the regular passport. “The visa on arrival has neither been withdrawn nor abrogated,” he said, stressing, “We are very close to Nigeria. The Ethiopian Government views the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a very strategic partner.” He also thanked the Nigerian Government for the additional seven slots recently approved for the Ethiopian Airline on the Lagos route.

The foundational chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Barr Ben Nwoye has dumped the party. Nwoye announced his resignation at a press briefing on Thursday. He was, however, silent on his next political move. His defection speech in full: Re: Membership Resignation. With deep sense of responsibility I write to inform you that I hereby resign as a member of All Progressives Congress. My resignation is as a result of disintegration of the leadership of party in Enugu State. The bunch of "Broom" which we painstakingly tied together in 2013 at a time when we were called unprintable names has loosened and permanently scattered. All efforts made by the Party Elders to gather the "Broom" and reassemble it has failed. In its current form, further attempts to reassemble the "Broom" in Enugu State is no longer practicable. What is left of the "Broom" are two skeletal structures. One of each structures is held by two strong men. One of the strong men claims Chairmanship by judicial pronouncement. While the other claims Chairmanship through arrogant disobedient of the same judicial pronouncement aided by the silent approval of the National Leadership The leadership of the party in South East are fully engaged in vindictive politics. They are not interested in adding another State to the two States the party controls in the South East. As far as they are concerned, the supremacy of the party is measured by how low they can go to oppress their perceived political enemies. These they do, without recourse to the core principles upon which APC stands -Justice, Peace and Unity. To say the least, the Zonal leadership in the South East has lost direction. In the meantime, the National leadership of the Party is basking on the euphoria of power, being the party under which the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the majority of the members of the National Assembly were elected. The APC National Leadership has therefore maintained willful blindness. Hence, allowing the warring factions to self-destruct and stragulate the party in Enugu State. To worsen the situation, the APC National leadership treats Party Elders calls for reconciliation with disdain and disrespect. Loyal party members calling for party unity are treated like conquered and captured political warriors. In other words, loyal party members who do not agree with the position of the APC National leadership on the division that exists within the entire party structure in Enugu State have been transformed into prisoners of political war. They have been placed in political captivity in Enugu State. On the basis stated above, I engaged in extensive consultations with my grassroots followers and I have come to the conclusion that it is time to move on. I am not a political prisoner. I have never been and I can never be. The situation in Enugu State is not an isolated case. For example, in Anambra State the National Leadership did not care to hear the voice of H.E. Senator Chris Ngige before awarding the Gubernatorial ticket to the highest bidder? In Abia State, where are the likes of Dr Ikechi Emenike and Ayim Iyerenye? In Ebonyi State where is the voice of Senator Julius Ucha. And in Imo State where is H.E. Owelle Rochas Okorocha and Ugwumba Uche Nwosu. These are great men who risked it all and made tremendous sacrifices to ensure that APC gained ground in the South East. Today, their opinions no longer matter. So, it is time to move on and discover a new frontier. Very Truly Yours, Dr Ben Nwoye (Former Chairman APC Enugu State, Former Secretary Forum of APC State Chairmen, Former Publicity Secretary Forum of APC State Chairmen and Former Federal Commissioner FCCPC Representing South East)