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Obi Will Be Declared President – Igbo Elders

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By Sunday Isuwa, Abuja

The Igbo Elders Consultative Forum FCT, Abuja has said that the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the February 25 Presidential and National Assembly elections, Peter Obi will be declare president.

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Speaking at a press conference jointly address by the Chairman of the Igbo Elders Consultative Forum and former governor of Anambra State, Dr Chukwuemeka Nzeife and Secretary, Prof Charles Nwekeaku, said they are confident that Obi won the election and will soon be declared as the rightful winner.

“The Igbo Elders Consultative Forum met recently; reviewed and critically analyzed some national issues including the fall-out of the February 25, 2023 Presidential/National Assembly Elections and resolved as follows:

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“The media reports credited to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Gen Muhammadu Buhari that he would swear-in Mr Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, the candidate of the All Progressives Party, APC in the February 25, 2023 Presidential elections as the new President of Nigeria on May 29, 2023 despite the fact that the matter is before a court of competent jurisdiction is shocking and embarrassing to the members of the Igbo Elders Consultative Forum.

“It would be recalled that both His Excellency, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and His Excellency, Mr Peter Obi the presidential candidates of both the Peoples Democratic Party “PDP” , and the Nigeria Labour Party, respectively have both challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), declaration of Mr Ahmed Tinubu as the president elect in a controversial and fraudulently conducted election.

The statement credited to Mr President, which is yet to be refuted, is the height of arrogance, insensitivity, madness, unpatriotism and prejudice. Many credible international and local observers, including the Igbo Elders Consultative Forum have condemned that election as fraudulent, dubious and irresponsible exercise capable of setting Nigeria ablaze as INEC has failed in every material content to meet its own yardstick for free, fair and credible elections.

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“The voting materials, polling and security agents arrived very late in different parts of the country on the voting day, as INEC deliberately refused to upload or transmit the votes to the central server as stipulated in the 2022 new Electoral Act. In some cases there were no security agents in polling units thereby exposing the electoral officers and voting materials to unimaginable risks and dangers. In few cases where INEC reluctantly transmitted results, it was selective as only the Senate and House of Representatives results were uploaded, while the Presidential results were blatantly and recklessly abandoned, and, in some cases ‘doctored to suit the interest of INEC and its paid masters. Therefore, Mr President’s comment before the Judicial pronouncement on the matter is considered as the height of insensitivity, indecorum, arrogance and naked intimidation of Nigerians who, despite the existential hardships, trooped out in millions to vote for a new and functional Nigeria, ” the elders said adding that with the court case, they are confident Obi will emerged as the next Nigerian president.

The elders which also condemned what they described as the naked intimidation, harassment and destruction of shops and other property of non-indigenes in some parts of the country, especially in Lagos and Rivers States where the ruling political parties apparently lost to the Labour Party in the February 25, 2023 Presidential election is worrisome, disturbing, embarrassing and dangerous to democracy, adding that it is capable of setting this country ablaze.

“That the government is yet to arrest and prosecute the culprits who perpetrated these heinous crimes is even more worrisome and embarrassing, as it raises a fundamental question of whether the Federal Government is still capable of protecting lives and property of Nigerians, which is the primary responsibility of every modern government. We, therefore, call on the Federal Government and various state governments to rise up to the occasion of the protection of lives and property of Nigerians especially non indigenes in Lagos and Rivers States to avoid reprisal effects and the resultant instability and destabilization of this country by the enemies of progress. We also demand that the victims of these unwarranted intimidation, harassment and destruction of lives and property should be paid adequate compensation and properly rehabilitated as loyal citizens of this country,” the elders said while urging the Independent National Electoral Commission not only to get its acts together to conduct free, fair and credible elections on Saturday, but also ensure that votes are transmitted immediately at the polling units as provided in the 2022 new Electoral Act.

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“INEC should ensure adequate security for polling materials and voters at the polling units in various parts of the country. The Igbo Elders Consultative Forum wishes to encourage Nigerians to vote in this weekend’s election and retire from politics all non-performing governors and legislators for a new and functional Nigeria.

“We encourage our people in various parts of the Federation, including South East, Lagos and Rivers states to go out and vote for candidates of their choice on Saturday without fear of molestation and intimidation as adequate security has been put in place for the protection of their lives and property. The shoddy work and unimpressive performance of INEC in the February 25 Presidential elections, the intimidation of voters and some party agents at some collation centers, the harassment and destruction of shops and property of non indigenes in Lagos, Rivers and other states in the country, as well as some incitements of some faceless scoundrels in the South East that threaten voters not to participate in the election, among other threats, should not discourage any person from voting because your votes will count in deciding who becomes your governor and state legislator. Please, go out and vote on Saturday as adequate security arrangements have been put in place to protect your lives and property. Your vote will count this time; hence you should boldly go and discharge your civic responsibility, vote out and retire unceremoniously non performing politicians on Saturday.

“And for shameless and unpatriotic elements who go to beg and collect money from dubious politicians in the name of Ohaneze, only to sabotage the collective efforts of our people with other progressive Nigerians to produce a credible, competent and widely acceptable President of Nigeria, posterity will not be kind to them and their families. By the grace of God, Obi will be declare president, ” the elders said while answering questions from journalists.

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Matawalle Meets Chinese Defence Firm To Bolster Nigeria’s Anti-Terrorism Capabilities

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The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has engaged in a high-level security meeting with a leading Chinese manufacturer of advanced anti-terrorism and high-tech defence equipment, aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s defence capabilities.

The meeting, which took place in China, underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to modernising the nation’s security apparatus to combat insurgency and other threats.

According to a statement signed by the minister’s Personal Assistant (Media), Ahmad Dan-Wudil, and made available to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, the engagement focused on formalising a strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Chinese firm and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).

The collaboration is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing Nigeria’s security sector, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s defence framework.

The MoU outlines a robust partnership, with the Chinese company committing to significant investments in Nigeria’s defence infrastructure.

According to the statement, Key components of the agreement include the transfer of cutting-edge defence technology, the establishment of local manufacturing capabilities for advanced military equipment, and capacity-building initiatives to enhance the technical skills of Nigerian personnel.

“This move is seen as a step towards building a self-reliant and globally competitive military-industrial base.

Dr. Matawalle emphasised that the partnership represents a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s defence modernisation agenda.

“This collaboration will not only strengthen our fight against terrorism but also position Nigeria as a regional leader in defence technology,” he stated.

The minister highlighted the government’s determination to leverage international partnerships to address the nation’s evolving security challenges.

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Under the terms of the agreement, new production lines will be established for various ammunition types, including 7.62x51mm ball cartridges, 7.62x51mm blank cartridges, 9x19mm pistol cartridges, and machine gun ammunition.

Additionally, manufacturing workshops and facilities will be set up in Kaduna and Kachia, Kaduna State, to produce essential defence components such as brass casings and bullet jackets.

The partnership extends beyond production, encompassing the maintenance and upgrading of existing military hardware, servicing of battle tanks, and the provision of military engineering services.

These efforts are expected to enhance the operational readiness of the Nigerian Armed Forces, enabling them to respond more effectively to security threats within the country and across the region.

The minister’s visit to China follows a series of engagements with international partners, including the United States and Saudi Arabia, as part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to strengthen bilateral defence ties.

In a recent meeting with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), Dr. Matawalle called for increased support in intelligence sharing and counterterrorism efforts, underscoring the need for global cooperation to tackle insecurity.

The agreement with the Chinese firm has been hailed as a critical step towards achieving President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises security, economic development, and private-sector involvement.

The minister reiterated the government’s openness to foreign investment in critical sectors such as defence, steel, and energy to drive technological advancement and job creation.

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Gamblers Predict New Pope as Betting Sites Place Odds on Top Candidates

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Gamblers are staking millions of dollars to predict who will emerge as new pope as betting sites place odds on the candidates as the Catholic Church cardinals sweat to pick a new pontiff.

Polymarket, an American cryptocurrency-based betting site, has placed odds on candidates who will emerge.

Similarly, Kalshi, another American betting site, is coordinating predictions on who emerges as the new Catholic pope.

On Polymarket, over $21 million worth of bets have been staked in the conclave election, in which Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle are considered the leading candidates.

Mr Parolin leads with 27 per cent odds, while Mr Tagle comes second with 23 per cent odds. Matteo Zuppi, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and Peter Erdo came third, fourth and fifth with 11, 10 and 7 per cent odds, respectively.

On Kalshi, where over $8milliom has been staked, Mr Parolin leads with 29 per cent odds, followed by Mr Tagle’s 22 per cent odds and Mr Pizzaballa’s 10 per cent odds.

This comes as 133 cardinals from across the globe commenced a conclave to decide who would emerge as the new pope on Thursday.

Though conclave elections have been highly unpredictable for years, gamblers throw in thousands of dollars for a possible kill should their candidate emerge.

In 2013, contrary to projections on the possible emergence of Cardinal Angelo Scola, who was then regarded as the favourite, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio emerged as Pope Francis.

On Wednesday, thick black smoke billows from the Sistine Chapel chimney at the end of the first meeting of the cardinals, signalling that no pope has been elected.

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The election of the 267th pope, which commenced on Wednesday. A new pope will poll a two-thirds majority to emerge during the election process.

Then, white smoke will be released from the Sistine Chapel chimney.

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ECOWAS Free Movement: Tinubu Initiates Dismantling of Checkpoints

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President Bola Tinubu has mandated the formation of a Presidential Task Force aimed at eliminating numerous checkpoints that impede free movement.

Ambassador Musa Nuhu, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, revealed this initiative during a visit to the Nigeria-Benin Republic border in Seme on Wednesday.

“We are commencing with the Seme-Badagry Corridor. A committee has been established under the auspices of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and we will soon begin addressing this matter.

“We have taken note of all the concerns raised, and I assure you that the Nigerian government will tackle the other issues mentioned subsequently.”

Numerous complaints have surfaced regarding the excessive checkpoints along the Badagry-Seme corridor, which adversely affect the seamless movement of individuals and goods between Nigeria and the Benin Republic.

Ambassador Nuhu emphasized, “This is the most trafficked border in West Africa regarding the flow of goods, people, and services. If free movement is to be effectively implemented in West Africa, it will be evident at this border.”

Motorists attending the meeting expressed their frustrations about the numerous checkpoints and the extortion practices by security personnel along the route.

In response, Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, stated that any fees paid by motorists should be accompanied by official receipts.

He expressed concern that the proliferation of checkpoints and the extortion of citizens within member states undermine ECOWAS’s goal of fostering a more integrated region.

“While we must inspect passengers and road users, we should move beyond arbitrary charges that lack receipts. If payments are necessary, they should be properly documented.

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“It is one thing to request that someone open their bags for inspection, but it is entirely different to demand payment that is not receipted.”

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