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We’ll Avenge Burning of Supporters’ Houses by Soldiers, Ebubeagu – IPOB
The proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) has said anyone, including governors of states in the South-East, sponsoring and encouraging the Nigerian Army and the Ebubeagu security outfit to burn houses and unleash violence on innocent people will not go unpunished.
The group also described the destruction of properties and killing of innocent people suspected to be IPOB members or supporters as genocide against Biafra land.
It added that the people involved would soon pay for their “treachery and cruelty” to fellow citizens.
In a statement on Wednesday, the group’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, challenged the South-East governors to rise against the situation, if they had no hand in it, saying there was nowhere in the North where innocent villagers were being attacked by security agents and their houses set on fire.
Powerful also disclosed that in less than one week, the Nigerian Army had burnt down over 30 houses of innocent citizens in Enugu, Imo and Ebonyi states because they were Igbo and sympathisers of IPOB.
He pointed out that the Federal Government had concluded arrangements to introduce Internally Displaced Persons’ camps in the region as was in the case in the North.
The statement read in part, “IPOB will not allow this barbarity and cruelty to continue. We will avenge these unprovoked and needless attacks against the houses of innocent Biafran citizens. The mindless burning down of houses in our region by Nigerian security operatives and Ebubeagu cannot go unreciprocated.
“We warned against the formation of Ebubeagu in Biafra land because we knew they were coming to collude with the security agencies in killing our people.
“But the people ignored our warning, and today, we have been vindicated. Our fears have come true, but the wicked will not go free. For doing this to our people, we declare that the days of Ebubeagu in Biafra land are numbered. They will pay for what the military is using them to do against their fellow Biafrans.”
The statement added, “Very soon, we will make public the total number of houses so far burnt down in different parts of Biafra land, especially in Enugu, Imo and Ebonyi states.
“We also want the governors of these states to take note, and not blame IPOB for any reprisal, because we can’t fold our arms and allow criminals in security uniforms to continue to commit genocide in Biafra land unchallenged. Since nobody is defending our hapless people, we shall not abandon them. Enough is enough!”
The group also accused the Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership and politicians in the region of doing nothing, while evils were being perpetrated in the land.
It stated, “The Nigerian Army and the police, which cannot withstand terrorists rampaging and ravaging the whole North, must pay for their treachery! They will soon face the wrath of the people. Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership and the politicians are not left out, because they have done nothing to stop the mayhem.
“Elders and stakeholders in the South-East region should not beg us to calm down when we begin to pay back these agents of death and sorrow in their own coin. Instead, they should tell the Army and the police to stop burning down people’s properties now. By the time we shall begin to reciprocate these atrocities, we won’t listen to anybody.
“South-East governors must rise against this barbarity if they have no hand in it. There is nowhere in the North where innocent villagers are invaded by security agents and their houses set on fire.”
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has said that the senate is an institution that needs to be protected, not an individual.
This was revealed on his X handle on Saturday in the aftermath of the ongoing backlash of the allegation of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Arise TV in an interview against Senate President, Godswill Apkabio.
Akpabio’s wife filed a lawsuit against Senator Natasha at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja over alleged defamation and violation of her husband’s fundamental human rights.
Saraki expressed sadness over the development as he stated that the incident is already hurting the integrity, sanctity, image and public perception of the Senate as an institution.
“I believe that every person who has had anything to do with the National Assembly, particularly as a leader, member and worker should always jealously protect these values which make the institution, the numero uno among the three arms of government,” he said.
Saraki urged the two parties to sheath their swords and warned that supporters of both parties should be mindful of the impacts of their actions.
He advised that the instruments of law and parliamentary conventions should be adhered to in resolving the issue on the ground. He also called for an investigation of the matter by the Senate Committee on Ethics.
“At this point, with the public claims made by the Senator, the right measure to take is to institute an open, transparent and honest investigation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions,” he said.
“Both parties must submit to the investigation, fully cooperate with the committee, and stake their claims before it. This is not the first time a Senate President would appear before the Committee to aid it in the conduct of a transparent and open investigation.
“For me, the institution of the Senate is so important, sacred, and pre-eminent. All lovers of democracy should always work to strengthen it. No leader or member should be allowed to openly or surreptitiously work to subvert its sanctity.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the explosive allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment levelled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a statement shared on his official Twitter handle on Friday, Atiku stressed that the gravity of these claims demands immediate and transparent action.
“Like millions of Nigerians, I watched with deep concern this morning as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan raised serious allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio,” Atiku said.
He talked about the need for a credible investigation to protect the integrity of the Nigerian Senate and uphold the values of justice and accountability.
“These allegations are grave and deserve a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation,” he stated.
Atiku reminded Nigerians that the Senate, as the legislative arm of government, represents the people’s voice.
“For that reason, its leaders must embody integrity and respect for the offices they hold.
“As the third most powerful figure in the country, the Senate President should embody unimpeachable character,” he added.
Beyond the political implications, Atiku highlighted the far-reaching impact of sexual harassment on women’s participation in governance and national development.
“Sexual harassment in the workplace is a significant barrier to women’s advancement and, by extension, the nation’s progress. Allegations of such misconduct should never be simply dismissed, particularly when they involve a public officer with immense power, influence, and responsibility,” he said.
Atiku warned that how this case is handled will send a strong message about Nigeria’s commitment to justice, fairness, and gender equality.
The former VP also pointed out the urgent need to create a safe and supportive environment for female legislators, especially given their underrepresentation in the Senate.
“With only four women currently serving in the Senate, it is imperative that we foster an environment where female legislators can serve without fear of harassment or intimidation,” he said.
The allegations by Akpoti-Uduaghan have sparked widespread reactions across the country, with civil society organizations and gender rights advocates demanding swift and decisive action.
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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.
