Headlines
US Govt Advises Citizens to Stay Off Abuja Roads Till Further Notice
By Eric Elezuo
The government of the United States of America has advised its citizens in Nigeria to avoid Abuja roads till further notice following anticipated demonstration by the religious sect, Islamic Movement of Nigeria, better known as Shiites.
This is contained in a release by the American Embassy in Abuja, made available to The Boss.
The release read:
“The U.S Embassy in Abuja advises U.S. citizens that large demonstrations in Abuja by protesters affiliated with Islamic Movement of Nigeria have been reported on July 10. Protests by this group on July 9 became violent, including exchanges of gunfire between protestors and Nigerian Police. U.S. Government personnel have been advised to avoid roads in and around Abuja until further notice. The U.S. Embassy is also advising its personnel to remain at work or home until further notice.”
The instruction specifically asked that the Central Business District, including the area between the Hilton and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs be avoided.
The Mission further asked its citizens to adhere to the following:
· Avoid demonstrations and large crowds.
· Be aware of your surroundings.
· Monitor local media for updates.
· Carry proper Identification, including a U.S. passport with a current Nigerian visa.
· Review your personal security plans.
It will be recalled that the Shiites invaded the National Assembly in a violence demostration on Tuesday. Many were reportedly injured.
They were asking for the release of their leader. El-Zakzaky, who had been held incommunicado since December 2015.
Headlines
Abiola Cannot Be Recognised As Former President; He Was Never Sworn-in – Gen Ishola Williams
By Eric Elezuo
One of the prime actors of the June 12, 1993 incidents, General Ishola Williams, has said that much as Chief MKO Abiola wrong was created having won the election, and denied victory, he cannot be recognized as a former President of Nigeria.
Gen Williams made his revelation while speaking as a guest on Channels television socio-political programme, Inside Source.
He maintained that only those who were sworn in that recognised as former presidents, and Abiola was never sworn in.
“Abiola cannot be recognised as former president because he was never sworn in.
The General, who said that he resigned from the army as a result of the wholesome reception given to General Sani Abacha, when he overthrew Chief Ernest Shonekan-led Interim National Government, contrary to expectation, also picked flaws in the narratives given by former Military President Ibrahim Babangida, in his recently launched book, A Journey In Service.
Williams rose in the army to become the Commandant of Army Signals, Commander of Training and Doctrine (TRADOC) and Chief of Defence Training and Planning, from where he resigned.
Headlines
Breaking: Supreme Court Recognises Martin Amaewhule As Rivers Assembly Speaker, Orders CBN to Stop Releasing Funds to State
By Eric Elezuo
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has in its ruling on Friday recognised Hon Martins Amaewhule as the authentic speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, mandating him to urgently resume sitting with elected members of the assembly.
The apex court also ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria to stop releasing to the Rivers State government until a proper assembly is constituted.
Details soon…
Tension escalated at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday as impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa made a dramatic return to reclaim his position.
Accompanied by heavily armed men, Obasa stormed the Assembly complex in a bold move that has thrown the State’s legislature into turmoil.
In a stunning turn of events, security details assigned to the substantive Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, were abruptly withdrawn on Thursday morning, clearing the path for Obasa’s controversial comeback.
Sources revealed that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) ordered the withdrawal of all security operatives attached to Meranda, leaving her exposed in the midst of an intensifying power struggle.
The Speaker’s Special Adviser on Information, Mr. Victor Ganzallo, expressed concern over the security vacuum created by the withdrawal of personnel.
“In the early hours of Thursday, we woke up to the startling news that all security details assigned to Madam Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, had been withdrawn.
This includes the police and DSS officers, leaving her exposed to threats amid the ongoing speakership crisis,” Ganzallo stated.
He further called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as the State’s Chief Security Officer, to intervene urgently to prevent a complete breakdown of law and order within the Assembly.
“The withdrawal of security personnel has left the Assembly naked and vulnerable at a critical time. Urgent action is needed to restore order,” he pleaded.
With the speakership battle taking a dramatic new turn, political watchers are keenly observing how the crisis will unfold in the coming days.
