News
Anambra Governorship Election: Civil Society group asks Buhari to prevail on IPOB to rescind lockdown threat
By: Odogwu Emeka Odogwu
A Civil Society organization, Civil Society Committee for Anti-fraud election securiy and other organizations led by Comrade Kennedy Iyere have called on former President, Abdulsalami Abubakar to prevail on the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to rescind their threats on a 5-day lockdown of the South East during the Governorship Election.
The Civil Society group with other organizations like the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) South East zone led by the Vice President, Comrade Emmanuel Ifesinachi , Young People of Igbo Nation in Politics led by Hon Tony-Uche Ezekwelu and two political parties including African Democraric Change (ADC) led by its National Chairman,Chief Okey-Raphs Nwosu and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) led by the running mate to Mr Valentine Chineto Ozigbo , Chief Mrs Azuka Enemo addressed the media.
They called on the former President, Abdulsalami Abubakar and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Rev. Fr. Matthew Kukah to reach out to the President Mohammadu Buhari soliciting his cooperation in addressing the threats.
Addressing newsmen on Wednesday, the founder of the Civil Society group, Comrade Kennedy Iyere said treating the threats with levity by ignoring the group rather than calming the agitators would further escalate the situation.
He said his group established a situation room for the poll following alleged tactical plans to by some political gladiators to rig the polls, which he said would not be good for the nation’s nascent democracy.
He said, “We’re here to address certain critical threats if not checkmated will affect the people’s choice. Among them is that of IPOB warning people to stay at home for 5days, before and after the election.
“We appeal to President Buhari to realize the need to respond to the agitators rather than ignore them. As a father of the nation, which Southeast is part of, we want to humbly request he speaks to them so we can have a peaceful election.
“These ones don’t need to be ignored. It’s their right to be agitated, but it’s your right to calm them down. That’s what leadership is all about.
“We also want to make a passionate appeal to former President Abdulsalami Abubakar. You intend coming to the state to sign a peace accord with the contestants. But before then, there’s serious need for you to reach out to Mr. President and solicit his cooperation in addressing the IPOB threats.
“He needs to send a word of encouragement and hope to them so they can rescind their threats. Otherwise, it would have a negative effect on the outcome of the poll. If that’s is not done, we’ll be compelled to believe that there’s a hidden plan to impose a governor on the people against their will.
“The same way government are negotiating with bandits, let them send a message to the IPOB known to be armless. We also appeal to Rev. Fr. Kukah, Secretary to National Peace Committee, to reach out to Mr. President, NSA and security chiefs and let them pacify these boys.
“Anambra is not a war zone and we don’t want to believe the security agencies are deployed to come and shoot, that will be absurd and barbaric. They’re role should be safeguarding the process and remaining impartial.”
According to Iyere, he reached out to major political parties in the race on the need for them to lend their voice in the appeal, but regretted that only the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) honored the invitation
He added, “I called the APC candidate, Andy Uba, he didn’t pick, I called his Aide and told him the need for their presence in the meeting, but they bluntly declined, saying the meeting was unimportant.
“I spoke with Soludo and he arrogantly told me that APGA is the only winning party running campaign in the state. I warned him that the people he’s going to seek their votes are the same people we want him to speak to. His DG who promised to come, never showed up.
“Those of ZLP and YPP also didn’t turn up. But good enough, we have the PDP and ADC here. I’m not a foolish person. What this establishes is that it’s only these two parties love their people. I’m not a politician nor campaigning for anyone.
“I make bold to say this without any apology or fear that only these parties can advance the course of Anambra people. IPOB, I’m sure with these two parties, you have hope that when a government is formed in their favor, will ensure your sentiments and concerns are addressed.
“I want to appeal to IPOB and its leadership, Anambra is your state, you may have haters, but don’t create room for those who don’t have your interest at heart to destroy your state and unleash mayhem.
“Five days of not doing business will affect many families, including some of you that issued the statement. Think about it and rescind on the decision. I came from Edo state, they wanted to hijack the process, but we resisted it. Today, the governor we have is the one we voted for.
“I want to warn, whoever believes results can be rigged is wasting his time. The civil society is there. I’m also calling on the European Union, US and UK government, if you love us, and want us to grow, please take serious whatever we say to you.”
The ADC National chairman, Chief Raphs-Okey Nwosu and the running mate of the PDP candidate, Chief Mrs. Azuka Enemo who spoke on behalf of their parties, called for dialogue between the federal government and the pro-Biafran group for a peaceful election.
On his part, former youth leader, Ohaneze Idigbo Tony-Uche Ezekwelu, called for the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as a panacea for peaceful poll in Anambra.
While the Zonal Vice- President of NUJ, Comrade Emmanuel Ifesinachi called on security agencies to ensure eligible voters are not intimidated while exercising their civic responsibilities on election day even as he called on media practicioners to discharge their duties without fear or favour.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Six members of the Indigenous People Of Biafra IPOB have been declared wanted by the Nigerian Police .
The six persons led by Mr Chukwuebuka Ohaechesi, include Emma Okonkwo, Jude Uwa, Gentle Okoro, Uchenna Dike, and Emmanuel Nwankwo who are said to be at large.
The were said to have fled to neighboring states in the South East hence signaling the other four Police Commands in the geopolitical zone to assist in the manhunt for them
The Police accused them of executing protests against the detaintion of the leader of IPOB Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who is currently serving jail terms in Sokoto Correction Center.
According to a statement issued by the Abia Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Eguavon Omokaro, the individuals are suspected members of IPOB who have allegedly participated in protests at various times and locations within the state.
The statement alleged that the protests were organised in connection with the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and demands for justice through the judicial process.
The Police Command further stated that these protests have allegedly resulted in breaches of peace and disruptions to law and order in Abia State. Consequently, the Police Intelligence Department reportedly concluded that the named individuals were among the principal organisers and coordinators of the demonstrations.
The statement further alleged that; ;
“It should be noted that on every 30th day of May, these men and their cohorts convene for the so-called remembrance of Biafra, holding clandestine meetings at various locations in the name of the emancipation of the Biafran Republic and the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”
According to the police, the six individuals were invited on several occasions for questioning in relation to the allegations against them.
The statement indicated that the first invitation was issued on 18 December 2025, followed by a second invitation on 7 February 2026, and a third invitation on 3 March 2026.
The police alleged that the individuals failed to honour all three invitations.
The statement further asserted:
“These individuals were invited by the police on several occasions. Firstly, on 18 December 2025, they failed to honour the invitation. Again, they were invited on 7th February 2026 and failed to appear. Finally, they were invited on 3 March 2026, and they also failed to present themselves before the police.” It stated.
As a result, the Abia State Police Command announced that all six individuals had been formally declared wanted.
The police appealed to members of the public to provide any reliable information that could lead to their arrest and prosecution, stating that informants would be suitably rewarded.
The declaration of the six individuals as wanted persons is linked to allegations of their participation in pro-Biafra activities, demonstrations concerning the detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and their alleged association with IPOB, an organisation that has been the subject of extensive scrutiny and security operations by Nigerian authorities.
In a statement shared on social media, VeryDarkMan argued that Wike may not fully understand the pain and trauma experienced by parents of abducted children and affected teachers. He claimed that the minister’s children were educated abroad, away from the security challenges facing many Nigerian families.Nigerian entertainment news
The activist stated that insecurity, kidnapping, and attacks on schools remain serious national concerns and should not be dismissed or reduced to political issues. He stressed that the fears and frustrations of parents whose children face security threats deserve greater attention from public officials.
VeryDarkMan further warned that political power is temporary, urging leaders to remain accountable to the people and sensitive to the challenges confronting ordinary Nigerians.
DSS Detains Novelist Okey Ndibe at Lagos Airport, Awaits Clearance from Abuja
Renowned Nigerian novelist, journalist, and academic, Okey Ndibe, was reportedly detained by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) upon his arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Monday morning.
Ndibe disclosed his situation in a message sent while in custody, stating: “I’ve been with the SSS now for more than an hour. They’re waiting for clearance from some oga before they let me go.”
According to sources close to the writer, his detention follows a pattern that dates back to previous administrations, including that of former President Goodluck Jonathan, during which he was frequently stopped and questioned over his critical commentaries on Nigerian governance and public affairs.
However, associates noted that Ndibe has largely stepped away from active commentary in Nigerian media over the past two years, focusing instead on writing books and his academic responsibilities at University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he teaches.
A close friend of the author and former Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, C. Don Adinuba, said similar incidents had occurred several times in the past. He explained that airport DSS officials typically contacted their superiors in Abuja before eventually releasing Ndibe.
“It is a pity that this agency doesn’t update its database to enable officers on duty at the airport to know that the agency no longer regards Prof. Ndibe as a security threat to the administration,” Adinuba said.
He added that on previous occasions, the DSS had apologized to the respected author after determining that his detention was unwarranted.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the DSS regarding the circumstances surrounding Ndibe’s latest detention. The development has raised renewed concerns about the treatment of government critics and the continued use of security watchlists affecting returning Nigerians.
Hegseth made the disclosure during a press conference at the White House on Wednesday, where he said the directive was issued about a year ago after Trump became aware of attacks against Christians in Nigeria.
He explained that the operation involved behind-the-scenes coordination and deployment of military assets, adding that intelligence gathered during the mission contributed to the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified as ISIS’s second-in-command, during a joint operation involving U.S. and Nigerian forces in the Lake Chad Basin.
“Maybe a year ago, he heard the call of Nigerian Christians who were being targeted and killed by ISIS in Nigeria, and he said, ‘Pete, I want the War Department to focus on ensuring that we do everything we can to protect those Christians,’” Hegseth said.
According to him, the operation yielded significant results in the fight against terrorism in the region.
“And we got the assets there, and over the last month, and there hasn’t been much coverage of this, we killed ISIS number two in Nigeria, who’s most responsible for killing Christians and trying to target the U.S. homeland,” he stated.
Hegseth added that working on the Intel gathered, they have killed hundreds of ISIS members who were targeting and killing Christians in Nigeria.
The U.S. defence chief described the operation as part of the Trump administration’s broader commitment to counterterrorism efforts and the protection of vulnerable communities.
“So there are a lot of things we do that the media pays attention to, and a lot of things that the President empowers the Department to do on behalf of the American people that he deserves great credit for,” Hegseth stated.
ISIS second in command, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki was killed in a coordinated U.S.-Nigeria military operation in northeast Nigeria earlier this month.
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