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Imo guber: LP candidate, Achonu escapes death as thugs allegedly open fire on his convoy

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Just five days before the Imo State governorship elections scheduled for November 11, Senator Athan Achonu, the Labour Party’s gubernatorial candidate, reportedly experienced an attack in the state.

Achonu’s convoy was assaulted while en route to St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Obibiezena, Owerri North Local Government Area, where he had been invited to attend the church’s synod.

It was reported that his convoy encountered an ambush set up by some thugs who had set up a roadblock using an Armored Personnel Carrier (APC), an All Progressive Congress-branded Sienna, and a Hilux truck.

A statement issued by Chibuikem Diala, the Director of Media and Publicity for Senator Athan Achonu’s Campaign Organization, and made available to DAILYPOST in Owerri, described how Senator Achonu narrowly escaped a potentially tragic incident.

The statement explained that the incident involved one Oladimeji, a police officer attached to the Tiger Base Police Squad in Owerri, who led a team of policemen and Ebubeagu security operatives carrying firearms. Upon approaching the roadblock, police officers in the Armored Personnel Carrier opened fire on the convoy. They narrowly missed Senator Achonu’s Wrangler SUV but hit the driver’s window of one of the bulletproof Lexus SUVs in the convoy. Fortunately, the bulletproof vehicle prevented any casualties.

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Despite interventions by the Police Commissioner speaking to Officer Oladimeji on the phone, the officer refused to allow Senator Achonu’s passage, insisting that Governor Uzodinma was expected to travel the same route.

A young man known as ‘TAKPE,’ supported by the police, threatened the convoy, demanding that they turn back or face the destruction of their vehicles. This situation caused panic among the women in the convoy.

To avoid further confrontation, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security officers accompanying Senator Achonu exercised restraint and moved the candidate and his team to safety.

The statement expressed concern about the state police’s apparent alignment with Governor Uzodinma, to the extent that the State Commissioner of Police seemingly had limited control over security matters.

The statement called for an urgent investigation into the actions of the individuals involved, including Officer Ola, and the State Commissioner of Police. It also demanded the arrest and prosecution of the individual ‘Takpe’ shown in the viral video.

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The statement further called for the immediate transfer of compromised officers to prevent potential crises and urged relevant security agencies to address the security situation in Imo State to prevent violence during and after the upcoming election.

Additionally, the statement affirmed the commitment of the Labour Party, Senator Athan Achonu, and all supporters of democracy in Imo State to stand firm and not be intimidated. It called upon prominent figures and relevant security agencies to address the security situation in the state.

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Driver dies as vehicle crashes into White House gate

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The U.S. Secret Service has said that a driver died after a vehicle traveling at high speed collided with a gate at the White House.

In a statement via X on Sunday, the federal law enforcement agency, said shortly before 10:30 p.m. (1430 GMT) on May 4th, the vehicle crashed into an outer perimeter gate on the White House complex.

“Security protocols were implemented as officers cleared the vehicle,” it said, adding that “there was no threat to the White House.”

The chief of Communications for the agency, Anthony Guglielmi in a post on X, said limited traffic closures remain in effect as the agency and the local police department investigate the incident.

CREDIT: DAILY POST

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Nigerian govt moves to reduce multiple security personnel at airports

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The Nigerian government has announced its intention to decrease the frequency of security checks at the country’s airports. This initiative comes as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) collaborates with the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to streamline security procedures at Nigerian airports.

Olubunmi Kuku, the Managing Director of FAAN, revealed this development over the weekend, citing the proliferation of multiple security checks as a significant concern in Nigeria.

Kuku explained that FAAN and the NSA have reached an agreement to address this issue. She expressed frustration over the excessive checks, stating that it was among her first priorities upon assuming office. She highlighted past efforts dating back to 2011 and 2012, during her tenure in the industry, where similar discussions were held with former ministers.

Kuku outlined the collaborative efforts involving various agencies such as Customs, NDLEA, Quarantine, Agriculture, and EFCC, noting the previous Executive Order 001 issued during the Buhari administration to streamline operations. She mentioned ongoing dialogues with the NSA over the past five weeks to develop strategies for enhancing facilitation.

The short-term intervention aims to reduce the number of agencies present at airports, particularly those conducting routine checks that disrupt passengers. This approach seeks to streamline security procedures while maintaining effectiveness.

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Only PhD students eligible to bring dependants to UK – Envoy

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The United Kingdom (UK) has clarified that only international students enrolling in Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs are permitted to bring their dependents into the country.

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. He explained that the recent policy alteration in the educational system, preventing international students in higher education from bringing dependents to the UK, aimed to address the rising number of foreign students doing so.

Montgomery emphasized that the significant increase in dependents was creating unsustainable pressure on many universities, leading to the introduction of these changes. Prior to his tenure as High Commissioner to Nigeria, he had engaged with universities regarding this policy adjustment, which had been under consideration for some time.

The envoy highlighted concerns expressed by university Chancellors about the challenges posed by large student populations, including accommodation shortages, access to healthcare services through the National Health Service, and schooling for dependents.

He clarified that the restrictions did not apply universally, noting that individuals pursuing long-term research degrees such as a PhD or doctorate remained unaffected.

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Montgomery underscored the rationale behind the policy change, emphasizing its practicality given the UK’s extensive higher education sector, with many universities situated across various towns in the country.

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