News
Who is making Dr. Ikpeazu Chinese or North Korean?
Ikechukwu Ogbonna
Last week, an innocuous but dangerous story surfaced online and some WhatsApp platforms. The story, which could have fitted into an April fool’s Day treatise or at best, a comic relief, bore no source or byline of any writer.
Titled : “Breaking News”, it went on to state that in “a landmark ruling that has stunned the nation, the Abia State High Court has sentenced former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to death by hanging after investigators traced N1 Trillion to his secret foreign account in Australia.” It went further to state that, “the money was originally budgeted for the Abia International Airport Project and a light rail system that promised to change the ace of the state.”
One fictitious Justice Chukwuemeka Nwogu, who was said to have delivered the judgement was copiously quoted and security guards were said to have kept the former Governor under heavy guard, pending the execution.
Ordinarily, the ruse of a story would have been dismissed as one of those Click baiting stories or at best, a joke taken too far. But when a prominent Igbo journalist, a septuagenarian and a columnist in major newspapers, Chudi Amuta, uploaded the story on his Facebook page and it started circulating online and WhatApp platforms, it was evident that someone was pushing the ruse but found no better way of attacking Ikpeazu, other than using a deviously mischievous means to attain the goal.
Instructively, Ikpeazu found no reason to react to the story since it existed only on the imagination of the ghost writer. Ikpeazu did not bother to react because, in the first place, there was no such case anywhere. Again, had there been such a judgement , it would have been novel in Nigeria, putting our country at par with the likes of China and North Korea, where such bizarre pronouncements are made and executed.
For sure, there is no provision in Nigeria’s Law, both the Penal and Criminal Codes that provided death by hanging for any corruption case, no matter the magnitude.
The authors and backers of the rogue article only wanted to embarrass or unsettle Ikpeazu, who had maintained his silence since he left office in May 2023. As at the time the ‘Concoction’ was making rounds, Ikpeazu was in his country home in Abia, attending to his private matters.
But a development following discreet investigations by his aides revealed something shocking. The Judge, whose photograph was used to illustrate the story pointed out that, that copy of the portrait that was used was his official photograph, which was only available to the state government, at the State Ministry of Justice. He wondered how such an official document found its way to bloggers and writers, when in the real sense, photographs of judges are not in the public domain.
The big question now is: Who leaked the photograph from the state government’s custody? Did thieves steal the file of the judge or someone in the ministry was doing a job against Ikpeazu?
The answer to that question is now left for the state government led by Dr. Alex Otti, to answer.
But certain facts stand out. It is on record that Otti had accused Ikpeazu previously of budgeting N10billion for an airport, which he(Otti) did not see on assumption of office. That was despite Ikpeazu stating clearly that some leaders of the state considered an airport project not a high priority when the proposal was made. As such, the fund was channelled into other pressing state needs at that time.
What is evident currently is that mischief makers and agents of destruction in Abia forget that Ikpeazu has finished his eight-year, two-four-year terms successfully. He is not in a contest with Otti or any other person in the state. Otti has a re-election in 2027 to battle for. He will face the people of the state, not Ikpeazu. He will face the APC, PDP, ADC and other parties that are interested in governing Abia. Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, an accomplished Academic, has no business with the success or failure of Otti, having finished his own tenure and handed over two years ago.
So, rather than chasing shadows of a past administration, Otti and his men should focus on convincing Abians on the need for his second term. He should rather worry about which platform he will use to prosecute the 2027 election, now that his platform, Labour Party is wobbly and without a sure footing.
He should also channel his energy to delivering tangible projects that will convince the people about his genuineness on the seat. It is not Ikpeazu that stopped President Bola Tinubu from coming to the state last week, after all the hype and noise about inaugurating his projects, which was eventually done by the Minister of Works, David Umahi at the last minute. That was after the president had been advertised to be coming to Abia three times to no avail.
One thing that is certain is that, Ikpeazu would not be on the ballot with Otti again. So, the governor and his goons have their work cut out. No amount of Campaign of Calumny against Ikpeazu is enough to stop the looming battle in the state in 2027.
Ikpeazu is in his home and is not under security surveillance. Neither is he under any trial by any manufactured Judge. Even if he is under trail, it will be a public issue, not a story written with no name by faceless writers. The writers should come out and boldly state their case. The Innocent is not afraid. It is the guilty that is afraid of his shadows. Nigeria is neither China nor North Korea.
Ogbonna, a Lawyer, wrote from Aba
Godswill Akpabio, Nigeria’s Senate President, on Friday, pushed back against reports quoting him as promising to retrieve tickets from winners of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in lieu of sitting senators, who failed at the party’s primaries recently.
He also spoke on the issue of the comprehensive probe called by Adams Oshiomhole, former Governor of Edo State, now Senator representing Edo North at the National Assembly, clarifying his position on the matte, which has since raised a lot of dust within the polity.
The twin issues, dominated the outcome of proceedings on Thursday, on the day the Senators returned after going on recess to participate in the party primaries that took place across board in Nigeria in line with the electoral outlay of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Akpabio, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, former Minister of the Niger Delta and now Chairman of the National Assembly, who conveyed his position through Eseme Eyiboh, his spokesman, denied ever making such promise to his colleagues, as it went against the grain of democratic ethos, which he had vowed to uphold.
Regarding the probe of the military, Akpabio, in the statement, stressed the need not to distract the institution, but provide it with all the needed support, giving the parlous security situation in the country, its personnel had been battling relentless.
The statement read in full: “The attention of the Office of the President of the Senate has been drawn to misleading reports circulating in sections of the media suggesting that the President of the Senate has promised to secure senatorial tickets for senators who lost their party primaries.
“We must categorically assert that this report does not reflect the position of the President of the Senate. For the record, Senator Akpabio has neither made nor authorised to be made such promise.
“What the President of the Senate actually said, in the course of interacting with his colleagues, was to empathise with senators who were affected by the outcome of their primary elections.
“He assured them that the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), is actively working to address all issues arising from the primaries and that the final list of candidates will be released in due course in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.
“Senator Akpabio remains committed to party discipline, due process, and the internal mechanisms of the APC for resolving disputes. He will not interfere with the autonomous processes of the party or make commitments that are outside the purview of the National Assembly leadership.
“The office also notes another report quoting a distinguished Senator on the need for the Senate to probe the military over recent security incidents. While legislative oversight is a constitutional responsibility of the National Assembly, Senator Akpabio’s position is that this is not the opportune moment for a public probe of the Armed Forces.
“At a time when our troops are engaged on multiple fronts against terrorism, banditry and other threats to National Security, subjecting the military to a public legislative inquisition could undermine morale and operational focus.
“The Senate President believes strongly that support, collaboration and closed-door engagements with security agencies are more productive at this critical time. Oversight will be exercised responsibly, without creating distractions that embolden adversaries or divert attention from the urgent task of securing Nigeria.
“Senator Akpabio urges the media and the public to disregard sensational and inaccurate misrepresentation of his remarks and to always seek clarification from his office before publication.”
No candidate was imposed neither was any member barred from participating in the process, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), said on Thursday, which defending the integrity of the exercise, which ended on May 29.
In a statement by Ikenna Enekweizu, National Secretary, party said that all aspirants were given a fair opportunity to participate in the democratic process, adding that the selection process was driven by consultation, consensus-building, and stakeholder engagement through established leadership structures across the country.
Stressing that its National Secretariat was never involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state, contrary to allegations that have emerged following the conclusion of the primaries, the statement added: “At no time has the NDC National Secretariat been involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state.
“Aspirants seeking elective positions were directed to engage with caucus leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots members in their respective states, who were responsible for consultations and recommendations based on local political realities. In the South-East geopolitical zone, our presidential candidate, Peter Obi, joined the party with an existing network of respected political leaders and elder statesmen who currently serve as caucus heads across the region.
“These include former governors and senior political figures such as Sam Egwu, Okwesilieze Nwodo, and Achike Udenwa, among others. The party explained that these leaders were tasked with conducting stakeholder consultations and helping build consensus around aspirants in their respective states.
“These leaders were entrusted with conducting stakeholder consultations, building consensus, and making recommendations to the party based on their understanding of the peculiar political dynamics in their respective states.
“Aspirants who disagreed with stakeholder recommendations were not excluded from the process but were allowed to test their popularity through grassroots primaries. This process was conducted without prejudice to the rights of any aspirant. Where aspirants disagreed with recommendations made by stakeholders or caucus leaders, they were free to test their popularity through the democratic process at the grassroots level, and this was duly accommodated,” the party said.
Addressing concerns raised by some aspirants following the primaries, the NDC acknowledged reports of individuals prematurely declaring themselves candidates as well as complaints regarding aspects of the process.
However, it maintained that such issues had been referred to the party’s appeal panel and leadership for resolution.
The statement also highlighted the party’s commitment to affirmative action and greater female participation in politics, noting that efforts had been made to encourage women to seek elective offices while also considering the interests of serving lawmakers.
Looking ahead, the NDC announced plans to begin a broad reconciliation process aimed at healing divisions and strengthening party unity after the conclusion of the primaries.
“As resolved at yesterday’s NEC meeting, we now look forward to the commencement of a comprehensive reconciliation process. We count on our esteemed caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders, and party leaders to engage all aspirants and members in the interest of unity, cohesion, and the continued growth of our party.”
The party reiterated that its role throughout the nomination process was primarily to welcome new members and aspirants, reassure them of its commitment to fairness and transparency, and direct them to the appropriate caucus structures for participation in party affairs.
According to the NDC, the approach reflects its commitment to internal democracy, consultation, inclusiveness, and respect for established leadership structures as it continues preparations for future elections.
Idi Abbas, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), on Friday, prayed for a legislation to establish a special court to try those caught in the business of stealing crude oil in Nigeria, saying the current general law was not too helpful in stemming the tide.
It was also a day he claimed that the powerful forces behind the syndicate had a way of projecting fronts while remaining behind the scene, which made it almost impossible to track them to face justice.
In fact, Abbas, a Vice Admiral, revealed that the operation was so perfect that those arrested at illegal refining sites were usually low-level operatives with little knowledge of the larger criminal network.
A guest on Sunrise Daily, a breakfast programme on Channels Television, the Naval Chief noted that many of those apprehended during operations are merely workers paid small sums, adding that such a complex structure of oil theft syndicates made it difficult to identify and prosecute the individuals who orchestrate the criminal enterprise.
“Most of the faces behind these thefts are not really known or are not the ones we always catch. The ones we get at most of the illegal refinery sites are just being given some paltry sum, while the big masquerades are the ones that make the real money. Prosecuting suspects is often complicated by the fact that many of those arrested have little or no information about the people directing the operations.
“In trying to prosecute some of these people that we get, some of them don’t even know who they are working for. So, the network is a very delicate one.
“But despite the challenges the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies are continually refining their strategies to counter the evolving tactics of oil thieves. As they are evolving strategies, we are also evolving new strategies. Like I keep saying, technology is the way forward. With that, we have been able to reduce the level of theft.”
Stating that the adoption of technology-driven surveillance, intelligence gathering and monitoring systems had significantly enhanced efforts to curb crude oil theft and protect critical national assets, he reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Navy to sustaining operations against oil theft, stressing that collaboration among security agencies, stakeholders and host communities remains essential to safeguarding the nation’s oil resources.
The naval boss while assuring that Nigeria’s coastal and riverine communities are relatively safe, said the Nigerian Navy had made significant progress in reducing threats along the coast, particularly illegal oil-related activities and sea robbery.
“As it stands today, I can say that our coastal areas and the riverine areas are relatively safe. While crude oil theft and isolated cases of sea robbery remain areas of concern, the Navy has been largely successful in containing such activities through intensified surveillance and enforcement operations.
Hear him: “What we are contending with mostly there is the issue of crude oil theft and some pockets of sea robbery, which we are able to curtail. There is need for the establishment of a special court dedicated to prosecuting maritime crimes.
“This court will focus exclusively on cases involving crude oil theft and other maritime-related offences, helping to address delays associated with the conventional judicial process. The establishment of such a court would significantly accelerate the dispensation of justice and reduce the burden currently placed on the Navy in maintaining seized vessels and other exhibits pending the conclusion of lengthy court processes.
“If we have that in place, I believe the dispensation of justice will be done much faster and then ease the burden of keeping and maintaining some of the arrested vessels, which will be taken off from us because we spend a lot to maintain those vessels under our custody.”
-
News3 weeks agoTinubu to African leaders: Copy Nigeria, produce your way out of poverty
-
News3 weeks agoBREAKING: US-Nigeria troops slaughter 175 ISWAP fighters
-
Columns2 weeks agoDear General Gowon: That apology you’re running from is your nemesis
-
News3 days agoBREAKING: Terrorists strike Ibadan again! Abduct ex-Minister’s sister, twin children
-
News3 weeks agoWhy we pegged presidential ticket forms at N60million – NDC
-
News4 weeks agoBREAKING! Coast brightens for Obi, as NDC zones presidency to South
-
News3 weeks agoGowon on civil war: My book is to put records straight, remove falsehood
-
News3 weeks agoBREAKING: Wait over! Arsenal are CHAMPIONS! Win EPL after 22 years hiatus