News

Southeast: We no longer trust security agencies

Published

2 ans ago

août 30, 2021

Naija Diaspora

Southeast residents on Sunday said they have been staying at home every Monday because they can no longer count on security agencies to protect them.

Despite the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) calling off its Monday sit-at-home directive, which it introduced to protest the detention of its leader Nnamdi Kanu, residents have been afraid to come out on Mondays for fear of being attacked.

Anambra State Coordinator, Transform Nigeria Movement TNM, Comrade Obi Ochije, told our correspondent that IPOB’s activities had instilled fear in residents.

He said the people were also disenchanted with the attitude of some of the policemen who, according to him, extort money from those they are supposed to protect.

He said people prefer to stay alive in their homes than coming out to be killed by hoodlums.

A worker in one of the ministries, who did not want to be named, said Police had failed the people.

“We went to make a complaint to the police recently and they told us: ‘You people clap when IPOB kill our men’.”

The police spokesman in Anambra, Ikenga Tochukwu, said people still had confidence in the police to protect them as they still receive calls for help.

He said despite the attacks by some miscreants, the police would continue to protect lives and property.

But, a senior police officer, who did not want to be named, said the police have failed the people.

“If you want to know the truth, let me tell you. Our men have failed the people through the way they brazenly collect money from the residents.

“People don’t respect the police and they talk to them nowadays anyhow they like. Motorists and traders don’t fear the police anymore because of extortion.

“You hardly see any policeman in uniform anymore…everyone wants to be alive, including policemen because they are also humans.

“But, one thing is clear, the masses listen more to IPOB nowadays than the police,” the officer said.

Residents of Enugu State said they chose to stay at home on Mondays to avoid any trouble that may despite the assurances by the state police command.

They said they did not have faith in the ability of the police to protect them should any trouble erupt.

Rather, they said, police would arrest innocent people and parade them as trouble makers.

A resident, Kene Unogu, said: “This whole fear is heightened by security operatives. Most of them are always afraid of seeing people stay in clusters.

“So, even policemen are happy that the people don’t come out on that day.”

Another resident, Tony Aja said: “I stay away on Monday, not because of my loyalty to anyone, but my safety.”

The spokesman of the Enugu state police command, Daniel Ndukwe, could not take his calls to respond to people’s concerns when our correspondent called his phone line.

President General of Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), Goodluck Egwu Ibem, said residents do not count on security agencies to protect them because of their insincerity, corruption and rights abuses.

“No right-thinking person will trust security agencies that kill the citizens they are paid to protect. Even if IPOB members come out on the streets to ask people to come out, residents will not still come. That is the true position presently,” he said

A retired civil servant, Benjamine Nwosu, said so many people were arrested on trumped-up charges of been IPOB members.

“You are not safe on a sit-at-home day if you are outside your home. People who even sit outside drinking end up being arrested by the police and they will be accused of one thing or the other,” Nwosu said.

A lawyer and President of Igbo National Movement (INM), Anthony Okolo-Olisa, believes the people no longer accept federal authorities as legitimate and capable of protecting lives and property.

The Imo Command spokesman, Michael Abattam, said the police would continue to do their job.

“Our campaign is people should go about their lawful duties and should stop obeying illegalities because anything that is coming from bandits is illegitimate. So, somebody who doesn’t have authority, and you are listening to such people, it is absurd.

“We have increased the number of policemen on the streets to forestall any unnecessary attack. We have increased our patrol.

“We now have robust patrol teams within the state to make sure that people go about their lawful duties without fear of molestation. We want to make sure policemen are seen within every pole.

“All these are measures to curtail whatever any miscreant who wants to take the law into his hands,” Abattam said.

Ebonyi Governor David Umahi said IPOB’s activities have resulted in federal agencies issuing travel advisories to their staff against travelling to the Southeast.

He spoke while addressing stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abakaliki, the state capital, ahead of the forthcoming local government congress.

He urged the people of the state and the region to rise and join the government in resisting the destruction of the region’s economy.

He said: “Southeast is being gradually destroyed. We have to fight it. A lot of federal agencies have placed the Southeast and Ebonyi on red alert.

“For example, the Aviation ministry, it took my going to Abuja for them to agree to come for inspection and to give the necessary approvals for the airport.

“Other ministries and agencies have placed Southeast on red alert. It is the highest level of foolishness. I want us to all help.

“The other Monday many civil servants did not go to work. We decided not to pay them but we later forgave them but tomorrow (today) anybody that doesn’t go to work will cease to be a civil servant.

“Security agencies must start parading everywhere. Let everybody come out. Let us come out and save our dear state and Southeast,” Umahi said.

Despite the governor’s appeals and warnings, many residents said they would remain indoors for fear of being attacked.

A civil servant, who did not want to be named, said: “It is easier for them to give a directive. I would rather lose my job than lose my life.

“How can I come out when there is no police presence in my area? Do they want me to be attacked and maybe killed?. I won’t try it”.

A trader, Mr James Okorie, said people were reluctant to go out because they still doubt that the suspension of the sit-at-home came from IPOB.

He said: “Remember, the week the suspension was announced, there were reports of some attacks in some parts of Southeast.

“Before that, the first week of the sit-at-home, many were killed and properties destroyed for flouting it despite government assurance of security. This was after news that the sit-at-home was cancelled by Kanu’s brother.

“So, people don’t trust the government to protect them and they still doubt whether the suspension is from IPOB while others believe the group is facationalised with one side in support of the suspension and the other against it.”

News

Inaugural Anambra State Union Football Tournament Triumphs Amidst Adversity

Published

1 mois ago

août 11, 2023

Naija Diaspora

On the 6th of August 2023, a monumental event took place at St Michel, Terminus, Douala, marking the commencement of the First Edition of the Anambra State Union Football Tournament. Under the stewardship of Sir Emeka Uzoka, Chairman of the Anambra State Union, this tournament emerged as a testament to unity, sportsmanship, and the indomitable spirit of the Anambra community.

The opening ceremony set the stage for what would become an unforgettable showcase of camaraderie and competitive fervor. A true celebration of tradition and athleticism, the tournament kicked off with a Veteran Match at 2:00 pm. The clash between Aguata Local Government Union and Nnewi Local Government Union resulted in a gripping encounter, with Aguata securing victory with a 2-0 score line.

Distinguished figures graced the event with their presence, adding prestige to the occasion. Among them was Mr. Oliva Ochi, Consul 1 at the Consulate General Douala, representing the esteemed Consul General, H.E. Amb. (Mrs.) Efe A. Clark-Omeru. The honorable gathering was further enriched by the participation of key personalities, including: Hon. BIC Okwujiaku, President of the Nigerian Community Douala, HRH Eze Jonathan T. Onyenagubor, Eze Gburugburu 1 of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, Cameroon, Sir, Lovinus Ezeh, Vice President, Nigerian Community Douala, Chief Alex Nwoye, Vice President 2, Nigerian Community Douala, Chief Uche Obiekwe, Patron of the Nigerian Community Douala, Chief Innocent Obiorah Odoh, Patron Anambra State Union, Chairmen of Imo and Enugu States Union, Esteemed members of the Anambra State Union,

The event also extended its reach to include esteemed guests from Douala and beyond.

In recognition of the paramount importance of safety and well-being, the organizers ensured the presence of dedicated medical health and security personnel, assuring attendees a secure environment throughout the event.

Despite the inclement weather characterized by heavy rain, the unyielding spirit of the Anambra community remained unshaken. A testament to their passion for football and unity, a remarkable number of attendees braved the elements, converging to witness the unfolding of history on the lush fields of St Michel, Terminus.

The inaugural Anambra State Union Football Tournament stands as an embodiment of shared values, intercommunity collaboration, and the timeless appeal of sport. This event not only etched a significant mark on the sporting calendar but also served as a reminder of the resilience and unity that define the Anambra community. As the tournament concluded its first chapter, it left in its wake a legacy of camaraderie, sporting excellence, and the promise of more remarkable editions to come.

News

Buhari, Tinubu, Nigerian Diplomat, Lawal Bappah, Honoured by a Coalition of Lawyers in Cameroon

Published

4 mois ago

mai 16, 2023

Naija Diaspora

The Coalition of Willing Lawyers (CoW) in Cameroon had on Friday, 12th May, 2023 honoured President Muhammadu Buhari, the President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Consul General (CG) of Nigeria to North West and South West Regions of Republic of Cameroon, Amb. Lawal Bappah, mni, for enhancing a peaceful relationship between the people of the Federal Repubic of Nigeria and the Republic of Cameroon living in the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon. The CoW applauded the Consul General for constantly educating Nigerian nationals in the Northwest and Southwest Regions of Cameroon about their civic responsibilities to the country they reside in; to be law-abiding and also for his laudable role in the repatriation to Nigeria of aged, sick and stranded Nigerians as well as ex Nigerian prisoners in Cameroon.

Amb. Lawal Bappah was honoured by the President of the Coalition, Barrister John Kamani, who said the Consul General has been part of developmental activities in Buea, the Capital of the South West Region of Cameroon; especially in sustaining a wonderful rapport with the South West Region Governor’s Office in Buea and other relevant local and traditional authorities.

Speaking further at the memorable occasion, the President of the coalition specifically eulogized the CG for ensuring that Nigerians who are arbitrarily arrested and detained are released and in extreme cases, benefit from legal assistance.

Presenting the Legal and Leadership Award to Amb. Lawal Bappah, Barrister Kamani urged him to continue with the commitment he had shown since his assumption of office in October 2021and to remain focused and duty conscious. He stated that Amb. Bappah is always ready to receive distressed Nigerians in his office and even Cameroonians who need consular services and assistance.

In his response, the Consul General thanked the lawyers for the award and promised to do more in the interest of serving Nigerians in Cameroon.

In continuity, he said: “This is an award for hard work. It is highly motivational and I assure you that I remain committed to deepening the already cordial relationship between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Cameroon ».

Thereafter, he dedicated the award to his colleagues, staff of the Consulate General of Nigeria, Buea and all others that had been supportive. Ambassador Lawal Bappah expressed readiness to continue to collaborate with the coalition of lawyers. He said he was delighted by every single moment of the occasion.

The coalition of lawyers also presented awards of good leadership to the outgoing President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari and the President-eElect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his good work of turning Lagos State to a mega city in Africa when he was the Governor of the State.

Present at the occasion were Presidents of the various Nigerian Communities under the Consul General’s areas of jurisdiction and other dignitaries.

The Buea-based Consul General of Nigeria to the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon recently embarked on a Consular tour to communities in Bakassi Peninsula. The communities visited by the Nigerian envoy included Kombo Itindi, Idabato and Bekumu where more than 80% of the people living there are Nigerians.

Magazine

Nigerian Community praises Consul General Clark-Omeru over resolving Resident Permit issues in Cameroon

Published

6 mois ago

mars 22, 2023

Naija Diaspora

Consul General Clark-Omeru hosts Nigeria Community

…urges them to be law abiding citizens in host country

The Consul-General of Nigeria to Douala, the Republic of Cameroon, Ambassador (HRM) Queen Efe A. Clark-Omeru has hosted the Nigerian community in the Littoral Region for the second time to show appreciation for relentless services rendering to Nigeria nationals residing in the region of the host country.

It could be recalled that the executive of the Nigerian community paid courtesy visit to the Consulate General in May 2022 to express their maximum appreciation to the Mission who has been helpful in resolving pressing issues with the host country.

According to her speech, the CG welcomed the Nigerian Community executives led by the President, Honourable B.I.C Okwujiaku and provided details of the Consulate progress with the host country over pending issues concerning Nigerian residents in the region.

« It is my pleasure to welcome you to this event of New Year visit/wishes to me and the Consulate, » the statement reads.

« Since my arrival in June 2021, and with the presentation of my Exequatur which I assured you that the Consulate would not rest its oars by ensuring that the issue of molestation will be a thing of past in the history country. The Consulate has met several times with the officials of the immigration of the host country with particular reference to resident permit, exit Visa and the matter was resolved amicably as the immigration rights accorded to members of Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC)

region is also accorded to Nigeria due to the already subsisting bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries. »
The Nigeria CG also highlighted the issues of non-issuance of Resident permits which is a great challenge to Nigerian residents in the Littoral region as it is contrary to it immigration law.

« The issue of non-issuance of Resident Permit has attracted my attention, on that basis, I directed my officers on 10th February 2023, accompanied by the president and some executive members of the Nigerian community to meet with new Commissioner EMI-immigration Madame Gertrude Bikok and the matter was also resolved due to the subsisting bilateral relations between the two countries.

The Consul General was excited to proudly commend the Nigeria community over their successful business activities which were satisfied by the host authorities. But urges her compatriots to be more tolerance of each other and remain law abiding to the host country.

In responding to the CG’s speech, the President of the Nigeria Community, Honourable B.I.C Okwujiaku heaps praise on the first female Consul General in Douala for her breath of peace among Nigerians in the region.

« Last year, we came to say thank you for the ones you have done. We have come again to further demonstrate our joy for your constant support, caring and motherly advise and solidarity to us as your fellow compatriots in Cameroon, » he said.

« History will record it that as the first female Consul General in Douala. Nigerians have benefited from your good leadership and skills of work, » he added.

Also appreciating the CG is Eminent philanthropist, HRH Eze Thomas .J. Onyengubo, Eze Gburugburu 1 of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo in Cameroon, who also urged the Nigerian community members to remain united and be law abiding to the host country.