NEWS
Enugu Community Accuses Traditional Ruler of Killings and Burning of Houses, Seeks Government Intervention
By Sylvia Udegbunam
Residents of Akpawfu town in Nkanu council area of Enugu state have accused the Traditional Ruler of Ajame Ameze, Igwe Christopher Nnamani, of killing and burning their houses.
They alleged that the monarch has labeled them outcasts and used his private armed men to carry out the acts in the communities of Ishiagu Akpawfu and Ajame Ameze,
The community is calling for the intervention of the Enugu state government and security operatives before they are completely wiped out by the traditional ruler.
When contacted, Igwe Nnamani dismissed the allegations, stating that the victims were alleged criminal elements who had been terrorizing the locality and had been traced to their hideout in a forest by soldiers and police.
He claimed to have no knowledge of their deaths or the burning of houses, attributing the actions to soldiers.
“They believe they can blackmail me, but I will not allow it. As a senior citizen of this country, who served the nation for 35 years, I am not an illiterate traditional ruler. I am aware of my rights, and they cannot intimidate or tarnish the reputation I have built over the years,” Igwe Nnamani declared.
However, a concerned citizen who Spoke to DAILY ASSET on the condition of anonymity said, “Igwe Christopher Nnamani is practicing outcast custom in his community, which is the reason why he ordered his private army to kill and burn the houses of those he alleged to be outcasts.”
Two concerned indigenes of the area, Felix Ani and Ikechukwu Udeh, have also expressed concern over the matter, calling on the Enugu state government and the state commissioner of police to call Igwe Christopher Nnamani to order and bring him to book for the heinous crimes committed against innocent people in his community.
“The Igwe gave those he deemed outcasts until December 2022 to vacate his community, after which he began burning their houses,” they said.
Community members corroborating themselves also accused the Igwe of going into a deal with the militia wing of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the Eastern Security Network (ESN), to police the localities, a deal he could not manage well.
“Igwe Christopher Nnamani and his group allegedly organized a private army and took them to Kogi State, where they were fortified with bulletproof charms before returning to the town. They started mounting roadblocks, beating people, and shooting and killing people all over Akpawfu Oyiwode.
“They even ignored the instructions given by the Peace Committee instituted by Nkanu East Council area Chairman in conjunction with (HRH) Igwe Dume Nnamoko, of Obodo Uvuru that asked all to lay down their Arms and embrace peace.
“While the Peace Committee was appealing to all to respect the peace accord, the new Private Army instituted by Igwe Christopher Nnamani and his group were busy killing people of Umuanigbiyovo Oyiwode.
“On Saturday 29th April 2023 his private Army went to Akpugo where one of the Sons of Ezenwanyi, Ugochukwu Onovo took refuge, shoot and killed him.
“His body has been deposited in the Mortuary. Then from that last Saturday Igwe Christopher Nnamani’s Private Army have been going from house to house in Akpawfu, killing innocent old men and youths of Umuanigbiyovo Oyiwode family who didn’t know anything about any problem in Akpawfu Oyiwode.
“The entire Town has been chased away by the illegal Constituted Army of Igwe Christopher Nnamani. Our people have deserted the Communities for fear of Igwe Nnamani and his private Army terrorizing us,” Ani alleged.
“They have been responsible for the killings, kidnappings of innocent natives, and making life unbearable for our people. However, the Soldiers and Policemen were able to identify and track them down, holding them accountable for their actions. Doubtful of my words? Simply visit the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army in Enugu or the state police Command to receive accurate information on how these criminals were traced to their forest hideout. This matter is currently before the Commissioner of Police, who has invited me to discuss it tomorrow, May 4th, 2023. You are welcome to join and hear from the police firsthand,” he added.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of the Sector-wide Coordinating Office-Programme Management Unit (SCO-PMU) domiciled in the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.A statement on Friday by his spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, said the unit would ensure efficient, transparent and accountable management of external grants mobilised towards the implementation of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII).
Ngelale said SCO-PMU would report to a Steering Committee/Ministerial Oversight Committee chaired by the Minister, including the Minister of State, Permanent Secretary; Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and relevant development partners. “The SCO-PMU will serve as the secretariat and delivery unit for the NHSRII and is to be headed by a national coordinator (NC).“The functions of the SCO-PMU include programme management, monitoring and evaluation, engagement and supervision of Independent Verification Agents (IVAs) for NHSRII programmes and fiduciary management, among others.“Consequently, the President has approved the appointment of Dr. Muntaqa Umar Sadiq as the National Coordinator of SCO-PMU,” he said.Report says that Sadiq has over 17 years of experience in public health, impact investing, investment banking, energy, and climate financing across the health, finance, climate and energy sectors.He had served as Head of the Performance Management and Delivery Unit at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and Chief Executive Officer of the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria.He also served as Head of the Nigeria Energy Transition Office and Private Sector Engagement Adviser at the World Bank. (NAN)
The Federal Government says it has no plan to slash scholarship students’ allowances as recently projected in the media.The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, stated this during a meeting with the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Abuja on Friday.
Report says that there was a report that the ministry, through the Federal Scholarship Board, announced a slash in allowances of foreign scholars stranded in Russia, Morocco, and Algeria among others.
The slash in scholars’ allowances under the federal government’s Bilateral Educational Agreement Scholarship (BEA) was attributed to the economic crises.Mamman said that there was no slash in scholars` allowances but rather an adjustment due to Foreign Exchange fluctuations (FOREX).“We want to clarify what has been in the media on allowances paid to scholars under the Bilateral Scholarship Agreement.“We want to place it on record that the ministry and the Federal Government for that matter have not slashed the allowances due to students.“What happened is some adjustments in the amount due to them because of FOREX fluctuations, and as soon as we get the balance we have applied for, we will pay them.“But for now, what is in the budget is what we can pay. So, there is no slash, we will even be happy to increase, so this is what has led to the adjustments,” he said.(NAN)
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, on Friday, has urged Nigerians to calm and patient with Federal Government and should give the the government more time to address these pressing concerns.In a statement issued by CAN and signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh ,President, CAN and made available to journalists in Abuja.
CAN also urged all Nigerians to consider alternative means of expressing their grievances. He however said CAN stands in solidarity with the citizens of nation during these challenging times of economic hardship and pervasive hunger. The statement reads in part, “As we navigate this period of crisis, it is imperative to uphold the constitutional rights of every Nigerian to peacefully protest and express their grievances. The right to assemble and voice discontent is a cornerstone of our democracy and must be protected and respected by all. Peaceful protests are a powerful tool for civic engagement, allowing the populace to communicate their concerns and hold leaders accountable. However, the anxiety related to the impending protests is heightening, especially given the volatile experiences in countries like Kenya and Pakistan.”We must also draw from our recent history. The #ENDSARS and #RevolutionNow protests, though rooted in genuine grievances, were marred by tragic incidents where miscreants hijacked the process. This led to widespread looting, destruction of properties, and unfortunate loss of lives. These experiences have shown us that mass demonstrations can quickly degenerate into chaos if not properly managed and coordinated.” In light of the planned protests scheduled to commence on 1st of August, CAN urges all Nigerians to consider alternative means of expressing their grievances. We recommend giving the government more time to address these pressing concerns. This period should be used to explore other legal avenues that will not easily give hoodlums the opportunity to hijack the exercise to destroy our national assets or endanger lives and properties. Dialogue, petitions, and town hall meetings are viable options that can yield positive results without the risk of disorder.”We call on the government to cut the cost of governance and expedite its efforts to alleviate the hardships in the land. The opulent lifestyle of political office holders must be addressed to demonstrate the sincerity of those in government to improve the living conditions of the people. Likewise, it is imperative that the government implements the newly approved national minimum wage to provide immediate relief to struggling families.”Furthermore, specific measures must be taken to put an end to kidnappings, banditry, and mass killings that have plagued various parts of our country. The security and well-being of every Nigerian should be paramount, and urgent action is required to restore peace and order.”We also call on the government to expedite its efforts to alleviate the hardships in the land. There is an urgent need for more refined and effective policies that address the root causes of the economic challenges we face. The government must deepen its consultations with stakeholders, including religious leaders, to create a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to problem-solving. By working together, we can devise sustainable solutions that reflect the needs and aspirations of the people.”In these trying times, let us all remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). As we seek to bring about positive change, let us do so with a spirit of peace, love, and unity. Our strength lies in our ability to come together, support one another, and work collectively toward a better Nigeria.”We pray for wisdom and discernment for our leaders, resilience and hope for our citizens, and divine intervention to guide us through these difficult times”.
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