News

Nnamdi Kanu: Ohanaeze, Arewa youths take stand on proposed political solution

Published

3 months ago

July 3, 2024

South-East governors announced on Tuesday their intention to engage with the federal government to secure the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. This was part of the communiqué issued after a Forum meeting in Enugu.

The meeting included governors Hope Uzodinma, Dr. Alex Otti, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru of Imo, Abia, Anambra, and Ebonyi states, respectively, along with the host, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State.

Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has expressed a willingness to pursue an out-of-court settlement with the Nigerian Government. On June 19, 2024, Kanu, who is facing terrorism charges, informed the Federal High Court in Abuja through his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, of his desire for reconciliation.

Ejimakor stated he had discussed the settlement with the counsel for the Federal Government, Adegboyega Awomolo. However, Awomolo said he had no instructions to negotiate and directed Kanu to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF). Justice Binta Nyako noted that negotiations should involve the AGF.

Around 50 members of the House of Representatives, known as concerned federal lawmakers for Peace and Security in the South East, have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to use constitutional powers to ensure Kanu’s release. This was detailed in a letter dated June 19, 2024, addressed to the President.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, also supports Kanu’s release, emphasizing the need for the government to respect court decisions.

Activist lawyer Madubuachi Idam described Kanu’s move for an out-of-court settlement as prudent. He suggested that Kanu sign a peace bond as part of the settlement, advocating that Kanu’s grievances be addressed through negotiation.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s National Publicity Secretary, Alex Ogbonnia, stressed that a political solution would quell insecurity in the Southeast, highlighting the region’s broader issues of marginalization.

Contrarily, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) believes the court should decide Kanu’s fate based on evidence. AYCF National President Yerima Shettima suggested amending the constitution to allow for self-determination, reflecting international agreements.

Shettima also argued that Kanu and Simon Ekpa have lost control over the Biafra agitation, which has devolved into criminal activities, emphasizing the need to address these issues firmly.

News

We’ll be forced to export 97% of our petrol – Dangote Refinery warns

Published

6 days ago

September 12, 2024

ARS NEWS

Dangote Refinery has announced that it will need to export 95-97 percent of its Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) due to low interest from Nigerian marketers. The refinery, which processes 650,000 barrels per day, revealed that only 3 to 5 percent of petrol marketers are purchasing its fuel.

Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, shared these details during an X Space session hosted by Nairametrics on Wednesday. He highlighted the challenges facing both the Dangote Refinery and Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Edwin explained, “I’m selling 2 to 3 percent to small traders who are willing to buy, while the remaining 95 to 97 percent has to be exported,” referring to the local sales of the refinery’s products.

This situation arises as the NNPCL’s deadline for adjusting the Dangote Refinery’s fuel distribution approaches without a clear plan in sight. It is worth noting that while Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, has announced the refinery’s initial petrol rollout, its distribution to marketers is contingent upon NNPCL’s decisions.

News

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Round of 16 fixtures confirmed [Full list]

Published

1 week ago

September 9, 2024

ARS NEWS

The final sixteen teams for the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia have been determined following the conclusion of the group stage.

In recent matches, Ghana triumphed over New Zealand with a score of 3-1, and Japan secured a 2-0 victory against Austria.

As a result, Japan has advanced to the Round of 16, joining the other 15 teams in this knockout stage.

The Round of 16 matches are scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

The full lineup for the Round of 16 is as follows:

Spain vs Canada
Brazil vs Cameroon
Colombia vs South Korea
Mexico vs USA
North Korea vs Austria
Germany vs Argentina
Netherlands vs France
Japan vs Nigeria

News

Nigerian Army debunks reported mass resignation of soldiers

Published

1 week ago

September 9, 2024

ARS NEWS

The Nigerian Army has refuted claims of widespread resignations among its soldiers due to issues like corruption and low morale.

In a statement, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, dismissed these reports as unfounded.

A news outlet had alleged that numerous Nigerian soldiers were resigning because of corruption and low morale. However, the statement condemned these allegations as misleading and a deliberate attempt to create discontent and undermine the Nigerian Army’s reputation and the dedication of its personnel.

Major General Nwachukwu clarified that, similar to other military organizations worldwide, service in the Nigerian Army is voluntary rather than mandatory. This means that personnel have the freedom to resign following established procedures.

He explained that the resignation process allows personnel to prepare and manage their entitlements, including pensions and gratuities, as outlined in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (Officers/Soldiers).

Contrary to the report’s implications, the statement emphasized that Nigerian Army personnel are highly motivated, and their welfare is a priority under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.