Breaking News
Anambra2021: Gunmen Attack APGA Campaign Rally…Six Feared Killed
No fewer than six persons were feared killed on Tuesday in Ihiala in Anambra State following a gun battle between security operatives and gunmen.
Many persons were also injured during the shootout that lasted for over two hours in the local government area
The incident, The Nation gathered, occurred at Odata area where the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) went for a campaign rally.
A source, who confided in The Nation, said Governor Willie Obiano was among those whose vehicles were trapped in the melee.
“The Governor’s convoy was held for about one hour while gunshots were booming everywhere in the area. They did not attack the convoy but security men.
“During the gun duel, some security operatives were felled and some gunmen were equally killed. We know those who were killed would be more than six.”
When contacted, Anambra police spokesman, Ikenga Tochukwu, confirmed the incident.
He said there were no casualties on the part of Police while security operatives recovered one AK 47 rifle, 30 rounds of ammunition, two magazines and four vehicles
According to him: “The Operatives of Anambra State Command at 9:30am 12/10/21 successfully repelled an attack at Odata Central School, beside St Martins church Ihiala.
“Exhibits recovered included one AK 47 rifle, two magazines with 30 rounds of ammunition, one Lexus 350 jeep, one Rav- 4 jeep, one Mercedes Benz and a Toyota Corolla.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the hoodlums started shouting sporadically while arriving Odata central school
“But security operatives involving the police and military successfully repelled them. No casualty was recorded in police.
“Meanwhile, normalcy has been restored in the area and operations are ongoing in the area for possible arrest of the fleeing gang members with wounds.”
Anambra Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, C Don Adinuba, said security operatives repelled attacks where APGA was scheduled to organise a campaign rally for the November 6 gubernatorial election in Anambra State.
He said the gunmen came on various motorcycles and in three vehicles, namely a Toyota Lexus 350 ES with registration number EKY 765 EX, Toyota RAV4 with number JJJ 434FP and a Ford van whose number could not be ascertained at the time of this report
“The gunmen, unable to withstand the superior fire power of the soldiers and police officers, quickly ran into the large premises of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital which is directly opposite the campaign ground.
“They suffered serious injuries, even though they managed to shoot a gallant soldier”, according to an eye witness who did not want his name disclosed in the media for fear of his safety.
“If the gunmen had not run into the hospital which is a very delicate place to shoot any person, the security men would have gunned all of them down,”Adinuba said
Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Industries, through his legal representative, has formally submitted a corruption petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Farouk Ahmed, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
This was disclosed in a statement made available to our correspondent by the Dangote Group media team on Friday.
Recall that Dangote had earlier petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to investigate Ahmed for allegedly spending $5 million on his children’s secondary education in Switzerland. He withdrew the petition a few days ago, even as the ICPC vowed to continue with its investigation.
The statement on Friday said Dangote’s petition to the EFCC followed “The withdrawal of the same petition from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, a strategic decision aimed at accelerating the prosecution process.”
In the petition, signed by Lead Counsel Dr O.J. Onoja, Dangote urged the EFCC to investigate allegations of abuse of office and corrupt enrichment against Ahmed, and to prosecute him if found culpable.
The petition further stated that Dangote would provide evidence to substantiate claims of financial misconduct and impunity.
“We make bold to state that the commission is strategically positioned, along with sister agencies, to prosecute financial crimes and corruption-related offences, and upon establishing a prima facie case, the courts do not hesitate to punish offenders. See Lawan v. F.R.N (2024) 12 NWLR (Pt. 1953) 501 and Shema v. F.R.N. (2018) 9 NWLR (Pt.1624) 337,” the petition read.
Onoja further urged the commission, under the leadership of Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede, “To investigate the complaint of abuse of office and corruption against Engr. Farouk Ahmed and to accordingly prosecute him if found wanting.”
The Rivers State House of Assembly formally recommenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
This marks the second time within ten months that the state legislature has initiated such a move.
At a plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader of the House, Major Jack, formally read the notice detailing allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara.
The notice, which was endorsed by 26 lawmakers, accused the governor of actions allegedly in violation of the Nigerian Constitution.
Amaewhule announced that the notice would be served on the governor within the next seven days.
During the same sitting, the Deputy Majority Leader, Linda Stewart, read the notice of allegations and gross misconduct leveled against Deputy Governor Ngozi Oduh.
Breaking News
Supreme Court: President Has Power To Declare Emergency Rule, Remove Elected Officials
The Supreme Court has reaffirmed that the President holds the constitutional power to declare a state of emergency in any state where circumstances threaten public safety or governance.
According to the ruling, this authority may be exercised to prevent a serious breakdown of law and order or to stop conditions from deteriorating into chaos or anarchy.
The court emphasized that such powers are intended to safeguard national stability and ensure the continued functioning of democratic institutions when extraordinary situations arise.
It noted that emergency measures are justified only in exceptional cases where normal governance mechanisms are unable to effectively address escalating crises.
More details later…
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