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Hope Uzodimma says Gulak’s murder is ‘a clear case of political assassination’

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Hope Uzodimma says Gulak’s murder is ‘a clear case of political assassination’

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo state says the murder of Ahmed Gulak, a former aide of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, is a clear case of political assassination and will not go unpunished.

Gulak was murdered in Owerri, Imo capital, on Sunday while on his way to the airport.

Late Sunday evening, the Imo State Police Command say the killers of the APC chieftain have been killed and ammunition and vehicles have been recovered from them.

According to a statement issued by the police, some of the arms recovered from the attackers included three AK 47 rifles, one pistol, five AK 47 magazines with 92 rounds of live ammunition.

However speaking at a media briefing on Monday, Uzodimma said murder is “not in our character as Ibos”, adding that “Imo people are very hospitable.”


The governor also commended the police for the progress they have made in the investigation into the murder of the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain.

“I was shocked to my marrows when the sad news of his callous murder was broken to me. I was getting ready to go to church when the sad news came and I could not attend the service again. It was simply one of the most devastating news I have had in my life and I am yet to recover from the shock,” he said.

“Alhaji Ahmed Gulak was in Imo State for a national assignment. He came to Owerri with the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendment. Being a humble man, he chose to travel incognito according to his friend who was with him.


“Someone must have trailed him from the hotel to the airport. That is exactly why his gruesome murder appears to be a clear case of political assassination.

“According to reports by the police, he was shot in cold blood and the assailants did not remove a pin from him. It is most benumbing that people chose to waste such innocent blood in such a dastardly and cowardly manner.

“Let me make it very clear that everything will be done by security agencies to find those who murdered Gulak and their sponsors. They will not by the grace of God escape their deserved punishment.

“This is not in our character as Ibos, not in our tradition nor in our culture. We must condemn this callous act.” he said.

South-East Crisis: INEC determined to conduct Anambra elections

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South-East Crisis: INEC determined to conduct Anambra elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has vowed to conduct the Anambra governorship election despite the recent attacks on its facilities in the region.

This was disclosed by the National Commissioner of the Commission, Adekunle Ogunmola after a strategic meeting in Lagos, on Monday.

The Commission said it is engaging relevant stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the violence and also proceed with the election.

“For INEC, it won’t be a difficult thing to plan for the Anambra election. We have had similar incidents in the past, for example in Ondo State where some card readers were burnt, we were able to make amends and we conducted that election without any hitch,” Ogunmola said.

He added that “As for Anambra, I can assure you that we will conduct that election without any problem.”

Top officials INEC across the country had earlier gathered in Lagos to brainstorm on how to better conduct free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria.

The electoral body said it is working on a strategic plan and strategic program of action for 2022-2026.

It noted that the event is aimed at repairing and strategizing ahead of the forthcoming elections.

The Anambra governorship election is scheduled to hold on November 6, 2021, but the South-East has been a hotbed of insecurity with gunmen attacking police facilities, burning INEC buildings, and destroying electoral materials.

Sowore: ‘Shooting at protesters ‘Unacceptable’ – Joe Odumakin reacts

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Sowore: ‘Shooting at protesters ‘Unacceptable’ – Joe Odumakin reacts

Dr. Joe Okei Odumakin, President, Centre for Change and widow of late former National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin, has warned the federal government over alleged shooting of activists at the Unity Fountain in Abuja.

Omoyele Sowore and other activists were on a peaceful demonstration at Unity Fountain, when police men allegedly shot at them.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Monday, Dr. Joe said: “This is unacceptable! Nigeria is a democratic country under law and not a dictatorship or banana republic.

“Freedom of speech, freedom of association and freedom of movement are some of the fundamental human rights granted to Nigerian citizens by the 1999 Constitution as amended.

“The widely-expressed flaws of this Constitution notwithstanding, it still charges journalists to hold the government accountable to the people.

“It accords the people the right of peaceful protest, especially when drawing government officials’ attention to their failings and the expectations of citizens from them, which is legitimate.”

However, Mariam Yusuf, the FCT police spokesperson, said the activists were not shot at by the police.

In a statement released to journalists in Abuja, she said “contrary to the speculation, Police operatives professionally restored calm at the Unity Fountain following attempts by a group of protesters to incite public disturbance,” she said.

“The protesters who went on the rampage were resisted by Police Operatives in order to prevent them from causing a breakdown of law and order.

“There is no record of such incident as at the time of this report.”

JAMB grants two-week extension for UTME registration

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JAMB grants two-week extension for UTME registration

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has granted two more weeks for candidates to complete their registration for the 2021 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

This was disclosed in a statement by JAMB’s Head of Information and Protocol, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, on Monday.

The old deadline for registration was May 29, 2021.

According to the statement, candidates yet to register have between May 31 and June 15 to complete their registration.

The statement reads: “All prospective candidates with genuine proof(s) of failed efforts to register before the closing date, are to, between Monday May 31 and June 15, 2021, visit any of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board offices (including JAMB-owned professional test centres, PTCs) across the nation to:

“(I) obtain at no cost and complete a form which is being made available to candidates with genuine reasons for missing the registration;

“(ii) submit (for the reading test and application), a certified bank draft of N4,000 in favour of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (and obtain a signed duplicate copy from the office);

“(iii) submit the completed form with a recent passport photograph at the same office of collection;

“(iv) collect a copy of the reading test;

“(v) await further directives through the registered phone number and public service announcement as soon as the screening is completed.”

Police denies shooting Sowore; says it only tried to calm protesters on rampage

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Police denies shooting Sowore; says it only tried to calm protesters on rampage

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has denied allegations that a female Assistant Commissioner of Police shot activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore at the Unity Fountain, Abuja.

The police force claimed the report is false.

NewsWireNGR had reported that Sowore was hit by a tear gas cannister during a protest at the Unity Fountain in the FCT on Monday morning.

He sustained injuries at the thigh area where the cannister hit him and has since been rushed to the hospital.

Narrating their own account of the incident, the spokesperson of the Command ASP Mariam Yusuf, in a statement, said the protesters attempted to incite public disturbance; thereby forcing the police to restore calm and order.

The statement read, “Contrary to the speculation, Police operatives professionally restored calm at the Unity Fountain following attempts by a group of protesters to incite public disturbance.

“The protesters who went on the rampage were resisted by Police Operatives in order to prevent them from causing a breakdown of law and order. There is no record of such incident as at the time of this release.”

The Command further advised residents to remain calm and law-abiding while reaffirming its commitment towards the protection of lives and property within the Federal Capital Territory.

Falana, Falz, CSOs protest insecurity in Lagos

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Falana, Falz, CSOs protest insecurity in Lagos

Human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), and his Musician son, Folarin, aka Falz, along with hundreds of Lagos residents took to the streets to protest the state insecurity and the economic situation across the country

The protesters, under the aegis of the Peoples Alternative Political Movement, marched from the busy Ikeja Bus Stop to the Governor’s Office through the Secretariat to the Lagos State House of Assembly chanting protest songs on Monday morning.

The protesters, which included trade unions, civil society, students, farmers and peasants, were led by Jaye Gaskiya, a foremost activist.

According to him, the protest was organised to express displeasure over how badly the country had degenerated.

He expressed worry that Nigeria, characterised by extreme poverty, arms proliferation, religious intolerance, the rise of hate and ethnic nationalism is moving towards social upheavals due to exploitation of the people, greed and avarice of a spineless political class that has reached its wits end.

The movement is a coalition of hundreds of groups including the Nigeria Labour Congress and its affiliates, the Alliance On Surviving COVID 19 And Beyond; Joint Action Front; Coalition Of Northern Groups; Green Alliance Nigeria; CONGOS – Edo; North East Development Association and their respective affiliates.

The protest, which was tagged, ‘Enough is Enough’, lasted for several hours as youths carried placards which read, ‘No to Exploitation and Multiple Taxation’, ‘Provide Jobs or Unemployment Benefits for Youths’, ‘Provide Security in Schools’, ‘End Kidnapping and Banditry’ and ‘Stop Killings, Secure Nigeria’.

The protesters also listed seven key demands which include the immediate convening of the Nigeria Police Council to discuss the security challenges and an end to the arbitrary sacking of workers.

“We reject any plans to further hike energy costs – in price of fuel and electricity tariff; as these costs are not only already at unbearable levels, but also because these price hikes are the major cause of rising and unbearable costs of living, expressed in rising inflation.” they demanded.

The Chief Provost of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Imo State Command has been killed

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The Chief Provost of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Imo State Command has been killed

The Chief Provost of Nigerian Immigration Service, Imo State Command, Okiemute Mrere, has been killed.

NewsWireNGR learned on Monday that Mrere was reportedly attacked on Saturday night on Owerri- Port Harcourt Road.

A senior officer of NIS, who confirmed the report, said the slain officer’s corpse was discovered in a bush on Sunday morning.

Mrere was riding a Hilux van belonging to NIS when he was allegedly waylaid, shot and killed.

NewsWireNGR also gathered that the victim’s service pistol was found on him when his corpse was discovered, the next day.

The official Hilux van that he was riding when he was attacked was also found riddled with bullet holes.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Winifred Oguh told journalists that the command was yet to get full details and was still investigating the incident.

She said, “Yes I can confirm to you that we lost one of our officers, Deputy Superintendent of Immigration (DSI) Okiemute Mrere.

“We are yet to get full details of the incident as investigations are still ongoing.” She confirmed.

Taraba State University lecturer kidnapped

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Taraba State University lecturer kidnapped

A lecturer at the Taraba State University has been kidnapped.

NewsWireNGR gathered the victim, Umar Buba, is the Head of the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management (Faculty of Agriculture), was whisked away from the staff quarters around 12.15am on Sunday.

Eyewitnesses the abductors shot sporadically to displace security personnel attached to the quarters during the attack.

Confirming the report to journalists, the University’s Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Vincent Ado-Tenebe, said efforts are ongoing to rescue the lecturer.

He added that staff and students living within the confines of the school cannot challenge armed men with bare hands, noting that the management would engage concerned authorities to grant licences for staff to have their guns for their protection and that of the students.

“I am so surprised that this happened again, and I know that we have police personnel, that of NSCDC, our security outfit, and vigilante group members hired by the institution to keep the place safe and despite all of these, the former Dean of Students Affair has been kidnapped,” he said.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in Taraba, David Misal, said the police were on the trail of the kidnappers to rescue the lecturer.

He also called on the residents to provide the police with useful information that would aid the rescue of the abducted lecturer.

Cross River Governor Ben Ayade sacks four commissioners, five aides

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Cross River Governor Ben Ayade sacks four commissioners, five aides

Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade, has sacked four commissioners in his cabinet and five special advisers.

Ayade’s media aide, Christian Ita, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Calabar.

The sacked commissioners are Asu Okang, who was the commissioner for Information and Donatus Etim who headed the Ministry of Climate Change.

Others are Rita Ayim, who was the commissioner for Women Affairs and Mike Usibe who was the commissioner for New Cities Development.

The affected special advisers are Leo Inyambe who was the special adviser on security, John Etim, Oil Palm Development and Orok Duke, special adviser on Callywood, Victor Okon and Agbiji Mbeh-Agbiji.

“Consequently, they are hereby directed to return government properties and vehicles in their care with immediate effect to the chief of staff to the governor.

“The governor thanked them for their services to the state and wished them well in their future endeavours,” Mr Ita stated.

No reason was given for the governor’s action.

Mr Ayade recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

‘Hoisting, carrying of Biafra Flag Is not allowed’ – Police in Delta issues warning

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‘Hoisting, carrying of Biafra Flag Is not allowed’ – Police in Delta issues warning

The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Ari Muhammed Ali has warned residents against hoisting or carrying the flag of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in any part of the state.

The state commissioner gave the warning in a press release issued by the command’s Acting Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe and made available to journalists on Sunday.

According to him, the undercover Police detectives have been deployed across the state for the purpose of arresting anyone caught carrying the Biafra flag and to ensure that they are dealt with in accordance with the laws of the land.

The CP added that they are aware of the threat of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and their intention of parading themselves in some parts of the state.

“The Command is determined to maintain peace in the state and as such urged officers and men of the state command to be on red alert, watchful, and deal decisively with the trouble shooters”, he added.

The CP therefore warns that on no account should anybody be seen carrying or hoisting Biafra flag in whatever guise in the state.

“The command is more than ever willing and determined to go after any miscreant who might be found wanting. So I urged members of the public to partner with the police to see that those who try to bring disunity in the state and our dear nation be arrested and brought to book”, he said.

At least 6 persons injured as explosion rocks park in Rivers State

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At least 6 persons injured as explosion rocks park in Rivers State

An explosion at the popular Mile 3 Park in Port Harcourt, Rivers State has left at least 6 persons injured and caused panic in the area.

The source of the explosion is suspected to be from a dynamite around the dry fish section of the park.

Accounts from residents of the area reported that the explosions happened at past 6am when traders were opening their wares for business.

The pandemonium that happened after the incident left several persons, mostly women injured. The injured persons have however been taken to a nearby hospital.

The Rivers State Police Command is yet to react to the incident as at the time of filing this report.

Former Governors Saraki, Ahmed to be prosecuted over alleged mismanagement of Kwara properties

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Former Governors Saraki, Ahmed to be prosecuted over alleged mismanagement of Kwara properties

The Kwara state government has said that the white papers that indicted two former governors, Senator Bukola Saraki and Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed over economic sabotage and mismanagement of state properties for sixteen years have been handed over to prosecutors.

A press statement issued by Special Adviser, Political Communication to the governor, Bashir Adigun to journalists in Ilorin on Monday, said “We restate unequivocally that those found culpable in the report of the committee on the illegal acquisition of government property will not go unpunished.”

The statement reads, “We read with amusement the futile attempt of the disintegrated, frustrated, and rejected Kwara PDP to assess the outstanding two-year performance of our exemplary Governor, Mallam AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq.

“It is ridiculous that a party that was sacked in an overwhelming landslide election in Kwara State in the 2019 General Elections would have the temerity to give an assessment of a Governor that has already been rated the best in the history of the state.

“The PDP daydreamed that probably Kwarans have a very short memory and have forgotten how its government pillaged and plundered the resources of the state for sixteen years leaving behind collapsed infrastructure, many months of unpaid salaries of civil servants, an empty treasury, and state assets misappropriated.

“The Party has also forgotten so soon how its campaign trains were booed and stoned in many communities for its failed promises and subjecting the people to misery, abject poverty, the disorienting human condition, and loss of dignity. “The opposition party should know that it can no longer pull the wool over the eyes of the people after years of looting, brigandage, and impunity.

“Governor AbdulRazaq has left no one in doubt that he is on a selfless mission to rebuild the ruins left behind by the pillagers who are now trying to masquerade as ‘born again politicians’.

“For the record, this administration has not owed any public servant a dime since its assumption of office in contrast to PDP Government which left Civil servants very poor, in debt, and in tears and sorrow. “The despair, pain, and penury which the PDP subjected our respected retired public servants and Pensioners to, is still fresh in our memories, psyche and certainly forever condemnable.

“Against all odds, and to the bewilderment of the discredited Kwara PDP, our good Governor AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq has paid about Twenty Billion Naira in pension and gratuity in the last two years despite dwindling revenue of the state government; this is evidently in a clear demonstration of His Excellency’s compassionate bid to ensure that pensioners live in happy peaceful retirement.

“Kwarans have not forgotten how the PDP administration failed to pay the counterpart funds of Universal Basic Education Commission, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and other development agencies. “This deliberate reckless act by the PDP government of inglorious past denied the state of good schools, infrastructure, and health facilities.

“The recent discovery of the massive looting and conversion of our Commonwealth by identified officials of the last administration is a clear indicator of their greed, lack of appropriate character, fitness, and patriotism for trusted public positions. “We restate un- equivocally that those found culpable in the report of the committee on the illegal acquisition of government property will not go unpunished. For the avoidance of doubt, the report has been handed over to prosecutors and those indicted will soon face the full wrath of the law.

However, former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, and former governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed denied the allegations, saying that they were not invited to the panel to defend themselves.

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