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Alleged killing of Northerners in S’East: False alarm, politcial – Ohanaeze

Published

4 years ago

December 19, 2022

Everydaynewsngr

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has dismissed as false alarm and lie from the pit of hell the front page report of Daily Trust Newspaper of Friday, December 16, 2022 that Northerners were being killed in the South East.

Coordinator of the Northern Consensus Forum, Dr Auwal Abdullahi Aliyu” and others were quoted to have “directed commodity traders and truck drivers to shun the South East of Nigeria.

Dr. Aliyu alleged incessant killings of their members by the outlawed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) declaring 3 days warning strike due to the alleged constant killing of the northerners in the South East.

Ohanaeze in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Alex Ogbonna said the most disturbing part of the report is the false claim that “not less than 100 northerners were murdered in the South East within last week.”

‘The Igbo apex body described the report as a lie from the pit of hell.

Ohanaeze noted that the said Dr. Aliyu has not been in the picture among the Northern leaders resident in the South East and as such is not in a position to speak on the relationship between the Northerners and the people of the South East.

“One begins to imagine the very intendmen of the purveyor of such a false, mendacious and devilish alarm that “not less than 100 northerners have been killed in the South East within last week”. Four: an introspection will reveal the damage caused on the image of Nigeria among the committee of nations that 100 persons are killed in one week.

“Apart from the negative image to Nigeria, such unverified front page report is a breach on the duties and civic responsibilities expected of a national daily such as the Daily Trust.

“Investigative journalism suggests that both the number of persons killed and the locations where they were killed should have been indicated in the report by the Daily Trust.

“Unfortunately, Aliyu has inadvertently reduced the worth of a Nigerian to that of a chicken that could be slaughtered in hundreds within a week.

“The onus lies on Aliyu to locate the corpses of the said 100 persons.

” Evidently, such false alarm is a security threat capable of causing pandemonium across the country.

“Going further, is there any other group, among the diverse groups in Nigeria that has come up with a claim of killings by the IPOB? And many more questions that ordinarily will compel the security agents to interrogate the said Coordinator of the Northern Consensus Forum, Dr Auwal Abdullahi Aliyu and adequate measures taken to serve as a deterrent to other alarmists.

“There is no gainsaying the relentless efforts of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Clergy, traditional rulers and indeed all the well- meaning Igbo about the adverse consequences of youth restiveness in the South East.

“We have in that trepidation repeatedly called on the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, to come to our aid by adopting a political solution to the agitations by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).

“We note with sadness, that various forms of insecurity such as banditry, kidnapping, herders-farmers clash, etc have come to define our daily lives. We hold the view that while some aspects of the insecurity in Nigeria are amorphous, the IPOB are a known group that can be negotiated out of the present socio-economic quagmire.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the alarmist publication in question is politically motivated to create mistrust between the North and the South. It is important to inform the “new-breed” chauvinists that the Igbo friendliness, hospitality and cosmopolitanism have often found profound expressions in diverse inter-ethnic relations in Nigeria.

“For instance, a Fulani man from Sokoto Caliphate – Mallam Umaru Altine, was in 1952 elected as the first Mayor of the City of Enugu, the heartbeat of the Igbo Nation. He contested for a second term and won and remained in office till 1958.

“Also in 1959, the Igbo, led by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, supported Alhaji Tafawa Balewa to become the Prime Minister of Nigeria. Furthermore, the Igbo led by Dr. Alex Ekwueme supported Alhaji Shehu Shagari to become the President of Nigeria in 1979; also to President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, 2007 and in 2015, a group of Igbo led by Dr. Chris Ngige, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, among others, supported the incumbent President, Muhammadu Buhari.

“Apart from the democratic dispensations, the South East were obliged to the military Heads of State such as Gen.Yakubu Gowon, Gen. Murtala Mohammed, Gen Muhammadu Buhari, Gen Ibrahim Babangida, Gen.Sani Abacha and Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar; all from the North. It is therefore curious that the first time an Igbo, Mr Peter Obi, is gaining unprecedented authentic national and international endorsements based on his outstanding performance credentials, for the leadership of the country, instead of appeal to justice, equity and reflective mutual reciprocity, some crisis entrepreneurs are sowing the seeds of discord and deep mistrust between the North and the South East.

“The Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide led by Ambassador Professor George Obiozor lays no pretensions to the insecurity in the South East of Nigeria but frowns at any form of mischief that incites the North against the South East. In other words, the likes of Aliyu are drawn to a recent remark by Sarkin Hausawa or the Leader of the Northerners in Enugu State, Alhaji Abubakar Sambo.

“Speaking on the cordial relationship between the Northerners and their Igbo host, Sambo enthused “I can confidently tell you that we have a strong bond and that we feel like a part of the government. Yes, we have a lot of representatives in various committees in the state government. The first is the most powerful committee that the governor has given so much attention and commitment to financially, morally and what have you – that is the Enugu State Security and Peace Committee.

“The committee has been in existence since the inception of this current government and we’ve been working. In that committee, I happen to be a member and there are about 10 other northerners in that committee. We have the representatives of the Commissioner of Police, the Director of SSS, Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the state who comes in person”.

“The above Sambo euphoria is reflected in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi and Imo states of the South East. This indeed is the Igbo characterisation.

“While urging the Northerners to continue their cordial relationship with the Igbo, Ohanaeze restates that the incessant sit at home in the South East is an ill wind that blows nobody any good.”

News

Enugu FRSC Sector Commander Franklin Agbakoba Is Dead

Published

8 hours ago

July 31, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced the demise of its Enugu State Sector Commander, Corps Commander Franklin O Agbakoba.

This is contained in a statement issued by FRSC Deputy Corps Commander in-charge of Enugu State Operations, DCC Kyrian C Okolo, on Friday in Enugu.

“FRSC Enugu State Sector Command received the sad news of the demise of CC Franklin Agbakoba on Thursday, July 30,2026.

“The late Sector Commander died at Niger Foundation Hospital, Enugu where he was receiving treatment.

“His corpse have been deposited at the Eastern Medical Center, Enugu,” he said.

Until his death,CC Franklin Agbakoba made inter-agency collaboration and partnership his legacy and promoted safer roads within Enugu State.

News

Aguiyi-Ironsi’s family demands compensation, apology 58 years after counter-coup

Published

12 hours ago

July 31, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

The family of Nigeria’s first military Head of State, Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, has demanded an apology from the Federal Government over his killing in 1966. The family also called for compensation and reconciliation.

The family’s head, Imo Aguiyi-Ironsi, made the demand during an interview with Arise News on Thursday.

“I think the family needs apology. The family needs to be compensated. We need sincere apology. We need sincere reconciliation,” he said.

He described his uncle as a visionary leader who was wrongly punished for a coup he had no role in.

“He was a man of vision. He was a detribalized Nigerian. He was a good leader,” he said.

Imo Aguiyi-Ironsi noted that his uncle’s tenure as Head of State was brief and ended violently.

“He occupied the seat of head of state for only six months, and he was taken away from us.

“Not because of a sin he committed, because he wasn’t part of the January 1966 coup.”

He insisted this fact was widely established. “Everybody knows that,” he said.

According to him, Aguiyi-Ironsi’s death resulted from his position rather than any wrongdoing on his part.

“Only because of his position as the most senior military officer, he was told to take charge. And then that cost him his life,” he said.

He expressed hope that his appeal would reach those with the power to act on it.

“Well, I hope there are people who are in positions to make this happen that are listening to you tonight,” he said.

Aguiyi-Ironsi served as Nigeria’s Head of State from January 16 to July 29, 1966, taking charge in the aftermath of the January 15, 1966 coup that had claimed the lives of the country’s political leadership.

He survived that coup and helped crush the mutiny, but his later decision to centralise power under Decree 34, along with his failure to prosecute the plotters, fuelled resentment among northern officers.

He was killed on July 29, 1966, alongside his host, Lieutenant Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi, in a mutiny by northern soldiers that became known as the July counter-coup

News

CJN bans use of ‘Barrister’ title as name prefix at Supreme Court

Published

12 hours ago

July 31, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed lawyers and court officials to stop using the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all official engagements at the Supreme Court.

The directive was contained in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.

Addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers, the circular said the order took immediate effect and formed part of efforts to uphold professional standards within the apex court.

The memorandum read, “I am directed by the Honourable the Chief Justice of Nigeria to notify all Litigation Staff, Legal Practitioners, Court Registrars, and Lawyers that the use of the title ‘Barrister’ as a prefix to names is inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court of Nigeria.”

It further directed all affected officers to immediately stop using the title in official correspondence and other official materials.

The memo stated, “Consequently, all officers concerned are hereby directed to discontinue the use of the title ‘Barrister’ before their names in all official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials, and any other official engagements with immediate effect.”

To ensure full implementation of the directive, the Chief Justice also directed supervisory officers to enforce compliance.

The memorandum added, “Heads of Departments and Unit Heads are requested to ensure strict compliance with this directive by all officers under their supervision. Please be guided accordingly.”

The directive comes weeks after the Council of Legal Education cautioned prospective lawyers against wearing wigs and gowns or presenting themselves as qualified legal practitioners before they are formally called to the Nigerian Bar.

The council said such conduct undermined the dignity of the legal profession and warned that violators could face disciplinary measures.

It also reminded candidates that the use of legal regalia is governed by the Rules of Professional Conduct and is reserved for duly qualified legal practitioners

News

Enugu intensifies fight against quackery in laboratory practice – Commissioner

Published

12 hours ago

July 31, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

The Enugu State Government says it has intensified fight against quackery across all health professions, particularly in the laboratory practice within the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, revealed this on Friday while receiving the National President of Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Dr. Casimir Ifeanyi, on a courtesy visit to his office in Enugu.

Ugwu decried the growing trend of unprofessional practices and establishments where laboratory services are combined with pharmacies, patient treatment areas, provision stores, and other unauthorised activities.

According to him, such practices are unacceptable and dangerous to public health.

He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to eliminate quackery especially in laboratory practices and operations through sustained monitoring, regulation and enforcement.

The commissioner also commended the association for its dedication to promoting excellence in medical laboratory science and public health advocacy.

He assured the team of the ministry’s willingness to collaborate with professional bodies whose activities align with the government’s vision of delivering accessible, quality, and people-centred healthcare services across the state.

Ugwu stressed the remarkable strides recorded under the administration of Gov. Peter Mbah in transforming the health sector, including investments in healthcare infrastructure, workforce development, primary healthcare revitalisation and improved service delivery.

He urged the association to remain steadfast in upholding professionalism and ethical standards, emphasising that stronger partnerships between government and healthcare professionals remained essential in building a healthier Enugu State.

Earlier, Ifeanyi, who made the visit with some members of his national executive and Enugu State Chapter of AMLSN, briefed the commissioner on the association’s forthcoming AMLSN Annual Public Health Lecture.

He solicited the state government’s goodwill, support and participation in the event, which would be held in Enugu.

“The annual lecture is aimed at advancing quality healthcare delivery, promoting public health awareness, and fostering stronger collaboration among healthcare professionals and government institutions,” he said.

He noted that the association remained committed to improving professional standards and supporting initiatives that would enhance healthcare outcomes for residents of Enugu State and Nigeria at large.

News

Enugu Govt urges Town Union PGs to embrace inclusive leadership

Published

13 hours ago

July 31, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

…Inaugurates Amufie Town Union executives

By Chinedu Sabastine

The Enugu State Government has urged Town Union President Generals (PGs) across the state to adopt inclusive leadership that promotes peace, unity and sustainable development in their communities.

The Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Chief Charles Egumgbe, gave the charge on Wednesday while inaugurating the newly elected 14-member executives of the Amufie Town Union in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area.

The executive committee, led by the President-General, Engr. Kenneth Okechukwu Ogili, was presented with certificates of return at the ministry’s headquarters in Enugu.

Egumgbe urged the new leadership to ensure transparency, accountability and regular engagement with members, stressing that women and youths must be carried along in decision-making.

He advised the executives against operating exclusive caucuses, noting that town union affairs should be conducted openly through regular meetings where decisions are collectively taken.

“You must carry everybody along. Let your policies be all-inclusive and ensure that members are well informed about your activities. Matters should be tabled before the executive and decisions reached collectively,” he said.

The commissioner warned against abuse of office, particularly in matters relating to community land, stressing that anyone found working against the interest of the community could be removed under the state’s Town Union law.

“I don’t know whether you will receive remuneration because this is service to humanity. But whatever you do, don’t sell community land illegally. Land has a way of fighting for itself,” he cautioned.

Responding, the new inaugurated President-General, Ogili, pledged to lead with transparency and work closely with his executive to promote peace, unity and development in Amufie.

He said the administration would prioritise security by strengthening the neighbourhood watch and collaborating with security agencies to flush out criminals from identified flashpoints.

Ogili also promised to maintain a cordial working relationship with the traditional ruler of the community.

“The Igwe is our father. We have different constitutional roles, and there will be no conflict between us. We shall work harmoniously for the peace and progress of Amufie,” he said.