BREAKING NEWS

Nigerian militant group whose attacks on energy facilities in the Niger Delta last year helped push Africa’s biggest economy into recession said Friday it had ended its ceasefire. The Niger Delta Avengers announced a halt to hostilities in August 2016, although they carried out attacks in October and November last year. The 2016 attacks cut oil production from a peak of 2.2 million barrels per day (mbpd) to near 1 mbpd, the lowest level in Africa’s top oil producer for at least 30 years. The attacks, combined with low oil prices, caused the OPEC member’s first recession in 25 years. Crude sales make up two-thirds of government revenue and most of its foreign exchange. Nigeria came out of recession in the second quarter of this year, mostly due to the rise in oil production after attacks stopped and as prices strengthened. “Niger Delta Avenger’s ceasefire on Operation Red Economy is officially over,” the group said on its website. “Our next line of operation will not be li

The EU on Friday refused to intervene over the European arrest warrant Spain is set to issue for Catalonia’s deposed leader Carles Puigdemont, currently holed up in Belgium, saying it was a matter for the courts. A Spanish judge is expected to issue the warrant demanding Belgium return Puigdemont, who is wanted for questioning over alleged sedition, rebellion and misuse of public funds in relation to his region’s independence drive. Catalan efforts to make the crisis an international issue have so far failed, and the European Union has been steadfast in its support for Madrid throughout, insisting it is an internal matter for Spain. European Commission spokeswoman Annika Breidthardt reiterated that support at a news conference on Friday, deflecting a barrage of questions about Catalonia with the same response. “This is a matter entirely for the judicial authorities whose independence we respect fully,” Breidthardt said. Puigdemont’s Belgian lawyer Paul Bekaert, who in the

The indigenous people of Biafra have just recorded a major boost, as their cries for world attention has been heard, with Amnesty international just responding to the killings in the south-east. Amnesty International (AI) made it known to the public that it is investigating the clash between the Nigerian Army and the members of the Nnamdi Kanu led Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, in Umuahia, Abia state. This was made known in a statement on Friday by its Director in Nigeria, Osai Ojigho, said it was deeply concerned with the reports of cases of violence and illegal loss of lives following the clashes, cautioning the Nigerian army on the use of force on what it called armless civilians. Osai Ojigho said: “We are deeply concerned about reports of violence and alleged loss of lives across Nigeria following clashes between the Nigerian military and supporters of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Umuahia, Abia state.Amnesty International (AI) has said that it is investigati

As the gubernatorial election in Anambra state slated for November 18 draws closer, the incumbent Governor of the state, Willie Obiano seems to be making recent headlines for inconsequential reasons. One of such was at a recent town hall meeting held in Lagos where the spendthrift displayed few brands of his customized champagne imported from Spain. Secret Reporters learnt from a reliable source that out the 100 containers that were imported, 10 containers was recently cleared and were meant specifically for testing. On special orders by the governor, the brewers made special wines with distinctive taste from the usual brand. A lover of champagne who tasted the wine said it was grade one in wetting the appetite. He went on to say that even if ones papillae are damaged, he would still get the pleasant taste. Investigation conducted revealed that a bottle of customized Moscato Rose champagne which was one of the brands imported, currently goes for about $40, with a carton

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on Thursday condemned the forthcoming summit of Igbo political leaders and governors, describing it as an exercise doomed to fail. The organisation called on Igbo sons and daughters to boycott the summit saying, it was being sponsored by the Presidency and Northerners as a reward for the massacre of its members on September 10 and 15 2017. The position of IPOB was contained in a statement entitled: “Gathering of vultures & their failed summit”, signed by its Head of Directorate of State (DOS), Mazi Chika Edoziem. The statement reads: “They celebrated the brutal onslaught by the army on their children between September 10 and 15 2017. They believe nobody knows they are the ones who invited the army. They think they are so smart. “Not long after, the so called leaders sold away their children who were agitating for freedom and justice by banning and proscribing; Aso Villa congratulated them by granting them audience and rewarded them handsome

We the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) under the command and leadership of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu the greatest prophet, seer and visionary of all time, note with sadness and utter humiliation, the belittling of Ohaneze Ndigbo, South East Governors and the entire Eastern political class over the rejection of an Igbo man for the lowly position of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) by Buhari's administration. Despite lobbying discreetly and openly for this somewhat inconsequential position of SGF for months, the entire political class in the South East were roundly rebuffed by Major General Muhammadu Buhari, who instead gave the position to another Northerner. This has left the supposed apex socio-cultural organisation to take to the pages of newspaper to vent their frustrations at Buhari. A very unedifying spectacle unworthy of leaders of a once proud and gifted race. To make matters worse, this public rejection of Ohaneze Ndigbo and repudiation of the values of t

The Inspector-General of Police has filed an application before the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court seeking a bench warrant against Innocent Chukwuma, the Chairman of Innoson Nigeria Limited, and four others for refusal to appear before the court over allegations of forgery. In an affidavit sworn to by Noma Wando, a litigation officer in the Department of the Public Prosecutions, Federal Ministry of Justice, the deponent averred that the office of Inspector General of Police filed charges against the accused persons on December 21, 2015. The deponent stated that the said charge was served on the defendants through a court order of substituted service dated February 8, 2016, adding that the office of the AGF took over the prosecution of the case on February 18, 2016. Mr. Chukwuma and his company alongside Charles Chukwu, Maximian Chukwura, Mitsui Osk Lines, and Anajekwu Sunny are facing a four-count charge of falsifying shipping documents amounting to N2.4 billion.

P ope Francis has requested a debate over allowing married men in the Amazon region of Brazil to become priests, in a controversial move that is likely to outrage conservatives in the Church, Vatican sources say. The pontiff took the decision to put a partial lifting of priestly celibacy up for discussion and a possible vote by Brazilian bishops following a request made by Cardinal Claudio Hummes, the president of  the Episcopal Commission for the Amazon, Il Messaggero newspaper quoted the sources saying. Cardinal Hummes reportedly asked  Francis  to consider ordaining so-called v iri probati,  married men of great faith, capable of ministering spiritually to the many remote communities in the Amazon where there is a  shortage of priests , and evangelical Christians and pagan sects are displacing Catholicism. "The cardinal's request has been echoed by Monsignor Erwin Krautler, the secretary of the Episcopal Commission. He has also suggested that the bishops attending

In a surprise break with Western policy, Israel has decided to stay neutral on whether to support the break away region in its fight for independence from Spain or back Spain’s request to come out clearly against Catalonia.  Israeli media is reporting that the stance is in reaction to Spain’s antagonistic policy against Israel in international forums. Yet, an independent Catalonia is not necessarily an assured supporter of Israel since Barcelona is one of 50 EU cities that supports BDS. If this is the case, what does Israel gain by staying neutral? Sending a Subtle Message  With the increased chaos in the Middle East, coupled with a seeming lack of foreign policy direction from the Trump Administration, Israel’s stance on Catalonia is a subtle message to the West, that when it comes to foreign policy decisions, it reserves the right to go it alone. A neutral decision on Catalonia may not amount to much, but add that into the fact that Israel bombed a Hamas weapons tunnel aga

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has hailed Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose for officially declaring his presidential ambition. This is contained in a letter sent to the governor and signed by the National General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Musa Asake. CAN advised the governor not to be distracted by people who have nothing good to offer the country. In the letter dated October 16, 2017, CAN said Fayose has done what most politicians have been unable to. “Unarguably, you have done what many of our politicians, Christians in particular, do not have the courage to do. This is why I agree with you, hook, line and sinker, when in your speech you said inter alia, “You are all witnesses to my commitment to this party in this difficult period, where I have demonstrated uncommon courage that makes me stand out as capable of leading our country at this time.” “Your Excellency sir, because you are known to doing great in your leadership and that you will move thi

The Senate  has threatened to issue arrest warrant against  the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Ibrahim Idris, for failing to appear before its ad-hoc committee investigating allegations of abuse of office against him. The Chairman of the ad-hoc committee, Sen.  Francis Alimikhena, issued the threat when the IGP failed to appear before the committee on Wednesday. Alimikhena, who is also the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, said the IGP was summoned on Oct. 16 to answer  allegations made against him by Sen. Isah Misau (APC-Bauchi). Alimikhena said  rather than honour the invitation, his lawyer, Alex Iziyon, wrote to the committee informing it that the matter was already in court. He said ” nobody, including court, can stop the Senate from carrying out its constitutional duties. ”The separation of powers guaranteed by law, made it explicit that the Senate cannot be prevented in carrying out its constitutional duties by any other arm of government. ”If the IGP fails

It is said, that "conviction not acted upon, soon dies" -such is the fate of the apt words from the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Mahmud Mohammed, who charged that "judges who give conflicting judgments from precedents set by the same or higher courts are under probe." He made it clear that "it is also in the interest of the judiciary that those who engage in the abuses we witnessed so far are made to account." Further in his remark, made at a special Supreme Court session to mark the opening of the 2016/2017 legal year, he emphasized that "while a failed judiciary may hamper the practice of lawyers and judges, it may even in some cases, result in national crisis. When parties approach the courts, they reasonably know what to expect, particularly where the superior courts have made pronouncements on the same subject matter. So, any judge that will allow his emotions to becloud the established standard of judicial precedence needs to be checkmated.&

The former minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode has alleged that Nigeria has finally joined all the International Islamic organisation in the world. According to him, there is a plot to islamise Nigeria, which has been spearheaded by Buhari’s administration. FFK, as fondly called, tasked vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, who is a Christian to act before it’s too late, rather than talking down the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, who saw the sign and raised the alarm. While quoting Osinbajo’s statement that “Nobody can Islamise Nigeria”, he noted that such statement is what the leaders of Egypt and Turkey once said, which according to him, “they both used to be 99% Christian until they let down their guard. Now they are both Muslim countries with tiny Christian minorities. Leaders must LEARN from history and STOP IGNORING it, FFK said.  “The truth is that Osinbajo betrayed the Church by pairing with a man who HATES southerners and Christians. “Under Buhari the head of

Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, Court of Justice, on Monday ordered the Nigerian Government to pay the sum of N88billion as compensation to nine victims of the Nigerian Civil war. The regional court gave the ruling while ordering all parties in the matter to abide by the terms of the settlement. Part of the terms of the settlement stated that the Federal Government “undertakes to pay, without delay, compensation in the summer of N50 billion in full and final sum to the victims, their families and communities as contained in Schedule 4(1) to this terms of settlement”. “That FG undetakes to the pay of undertakes to lay a total sum of N38 billion as contained in schedule 4(2) to this terms of settlement for the purposes of carrying out total demining and destruction, rebuilding of public buildings, mine centre activities, construction of class rooms, provision of prosthetics and all other activities enumerated thereunder.” Some victims of the Nigerian Civil W

We the Indigenous People of Biafra worldwide under the command and leadership of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, wish to state categorically and for the avoidance of doubt that we still hold Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu, Nnia Nwodo led Ohaneze Ndigbo and 4 other Igbo governors responsible over the siege and invasion of our leader's compound in Afaraukwu Ibeku Umuahia from the 10th to 14th September 2017. The repeated denials of Okezie Ikpeazu and his hired hands will not eradicate the fact that, he, along with those mentioned above designed and perfected Operational Python Dance and the accompanying killing spree ostensibly to eliminate our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu since he cannot be bought or compromised. Okezie Ikpeazu therefore should stop lying through his teeth about his real motives for imposing the curfew that followed the attack on Kanu's home. Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and his co- conspirators in the person of Willie Obiano, Dave Umahi, Rochas Okorocha, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Chief Nnia Nwod