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Anambra senatorial by-election: 18 journalists arrested, beaten to pulp

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Udo Ga Chi operatives
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By Chuks Collins, Awka

Eighteen journalists who were touring electoral Wards and communities of the 7 Councils that made up the Anambra South senatorial zone where the bye-elections held were on Saturday arrested and detained under menacing gunpoint by the operatives of the Anambra State Vigilante Service (aka Udo-Gachi).

The journalists had gone to Nnewi, in Nnewi North, Ukpor, Osumenyi, Ezinifite, Amichi and other communities in Nnewi South LGA of the State to monitor proceedings in the bye-elections.

After covering the day’s proceedings, and were rushing after the APC Governorship flagbearer, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu for his comments on the day’s process at a point described as Eke Orsumenyi were jolted when their vehicle was forcefully stopped and detained for more than three hours, allegedly on the orders of the State ‘s deputy Gov, Dr Onyekachukwu Gilbert Ibezim, according to the security operatives.

“Journalists are the problem of Nigeria, they write whatever they like, and deceive the people, we will deal with you people today,” an overzealous Udogachi operative stated.

Some of the journalists and their cameramen arrested and detained were Correspondents of The Guardian, Daily Independent, Authority Newspaper, Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) Arise TV, TVC, National Vision and National Daily newspapers

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The leader of the over one hundred vigilante operatives who kept surging in with about 20 vehicles said that the arrest was on the instruction of the Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Gilbert Ibezim.

As the altercations continued, the Deputy Governor in company of Nnewi South LGA Mayor arrived the scene and ordered a thorough search of the media practitioners.

When information of the development got to the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 8 Anambra State governorship election , Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu also arrived the scene and ensured the release of the detained journalists who he said they are just doing their normal civic duties.

The ugly event prevented these journalists from covering and monitoring the election process in most other Council areas and communities.

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My govt cares – Tinubu reassures Nigerians amid worsening insecurity, hardship

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Tinubu scraps Ministries of Niger Delta, Sports
President Bola Tinubu
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President Bola Tinubu has restated that his government is committed to addressing the country’s main problems, including economic difficulties, power shortages and safety issues.

Speaking in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Tinubu stated that his government is still focused on policies aimed at helping the poorest and most at-risk Nigerians.

He said: “We won’t stop moving forward, and we’ll keep looking for ways to help those who are struggling.

“This is a government that really cares.”

He noted that having steady power supply is very important for development, stressing that industrial growth and learning new skills mostly rely on having dependable electricity.

“You can’t have industrial growth, learning new skills, or people gaining strength without having enough power.

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“I promise Nigerians that we will provide electricity to support our country’s development,” he said.

The president also thanked Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, for the way he leads the state.

“Diri has shown the strength of leading with a clear purpose, and I am here today making a promise that the challenges we face, along with the legacy of those who led this country, including the battles and difficulties of ensuring security, will be met with hard work to properly equip and train our men and women in the Armed Forces. We will defeat terrorism and banditry.”

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BREAKING: Ebonyi Catholic Bishop, Peter Chukwu is dead

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Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, Dr Peter ChukwuP
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The Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Dr Peter Chukwu is dead.

A source said the Bishop died where he was receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment.

Meanwhile, a social media influencer, Nwoba Chika Nwoba, in a post on his Facebook page, mourned the demise of the Bishop.

He wrote, “A very bad one for us in Ebonyi State. The loss of the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, Dr Peter Chukwu is a terrible loss.

“This loss is huge. God knows why, but it’s painful losing him in his 50s. A refined man and Associate Professor. This loss is beyond Ezza’s loss. It’s well. We can’t take war to God’s place. Kidney transplant issue. NCN.”

The authorities of the Catholic Church is expected to issue an official statement announcing the demise of the Bishop.

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Terrorism: Ex-Borno senatorial candidate jailed 10 years

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The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday sentenced former senatorial candidate in Borno State, Babagana Habeeb, to 10 years’ imprisonment for aiding terrorism through the sale of petroleum products to insurgents.

The trial judge, Peter Lifu, convicted Habeeb on a one-count charge of aiding and abetting terrorism filed by the Federal Government.

Habeeb, a fuel dealer based in Maiduguri, had pleaded guilty to the charge upon arraignment, admitting that he sold fuel to members of the Boko Haram operating in the North-East.

The convict, however, claimed that the transactions might have been carried out by attendants at his filling station.

During the proceedings, Habeeb appealed for leniency, kneeling in the dock as he urged the court to temper justice with mercy.

He told the court that he had two wives and six children and had been in detention for over 10 years without contact with his family.

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Counsel to the Federal Government, David Kaswe, opposed the plea, arguing that the support provided to the terrorist group had serious consequences.

Kaswe submitted that the supply of fuel enabled the insurgents to power motorcycles used in attacks, leading to loss of lives and displacement of communities.

He urged the court to impose a stiffer penalty, noting that although the defendant had spent over a decade in custody, a 20-year sentence would be appropriate.

In his judgment, Justice Lifu held that there was no evidence establishing that the defendant was a member of Boko Haram or had undergone weapons training.

He, however, ruled that the admission of selling fuel to the insurgents was sufficient to sustain the charge of aiding terrorism.

The judge also noted that the prosecution did not challenge the defendant’s claim of prolonged detention.

Justice Lifu consequently sentenced Habeeb to 10 years’ imprisonment.

He ordered that the sentence should take effect from the date of the convict’s arrest and detention.

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