NPFL - Week 2 Results Dakkada FC 2-1 Jigawa Golden Stars

Enugu Rangers 1-0 Akwa United

Heartland 1-2 Nasarawa

Kano Pillars 2-0 Katsina United

Lobi Stars 1-0 MFM FC

Sunshine Stars 1-0 Ifeanyi Ubah

@newsechonigeria @newsechonigeria @newsechonigeria Warri Wolves 1-0 Adamawa United ...Strong voice echoes the truth ISSN: 2736-0512 MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021 VOL. 2 NO. 1 N150 Abia Warriors 0-1 Rivers United Imo diaspora community 2021 predictions: warns against takeover of I see celebrations Unknown persons invade ancestral land, carpets in Imo Peremabiri community, – Prophet Ekwonna Uzodimma Pg. 3 Pg. 14 set houses ablaze Pg. 10

Supr S eme Cour Imo guber vid -19 Co t on Anambr O a election WT eala and Okonjo Iw

US Election

IPOB Pg. 8,9,12

ASUU strike: NAATS threaten planned schools resumption Police foil New Year day robbery, nab two suspected Pg. 11 cultists in Anambra Pg. 7 Monday, January 4, 2021

Senator Abana Foundation offers scholarship enhancing social, educational Military confirms killing of and economic growth in to 150 indigent students in Anambra Anambra state. scores of terrorists in air strike He urged the Founder, By Ovat Mike, F o u n d a t i o n , S e n a t o r Foundation during the event Senator Abana not to hesitate igerian military established camps within the Ikechukwu Godson Abana, also employed the services of Onitsha in calling on the state authorities have two settlements where they s a i d t h e v i s i o n o f t h e twelve medical doctors, government to support the bout 150 indigent Foundation is to improve the twelve Nurses, Pharmacists Nsaid that the Air store their logistics as well as Foundation whenever the s t u d e n t s f r o m Task Force of Operation plan and launch attacks. general well-being of the and Laboratory attendants to needs arising. Anambra Central Lafiya Dole has destroyed A c c o r d i n g t o h i m , A people at the rural areas in all attend to the health needs of It was also gathered that Senatorial District have been more terrorists' hideouts, ramifications and it cut across the people especially the t h e F o u n d a t i o n , a overhead Kote Kura, a offered scholarship worth k i l l i n g s c o r e s i n t w o e t h n i c a n d r e l i g i o u s elderly ones free of charge. Humanitarian, non-profit settlement in Bama area, the millions of naira by Senator I. background. T h e S e n a t o r w h o a n d n o n g o v e r n m e n t a l locations in Borno. NAF attack aircraft engaged G. Abana Foundation. He said Yoruba, Hausas, represented Anambra Central organization was endowed on The Coordinator, Defence The Foundation also scores of terrorists observed Fulani and other ethnicity Senatorial District at the December 27 2010 by Senator Media Operations, Maj. Gen empowered 25 youths with in the target area. residing in the area were National Assembly between Ikechukwu Godson Abana J o h n E n e n c h e , w h o vocational training skills with The statement said, “The among those empowered 2 0 0 3 - 2 0 0 7 u r g e d t h e with the main purpose of Sewing machines, hair driers, disclosed this in a statement a t t a c k l e d t o t h e with vocational tools to uplift beneficiaries to explore the uplifting the lives of the generator sets, Welding on Sunday, said the attacks neutralisation of several of their living standard and also opportunities provided by the needy, the sick, the elderly machines and Carpentry were conducted on Saturday t h e m a s w e l l a s t h e for them to feel sense of scholarship award to develop and the vulnerable people in tools among other items. at Kote Kura and Bulama destruction of structures and belonging as one Nigeria. themselves and chart a better the society. News Echo gathered that Isamari communities in logistics stores, some of H e a d d e d t h a t t h e path to their future by One of the beneficiaries, the beneficiaries of the Borno. s c h o l a r s h i p a n d devoting their time to their Ms. Chisom Okeke, who was which were seen engulfed in e m p o w e r m e n t a n d empowerment programmes, individual educational empowered with a head drier He said that the Air Task flames. scholarship are to study was part of what God has sent pursuit. and a generator set, while F o r c e e m p l o y e d a n “In the same vein, at different courses at the first him to do in the World and In a brief remark, Deputy thanking the benefactor for appropriate force packages Bulama Isamari, within the degree level in their various that he will continue to do it governor of the state, Dr. his kind gesture, appealed to Timbuktu Traingle, the NAF choice of University in the of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for the benefit of the people. Nkem Okeke, who also hail other wealthy individuals in a i r c r a f t t o o k t u r n s i n country. fighter jets and helicopter "The programme has no from the Senatorial District, the society to emulate him engaging the target, scoring Addressing the students, at gunships based on credible political undertone but described the scholarship adding that it will help to accurate hits which equally Enugwu-Ukwu Primar y intelligence, adding that the natural services to humanity,” award and the empowerment reduce the high rate of crime resulted in the neutralisation school field in Njikoka local Abana stated. P r o g r a m m e s o f t h e intelligence revealed that the in the country. of several terrorists,” the Government Area of the He noted that the Medical Fo u n d a t i o n a s a g o o d Boko Haram terrorists had statement added. s t a t e, t h e Fo u n d e r o f d e p a r t m e n t o f t h e development, capable of 2,400 Christians killed in 2020 by Islamic extremists – Intersociety organisations, Intersociety Christians killed since the travelers and rural others ...200 killed in the last 2 weeks of Dec 2020 said, “According to a local beginning of Dec 2020 by e s p e c i a l l y i n Yo b e , source and church leader, the B o k o H a r a m / I S WA P Adamawa and Borno States non-Governmental b e l i eve d t o h ave b e e n jihadist attacks on Christians unre por ted number of including abducted Christian is nothing less than 60.” organization, The i n f l u e n c e d b y t h e U S and their properties have also AI n t e r n a t i o n a l E l e c t o r a l C o l l e g e increased dangerously since He blamed the failure of Society for Civil Liberties confirmation of Mr. Joe Dec 2020 and Christmas Ilile community laments over some of the oil companies in a n d t h e R u l e o f L aw Biden as winner of the Nov s e a s o n a n d h ave b e e n Ohaji/Egbema to register (Intersociety) has said that 2020 Presidential Poll. It concentrated in Southern deplorable state of their road their presence in Ilile and n o f e w e r t h a n 2 , 4 0 0 c o u l d a l s o b e va l i d l y Kaduna where not less than Umuokanne communities to he Ilile Autonomous harzards of oil exploration as lack of accesable roads, Christians were hacked to interpreted as a way the 40 Christians have been C o m m u n i t y i n a result of the boundary they assuring that the commission hacked to death since 17th Ohaji/Egbema Local death by jihadists in 2020. J i h a d i s t s w i s h e d t o T s h a r e d w i t h A w a r a would do everything to give Dec 2020 as well as Benue Government Area of Imo The organisation said “celebrate” the emergence of Community. the road a first lift. that the worst calamity was Joe Biden as US President- State. State have lamented over the The community while d e p l o r a b l e s t a t e o f He said:"I am more worried recorded within a fortnight elect and loss of same by “There has also been an congratulating Chief Orie on about the road than every one, Umuokanne/Ilile/Umuapu his appointment as the MD of to the end of the year when outgoing President Donald increase in attacks targeted at because it paind me that road and appealed for state ISOPADEC, paid special 200 were killed. Trump. Christian communities in instead of riding on the road government intervention tribute to the Governor of I n a s t a t e m e n t o n “To Nigeria's Jihadists Munya, Rafi, Shiroro, Bosso t o m y c o m m u n i t y through the Imo State Oil Imo State, Dist. Sen. Hope a n d M a s h e g u L o c a l U mu o k a n n e, I w i l l b e S u n d ay, t h e O n i t s h a , and their patrons in the P r o d u c i n g A r e a Uzodimma for appointing subjected to going round the Anambra state-based non- country's Presidency, “it is Government Areas of Niger Development Commission Chief Orie into his present governmental organisation, l i k e l y a s e a s o n f o r State where not less than 20 I S O P A D E C , f o r t h e position. h i g h w a y a n d o t h e r said that this number further c o n t i n u a t i o n a n d persons have been killed and rehabilitation. They expressed optimism communities before comming represents the same number c o n s o l i d a t i o n o f a n t i over 40 abducted since 14th The President General of t h a t h e w o u l d u s e h i s home". On electricity and health of Christians hacked to Christian butcheries, earning Dec 2020. the community Athanesius managerial ingenuity to see to Nwanebi Nwagbara disclosed centres, the MD assured the death by Jihadist Fulani t h e m i m m u n i t y a n d On the 200 Christians the rapid development of the impunity boarding pass who died between December this when he led his people oil producing areas in Imo c o m m i t m e n t o f t h e Herdsmen in 2018 alone made up of red cap chiefs, c o m m i s s i o n t o i n s t a l l The statement, which under the Presidency of Joe 15 and 31, Intersociety said, State and Ohaji in particular. Biden”. leaders of thought, women electricity in all communities was signed by the Principal that the slain Christians “ I n t h e l a t e s t a n t i and youth leaders and other In their separate speeches, in Ohaji/Egbema LGA and O f f i c e r s , E m e k a included those abducted on Christian butcheries, both n o t a b l e s o n s o f t h e the woman leader of Ilile revitalize the Umuokanne U m e a g b a l a s i , B a r r . religious grounds and likely community for a solidarity Boko Haram/ISWAP and community Mrs.Alice Amadi General Hospital to be make to have been killed in v i s i t t o t h e M D o f it a functional hospital to cater Obianuju Igboeli, Barr. Jihadist Fulani Herdsmen and the Youth President captivity including five ISOPADEC Chief Charles the health needs of the people Chinwe Umeche and Barr have renewed and increased Comrade Chibuike Ezekwe abducted from Garkida Orie in his country home of Ohaji. Ndidiamaka Bernard, said their attacks on Christians, appealed to the MD to ugently (Adamawa) by ISWAP Umuokanne, Ohaji. H e a p p e a l e d t o t h e that the jihadists might have their worship centers and come to the aide of the Jihadists on Christmas Eve He regretted that the road community by rehabilitating community heads to advise been buoyed by the electoral other properties. In the last and beheaded on 29th Dec which was built by the former the road to ensure easy their children to endavour to victory of Joe Biden in the two weeks of Dec 2020 2020. Governor of Imo State, Chief passage. protect any government November 3 US Presidential including the Christmas Eve Sam Mbakwe has being It added that out of the T h e y o u t h p r e s i d e n t p r o p e r t i e s i n t h e i r election and after Christmas, there impassable for many years about 200 Christian deaths, pleadged the cooperation and communities rather than The statement said, have been unchallenged because of its abandonment suport of the youths of the engage in act of vanderlism “Nigeria recorded escalated attacks on Christians and B o k o H a r a m / I S WA P by successive governments accounted for about 130 c o m m u n i t y w i t h t h e which on the long run affects and deteriorated number of their churches and other administrations in the state. contractors to ensure success w h i l e J i h a d i s t F u l a n i communities and set them Christian deaths in the last p r o p e r t i e s i n c l u d i n g The community equally and early completion of the backwards. Herdsmen/Fulani Bandits appealed to the Commission two weeks of Dec 2020 with d w e l l i n g h o u s e s a n d project. He used the meeting to took responsibility for to ensure the provision of additional death of 200 farmlands. While welcoming the Ilile advise the youths to coporate remaining 70 Christian electricity, functional Primary Christians; bringing the total “The areas that are worst C o m m u n i t y, t h e G M and support the contractors deaths. In all these, the Health Care facility as well as number of Christians hacked hit by renewed Boko Haram ISOPADEC Chief.Charles rather than engage in act Nigerian security forces have i n c l u s i o n o f I l i l e Orie assured the commission to death by the country's and ISWAP attacks are capable of chasing them away not only continued to wobble Autonomous Community in resolve to rehabilitate the Jihadists and Muslim held Christian areas of Borno (i.e. t h e C o o p e r a t e S o c i a l away which would result in and look the other side, but Umuokanne/Ilile/Umuapu security forces in 2020 to Gombi and Chibok) and Re s p o n s i b i l i t y C S R o f abandoning the project. also become 'alarmists' by road before end of 2021. The pix showing the people 2,400. This number further Adamawa (i.e. Garkida) and WaterSmith Oil Company as D a m a t u r u - M a i d u g u r i only “alerting Nigerians He said that already a of Ilile Community in Ohaji represents the same number p a r t o f t h e i r h o s t Highway where not less than particularly Christians of fisibility survey of the road during their solidarity visit to of Christians hacked to communities. have been undertaking by the 40 Christians have been imminent attacks after which They intimated the MD the MD ISOPADEC, Chief death by Jihadist Fulani contractor, assuring that once abducted and ten killed since t h e y ( s e c u r i t y f o r c e s ) t h a t W a t e t S m i t h O i l Charlse Orie at his country Herdsmen in 2018 alone. it is concluded work on the 18th Dec 2020. slumber and do nothing. Company does not relate with h o m e U m u o k a n n e , “The spike in the killings rehabilitation of the road “The Fulani Herdsmen's Quoting statistics from the community despite the Ohaji/Egbena LGA, Imo in Dec 2020 is strongly would commence. communities and Christian fact that they suffer the State. Monday, January 4, 2021 Page 3

COVID-19: Abia, Anambra, announce Jan 11, 18 as new school resumption dates From Dan Maduagwu, earlier given guidelines on Umuahia COVID-19 subsists, urged and Uchenna Ezeadigwe school managers to ensure Awka strict adherence to COVID- 19 rules. bia and Anambra The statement said, state governments “School managers are have announced A reminded to enforce mask new school resumption w e a r i n g , r e g u l a r dates following the new t e m p e r a t u r e c h e c k s, wave of the Corona Virus washing of hands with s w e e p i n g a c r o s s t h e soap and other Covid-19 country. prevention protocols". While Abia has slated In a similar vein, a January 11, Anambra has statement from the Abia put January 18, 2021, as State , Commissioner of the date schools would be Education, Professor reopened for students. Kanelechi Nwangwa said Commissioner for Basic Traditional Ruler of Abba (Umuokwara) Autonomous Community, HRH Ndubueze Maduabuchukwu, President General of thecommunity, the schools would resume E d u c a t i o n s t a t e Engr Kenechukwu Iwuogo anked by members of the Ndikpa Development Association (NDA) during the commissioning of the Ndikpa to continue 2020/2021 government, Professor Abba Water Project on January 1, 2021. Photo, by Ikenna Orioha academic session . Kate Omenugha said the The statement also new resumption date is for directed that all schools the second half, first term Obiano pardons 3 Anambra monarchs must adhere to Covid -19 of 2020/2021 academic From Uchenna Ezeadigwe, Anambra state traditional Traditional Rulers Law of a statement signed by Greg rules to ensure that pupils session. Awka rulers council, for traveling 2007, as amended. O b i , A n a m b r a s t a t e and staff are protected Omenugha, who had outside the state without The affected traditional Commissioner for Local from the pandemic. overnor Willie O b i a n o o f obtaining the necessary rulers are Igwe Kelly N. Government, Chieftaincy GAnambra state approval. Nkeli (Igbariam), Igwe Dr. and Community Affairs, Imo Diaspora community has lifted the suspension of The suspension was an Emeka Ilouno (Ifitedunu) on Friday. three traditional rulers who e x e r c i s e o f p o w e r s and and Peter A. Uyanwa T h e s u s p e n s i o n , warns against takeover were suspended on the bestowed on the governor (Ukwulu). according to the statement, of ancestral land, carpet r e c o m m e n d a t i o n o f under the Anambra state This was made known in takes immediate effect. many interests over the Uzodimma l a n d w e r e y e t t o b e Buhari's tenure. Another grabber. It pains me that the which they said is still years, including a group of c o n s u l t e d , a n d t h e i r reason the government government didn't do its being pushed despite a he tension raised people who usurped the consent (or otherwise) needs to consider is that the h o m e w o r k , o r t h e y subsisting court order to by the plot of both state government. s o u g h t , t h e f e d e r a l land itself has been recently intentionally neglected the the contrary. the Federal and the Nwoke raised the alarm T h e c a s e o f t h i s T government had gone hijacked by the same records,” the statement Imo State governments to o v e r t h e f o r c e f u l controversial acquisition ahead to award three agents the government is concluded. forcefully appropriate an acquisition of the land by has also been tabled before contracts for the clearing of dealing with and one of the Only two weeks ago, e x p a n s e o f l a n d i n the federal government to i n d i g e n e s o f t h e the National Assembly by the land. agents was until a few days N w a n g e l e l o c a l establish a Rural Grazing communities had held the member representing He said the association is ago, in prison custody, for Area (RUGA) settlement peaceful protests against the constituency, Hon. government area of Imo alarmed by the ominous another land matter. This in the clan. He said even if the planned acquisition, Ozuruigbo. state is far from dying s i l e n c e o f t h e s t a t e man is a known land down. the allegation of acquiring the said land for RUGA is g ove r n o r, S e n . H o p e This is as an Imo State d e n i e d b y a g e n t s o f Uzodimma, adding that it Ndikpa Abba Water Project is service Diasporan community, Isu government, the fact shows he has used their Na Eliligbarogu, USA, has remains that the people community as a bargain for to people - Eze Maduabuchukwu warned all those involved his election. have no intention of ceding By Ikenna Orioha f e t c h p o t a b l e wa t e r, communities face at the i n t h e f o r c e f u l a n d an inch of the said land, as “From our findings, it clandestine takeover of was revealed that three expressed satisfaction that locality. the lives and livelihoods of raditional ruler of their ancestral land. contracts had already been Iwuogu, who was newly t h e p e o p l e o f t h e Abba autonomous the Ndikpa Development The expanse of land, communities are directly awarded by the federal e l e c t e d a s P r e s i d e n t c o m m u n i t y , A s s o c i a t i o n w a s loosely known as Ikpa tied to the Ogbajarajara g o v e r n m e n t f o r t h e T General of Abba, appealed courageous enough to Ogbajarajara, is owned by land. clearing and preparation of N w a n g e l e l o c a l t o o t h e r u n i o n s a n d government area of Imo some four communities Nwoke said he strongly the land for the so-called enhance the water project wealthy individuals at the agricultural purposes S t a t e , H R H , E z e spread across, Dim-Na- b e l i e v e s P r e s i d e n t by raising height of the locality to emulate Ndikpa Nume, Umuozu, Abba and Mohammadu Buhari's “ We c a l l o n G o v. N d u b u e z e Uzodimma not to provoke overhead water tank, as Development Association even Owerre Nkwoji all in r e g i m e e q u a l l y Maduabuchukwu (Uburu them or tamper with their w e l l a s l ay p i p e s t o to reduce suffering among Nwangele and Nkwere understands what the land 1 1 o f A b b a A n c i e n t r e p r e s e n t s f o r t h e land, saying they are not the poor, assuring the local government areas of Kingdom), says the Ndikpa reticulate water to various community. ready to relinquish the land people that his leadership the state. Abba Water Project, as locations, describing the “That land is the only for whatever purpose,” he will attract more people- T h e D i a s p o r a inheritance we have as a stated. completed by Ndikpa feat as exemplary and a association, a collective of oriented projects to the community, our people Meanwhile, a state Development Association pure service to the society. indigenes of the affected community, describing the don't have land, the only jointly issued by the trio of (NDA), was a service to the President General of area resident in the United Eze and members of the available land we have is Nwoke, Odukwu and Nze people especially to those States of America, said it Abba, Engr. Kenechukwu association as progressive under invasion from the D o m A p a l a N j o k u , who could not afford would do ever ything National Public Relation Iwuogo, said that the minded people. federal government that is borehole in their homes. within its powers to ensure charged with its protection. Officer, advised that the m o n a r c h p r o a c t ive ly However, Chairman of Eze Maduabuchukwu that no portion of the land That land is the only source g o v e r n m e n t s h o u l d initiated the water project Ndikpa Development in question is taken away. of water we have in the c o n s i d e r a l l b e f o r e s t a t e d t h i s w h i l e which was effectively A s s o c i a t i o n , E n g r. A c c o r d i n g t o t h e community, if it is used for embarking on any project. commissioning the Ndikpa e n h a n c e d b y N d i k p a Ethelbert Olumba, said that about #5.5m was President of the group, RUGA we would have no “The level of insecurity Abba Water Project, on Development Association, spent on the water project, C h i e f E z e N w o k e , water again,” he stated. is high in the country and Friday. adding that the feat was Supporting Nwoke, Nze embarking on such project as he specially thanked Ogbajarajara is ancestral T h e m o n a r c h , w h o encouraging as people F r a n k O d u k w u , t h e will only increase the fear Uzoma's family for being land belonging to four noted that he started the would be relieved of the the major financier of the a s s o c i a t i o n ' s V i c e of the people and the communities in Nwangele people oriented project, President, revealed that notion that the north have borehole with the intent for burden of scarcity of water LGA of Imo State, which saying more projects will even as the owners of the plans to overrun the South people to come there and which he frowned many has, curiously attracted east before the end of be done by the group. Monday, January 4, 2021

Navigating through 2021 he magic year 2020 with special champions. Some are designed to test numbers has rolled into history our capacity, as well as bring out the EDITORIAL Publisher Tbut not without leaving some best in us. Without problems many of Larry Kingsley painful memories and for balance some our strength will be lying dormant. good events to relive. It would appear For our leaders there is so much Acting Editor-in-Chief that in the end it left the globe with the rested on their shoulders. Our leaders Jude Owuamanam short end of the stick. The well worn should change their mind set which Executive Editor out cliché that the world is a global sees leadership as a meal ticket and Jennifer John village correctly found expression in opportunity to best other in terms of the pandemic that hit the world early in material acquisition. The scripture has Managing Editor the year affecting virtually everything said that the greatest among us shall be Ori Martins in its wake. the servant of the people. How well Editor The joy of the Christmas have our leaders served. Afam Echi celebration and the ushering of the new People in authority should see year have put people in an upbeat mood themselves as representatives of God News Editor with positive expectations that year on earth charged with the responsibility Emmanuel Iheaka 2021 will reverse what its earlier brother of ministering to the needs of the Production Editor has created and move the world people with whatever resources at their Anthony Ogbekile forward. The usual predictions from disposal. It is without argument that the seers portend of the good the bad and greater part of the problems of our Correspondents the ugly. society revolves around poor Dan Maduagwu Okey (Abia State) Uchenna Ezeadigwe (Anambra State) It is not unlikely that navigating leadership. The legendary prolific through 2021 one is bound to writer Chinua Achebe long identified Senior Reporter experience some shocks, surprises this and shockingly we have lives with Uzoma Ogoke upsets, rebounced in many areas of life. that challenge. Reporter Some of the issues are not what our Leadership should be seen as Ikenna Orioha plans, resolutions, strategies, prayers service and everyone should avail can contain. Not even our strong belief himself as an instrument of service, a Contributors/Columnists in the Creator for a good life can wish tool in the hands of God. Everyone Dr. Sir Amos Agwamba away some of these challenges. who calls himself a leader should re- Dr. Chuks Osuji Justina Nkechi People are better equipped to examine himself and weigh his or her Ogechi Erondu manage their issues if they can have the actions if they are in line with the realization that naturally everything is expectations of the people. Our Production a possible occurrence in life and so politicians should turn a new leaf in Philip Kalu should have a plan B to navigate out of this blessed year. Ifeanyi Raymond any likely upset. The world is seriously In all our strivings we should do ADMINISTRATION challenged at present by issues created everything in love, Love is everything. General Manager by ourselves and those of natural There is none of our religions or faiths James Kalu phenomenon beyond our capacity to which have not enjoined us to practice influence. love. The world is as loveless as it is Operations Manager Patricia Nwoye Some of the challenges confronting b e c a u s e we h ave r e f u s e d t o us call for us to demonstrate our demonstrate love. Love should start Web Administrator h u m a n i t y t o o n e a n o t h e r. from us. If we are truly loving ourselves Bismark Ibegbulam Notwithstanding our differential races, we would refrain from those things that Circulation Team faiths, colours, shapes, sizes, hurt others because the returning Mr. Aloyius Ogboka geographical location etc mankind is action of reaping will serve us the Ignatius Ogechi Ajoku one and has myriads of issues. One way consequences with greater effect. Tasie Chidiebere we can pull through is to be there for This is the reason we should cease Christain Okafor each other in times of challenges. from short cuts, cutting corners and Legal Adviser The problems that confront us creating disorderliness through our H. O. Ogbusu should task us to bring out our behaviours. There is a certain ingenuity to bear on the issues. We orderliness that pervades the world on should creatively seek new ways of creation. The disorderliness we are solving old problems. There is no experiencing globally is a creation of problem which does not have a man which keeps returning to him. We solution. We should operate with the must demonstrate that we good realization that no man is ever given students of history by learning from more than he can handle for the Creator our experiences. is never an unjust and a wicked one. News Echo wishes all our readers a We should therefore cease from greater 2021 devoid of pains, hardship lamentations, regrets, agonizing and all manner of difficulties. We have moments, anger, desperation, etc and the capacity to make the society a better rise to face the tasks that confront us. place and we therefore urge all to join Problems are the breakfast of hands to realize the 2021 of our dream. Monday, January 4, 2021 Page 5 Opinion 2020, COVID-19 and reection on human immortality Prof Tunji Olaopa humankind? What deep The year 2020 will go lessons does COVID-19 down in history as the teach us in 2020? It is annus horribilis for the simple: there is a need to human race; the year that de-escalate humanity's millions of lives were rush for self-destruction. forfeited to a tiny and I f t h i s f a m i l y o f inanimate virus with no coronavirus could make sensate hope or ambition. the fatal jump into the Yet, the coronavirus has human host, there are decimated millions, and many more that can. left many millions more Thus, the arrival of the c o w e r i n g i n o u r b r e a k t h r o u g h i n helplessness. vaccination against the This is one terrible coronavirus ought not to year when most humans, be interpreted as the for whom death is often a resumption of our human distant thought, came face normality or the onslaught to face with the possibility against nature. On the of a sudden demise from a contrary, it ought to be a COVID-19 ambush. 2020 time to pause and reassess h a s b e e n t h e v e r y what it means to be definition of uncertainty h u m a n , a n d w h a t civilisation ought to mean. for everyone, from the And more than this, mighty to the lowly. We all we need a redefinition of got sucked into the vortex what it means to be palpable fear—no one Coronavirus pandemic immortal. Humans can knew when the virus will only be immortal in the strike, where it could be will eventually die of forever. Abraham Lincoln destruction in unequal Mercifully, 2020 has face of posterity and the contracted, or how fatal it puts it better: “Surely God propor tion. In other also become the year in civilisation.” Since the state in which we leave the would not have created words, we are more likely which humanity has could be. Stone Age, and then the world. Posterity is our such a being as man, with to be destroyed than to m a n a g e d t o g e t a n COVID-19 pandemic Industrial Revolution, i m m o r t a l i t y . an ability to grasp the achieve immortality. If understanding of the became the most lethal of humanity has grown Unfortunately, the logic of infinite, to exist only for a humanity is destroyed, vaccination that will stop all the enemies humans beyond its cradle which is c iv i l i s a t i o n i s o f t e n day! No, no, man was then there will be no one the virus in its deadly have ever contended with. the earth. We not only oriented towards a further made for immortality.” left to remember us. This is track. Of course, human A n d i t f u e l l e d o u r concretised the fragility of e x p l o i t a t i o n o f t h e And so, once the first land where the insight of beings have the resilience uncertainty in the very fact the earth; we also have u n i ve r s e w i t h s c a n t was tilled and farmed, Emerson leads us—the t o a lway s ove r c o m e that we had no certain fact turned our attention to thought for what future a g r i c u l t u r e e n a b l e d civilisation we have whatever adversity is about its character and space. Humanity has generations will make of h u m a n s t o c o n q u e r invented to ensure our brought on them either modus operandi. arrived at what Mark the progress we have starvation. But it also immortality is what will naturally or by their own As the usual tradition Twain called the “limitless achieved, and the failures enabled an abundance most likely kill and efface e f f o r t s . B u t t h e n , goes with the coming of a m u l t i p l i c a t i o n o f we leave behind. It ought that helped us to keep us and all the infinitude we humanity has brought new year, we all welcomed unnecessary necessities.” to be clear to humanity staving off death. With ever hoped for. itself too many times to 2020 with hope and This validates the Yoruba now that civilisation is medicine, humans started The reality of our t h e p r e c i p i c e o f resolutions. Governments adage that when humans amok. From the First to to invade the genetic code accelerated mortality destruction not to take made budgets, humans h av e e a t e n a n d a r e the Fourth Industrial to hold off the principle of came alive in 2020. Nature notice of the dangerous m a d e p l a n s a n d surfeited, they then look ageing encoded into our r e b e l l e d a g a i n s t t h e side of our existence and Revolution, humans are o r g a n i s a t i o n s m a d e f o r u n n e c e s s a r y being. We started battling unmitigated assault on her the search for immortality. barely managing the projections. The year was d i s t r a c t i o n s . A f t e r diseases and sicknesses, sanctity and exploitation. Essentially, it is human benefits of progress since to be the usual in the civilisation had settled the a n d a l s o d e a t h . A f a m i l y o f t h e hubris that brought the we are ever confronted trajector y of human issue of survival, it was Immortality therefore lies coronaviruses jumped its pandemic of 2020 upon w i t h t h e t h r e a t o f activities and busyness. then time for humans to in the achievement of boundary and landed in us. It is our inability to take imploding the world as we Children will be born, and transcend themselves, civilisation for humanity. the civilised space of stock of our civilisational know it. 2020 and the adult will grow old and especially through the W e h a v e t o k e e p humanity. And we were progress and how far we pandemic make it very d i e . T h e r e w i l l b e discoveries of science and overreaching ourselves to not prepared because we are willing to go to clear to us that we are achievements all around t e c h n o l o g y a n d i t s be able to overreach our h a v e a l w a y s transcend our humanity. It nearer to destruction, and the world and calamities limitless possibilities and mortality. underestimated the virus. i s c e r t a i n t h a t t h e the undermining of our too. The usual diseases dangers in ways that are U n f o r t u n a t e l y , After all, we seem to have P f i z e r / B i o N T e c h own immortality, than we w i l l k e e p r a v a g i n g often indistinguishable. civilisation is what makes got the structure of most vaccines, for instance, and imagine. The COVID-19 humanity, from cancer to When humans cracked yo u s i c k , s ay s Pa u l of the viruses we know all the others almost ready pandemic, uncontained, tuberculosis. All the states the secret of the atom, we Gauguin, the French post- and their epidemiological for us will provide instant has the capacity to kill the of the world would battle arrived at the nuclear impressionist artist. But features. The common relief from the scourge of whole of humanity. And their normal internal reactor as well as the more than this, civilisation cold is one of the most the COVID-19 pandemic. we have barely even crises and predicament, nuclear atomic bomb. We already puts in stock the d a n g e r o u s a i l m e n t s But should the fact of the managed to get it arrested. and few resolutions would now contemplate a post pointer to what will afflicting humanity, but va c c i n e s, o r h u m a n And who knows what the be made. And yet, we all human world with the eradicate humanity—the we seem to have tamed it. resilience in the face of future of more scientific neglected what had been b r e a k t h r o u g h w i t h nuclear threat, and the What can we not tame? troubles, blind us to how a n d t e c h n o l o g i c a l on humanity's radar since artificial intelligence. virus. Since the combined Yet, we have arrived at the far-fetched our search for breakthrough holds? The h u m a n i t y b e g a n i t s In its very essence, effor t of humanity's limit of human hubris. immortality is, or how coronavirus is insisting on civilisation march many civilisation commenced as b r i l l i a n t s c i e n t i s t s And it is neither yet from dangerous? t h e i m p e r a t i v e s o f weighing human progress centuries ago; the very humanity's search for unlocked the secret of the aliens in outer spaces nor H i p p o c r a t e s, t h e on the scale of morality. underbelly of humans' survival. It has now been atom, the human race has from artificial intelligence. ancient Greek physician, Civilisational progress is d e s i r e t o t r a n s c e n d transfor med into an remained on the precipice It is from a lowly virus that has a piece of wisdom we not an unconditional themselves. e x p l o r a t i o n o f o u r of self-destruction. When i s i n o r g a n i c a n d can draw on: “A wise man good. It needs to be COVID-19 brought possible immortality. To Hiroshima and Nagasaki inanimate. There is less we should consider that tempered by fur ther humanity very low. It be human is not only to be s n ow b a l l e d i n t o t h e know about the virus and health is the greatest of thought on how our humbled us at the very mortal, but to also have atomic mushroom, we its behaviour than we human blessings, and saw in that catastrophe, really know. The novelty i m m o r t a l i t y c a n b e height of our civilisational the capacity to perceive learn how by his own t h e p o s s i b i l i t y o f o f t h e c o r o n a v i r u s retained in the womb of achievements. Ralph the infinite, which we do thought to derive benefit undermining our own race effectively undermines the the future of those yet Waldo Emerson, the not see in our finitude. from his illnesses.” What for immortality. That is the accumulated scientific insight do we need to unborn. American philosopher, Humanity is trapped in the paradox of civilisation: it knowledge about its type urgently derive from this Prof Olaopa is a retired o n c e p e r c e p t i v e l y yearning for infinitude; the desire to undermine contained the seed for our that we have stockpiled for pandemic, and from f e d e r a l p e r m a n e n t remarked: “The end of the our mortality and live immor tality and our decades. others that have afflicted secretary. human race will be that it Monday, January 4, 2021 Page 6 Business News

Director, Public Affairs, The government gave FG releases new National Communications three weeks extension for Commission, Ikechukwu subscribers with NIN from A d i n d e , a n d H e a d , December 30, 2020 to telecoms SIM C o r p o r a t e January 19, 2021 Communications, National It also gave six weeks I d e n t i t y M a n a ge m e n t extension for subscribers replacement policy C o m m i s s i o n , K ayo d e w i t h o u t N I N f r o m Adegoke. December 30, 2020 to h e F e d e r a l together to ensure that the O n c o n d i t i o n s f o r February 9, 2021. Government at the process was carried out as replacement of SIMs, the In the statement, the It added that it was based telecommunications service Tweekend released a seamlessly as possible. government stated that “the government appreciated on recommendations of the users who need to replace n e w p o l i c y f o r t h e T h e n e w S I M subscriber shall present a N i g e r i a n s f o r t h e c o m m i t t e e t h a t t h e their damaged, stolen or replacement of Subscriber Replacement Policy, which NIN; that an effective u n d e r s t a n d i n g a n d a p p r o v e d t h e S I M misplaced SIMs to re- Identification Modules in w a s a p p r o ve d b y t h e verification of the NIN is commitment demonstrated Replacement Policy. establish access to telecom the telecommunications M i n i s t e r o f carried out by NIMC. towards ensuring the overall It said the policy was services. sector. C o m mu n i c a t i o n s a n d “And that the relevant success of the exercise. a i m e d a t e n a b l i n g It said the policy was in D i g i t a l E c o n o my, I s a guidelines and regulations It also said the ministerial line with its drive to ensure Pantami, is for subscribers of NCC concerning SIM t a s k f o r c e u n d e r t h e Foundation, firm lift less t h a t a l l s u b s c r i b e r whose SIMs have been lost, re placement are fully c h a i r m a n s h i p o f t h e registrations were linked s t o l e n , m i s p l a c e d o r adhered to.” communications minister with National Identification damaged. The Federal Government set up a technical committee privileged Numbers. The Federal Government had declared on December made up of representatives It said all stakeholders in disclosed this in a statement 1 5 , 2 0 2 0 t h a t a f t e r o f N C C , N I M C , the industry were working j o i n t ly s i g n e d b y t h e December 30, 2020, all Association of Licensed S I M s t h a t w e r e n o t Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s Nigeria spends N1.99tn registered with valid NINs Operators of Nigeria and o n t h e n e t w o r k o f mobile network operators. on debt servicing in t e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s “The technical committee companies shall be blocked. i s c h a r g e d w i t h t h e quarter, and N604.19bn in But it later extended the operationalisation of the nine months the third quarter. December 30, 2020 deadline p r o c e s s t o e n s u r e a n i g e r i a s p e n t External debt service f o l l ow i n g w i d e s p r e a d expedited linkage of all SIM almost N2tn on p a y m e n t s s t o o d a t opposition against the registration records with Ndebt servicing $472.57m (N170.60bn) in earlier announcement. NIN,” the statement stated. payments from January to Q1; $287.04m (N103.62bn) Some of the organizers and a beneficiary September 2020, the latest in Q2, and $507.15m L a g o s - b a s e d data obtained from the (N193.22bn) in Q3. Balogun market shifts resumption to organisation, the Debt Management Office The Central Bank of AG r e g o r y have shown. Nigeria's official exchange Jan. 11 for security reasons – Official Azemobor Foundation and a T h e D M O h a d o n rate of $1 to N361 was used firm, Lifecard Investment Thursday disclosed that the in converting the external Limited have called on privileged members of the nation's total public debt debt service payments to society to upscale their stock rose by N1.21tn in the naira in Q1 and Q2 while assistance to the needy in the third quarter of last year to N381/$1 was used in Q3, society. Speaking at the event N32.22tn amid revenue according to the DMO. where no fewer than 30 shortfalls. The CBN had recently families cutting across ethnic The debt stock is made up expressed concern over the nationalities and religious o f t h e d o m e s t i c a n d rising cost of debt service affiliations were given external debt stocks of the being incurred by the foodstuff items, the Founder Federal Government of Federal Government. of Gregory Azemobor and Nigeria, the 36 state The CBN, in its half-year Executive Director of gover nments and the 2020 economic report, said L i f e c a r d I n v e s t m e n t L i m i t e d , C h r i s t o p h e r the trajectory of Federal Federal Capital Territory, Ibhakhomu urged Nigerians the DMO said. Government's debt further to support the needy. “ T h e F G N , s t a t e constrained fiscal policy Azemobor who stated that governments and the FCT during the period, as the gesture was a token from all recorded increases in i n t e r e s t p a y m e n t the two organisations to the their debt stock due to obligations amounted to Balogun Market, Lagos alarming and unpalatable affected families also added borrowings to enable them N1.15tn in the first half of to the original plans to that other Nigerians should to respond appropriately to 2020. h e C a r e t a k e r It could be recalled that reopen on Jan. 4, 2021. imbibe the act of giving as a the COVID-19 pandemic “This suggested that M a n a g e m e n t the committee, led by Mr “Obviously, non-opening matter of priority as a means of lifting over 90million a n d t o m e e t r eve nu e despite the subsisting C o m m i t t e e o f A n s l e m D u n u , w a s of other neighbouring T indigent people out of shortfalls,” the debt office revenue challenge, which Balogun market, Lagos inaugurated to manage the markets within the trade extreme poverty and misery. said. w a s e x a c e r b a t e d b y Trade Fair Complex, has affairs of the multi-billion- fair complex until Jan. 11, A d d r e s s i n g t h e DMO's data collated by COVID-19, the larger shifted its resumption, Naira market for three will equally add to security beneficiaries, Ibhakhomu our correspondent showed p r o p o r t i o n o f F G N earlier scheduled for Jan. 4, m o n t h s ; p e n d i n g a n p o r o s i t y o f o u r ow n who stated that his company that the cost of servicing revenue was devoted to to Jan. 11, for security election that would usher in complex, if opened. has been following the the nation's debt from debt service,” it said. reasons, the Secretary of new executives. “The committee having activities of the Foundation January to September 2020 The apex bank said at the committee, Mr Leonard Ogbonnia noted that weighed all options, merits s a i d a n d d e c i d e d t o stood at N1.99tn. 19.2 per cent, the debt-to- Ogbonnia has said. reopening the complex, as and demerits, therefore, collaborate in order to A total of N1.53tn was GDP ratio indicated a O g b o n n i a s a i d i n a earlier scheduled, may came to a decision to achieve greater impacts. spent on domestic debt solvency position of the statement on Sunday, in endanger the lives and reopen the market on Jan. “We are here to show our service while $1.27bn or government. Lagos, that it would be property of members, and love in kind not just in words 11, to enable it to address but also in kind by joining N467.44bn was spent on “However, the rising cost risky to reopen the market, hence the shift in dates. the lurking dangers. forces with the Gregory exter nal debt ser vice of debt service underscores earlier closed on Dec. 24 for “Regrettably, I wish to “We passionately regret Azemobor Foundation to payments. a precarious liquidity the Christmas holidays, on inform us that the security all inconveniences this expand the frontiers of Domestic debt service position that could impair the stated date because of report reaching the office of change may cause some opportunities opened to the gulped N609.13bn in the the government's fiscal the security situation in the the caretaker committee on individuals and humbly less privileged in the society.” first quarter of 2020; space, as well as its growth market. daily basis is threatening, appeal to such individuals A beneficiary, Mrs. Ejike N312.81bn in the second objectives,” it added. t o a l s o c o n s i d e r t h e U g o k w e p r a i s e d t h e foundation, saying the an annual fee of $10 for impor tance of taking p r e v e n t i v e s e c u r i t y objective has become very Wema Bank introduces new dollar making use of the card. noble in a society where the the lender forwarded to our international transactions measures,” he said. Cash withdrawal on an rich finds it difficult to reach correspondent, the daily and linked directly to debit card ATM would attract $2 per H e s a i d t h a t t h e out to the less privileged, ema Bank has spending limits are set at domiciliary accounts. Daily transaction and no charge committee wished to saying with the hands of introduced a $1,000, $10,000, $5,000 for spending limits: ATM, o n P o S a n d w e b r e a s s u r e t h e m a r k e t fellowship that has been Wn e w daily Automated Teller $1,000; POS, $10,000; Web, transactions. community of its readiness extended to her, she feels Mastercard dollar debit Machine, Point of Sale and $5,000.” Customers were advised to serve and make the place very inspired to do same card. web transactions. Also, customers would be to request the card at the better for business to thrive. when and if blessed. According to an email by Part of the statement read, charged a card fee of $3 and branches of the bank. “This card is designed for Monday, January 4, 2021 Page 7 Cr me Watch Motorcycle and a locally Police foil New Year day robbery, nab made single barrel gun Sex party demolition: which were recovered as exhibits. two suspected cultists in Anambra “ E f f o r t s a r e b e i n g Runsewe commends h e P o l i c e i n operation along Ideani -Alor “Command Anti-cult unit intensified to get the fleeing Rufai deserves kudos for a A n a m b r a S t a t e road when police operatives responded to a distress call suspects arrested and to El Rufai prompt response to the have foiled a New got a distress call and visited with respect to a robbery bring them to book,” he disgusting sex party in the T irector General state. Year Day robbery in Ideani, the area, leading the group to incident along Ideani/Alor said. N a t i o n a l Idemili South LGA, while abandon the operation and road in Idemili South LGA Speaking on the arrested “But for this intervention DCouncil for Arts by the governor, Kaduna also arresting two suspected escape. of Anambra State. cultists, Mohammed said, a n d C u l t u r e ( N C AC ) , state possibly would become “Suspects on sighting the “The Command Anti-Cult cultists in Awka, Awka South Spokesperson of Anambra Otunba Segun Runsewe has t h e n e w c a p i t a l a n d Unit raided a criminal LGA. State Police Command, CSP police jettisoned the robbery commended Kaduna State destination for sex tourism It was gathered that the Haruna Mohammed who operation and escaped into hideout in Awka following Governor Nasir El Rufai for in Nigeria, leading to social New Year robbers were on an d i s c l o s e d t h i s s a i d , the bush abandoning one intelligence report and ordering the demolition of a disconnect and dislocations unregistered Kymstone arrested two suspects; house slated as a venue for a with drug peddling in tow Ahamefuna Onyema 'm' sex party in Kaduna state. and our children destroyed aged 41years and Destiny The house located in in the process,” he said. Anyaku 'm' aged 38years S a b o n Ta s h a , o n t h e According to him 'in both residing at Umueze o u t s k i r t s o f K a d u n a 1992, Senegal and Uganda, village, Amawbia in Awka metropolis was demolished experienced a massive influx by the state Urban Planning South LGA of Anambra o f s e x t o u r i s t s a n d D e ve l o p m e n t A g e n c y State. immediately took hard (KADUSPA) on the express measures to curb it because “Suspects voluntarily orders of Governor El Rufai confessed to being members if left unchecked, sex who was angered by the tourism will damage the of the Vikings Secret Cult public show of disrespect for spiritual, moral and cultural Confraternity. Exhibits Nigerian culture and total values of any society and r e c o v e r e d i n t h e i r disregard to the public good. there are no sentiments possession include one Runsewe whose agency about dealing with it as locally made double barrel last year had a running battle Governor El Rufai has pistol and one live cartridge w i t h c r o s s - d r e s s e r done.' concealed inside a bag hung influencers particularly Runsewe stressed that on the neck by one of the Bobrisky, nailing the spread there is the need for Nigerian suspects,” he said. of defiant influences to the leaders and parents to walls, said that Governor El monitor closely what their children are up to and Death toll rises in Ebonyi q u i c k ly n i p u n t owa r d attitudes and activities in the New Year fire incident bud. “Certainly, Governor El t least, four more 8:am on Friday, January 1, victims of the fire 2021, at the home of one Mr. Rufai has vindicated our incident which O g e n y i C h u k w u , w a s position on the need to stop A and arrest the unfortunate occurred on the New Year allegedly caused when a Day in Akaeze, the Ivo Local canon loaded with gun p r e s e n c e a n d f o r e i g n Government Area of Ebonyi powder left in the house had b e h av i o r a l i n f l u e n c e s State have died. contact with fire. threatening our culture and There were conflicting Chukwu, who narrated the tradition. Am sure with the figures on Saturday evening incident to newsmen, said pulling down of the house on the total number of deaths their children and 11 other for a sex party, sufficient The suspected cultists upon arrest so far recorded. relatives were watching signals have been sent to W h i l e a g ove r n m e n t television in the house when o t h e r d e v i a n t s, t h e i r Suspects escape from Edo State CID official said four of the suddenly fire engulfed the sponsors, and the public. victims admitted in the entire house leading to The law of this country must ews broke out on responsible for the escape. and the breaking of Oko hospital have died, a source pandemonium. be applied to the fullest to Sunday morning The source said it is true maximum and white house in the community disagreed “The fire incident was stop this rage from the pit of Nt h a t s u s p e c t e d t h a t t h e u g l y i n c i d e n t prisons. insisting that the casualty triggered when a locally darkness,” he added. armed robbers and kidnappers happened. “They have learnt a new figure is higher than that. made gun powder metal One killed as cult allegedly escaped on New “It happened some nights c o n c e p t f o l l o w i n g t h e The source, who spoke on known as 'nkpolali' placed groups clash at Year's eve from detention at the ago but has remained a top jailbreaks of EndSARS the condition of anonymity, close to the room where the State CID, Benin City, the Edo secret within the police protest. It must have been paid said at least six persons have children were watching Osogbo carnival State capital. authorities in the state.” for”. died while the remaining are television suddenly sparked middle-aged man in critical condition. off fire. It was gathered from a Other sources attribute the Effort to get reaction from identified as Azeez The source added that one “The fire, before been ATajudeen was killed source close to the police new jailbreak as negative the Police Public Relations of those who died was a lady noticed, has already taken as cult groups clashed during a command who does not want proceeds from the 2020 Officer, SP Chidi Nwabuzor whose wedding was coming over the entire room and the carnival celebration at Osogbo his name mentioned that the jailbreaks of the EndSARS proved abortive as he was up in a few days time. doors and windows of the the capital of Osun over the midnight action has also led to protests which saw so many rejecting calls put across to his But the Coordinator of room were locked. weekend. the arrests of policemen police stations razed in Benin phone. A k a e z e D e v e l o p m e n t “I kept the item in my house It was gathered that the two unidentified cult groups clashed Centre, Simbad Ogbuatu, hoping to use it to celebrate after a brawl by their members Cult killings: Delta Police redeploys all said he was only aware of the 'New Year' having during a carnival which was O n o w a k p o y e y a w h i l e four more additional deaths. survived the COVID-19 staged in front of Laro Primary Inspectors out of Sapele “Yes, I heard that four of p a n d e m i c a n d t h e School, Isale Osun. confirming the transfer when those rushed to the hospital E N D S A R S p r o t e s t , ” n the wake of the recent Police, Mr Sa'ad Ibrahim with Some unidentified cultists contacted yesterday, debunked have died”, he said. Chukwu said. who were on motorbike shot at cult-related killings the caption “Reorganization claims that the redeployment is The fire outbreak, which He said one of the victims Tajudeen three times before he particularly during the Inspectors/Rank and File,” o c c u r r e d i n t h e I y i o j i who was three years old died was macheted. I as a result of the cult-related The spokesperson of Nigeria yuletide season in Sapele, the the transfer is to take effect community in Akaeze in the on the spot during the rescue killings in the area. According Ivo Local Government Area operation, while two others Security and Civil Defence Corps, Mr Daniel Adigun, o u t g o i n g D e l t a S t a t e with immediate effect. The to the police spokesperson, of Ebonyi State on the New who sustained first-degree Commissioner of Police, Mr statement which was seen by confirmed that two rivalry cult “The transfers have nothing to Year Day left a three-year old burns were immediately groups clashed and one man baby dead, with many others a d m i t t e d a t S t . D e n i s Hafiz Inuwa has ordered the newsmen, also hinted that 45 do with the security situation identified as Azeez was killed at transfer of all Police Inspectors p e r s o n n e l f r o m va r i o u s sustaining various degrees of Hospital, Ogidi Akaeze. a carnival. in the area but just internal burns. It occurred around He added that eight other He said, “One man, named f r o m t h e S a p e l e Po l i c e divisions across the state have victims were quickly rushed Azeez Tajudeen was killed. It police issue, else why was the cult-related killings in division. Also affected by the also been deployed to take over t o t h e A l ex E k w u e m e was perceived that they had an DPO not removed as well?” Sapele. Recall that two altercation before today. Report transfer are all Police sergeants the duty posts of those Federal Teaching Hospital, However, a police source from persons were killed on the Abakaliki. says that the assailants dragged and rank and file in the affected. Though the message him out from the carnival before t h e S a p e l e Po l i c e A r e a eve of New Year's Day Spokesman of the Police in division. According to a did not disclose the reason for the state, Loveth Odah, could carrying out their nefarious act. Command disclosed that the The carnival was staged in front celebration after a hairstylist not be reached for comment w i r e l e s s m e s s a ge d a t e d the mass transfer, the State of Laro. The corpse has been exercise was among efforts by was also gunned down four December 31 and signed by an Police Public Relations at the time of this report. moved to Lautech hospital. The the police to restrategise in days earlier at his shop. area is now calm and peaceful.” Assistant Commissioner of O f f i c e r , D S P O n o m e curbing the increased spate of Monday, January 4, 2021 Page 8 Special Report

By Ori Martins Issues to shape 2021 ver y year is dozen U.S. states said s e e m i n g l y their hospital beds were Es h a p e d b y filling up fast. Health va r i o u s eve n t s t h a t officials worldwide have ultimately determine expressed concerns in how it is constructed even recent days that some deconstructed as well as countries grappling with slides into a dignified end the devastating economic or disfigured infamy. impact of lockdowns Surely, 2021 has just may lift restrictions too begun. Like all other swiftly, and that the years before it, 2021 will coronavirus could spread witness all the circles that during mass anti-racism make up a year. There protests”. will be day and there will Already, Europeans, be night. The sun will Americans and Asians, scorch, the rain will had planned to tackle the drench and the wind will fresh covid -19 attack. buffet. Men and women “We must be ready to roll w i l l m a r r y a n d ge t b a c k r e l a x a t i o n o f married to, and in the measures if needed,” the process, beget children. European Union's health Corona Virus L o c a l l y, t h e l e a d commissioner Stella opposition party, PDP, Kyriakides said after will never report the urging its 27 members to ruling party, APC, in p l o u g h a h e a d w i t h good light. On the other testing the population as hand, APC, as it has they reopen schools and become customary to it, businesses. In China, will claim to be the best w h e r e t h e n e w ever to have happened to coronavirus originated, Nigeria and Nigerians. t w o n e w c a s e s o f For now, all of Biafra COVID-19 recorded in a g i t a t i o n b y I P O B, the capital. Authorities insurgence in the north closed part or all of six perpetrated by Boko b i g w h o l e s a l e f o o d Haram will still torment markets which the two N i g e r i a n s j u s t a s men had recently visited insecurity cannot be but it was not known how ruled out. t h e y h a d b e c o m e Globally, the fear of infected. India opened fresh covid -19 assaults is most public transport, still being felt and this is a offices and malls this m a j o r c o n c e r n a n d week after nearly 70 days threats this 2021. At the eve n tho ug h he a l th l a s t c o u n t , t h e officials said it was weeks coronarirus that reared away from flattening the i t s u g l y h e a d i n rising infection curve. December 2019 had The official death toll, at Uzodimma Ihedioha c l a i m e d s c o r e s o f 8,498, is relatively small, effect, whatever affects other social hazards. entire country baffled, millions of lives the but the health ministry the West ricochets across especially, Imo State. world over. said registered cases rose the Atlantic, particularly Supreme court on H o w e v e r , w h e n In this report, News by 10,956 on Friday, a in West Africa. This is Imo 2019 gov'ship U z o d i m m a a n d h i s Echo highlights what can record, with many in why the fresh attack of election company thought it was be described as the issues Delhi, Mumbai and coronavirus is being all and then tightened to shape 2021. Chennai. Syed Ahmed Exactly this time last discussed in high and low year, the apex court, the their seat belts for a Bukhari, the head of places in Nigeria. Mega smooth ride of four years, Fresh fear of covid - Delhi's Jama Masjid, one s u p r e m e c o u r t o f cities like Lagos, Abuja Nigeria, on January 14, a Senior Advocate of 19 o f I n d i a ' s b i g g e s t and Port Harcourt are in controversially sacked Nigeria (SAN), Chief According to Reuters, mosques, ordered a halt panic mood as their R t . H o n . E m e k a P h i l i p U m e a d i “Fears of a second wave to congregations until the respective residents have Ihedioha from his exalted approached the supreme of COVID-19 infections end of the month. “What yet to overcome the position as the executive court for a redress. The shut six major food is the point of visiting devastation that was governor of Imo State. In plaintiff alleged that markets in Beijing on mosques at a time when covid -19 and its deadly his place, Senator Hope following the judgment Friday, while India, the virus is spreading so attendant lockdown, U z o d i m m a w a s of the same supreme which opened up this fast?” he said. curfew which caused i n s t a l l e d . I t w a s a court which declared week, recorded a record It said that the world is death, job losses, hunger, judgment that got the daily increase and half a a global village, to that starvation and various Contd. on pg. 9 Monday, January 4, 2021 Page 9 Special Report ...Issues to shape 2021 Contd. from pg. 8 although belatedly. Thus, the November 2021 in Uche Nwosu the duly Anambra will be the nominated candidate of cynosure of all eyes this the All Progressives year and this registers it Congress (APC), and the as one of the major issues disqualification of the to shape 2021. same Uche Nwosu by the same apex court for B i a f r a having the nomination of agitation/IPOB two different political Certainly, the Biafra parties, the APC ought to agitation group, IPOB, is have no candidate for the poised for even renewed Imo State governorship struggle in its bid to election. The plaintiff ensure the creation of an recalled the judgments of independent country by the same supreme court the name, Biafra. Despite which he equally alleged t h e F e d e r a l that they were all in the G o v e r n m e n t ' s court's record. Whatever proscription of IPOB as a is the outcome of the terrorist body, though apex court will go a long informed commentators way towards shaping strongly disagreed with what 2021 holds in stock Obiano that decision, the group f o r I m o S t a t e a n d s t i l l g o e s a b o u t i t s Nigeria, politically. business of pushing and campaigning for the Anambra 2021 sovereignty of Biafra. As T h e g ove r n o r s h i p t h e P r e s i d e n t election in Anambra in Muhammadu led –APC November this year is government has vowed to one of the factors that crush IPOB, the Biafra will obviously set the agitators will see it as an tone of how the South affront and even make East will fare in the 2023 the louder noise just to general elections. The s e e k a n a t t e n t i o n . two biggest parties in the However, it has been country, the ruling APC established that IPOB is and opposition PDP are not an attention seeking n o t i n c o n t r o l o f group, but a separatist A n a m b r a p o l i t i c a l body using both local and s t r u c t u r e . R a t h e r, international means to APGA, with the regional draw attention to the tag as Igbo party, is in inhuman treatment as firm control. Therefore, Kanu well as marginalization the November 2021 f i r e w o r k s t a r g e t e d governorship election in against Ndigbo. Anambra is expected to be keenly contested B o k o H a r a m among APC, PDP and attacks APGA. There are fears From all indications, it t h a t t h e i n c u m b e n t appears the Federal governor, Willie Obiano, Government has lost might go the way of the ideas on how to put to an Ebonyi State governor, end the mindless and Engineer Dave Umahi, reckless attacks by Boko who dumped PDP for Haram against innocent APC. That is, Obaino Nigerians in the North. might be re-enacting the Boko Haram has killed feat of his predecessor, hundreds of thousands Peter Obi, who jumped of Nigerians and still ship after handing over to counting. They attacked his successor pitched his and killed Muslims as tent with the umbrella Boko Haram sect House, Awka, as the the broom party may likely dominant party in the well as Christians. It has party. If this happens, the ruling party will be vague. “muscle” other parties to South East. As it is, the e x p i r e d b o t h c h a n c e s o f A P G A If this speculation goes win the election thereby PDP seems to be perfectly Hausa/Fulani as well as returning to the Anambra through, chances are that m a k i n g t h e A P C a putting its house in order, S t a t e G o v e r n m e n t Contd. on pg. 12 Monday, January 4, 2021 Page 10 NEWS Unknown persons invade Peremabiri community, set houses ablaze From Rhoda Godwin, over 50 speedboats shooting Yenagoa sporadically and gained e n t r a n c e i n t o t h e nknown persons in community. People had no the early hours of other option than to run into USunday invaded the bush for safety. Peremabiri Community in S o u t h e r n I j aw L o c a l "Our intelligence report G ove r n m e n t A r e a o f has it that the gunmen have Bayelsa State, setting over vowed to remain in the 20 houses ablaze. community and ensure that The armed men, who Ogunbos and his followers were allegedly on a reprisal, n e v e r r e t u r n t o t h e invaded the community in community. 50 speedboats, on a mission "I was told that the to take over control of the Christmas day attack on Redcap chiefs, leaders of thought, women and youth leaders of Ilile Autonomous Community Ohaji ably led by the community from an ex- Ogunbos's house was to militant leader, Paul Eris President General of the Community, Mr Athanesius Nwagbara during their solidarity visit to the ISOPADEC MD, Chief Charles Orie at drive him out of the town. also known as Ogunbos. his country home Umuokanne, Ohaji. And that today's attack is According to community aimed at taking total control sources, the gunmen have of the community." chased out community members suspected to be T h e P o l i c e P u b l i c Imo special citizens laud Uzodimma loyal to Paul Eris and have Relations Officer, SP taken over control of the Asinim Butswat, who town. confirmed the incident, said for giving priority to their welfare Explaining further, a t h a t p r e l i m i n a r y community source who investigations revealed that t was an emotion laden him for being visionary and representing South East in societal neglects, bias and d o e s n o t w a n t h i s on 3rd January 2021 at occasion last weekend purposeful in leadership the newly inaugurated prejudices the special mentioned said "as I speak about 0700 hours unknown Ias special citizens in while reassuring him of Federal Commission for citizens are being subjected with you many people are g u n m e n i n v a d e d Imo State otherwise known a b s o l u t e l o ya l t y a n d Special Citizens in Nigeria to while pleading with the still hiding in the bush and Peremabiri, a riverine as physically challenged dedication to duty. said it has been the resolve state government on the many houses have been Community in southern p e r s o n s a p p l a u d e d Also speaking, Hon. of people with disability to need to lessen bureaucratic burnt down. Ijaw Local Government Governor Hope Uzodimma Charles Ekwonna, the state overcome their disabilities processes and release their "The gunmen came in Area. a n d H o n . S a mu e l s o n Senior Special Assistant and further commended annual subvention as well as Emehibe for being pro- (SSA), on Special Citizens Governor Uzodimma and the domestication of the accrued monthly contract to oust the jurisdiction of active in all their welfare expressed satisfaction on Hon. Emehibe for their establishment of Disabled sum, we gathered that the the Court but to allow needs. the Governor's compassion patriotism in the affairs of Commission in the state as contractors through their parties settle their disputes The Special Citizens o n t h i n g s c o n c e r n i n g special citizens. being directed by the Solicitors wrote letters to amicably out of court if gave the thumbs up at the Special Citizens in the state. Okparaku pointed out Federal Government. AITEO requesting for the they so wish. All Progressive Congress E k w o n n a w h o that it's under the present H i g h l i g h t o f t h e payment of the outstanding The Court in its ruling (APC) State Secretariat a p p l a u d e d t h e s t a t e S h a r e d P r o s p e r i t y occasion was distribution of sum. struck out the case and Conference Hall, Okigwe governor for his largesse on G o v e r n m e n t a n d 3 R the big envelopes containing Yet, AITEO allegedly allowed the parties to go for Road Owerri when Hon. the special citizens despite administrative mantra that cash by the SA and SSA to refused to defray the debt arbitration. Unfortunately, Emehibe as Senior Special paucity of fund advised the Special citizens in Imo State the cluster leaders that and did not respond to the as it is now the contractors A dv i s e r t o G ove r n o r group on the need to be could be appointed as SA include the blinds, deaf and letters written by both the may not likely get justice. Uzodimma on Special supportive and prayerful to and SSA to the state Bureau d u m b , A l b i n o s , contractors and their This is because, arbitration Citizens among other top the state government for of Special Citizens and Hausa/Fulani disable Solicitors. This mischievous p r o c e d u r e i s h i g h l y government officials hosted t h e i r p e o p l e o r i e n t e d advised them not to betray communities, the state and a c t o f A I T E O i s a e x p e n s i v e a n d t h e them to a Christmas cum a d m i n i s t r a t i o n a n d the confidence, trust and l o c a l g o v e r n m e n t fundamental breach of the contractors have been New Year party. governance. love the state government C o o r d i n a t o r s a n d Contracts and has impliedly exposed to huge costs in A t t h e eve n t b i g Adding his voice, Hon. expects. Secretaries of APC Special breached the covenant of embarking on litigation, e nve l o p e s c o n t a i n i n g C h a r g e r O k p a r a k u , H e l a m e n t e d t h e Citizens among others. good faith and fair dealing including legal fees, filing money was given to their in the Contracts. The fees, attendance of court c l u s t e r h e a d s t o b e Contractors were left with proceedings, others. d i s t r i b u t e d t o t h e m no other option than to Presently, the alleged individually so as to assist Contractors drag oil firm to approach Court for redress. n o n c h a l a n t a t t i t u d e them in ameliorating the C o m p a n y a l l e g e d l y H o p e f u l l y , t h e displayed by AITEO has festive period expenses. partially discharged its contractors approached the caused and is causing a Mr. Mike Ogbu who court in Bayelsa o b l i g a t i o n u n d e r t h e Court to compel AITEO to serious embarrassment to spoke on behalf of the From Rhoda Godwin, Contracts by paying part of defray the debt but AITEO the contractors and their A c c o r d i n g t o t h e excited Special Citizens Yenagoa t h e a c c r u e d m o n t h ly through its counsel led by a businesses as they are l a u d e d G o v e r n o r information gathered on the c o n t r a c t s u m t o t h e Senior Advocate of Nigeria u n a b l e t o m e e t t h e i r U z o d i m m a a n d H o n . he Sur veillance case, in 2015 Aiteo Eastern contractors but has refused ( S . A . N ) r a i s e d a accumulating financial E m e h i b e f o r t h e i r Contractors in Opu- Exploration & Production to further discharge its Preliminary Objection that o b l i g a t i o n s t o t h e i r doggedness in addressing N e m b e h a v e Company limited awarded o b l i g a t i o n u n d e r t h e the Contracts contain an financiers and dependants. issues concerning their T Contracts by its failure to arbitration clauses and dragged the Aiteo Eastern contracts to the Opu- Similarly, the place of welfare noting that as the defray the outstanding sum E x p l o r a t i o n a n d N e m b e S u r v e i l l a n c e urged the Court to stay arbitration pursuant to the first of its kind in the state despite repeated demands. proceedings and refer the Production Company to a Contractors for surveillance Contracts is Lagos. s i n c e i n c e p t i o n a n d The said Contracts have case to arbitration. The High Cour t sitting in of its facilities within OML Although the presiding enjoined them not to relent. 2 9 w i t h t e r m s a n d n o t b e e n t e r m i n a t e d contractors' counsel S. A. Judge on the matter, Justice E a r l i e r, E m e h i b e, Nembe, Bayelsa state over conditions stated in the because the contractors Ibrahim, Esq. of Ntephe, L. M Boufini had struck out noted that the essence of the alleged breach of contract. were not given any notice of Contracts. The Surveillance Smith & Wills in Port the matter early this month meeting was to host them T h e c o u r t c a s e w a s termination as required Contractors duly mobilized Harcourt countered the for the parties to explore for Christmas and New separately registered in suit under the Contracts and Preliminary Objection and arbitration first, but the Year party and to inform numbers NHC/1/2020 to to site in the said year, under the Nigerian Labour diligently and effectively submitted that from the affected contractors are them of plans of the state N H C / 1 2 / 2 0 2 0 Law and the contractors circumstances of the case, discharged the surveillance insisting that the arbitration government towards them. chronologically. have remained on site till AITEO has not shown should be done within the activities from that period He reg retted that the T h e c l a i m a n t s, M r. date exce pt the three sufficient reason why the state following the cost of invitation was restricted to till date except for three (3) N i c h o l a s E b i y e a n d contractors that received matter should be referred to traveling to Lagos for the their clusters leadership due contractors that were given Johnson Theophilus and 10 Notice of Termination of arbitration because of its case. to the resurgence of Covid- Employment from AITEO ( others filed the suit over an Notice of Termination of f a i l u r e t o s h o w i t s Efforts to reach the 19 and in line with the they have also not been paid a l l e ge d i n j u s t i c e a n d Employment in the year willingness to do all things company through one of its pandemic directives. for the work performed malicious punishment 2019 ( without receiving necessary for the proper relations officer, Ndiana on E m e h i b e w h o before their Contracts were their entitlements and conduct of the arbitration. their next action proved d e s c r i b e d G o v e r n o r meted out against the Opu- terminated). s a l a r i e s f o r t h e wo r k I n t h e s a m e ve i n , h e abortive as all calls to him by Uzodimma as a father of N e m b e S u r v e i l l a n c e Due to the refusal of performed). our correspondent were not the fatherless commended Contractors by Aiteo. A I T E O t o d e f r ay t h e maintained that the essence Aiteo Eastern E & P of arbitration clause is not responded. Monday, January 4, 2021 Page 11 NEWS Ohanaeze Election: OYC warns S'east governors constitution of Ohanaeze Ndukwe, who frowned at the Ndi-Igbo was written by few political marginalisation of to satisfy their selfish interest Igbo, advised youths on against rigging, imposition of candidates just as the constitution of h a r d w o r k a n d By Ikenna Orioha leadership of OYC, Imo State possibly winning the election. politicians as President Nigeria which favors only few entrepreneurship to succeed. s individuals jostle to chapter in Owerri. It is clear that politicians are G e n e r a l o f O h a n a e z e individuals". In his inaugural speech, succeed Barr Nnia Igboayaka called on Nnia planning to rig the election to Ndigbo, regretting that it was While frowning that the Imo State chapter President Nwodo as President A Nwodo led leadership to look satisfy their whims and "wrong that some unpatriotic Governors' list of delegates to of OYC, Comr. Chinaka General of the Apex Igbo inwards as to reduce the caprices. But they will not Igbo leaders go to Abuja to the election would not hold, Joseph Chinedu, promised socio- cultural organization, N500,000 form for President succeed because we are seek permission to lead Igbo. Igboayaka harped that the the new leadership would Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Igbo General position for the watching them carefully". We say no to such obnoxious election rigging strategy of d i s c h a r g e t h e i r d u t y youths, under Ohanaeze The youth maintained that election to N50,000 to enable and undemocratic leadership #250,000 registration by c r e d i t a b l y t o a c h i e v e Youth Council (OYC), have Ohanaeze Ndigbo President credible persons purchase the which had retarded the members to qualify as objective, stating that OYC warned governors of South form and contest in the General should be fearless, be political and economic does not "want characters of East to stay clear as any delegates to the election was election, positing that a n i n c o r r u p t i b ly f u l ly progress of Igbo race". I m o p o l i t i c i a n s t o attempt by them to rig the unacceptable, appealing to anything less than that would blooded Igbo who has the The youth stated that "we disorganize us. Igbo leaders e l e c t i o n w o u l d b e t h e a p e x b o d y o f t h e be totally opposed by youths. spirit of love and patriotism, are rejecting the Chairman of are going backwards, Igbo vehemently resisted. organization to constitute a A c c o r d i n g t o h i m , having "Igbo interests as his Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Electoral youths should go forward. T h e y o u t h g ave t h e committee that will conduct a O h a n a e z e N d i g b o , priority with a view to Committee. We cannot Youths should not indulge in w a r n i n g t h r o u g h t h e credible election, warning the "President General position restoring the lost glory of the a c c e p t a q u e s t i o n a b l e act that could jeopardise their N a t i o n a l P r e s i d e n t o f Governors that rigging is not should not exceed N500,000. people". character that was imposed to future. Shun being used as a Ohanaeze Youth Council, The youth said they will going to be business as usual This is a calculated attempt to man the election. Only truth political tool to destroy the Igboayaka .O. Igboayaka, not accept any person who is However, the Patron of deny credible people the can prevail to set us free. The society". while inaugurating the new chance from contesting and b e i n g i n f l u e n c e d b y OYC, Barr Ndukwe .O. ASUU strike: NAATS threat casts doubts over planned resumption of schools

he much-anticipated NAAT. “In the MoU, we entered And what they have done there will be no opening of government that the arrears r e s u m p t i o n o f The stand of NAAT came with the government on negates completely the spirit schools. If anybody thinks accruable to my union since university students after both SSANU and N ove m b e r 1 8 , i n i t e m of that MoU. that ASUU has called off the 2009 to 2020, they have paid T NAAT have also rejected the number 2b, we demanded “ W e h a v e g i v e n strike and that schools will up to 2012, is N71 billion and after more than nine months of strike by the Academic s h a r i n g f o r m u l a s a n d that in sharing of the N40 government ultimatum of 14 reopen, then let the person we have demanded 50 per Staff Union of Universities threatened to embark of an b i l l i o n r e l e a s e d ; t h a t days. We wrote to the dare us. Let us know how cent of that amount and we (ASUU) may materialise indefinite strike if the Federal government should clearly g o v e r n m e n t o n 3 0 t h effective or how possible it is have also given government after all, as university Government continues to define what is going to be December. And we have for schools to reopen when ultimatum of 14 days if the workers, under the aegis of give the largest chunk of the allocated to each Union and given government 14 working Technologists are on strike. government fails to do that, National Association of money to ASUU at the government agreed to the days and if at the end of the “If the government in its we will call out our members Academic Technologists expense of the three other genuineness of our demands 1 4 w o r k i n g d a y s o u r own has said ASUU should on strike. Nobody has a (NAAT), have issued a 14- non-teaching unions. and said NUC and the demands are not met, we take N30 billion from the monopoly of closing or day strike notice to the NAAT is also demanding F e d e r a l M i n i s t r y o f resume our suspended strike. N40 billion released, it is not opening of Universities by Federal Government over the the release of 50 per cent of Education will work it out in Definitely, we will close the business of my union. But the strike. We have said that disparity in allocation of N40 the N71 billion accrued conjunction with the union. down the schools, definitely, we h ave a l s o t o l d t h e repeatedly,” he added. billion earned allowance. allowance being owed its They have vowed to go on members from the 2009 strike if after the 14 days agreement reached between ultimatum, the Federal the government and the Government failed to attend union. properly to their demands The President of NAAT, and resolve their grievances. Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma, They, alongside members addressing newsmen in of other unions in the Abuja said that the Union has u n ive r s i t y s y s t e m , a r e written to the Minister of protesting the disparity in Labour and Employment, sharing of the N40 billion informing him of their earned allowance released to planned industrial action. the four university-based Nwokoma said: “We have unions. written to the government The unions include the that NAAT as a body ought to Academic Staff Union of have been given a specified Universities (ASUU), the percentage of the N40 billion. Senior Staff Association of You must define it. You can't N i g e r i a n U n i v e r s i t y just say ASUU 75 per cent ( S S A N U ) , t h e N o n - and others 25 per cent. Let us Academic Staff Union of know the specific percentage Educational and Associated you are giving to NAAT as a Institutions (NASU) and union. Mr. Uchenna Iwuofor, rst son of Late Hezekiah Iwuofor, traditional ruler of Uru Isi Ogwa, Mbaitoli LGA, Imo State, Cleric warns on acknowledging the visits of guests who came to condole him on the death of his father who was buried last week in his Uru country home. Sitted around him are kinsmen and brothers. assassination attempt The increase in activities, “Like I keep shouting from nobody can stop it. Bayelsa as a state to say thank you Lord for keeping us to see he said, might lead to a the beginning that dialogue is "If the same God can do on IPOB leader, Kanu the key. There is no bomb, this for me, He will do it for this first Sunday of 2021." massacre of the agitators that H e e q u a l l y u r g e d c o u l d d e s t a b i l i z e t h e gun or force that can stop you. Just be faithful, have a e a d e r o f t h e that this might irritate the free mind and He will do it Bayelsans to realise that they M u h a m m a d u B u h a r i s u c h i d e o l o g y e x c e p t Champions Royal government that it may have m a t u r i t y a p p l i e d f o r again and again." are special in the sight of Assembly Prophet government. L no option than to seek for dialogue.” Governor Diri charged God, noting that He always Iginla said, “The agitation Joshua Iginla, in his 2021 ways of eliminating him. Christians to be faithful to manifested Himself in the will grow stronger and will Iginla warned the leader of prophecies, has warned the He called for prayers as the God in order to unlock more affairs of the state whenever leader of the Indigenous influence a lot of chances of the Indigenous People of struggle would take another earthly blessings just as he the agents of evil tried to Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) the people from the eastern Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu dimension that will provoke called on Bayelsans to always p l u n g e t h e s t a t e i n t o Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to be to be very careful, adding darkness. the government of the day to part of this country. Nobody give thanks and pay less careful as attempts would be that, there are people around "For us in Bayelsa, we are begin to haunt the agitators. should look down on the attention to their worries. made to snuff life out of him. Biafran movement.” him that are traitors a special people and until we He said that God showed "Let me commend the realise that we are special, we him someone from Kanu's people of Bayelsa for taking will continue to give room to camp being induced to I didn't know I'll be governor – Diri out time across the state to darkness. thank God today. What can assassinate him by putting a From Rhoda Godwin, worshipped at St. Peter's him as saying that when it The gover nor at the portion of poison in his food, was time for God's destined you offer to God other than to service that had in attendance Yenogoa Anglican Church in Sampou, say thank you? He has the according to him. his hometown, told the purpose, it would manifest. t r a d i t i o n a l r u l e r s , gold and the silver. He also The cleric, who spoke on a y e l s a S t a t e congregation that he never His words: "Sometimes, I commissioners in the state the pandemic, Nigerian Governor, Senator knew the community would wonder that all the time I had has the power as power executive council, other governors, Biafra, Nnamdi D o u y e D i r i , o n produce a governor while he b e e n s u p p o r t i n g t h e comes only from Him. appointees and dignitaries, B "If not for God, I would Kanu, and the President, in S u n d a y j o i n e d o t h e r w a s s u p p o r t i n g t h e governorship aspiration of p r o n o u n c e d a n d r e a d not be standing here as his 2021 predictions said that worshipers to offer praises to governorship aspiration of others, I did not know that alongside the congregation g ove r n o r. S o we mu s t the state memory verse for the the agitation for Biafra will God for witnessing the first others. God destined me even before continue to thank Him with year, which is the Bible wax very stronger, stressing Sunday of year 2021. His Chief Press Secretary, I was born to be governor. So Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted everything we have daily. I passage of Isaiah 14:27. S e n a t o r D i r i , w h o when your time comes, therefore join the rest of Monday, January 4, 2021 Page 12 Special Report

Contd. from pg. 9 ...Issues to shape 2021 other Nigerians. Boko I am certain that if chosen Haram has dealt with she would reform and both the high and the low. s t r e n g t h e n t h e 1 6 4 - In fact, the fear of Boko m e m b e r g l o b a l Haram is the beginning of institution. But Ms. wisdom for Nigerian Okonjo Iweala is more governments in almost 15 suited to the need of the years now. Its activities have placed Nigeria as a moment when the global terrorist country as it has economy faces profound almost made the country uncertainties. The WTO's a pariah state. This 2021, greatest challenge right will the security forces now is to restore faith in dissimilate Boko Haram a n o r g a n i z a t i o n to make peace, order and weakened by a power tranquility a reality in struggle between China Northern Nigeria? and the United States. Ms. Okonjo Iweala, America's president b r i n g i n g a f r e s h Nigerians are always perspective that is sorely interested in the outcome needed, has the depth of of America's presidential election. Many factors e x p e r i e n c e a n d account for this. For persistence to help both instance, it is very clear Okonjo-Iweala inject new life into the that the hard stand of global trading system after President Donald Trump its mauling from the on immigrant visas was a COVID-19 pandemic and m a j o r r e a s o n m o s t t h e m u l t i n a t i o n a l Nigerians moved against credentials to address him as he fought for a global divisions in broad retur n to the White and innovative ways. But House. Now, what will be t h e N i g e r i a n - b o r n stand of the newly elected e c o n o m i s t a n d president, Joe Biden, if he is successfully sworn to i n t e r n a t i o n a l office? Will he throw away development expert who his predecessor's policy on was a former Managing immigrant visas? There Director of the World are still many Nigerians Bank, as well as having who believe that Trump chaired the board of Gavi, will come back. These are the vaccine alliance. has a the issues that are lined up wider range of contacts t o m a k e 2 0 2 1 b o t h and experience that will interesting and irritating. Trump ensure she can deliver at this crucial time for the Okonjo Iweala international community. A woman, who has T h e w o r l d i s a t a n worked so hard in the i n t e r n a t i o n a l f r o n t , inflection point, with free particularly at the World and fair trade near the top Bank, Ngozi Okonjo of the list. Trade wars –Iweala, is indeed one of have returned, trading the central figures and blocs have weakened, and actors of 2021. the multilateral approach A c c o r d i n g t o a to addressing trade issues publication, “For the first and disputes has waned. time in its 25-year history, Plus, the COVID-19 a woman will be named pandemic has closed Director-General. The borders, upended supply f i n a l i s t s h av e b e e n chains, and dragged down n a r r o w e d t o t w o the world economy at the o u t s t a n d i n g Biden same time as global c a n d i d a t e s — N g o z i current Minister of Trade equipped to lead the the first woman to hold warming is taking its toll Okonjo Iweala, Nigeria's in South Korea. Both WTO. Minister Yoo has her position in a country o n s o c i e t y a n d former Finance Minister, w o m e n a r e h i g h l y worked in Korean trade that has successfully infrastructure”. and Yoo Myung-hee, the accomplished and well circles for decades. She is transformed its economy. Monday, January 4, 2021 Page 13 Tribute Echebelem, Chuks Osuji's 'father' goes home in grand style r e a t though the father died at p h i l o s o p h e r s, the right age of hundred, social scientists he wished, “he was still G there to guide their a n d a l l s o c i a l anthropologists have footsteps.” described death in various D r . G e o r g e ways. One of the greatest Echebelem advised young definitions of death is that people to accept parental by Hubert Cromwell, a discipline as well as get British philosopher, who closer to their fathers to described death as, “the learn the wisdom of life. end of life is the beginning One of the nephews, of new life unknown to Dr. Valentine Echebelem mankind.” who regretted the demise According to him, of his hero maintained “the end of a person's life t h a t h i s u n c l e w a s is the beginning of a new outspoken, bold, kind, l i f e u n k n o w n t o s t r a i g h t f o r wa r d a n d mankind.” Many have generous. He eulogised believed that once a his uncle's Christian person dies that person commitment and his returns to his maker in passion to build a better spiritual being. The debate church with comfortable over life and death is clergy, “my uncle took endless. care of deacons in his However, we as lesser parish all alone.” mortals will continue to Many dignitaries wonder debate and get turned out in their large perplexed over death. numbers to commiserate W h a t i s c e r t a i n t o w i t h t h e f a m i l y o f generality of mankind is Echebelem over the loss to us the lesser mortals to of their hero, legend and g i v e t h e d e a d a icon of repute. Sir Clifford satisfactory burial to Akunaka Echebelem was soothe our desires in other a man to behold whose to satisfy our whims and Christian affiliation caprices to the effect that m e a n t a l o t t o t h e we have satisfied our Anglican Church. The conscience. But to put it A n g l i c a n B i s h o p o f more mildly, “we have Mbaise diocese, Bishop given our loved one a Chamberlain Ogunedo befitting burial.” Today in officiated the church our modern time, burials service while the former are supposed to be solemn Governor of Imo State, reflections over the dead. Chief Emeka Ihedioha Even at the funeral of came with a retinue of a child, relations, friends supporters to identify with and well wishers, and the family. other mourners would In his own comment, attend such a burial if only Dr. Chuks Osuji, OON, to comfort the bereaved one of the relations of the and to show love in times deceased who described of loss. Indeed, in fact, himself as the first non and definitely given the biological son of the longevity of one hundred d e c e a s e d s a i d , “ S i r years which Sir Clifford Clifford was a father to Echebelem attained, his me, a mentor and a burial ceremony recently guardian. He taught me a t h i s h o m e t o w n , how to climb trees, how to Ihitteaforukwu in Ahiazu local government of Imo ride bicycles and how to State is more than a make mats for roofs. Most funeral of a kind. It was to of the proverbs and adages say the least a carnival of a i use today were from him. kind. In fact, i was attached to A b e e h i v e o f him to the effect that i was personalities that attended sleeping with him until his the burial reflected the wife lady Lois arrived in people oriented life led by 1959. Wherever he lived the deceased. Late Echebelem as a teacher or as a student I n a h o m i l y, a n i visited him. He and his wife with my wife were Anglican priest, Reverend most people did not fear been in vain of earthly confrontation with her business mogul spoke the last to see me off when Evarestus Nwaiwu was God but pride themselves e n t h r o n e m e n t . T h e throughout their married a b o u t t h e f a t h e r i n i was travelling to the full of encomium for late in sinful and disrespectful widow of the deceased l i f e. S h e s a y s, “ m y applauded tone by saying United States in 1972. Echebelem whom he said acts capable of robbing Lady Lois Echebelem husband was a teacher to that he would miss his “Indeed i have lost a led an examplary & sefless them of heavenly bliss. described the husband as a me, because he trained me guidance, discipline, f o r m i d a b l e a n d christian life. He enjoined The Anglican priest good, honest, humble and from standard three to the positive disposition and dependable relation.” Christian faithfuls to fear stressed that any socio- caring man who would University of Nsukka.” gallantry. He says, “my What longevity, what G o d a n d k e e p H i s economic, academic and not offend in words. During the burial father is my teacher, commandments, statutes cultural achievement According to her, the ceremony, the first son, consultant and energy a man and what a great and ordinance. The man d e v o i d o f G o d ' s husband never allowed Dr. George Echeblem a bank.” s o n o f M b a i s e w h o of God regretted that endorsement would have o p e n a n d s h o u t i n g United States based H e s t r e s s e d t h a t affected so many lives. Monday, January 4, 2021 Page 14 Feature 2021 Predictions I see celebrations in Imo - Prophet Ekwonna By Afam Echi to the country because i g e r i a ' s the global situation will r e n o w n e d compel them to do so. Np r o p h e t , Famine will ravage the Chisom Ekwonna has world for another 10 released his predictions years. The crisis that for the year 2021. It is a started in 2020 will last to mixture of the good, the 2030 causing 10 years bad, and the ugly. We famine in the world. serve you below unedited O t h e r s h o c k i n g what he claimed that revelations will continue God revealed to him. to emerge. I see total war in Two deadly diseases Nigeria, not protests, not coming into the world, demonstrations, war one with many viruses amongst ethnic groups. and one will be crippling The men and women that person. Iran will engage will fight the war are now America in war and will in the deserts, forests, release nuclear weapon. seas training. The contest Iran is a country to watch is between those who because the devil wants want the country split to use it to create third and those resisting it. world war. However, God's own I see where people p e o p l e w i l l b e are praying to die instead miraculously fed and of living because of the saved. Between May and l e v e l o f h a r d s h i p . July those that will Nigeria's currency will prevail will have their further go lower in value. prayers answered. Nigerians are advised to There will be no l e a r n t o m a n a g e e l e c t i o n i n 2 0 2 3 ; resources. revolution instead will Anti-Christ war will take the place of election, create a global currency. serious prayers needed to People should stop going avert the crises situation. for worship because of Sad news again will m i r a c l e s b u t f o r break out from Aso Rock. salvation. Barren women Serious prayers needed to will laugh in the New avert it. Lagos will have Year and many rich another shock in form of families will cry like the fire explosion that will poor. cost the government so I see celebration in much to fix the damages. Imo. Imo will laugh in Politicians with bad 2021 as they welcome records will be exposed. their new governor. It is not happy year for Prophet Ekwonna is t h e m . N o s e c u r i t y k n o w n t o h a v e convoy can save them. continuously hit the bull's Uniformed men and e ye s w i t h a c c u r a t e predictions. He correctly women will resign their Prophet Ekwonna appointment because of predicted the ouster of attack from the people Gov Emeka Ihedioha. People in the East governorship seat has won by the People's O k e z i e I k p e a z u Two past presidents He also foretold of the s h o u l d b e r e a dy t o been destroyed. Those Democratic Party (PDP) should be careful to who are presently very travails of the former welcome those from the advising him to fight on if it comes to pass. enable him complete his h e a l t hy I s e e t h e m Chief Justice of Nigeria, North. They will come are deceiving him. He Dave Umahi has t e nu r e. H i s f o r m e r passing away. 2021 is a (CJN) Justice Onnoghen down as refugees. Crises should also pray for life. I committed a serious ailments were not Covid- year of reward for good and that those behind the from the north will be so see two state burials in blunder and mistake. 19 as labeled then but and evil. Many bank exit of Ihedioha will join overwhelming that it will Imo with the corpses Whoever advised him to poison. Those behind it workers will lose their their ancestors. send them running for wrapped in Nigerian flag. join the All Progressives are likely to repeat same. jobs. One more bank will He also predicted cover. There is going to be Imo senators should Congress (APC) has He should be careful with be swallowed by another correctly the coming of cabinet reshuffle by the be prayerful and careful misled him. It was in his what he eats especially in if care is not taken. Covid-19, the outcome federal government to avert death. There is destiny to emerge the hotels. Enemies are after Fire will destroy o f t h e e l e c t i o n s i n Gov Uzodimma's going to be another P r e s i d e n t b u t f i r s t him. Before 2022 APC many things. Many Bayelsa and Edo State as days in the Douglas senatorial bye election in t h r o u g h t h e V i c e will no longer be a strong N i g e r i a n s w i l l b e well as the death of House are numbered. His Imo. This time it will be President but it will no party, another party is deported while many will Ya r ' A d u a i n p owe r longer work again. coming to swallow it. voluntarily relocate back among others. Monday, January 4, 2021 Page 15 SPORTS Osimhen faces Napoli fine for breaking COVID-19 guidelines

Guardiola Man City's Guardiola might igeria striker his guests also broke V i c t o r Covid-19 protocols. prolong managerial career O s i m h e n T h e s a i d v i d e o N anchester City of a club since he began his may be facing a fine of angered the Napoli manager Pep managerial career in 2008. up two weeks wages by m a n a ge r G e n n a r o MGuardiola said “Of course I am better his club Napoli after Gattuso and the Napoli the wealth of experience he now, definitely. Experience video of his birthday fans who believed he has gained from previous helps you – especially the emerged on the social acted irresponsibly. coaching stints has better way I live my profession,” media. Napoli is not happy equipped him for the top job Guardiola, who signed a O s i m h e n t e s t e d with the footballer who at City and he might stay in new two-year contract in positive for Covid-19 has now tested positive management longer than he November, told the City on Friday, few days for Covid 19 after had anticipated. website. after attending birthday failing to comply with The 49-year-old Spaniard's “Before I thought I would party organized in his the rules imposed by current five-year stay at City retire soon, now maybe I am honor. the club. is his longest spell in charge thinking I might retire older. According to Italian Meanwhile, the club 50 already, it is a nice age!” n e w s p a p e r , also confirmed that Italy24news, the Super Osimhen was not in Heartland wobbles to Eagles forward was contact with the rest of seen in a video dancing his team mates and was a 1-2 home loss Osimhen k e e p e r h a v i n g b e i n g without a mask, while asymptomatic. By Afam Echi displaced. laying its first home The Miners as they are match in 3 seasons fondly called showed more Golden Eaglets PHeartland Football aggression, fluid passes, in the Club of Owerri at the Dan first half anchoring play in the Anyiam Stadium last night flanks where diminutive Aliyu tossed away three points to played on the right wing and off to Togo for Nassarawa United Football Ikenna Offor on the left. Club. Heartland was less mobile Nassarawa United banged in and uncoordinated for much 2 goals against the solitary lone of the time in the game but WAFU tourney goal by Heartland. showed brilliant flashes but not ive-time world alongside Ghana have This is the second game of the strong enough to connect the c h a m p i o n s dominated cadet football team in the 2021 NPFL league goals. First half ended 1-0 in N i g e r i a a n d which started last week, The favour of NUFC. F on the African continent, Club had lost in its first Second half commenced t h r e e - t i m e w o r l d with Mali, Cote d'Ivoire encounter against Katsina with pressure from the visitors c h a m p i o n s G h a n a a n d S e n e g a l t o b e recording two straight losses. with Heartland forcing them to headline the seven-team reckoned with as well on Golden Eaglets in training In what looks like a payback concede four corner kicks West African Football the basis of investment for mer Hear tland player, within seven minutes. In the Wednesday from 4pm, venue, they clash with 64th minute of the second half Union (WAFU B) U17 a n d f o c u s o n yo u t h Chinedu Ohanachom spotting and should serve as a Ghana's Black Starlets in a jersey 19 had opened up scoring Shedrack Ogali pulled one Tournament taking place development. pointer to how much the potentially explosive for the visiting team. In the next back for Heartland raising in Lome, Togo from 5th T h e E a g l e t s ' f i r s t hope that victory might swing E a g l e t s a r e k e e n t o encounter between two minute they came close to – 20th January 2021. encounter in Lome will be increasing the tally when in its favour. conquer Africa again. teams with eight world Nigeria's U17 Boys, against the Ivorians, at the unmarked Silas Nwankwo blew In the 76th minute through a On Saturday at the same titles between them. Golden Eaglets who flew Stade Municipal on away a good chance missing defensive blunder by left back into Lome on Sunday target with post empty, the goal Silas Nwankwo who made it two for the Miners. Heartland morning from Lagos, You can't say Man Utd to off-load Pogba m a d e i t s m a x i m u m came with a squad of 25 substitution in the encounter players who are expected we're going a n c h e s t e r delighted with Pogba's while Nassarawa made four to pick the ticket from the United's board attitude and application as changes. WAFU tournament to to win the title Mhas decided to his team have stormed up to Nassarawa FC attracted 2 represent the region in sell Paul Pogba. second place in the Premier y e l l o w c a r d s g o i n g t o The Mirror says United Nichodemus and David Ehige this year's CAF U17 Cup – Koeman League, there is now an while Samuel Nnochiri of will sell Paul Pogba in the of Nations taking place acceptance at the club that Heartland also received a arcelona coach, summer after accepting that in Morocco. Ronald Koeman, they must sell him at the end yellow card. the Frenchman will not be of the season to recoup Pedigree, pride and has said they can't H e a r t l a n d C o a c h h a d B signing a new contract. some of the cash they attributed the defeat to fatigue career aspiration aside, afford another defeat if Pogba, 27, has enjoyed a handed to Juventus to bring and not mastering the pitch the Eaglets are sure to they're to make a serious spectacular return to form which they are playing on for Koeman him back to Manchester in derive some kind of challenge for the title. since his agent Mino Raiola the first time in 3 years. They We're not in a situation 2016. vicarious motivation K o e m a n s a i d , “ T h e c o n f i r m e d a g a i n l a s t only trained in the pitch once. that allows that. f r o m t h e b e l ow - p a r situation in the league is months that the £89million He was not forthcoming on “If [Atletico] remain outing of the Nigeria U20 we're 10 points back and you midfielder wants to leave how poor motivation had consistent throughout the affected the morale of the team Boys at the WAFU B U20 can't say we're going to win Old Trafford. season, it will be very who are owed months of Tournament in Benin the title. United triggered a one- difficult. We can't lose unpaid salary. Republic last month. “That is being realistic, but year contract extension that another game if we want to C o a c h B a l a N i k y u Nigeria conquered the it doesn't mean we will stop ties him to the club until the explained that he substituted fight for the title. Every world in 1985, 1993, fighting, even if the situation summer of 2022 in October. Chinedu the goal scorer is complicated. We can't dropped point is a missed 2007, 2013 and 2015, and But while manager Ole because he sustained an injury drop many more points. chance.” Gunnar Solskjaer has been and acknowledged Heartland Pogba Death toll rises in Ebonyi New Year fire incident Pg. 7 2,400 Christians killed in 2020 by Islamic extremists

ISSN: 2736-0512 MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021 VOL. 2 NO. 1 – Intersociety Pg. 2 Guest Columnist The story of Biafra Football Club (1969- 1978) By Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu

n t h e d y i n g Reus to Pla, from Nulles to with the Biafra struggle Nigeria and participated politicians, surviving CF months of the Tarragona they settled in El through the formation of the fully in the funeral rites of Biafra players and some Ib r e a k a w a y Vilar, within the federated Biafra football club in Valls. D i m C h u k w u e m e k a members of the Igbo Republic of Biafra, a amateur league and rode all The club existed until 1978 Odumegwu Ojukwu in community . To Ramon group of idealistic t h e way t o t h e T h i r d when its activities were 2012. When they were Rovira of FC Biafra; Biafra young football lovers Regional League. t r u n c a t e d b y l a c k o f leaving, they took a stone Friendship Club…..We, gathered together in Half a century later, the economic resources. from Biafra land which they people of the Land of the Va l l s , B a r c e l o n a golden anniversary of the An exhibition on the m e r g e d o n t o t h e Rising Sun salute and thank (Spain) to honour the Biafra football club was h i s t o r y o f t h e B i a f r a commemorative plaque, you for all you have been heroic struggle of The celebrated. Though now Football Club was held at the twinning the Land of the doing to preserve our Biafrans . They created extinct, Biafra , to those Patio de Sant Roc in June Rising Sun with Valls collective legacy and our a symbolic pennant idealistic young men, was a 2007. forever. sacred memories . May and founded the Biafra m i r r o r f o r t h e i r o w n A delegation from CF On December 29th 2020, your own shadow never Football club in order s t r u g g l e s . I n t h e i r Biafra in Barcelona led by This copper plaque was grow dim. t o d r a w w o r l d perception, their own region Ramon Rovira & Oscar installed on the ground of We must take up the attention to the plight of Catalunya ( Catalonia) G a s s o v i s i t e d D i m the square where all the CF challenge to disseminate of Biafra, using one of was going through the same Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Biafra football players met in our own history and our t h e m o s t p o t e n t situation at the hands of the Ojukwu in Enugu to present 1969. It was unveiled by the own narratives. Any race methods known to Spanish government as to him the official jersey and Mayor of Valls, Dolors Farre oblivious of its own history humanity…Football. Biafra was experiencing, at album of the history of CF , the Administrator of i s i t s e l f d e s t i n e d t o CF Biafra had about a the hands of the Nigerian Biafra. When the Biafra Sports, Enric Garcia in the oblivion. hundred players from government. They found a Hero died, a delegation of p r e s e n c e o f r e g i o n a l We Remember! common bond and affinity CF Biafra also flew into m u n i c i p a l o f f i c e r s ,

Email: [email protected], Website: www.newsecho.com.ng, Editor - Afam Echi, 08137914644