EVER since the release of election timetable for the Kogi governorship polls, aspirants of different political parties traversed the length and breadth of the state, scavenging for the golden votes of the electorates. From issues to vitriol and garrulous campaign, the election, no doubt, lived up to expectations.
Bookmakers had tipped the All Progressives Congress, APC and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP as the stars of the contest. They are. But they failed to take the shine of the smaller parties in the race with the Labour Party, LP and Progressive People’s Alliance, PPA showing great potentials for the future. They campaigned as hard as the two major parties to engrave their ideals in the minds of Kogi voters.
Few days to the election, the major parties started throwing allegations of attempts at manipulating the process against one another. A handful of violent incidents were recorded and the atmosphere was charged ahead of a landmark election that would define the intent of the people of the state. As the election was under way, the then governorship candidate of the APC, late Prince Abubakar Audu expressed confidence in winning the polls, with his running mate, Hon. Abiodun Faleke sharing a similar sentiment at his Ekinrin Adde country home.
But the running mate to the PDP candidate and the Deputy Governor of the state, Arc. Abayomi Awoniyi, accused the APC of trying to rig the election. He called on the electorate and security agents to be vigilant enough to thwart the antics of “anti-democratic elements that are out to silence the voice of the masses”.
As results started trickling in, it became obvious that the APC was in the lead in majority of the local councils in the state. Areas that were hitherto the stronghold of the PDP were lost to the APC in a keenly contested election. Such councils include Kabba/Bunu and Igalamela/Odolu.
The cancellation of 91 polling units with over 49,000 votes momentarily paused the celebration of the APC. But hours later, the shocker surfaced: Prince Abubakar Audu died. And a melodrama was kicked off. A prophet promised to raise Audu from death, sparking wild celebration in Lokoja, the state capital. At that time, Kogi was going through an inconclusive election and an “uncertain” death.
The revelation by an unnamed member of the late politician’s family to the effect that their benefactor was poisoned by a “top political figure from the South West” threw up a twist in the already confused situation. Who killed Audu? To gain what? How did it happen? There were more questions than answers.
Then came the legal quagmire
As the dust of Audu’s death was settling down, the feathers of our constitution were ruffled by the unpreparedness of our law books for what is fast getting popular as the Audu Scenario. The constitution and the electoral law take care of death or withdrawal of a candidate before or after the conclusion of an election. They never envisaged the death of a candidate before the conclusion of a voting process.
Analysts are of the view that had the election results been declared and a winner emerged, his or her deputy would have been the beneficiary of the Audu Scenario.
The death of Audu opened old wounds emanating from the acrimonious primary that threw up the late politician in the first place. Despite the high wire intrigues against Prince Audu, he still emerged as the governorship candidate of the party. Like the cat with nine lives, the late Audu also survived the report of a high-power committee headed by Dr. Sam Sam Jaja, to look into the propriety of his candidacy. The committee recommended that the late politician be stripped off the party’s ticket for failure to comply with the guidelines governing the primaries. He would have been many times lucky but for death.
Since the demise of Audu, many legal opinions have emerged. While many favour the continuation of the polls with Audu’s running mate, Faleke, other informed legal opinion faulted the arrangement on the ground that Faleke didn’t go through any primary election.
In the course of the scrabble for the shoes of Audu, many names were thrown up, including but not limited to Isah Jibrin Echocho, a former Afribank chief, Mohammed Audu, the first son of Prince Abubakar Audu and Alhaji Yahaya Bello, a multimillionaire business mogul from Okene Local Council of the state.
The ethnic jingoism that had characterized the state from inception reared its ugly head again with the three major ethnic groups in the state laying claims to the governorship ticket. While Kogi West was building a wall of interest around Faleke on the ground that he holds a joint ticket with the late Prince Audu, Kogi Central leaders have quickly closed ranks behind one of their own, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on the ground that the transport czar came second in the party’s governorship primaries. The largest ethnic group of the tripod, the Igala people are making a case that Audu can only be replaced by another Igala.
As the contest creeps to the climax, the APC may settle for Bello, to be under a safe legal canopy. But the PDP is also believed to be doing everything legally possible to thwart the conduct of the supplementary election slated for December 5, 2015.
PDP believes that the election had already been won and lost, owing to the sudden demise of the candidate that had dragged the contest to a supplementary stage. The supplementary polls may need more legal supplements to hold as the PPA and the Democratic People’s Party, DPP are already in court to challenge the decision of INEC to go on with the polls.
However it goes, interesting times lie ahead in the Kogi scenario.

Award winning American Diva, Chante Moore, will arrive Lagos this Saturday, November 27, 2015, in preparation for the hosting of the second edition of “Light Up” Music & Art Concert.
Chief Executive Officer of the Red Ribbon Limited, organisers of the event, Mr Tunde Shofowora, while confirming her arrival, noted that the news of her arrival is already generating lots of excitement among her numerous fans as this is the first time the R&B & Jazz singer, songwriter & actress will be visiting the country.
Chante Moore is performing alongside other international renowned gospel singers such as Frank Edward (Nigeria’s best gospel artist), Buchi (Super Star Gospel Reggae maestro), Mike Aremu (Nigeria’s leading saxophonist) and multi-talented rapper & singer, TB1.
The event which holds on November 29, 2015 at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, will also be bringing back on stage, Nigeria’s diva and elegant stallion, Lady Onyeka Onwenu.
Some of the highlights of this year’s edition also include a special art exhibition by some leading Nigerian contemporary art exhibitors such as Dr. Tony Marinho; grand cocktail/classical quartet and a Red Carpet to be anchored this year by International Award winning ace photo specialist Kelechi Amadi Obi: We will also be having the pleasure of the wives of the Executive Governors of Lagos and Ogun States to officially handle the “Light Up Moment” during the event.
According to Tunde Shofowora, lovers of art and music all over the country will have a great opportunity to see, appreciate and make purchases of some of the new works done by Dr. Tony Marinho and good music by these international renowned gospel singers.
Light Up concert has been created by Red Ribbon Limited to help deliver value and provide memorable experiences that connect brands to the emotions of their consumers.
It’s a special night of Songs, Dance-Drama, Orchestra, Choreography and light Comedy, featuring some renowned African and international inspirational singers, and artistes. Being the first Christmas themed concert in the year and specially packaged to entertain the business minded, Light Up has been branded as a Night of Glamour, Exquisite Wines, Gourmet Cuisine and Aficionados.

ACCORDING TO DAILY SUN LERATO Chaka’s love for her family could not protect her from brutal death. Her husband, Sipho Mothwa, allegedly killed the 32-year-old in a jealous rage on Tuesday evening in their house in Carousel View in Hammanskraal, Tshwane. He then allegedly dragged her body into the spare room before going to sleep in their bedroom. On Wednesday morning he called community leader Jane Mhlongo and allegedly confessed. He has not been seen since then. Mhlongo told Daily Sun that Mothwa told her to call the police. Lerato’s mum, Sinah, said: “That man was jealous and did not even want my daughter to leave the house,” she said. Temba police spokesman Constable Herman Moremi said a case of murder had been opened and the suspect was on the run. Anyone with information on Sipho Mothwa’s whereabouts should contact the Temba police at 012 717 9000.

XOLANI Dube accompanied his sister to fetch her boyfriend on Wednesday. They ran into a group of men who allegedly demanded a gun from him. The 19-year-old told them he did not have a gun. That is when they threatened to teach him a lesson. The young man did not take them seriously. Then, while Xolani, from Lindelani, was boozing with his friends they burst into his shack and allegedly shot him dead. A friend (24) of Xolani’s who asked not to be named said the men demanded a gun from Xolani. He claims they searched his friend and found nothing. Earlier, when Xolani’s sister intervened, the men let him go. “But when we were at Xolani’s shack, boozing, we suddenly saw people pushing the door open,” said the young man. “They started firing shots at him. One bullet struck him in the head. “We rushed Xolani to hospital by car, but he died on the way. Major Thulani Zwane confirmed that Ntuzuma cops were investigating a murder case. “The motive for the killing is still unknown and no arrest has yet been made,” said Zwane

Comedian Akpororo and his beautiful bride, Ijeoma Josephine Abraham had their white wedding. Ali Baba and his wife were part of the invited guests to the wedding

Mavin firstlady “Tiwa Savage” shared this photo before her performance at the Warwick University in Coventry. Her hashtags though, lol…#BlackTights and #BeforeYouSayMyLegsAreDarkerThanMyFace..

November 15th at the Eko Hotels in Lagos the 2015 edition of the All Africa Music Awards (Afrima) took place. Artiste from other African countries were present though some Nigerian acts were missing in attendance. Below is the winners list ARTIST OF THE YEAR Diamond Platnumz SONG OF THE YEAR Diamond Platnumz – “Nasema Nawe”, featuring Khadijo Kopa ALBUM OF THE YEAR Charlotte Dipanda – “Elle n’a pas vu” BEST ARTISTE IN AFRICA (RnB & Soul) Praiz Adejo – Nigeria BEST AFRICAN REGGAE, RAGGA & DANCEHALL Stonebwoy – Ghana BEST MALE ARTISTE: INSPIRATIONAL CATEGORY Darey – Nigeria BEST FEMALE ARTISTE: INSPIRATIONAL CATEGORY Betty Akna- Equatorial Guinea VIDEO OF THE YEAR Wiyaala – Ghana BEST ARTISTE IN AFRICAN POP Vanessa Mdee – Tanzania BEST ARTISTE IN AFRICAN HIP HOP Casper Nyovest – South Africa BEST ARTISTE IN AFRICAN ELECTRO Flavour – Nigeria PRODUCER OF THE YEAR Sauti Sol and Cedric Kadenyi – Kenya SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR IN AFRICA Joseph Chameleone – Uganda REVELATION OF THE YEAR IN AFRICA Adekunle Gold – Nigeria MOST PROMISING ARTISTE IN AFRICA Kiss Daniel – Nigeria BEST ARTISTE IN AFRICAN CONTEMPORARY Charlotte Dipanda BEST ARTISTE IN AFRICAN JAZZ Kunle Ayo – Nigeria BEST MALE ARTISTE IN WESTERN AFRICA Olamide – Nigeria BEST FEMALE ARTISTE IN WESTERN AFRICA Yemi Alade – Nigeria BEST ARTISTE IN AFRICAN ROCK M’vula – Kenya BEST AFRICAN GROUP Sauti Sol- Kenya BEST AFRICAN COLLABORATION AKA(South Africa) and Burna Boy(Nigeria) BEST FEMALE ARTISTE IN SOUTHERN AFRICA Busiswa Ngoku- South Africa BEST MALE ARTISTE IN SOUTHERN AFRICA Casper Nyovest- South Africa BEST FEMALE ARTISTE IN NORTHERN AFRICA Manal- Morocco BEST MALE ARTISTE IN NORTHERN AFRICA Ahmed Soultan- Morocco BEST FEMALE ARTISTE IN EASTERN AFRICA Tsedenia Gebremarkos- Ethiopia BEST MALE ARTISTE IN EASTERN AFRICA Diamond Platnumz- Tanzania PILLAR OF CULTURE IN AFRICA Bola Ahmed Tinubu

phyno_new_ride Its the New Toyota 2014 Model super car… Phyno share the photo on his Instagram page with this caption:- Nyem ife’m NOV29 #phynofest #shutdown Hardwork will keep paying off for sure :)

Can you believe this? Olamide won’t feature anyone on his album which is set to drop soon…. Mehn! Who does that? This dude na Baba…. Give it up to this dude… He’s the Boss 🔥

In an accompanying statement, they said: “Die hard fans, music nerds and critics love lists. But in rap, greatest-of-all-time rankings like this take on a special level of import: aside from moving a crowd (shouts to Rakim), MC means proving you’re the best. In no other genre do artists so blatantly express their desire to outdo competition. That made Billboard’s list a more high-stakes undertaking than usual. Many of our favorites — Big Daddy Kane, Drake, KRS-One — didn’t make it, and each of those omissions hurts deep down. We also have to note: we’re ranking rappers, not rap artists. That’s why Dr. Dre and Kanye West, for example, two legendary producer-artists who don’t match the mic skills of those listed here, were left out.” However people are furious with them….. saying even if 2pac didn’t make d list, Olamide shld av made it 😭

The American professional boxer who is said to have an estimated net worth of $650 million gifted his 16-year-old son, Koraun, with a brand new Mercedes CLS for his birthday. The car is said to be worth around £30,000. Mayweather shared the photo on Instagram. “Happy birthday Amir Mayweather. Love you, Champ - See more at: http://www.naijaloaded.com.ng/2015/11/18/floyd-mayweather-gifts-his-16yr-old-son-a-mercedes-benz-car-see-photo/#sthash.mx5EPCdB.dpuf

The singer’s mother turned a year older today. In appreciation,he gifted her a new Prado jeep.. He wrote: My sweet mother , if I have my way I can buy the whole world for you just to let you know you are more than an angel to me . Thanks for believing in me when nobody did , I sincerely appreciate your tender mother care and support to my career. Once again happy birthday to you . St. Dom the captain is bringing your new whip to your house right now . HBD mama KCEE LIMPOPO

French international soccer player Lassana Diarra, who played in his nation’s match against Germany that was at the centre of the Paris attacks, has confirmed that his cousin was one of the victims. Diarra played for Chelsea, Arsenal and Portmouth in the English Premier League. woman reacts as she looks at the flowers and messages left at a rail cordon close to the Bataclan theatre in the 11th district of Paris on November 14, 2015, the day after a series of attack on the city resulting in the deaths of more than 128 individuals. Some 80 people were gunned down at the Bataclan theatre in Paris late November 13, during a concert by the US band Eagles of Death Metal. AFP PHOTO / KENZO TRIBOUILLARD Diarra, who played in France’s game against at the Stade de France where one of the attacks took place, took to Twitter to confirm that his cousin had tragically been killed. Diarra wrote: “Following the dramatic events that took place in Paris and Saint Denis yesterday, it’s with a heavy heart that I’m saying this today “As you will have perhaps read, I have been personally affected by these atrocities. My cousin, Asta Diakite, was among the victims in one of the shootings that took place yesterday, like hundreds of other innocent French people. She was to me a rock,a support, a big sister. “In this climate of terror, it is important for us all, who are representatives of our country and our diversity, to speak out and stay united in the face of a terror that has nothing to do with colour or religion. “Let’s protect together love, respect and peace. Thank you all for your updates and messages, take care of yourselves and those close to you, and those victims resting in peace.

Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike has pledged $20,000 per goal as he urged the Super Eagles to beat visiting Sihlangu of Swaziland in their 2018 World Cup qualifier in Port Harcourt. Wike Wike The Super Eagles laboured to a draw in the first leg in Lobamba. However, coach Sunday Oliseh is hopeful that his wards will be on top of their game this afternoon when they face the Swazi team at the Adokie Amesiemaka Stadium. “Rivers State Government pledges $20k per goal against Swaziland. #SoarSuperEagles,” national team handle tweeted. Secretary to the Rivers government Kenneth Kobani who delivered the Governor’s message urged the team during training yesterday to do all it takes to ensure victory.

By Clifford Ndujihe, Evelyn Usman, Anayo Okoli, Charles Kumolu, Jude Opara, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Nwabueze Okonkwo, Francis Igata & Marie-Therese Nanlong LAGOS — DISTURBED by what increasing protests and agitation for a Biafra Republic portend, leaders of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and some affiliate groups have resolved to embark on wide consultations with all stakeholders to take a common position on the issue. This was one of the decisions the leaders took after a two-day meeting in Lagos, yesterday, sources at the meeting told Vanguard. The leaders, including Ohanaeze President-General, Chief Gary Enwo Igariwey; Professor George Obiozor; Second Republic politician, Chief Guy Ikokwu; National Secretary, Ohanaeze Youths, Okwu Nnabuike among others, when asked their view on Biafra, declined comments until the end of the consultations “in a few days.” NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, NIGERIAN LEGION, RETIRED COL. MICAH GAYYA (L) DECORATING PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI WITH THE EMBLEM FOR 2016 ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY CELEBRATION, AT THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA IN ABUJA ON MONDAY However, to ensure harmonious relations between Ndigbo and their hosts all over the world, especially in Nigeria, they prohibited the crowning of Eze Ndigbo outside Igboland. They specifically prohibited the use of the following appellations: His Royal Majesty, His Royal Highness, His Highness and His Imperial Majesty. This came as President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, said that in spite of challenges, Nigerians are determined to remain together as a united country just as the pro-Biafra protests continued in Umuahia, the Abia State capital and at Nnamdi Kanu’s home. Nnamdi Kanu is the Director of Radio Biafra, who is still being detained by the Federal Government. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Army has vowed to crush any insurrection and restore law and order, if called upon as Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, after listening to leaders of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, called for urgent restructuring of the country to contain the widening disquiet and discontent. Ohanaeze consults on Biafra, outlaws Eze Ndi Igbo in diaspora It was gathered that given the sensitivity of the Biafra matter, Ohanaeze leaders have commenced consultations with prominent Igbo leaders on how to have a common stand on the issue. Said the source: “Ohanaeze and some statesmen in Igbo land are being circumspect. But I can tell you that they are not on the same page on this sensitive matter. The good thing is that they want the country restructured in line with the recommendations of the National Confab. “The South-East deserves an equitable share in this country, but as things are today, the zone is obviously marginalised. That is what those boys are protesting for. They want a country where every region will be treated fairly. I can assure you that Ndigbo will speak with one voice on the issue in a matter of days.” In the interim, Ohanaeze Ndigbo outlawed the crowing of Eze Ndigbo outside Igboland, warning that no Igbo leader in diaspora should flaunt himself as a traditional ruler. The group said at a forum jointly convened by the Igbo-speaking Community Lagos State, Aka Ikenga, Otu Okaiwu and Ndigbo Lagos to address the controversies surrounding the existence of Eze Igbo in diaspora. A communiqué signed by Igariwey; National Secretary of Ohanaeze Youth Wing, Mr. Okwu Nnabuike and other Igbo leaders in attendance, warned that any Eze found violating the order on the crowning of Eze Ndi-Igbo would be sanctioned. The statement read in part: “Under the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo on November 15, 2015, it was agreed that the crowning of Eze Ndi-Igbo outside Igbo land is hereby prohibited until the final regulation and pronouncement by the apex body of Ndi Igbo leadership. “None of the Ezes has any right whatsoever to use the appellations of the title: His Royal Majesty, His Royal Highness, His Highness and His Imperial Majesty. None of the Ezes has any right whatsoever to use such titles on their complimentary cards and signboards.” Our people want to remain together — Buhari Speaking at the launching of the 2016 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem at the Presidential Villa, Buhari said: “Today’s occasion reminds us of the need to appreciate the noble contributions of our fallen heroes who paid the supreme sacrifice to maintain national and international peace and security. “Our nation has recently celebrated 55 years of political independence and continues to remain as one indivisible entity despite several grievous challenges. Since independence, Nigeria has witnessed a lot of internal strife, survived a civil war and has remained united. “This feat achieved by the country is an eloquent testimony to the determination of our citizens to remain as one people. The sacrifices of our fallen heroes, heroines, and veterans who rose up to the security challenges cannot go unnoticed. Pro-Biafra group protest in Umuahia, Nnamdi Kanu’s home town Pro-Biafra protesters, yesterday, carried their “release Nnamdi-Kanu” protest to Umuahia and the home town of Nnamdi Kanu, marching through the major streets of the city under the watch of security agents. The protesters, who are members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and MASSOB demanded the release of the promoter of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, who was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged anti-Nigerian Government comments on Radio Biafra. The march in Umuahia was part of the threat by the pro-Biafra groups to take the protest to all the states of the South-East before going to Abuja, if Kanu was not released. However, economic and social activities were not disrupted as offices, markets and shops remained open as residents went about their normal businesses. Numbering about 500, the protesters peacefully marched through Isi Court in Umuahia South Local Council, through Aba and Umuwaya, Bende and Enugu roads. They marched around the city carrying the portrait of Kanu and the Biafran flag while chanting songs of freedom. Meanwhile, before the arrival of the protesters, a combined team of security agencies including police, army and civil defence had mounted surveillance at strategic locations in the city like the Government House and Isi Gate even as convoy of heavily armed security personnel patrolled the city with armoured personnel carrier. Earlier, before the protesters surfaced, Abia Government had said in a radio announcement that it received disturbing reports that some people under the aegis of MASSOB had planned to disrupt the peace of Umuahia on Monday, and alleged that it was being sponsored by an unnamed politician. Signed by the new Information Commissioner, Comrade Bonnie Iwuoha, the government said: “While appreciating the rights of citizens to air their views in a democracy, government will not condone lawless acts that could impede the progress of the State.” Release Kanu, Ibeku monarchs urge FG Traditional rulers from Ibeku Ancient Kingdom have appealed to the Federal Government to release one of their subjects, Nnamdi Kanu. According to the traditional rulers, their appeal was based on the fact that Kanu has the right to express his views in a democratic environment. The Ibeku monarchs who spoke through the chairman of their umbrella union of Ibeku Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Henry Ezekwe, expressed worry that they could lose an illustrious son like Nnmadi Kanu if nothing is done urgently, saying Kanu has not committed any extraordinary offence to warrant his long incarceration and warned that if any harm befalls him, they would react appropriately. The monarch lamented that the clan had lost prominent men in the past such as General Aguiyi Ironsi, saying they would not want to lose Prince Nnamdi Kanu. In their contribution, Eze John Ibezim and Eze Chiabu Emelike urged President Buhari to listen to the demands of the agitators and international best practices on such issues instead of resorting to use of force against them. The traditional rulers called on the President to address issues of marginalization and neglect which are some of the things the pro-Biafra groups are complaining about. I’ll be alive to actualize Biafra —Uwazuruike Leader of MASSOB, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, yesterday, charged members of the movement to remain steadfast and focused in the revolutionary struggle, saying the non-violence method adopted by MASSOB had become a source of worry to the so-called northern socio-cultural group, Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, and the Nigerian military. Uwazuruike insisted that there was no going back in his bid to actualize Biafra now or never, stressing that he is in the struggle for freedom not for any other person but for his own children who he said desire a free country where their lives and property can be guaranteed for security. The MASSOB leader, who spoke through the Deputy National Director for Information, Mazi Chris Mocha, weekend, at a special meeting of Enugu West Senatorial District, in Nachi, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, lamented that since Nigeria got her independence in 1960, it had never guaranteed security of lives and property of Ndigbo, a situation which he claimed persuaded him to seek independence of Biafra. Army warns against felony, threatens to use force The Nigerian Army, yesterday, said that it would not hesitate to use necessary force within its Rules of Engagement, ROE, to suppress any insurrection,if directed by President Buhari . To this effect, it warned agitators for actualisation of Republic of Biafra, saying that it would not fold its hands and watch them endanger the security of the country, Reviewing the Nigerian Army Rules of Engagement at the 81 Division Officers Mess, Victoria Island, the General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Major General Isido Edet, said the Nigerian Army was constitutionally obligated to, among other things, suppress insurrection and act in aid of civil authority to restore order when called upon to do so by the President. He said: “It is in the public domain that certain elements are agitating for seccession. Though they have been counselled by elder statesmen that such exercise is not for the good of Nigerians because we have gone through that lane before. We had a civil war and in some areas we are yet to overcome the consequences of the civil war. For people to start talking about the dismemberment of the country is the most unfortunate thing at this point in time in our country. ‘’The Nigerian Army would like to send an unequivocal warning to all and sundry, more specifically, to all those threatening and agitating for the dismemberment of the country, those committing treasonable felony and arson as well as wanton destruction of lives and property that once the army is deployed, we shall apply ROE to the letter.” He, however, wished that the present situation in the South-East region of the country would not degenerate into a situation whereby the army would be deployed, saying it could lead to the enforcement of its ROE to the fullest. He also warned officers and soldiers not to take sides in any conflict or aid and abet any act of arson, vandalism or unprofessional conduct, threatening that anyone found culpable would face the consequences. Major General Edet also assured Lagosians that there was no cause for alarm over report on the influx of terrorists into the country, disclosing that the 81 division was fully at alert. Edet’s warning to the Biafran agitators was also re-echoed by the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, which in a statement by Army Director of Public Relations,Colonel Hamza Gambo, regretted that activities of MASSOB, IPOB and other affiliate groups have led to an increased sense of insecurity across the regions. Also, the General Officer Commanding the 3rd Division of the Nigerian Army, Hassan Umaru, said at a press conference in Maxwell Kobe Cantonment, Rukuba, Plateau State, yesterday that “the Nigerian Army would like to send an unequivocal warning to all and sundry, more specifically to all those threatening and agitating for the dismemberment of the country, committing treasonable felony and arson as well as wanton destruction of lives and property. “Once deployed, we shall apply the ROE to the latter. It is, however, hoped that such circumstances would not arise that we should be deployed on such operations because, within the ambit of the law, we shall apply the ROE to the fullest,” he said. FG must halt Pro-Biafra agitations —Makinde Former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Rotimi Makinde, however urged the Federal Government to halt the agitations because they are politically motivated. His words: “As a patriotic Nigerian, I condemn in strong terms the potential threat to Nigeria’s unity as a result of the activities of some pro-Biafra groups, which I believe is politically motivated by some treacherous individuals. “Nigerians have put behind them the ugly memories of 1967 to 1970; Nigeria was the theatre of a cruel and bloody civil war that is commonly known as Biafra War. The conflict allegedly originated from internal crisis such as tribalism and political failures of the civil government after the independence, as well from external influences by the ex-colonial powers. The war, which ended with Biafra surrender, confirmed the military as holder of power starting a long period of political dominance in Nigeria history. “Unfortunately, those who are currently behind the protests are youths who have little or no idea of what the war cost Nigerians as well as the collateral damage the country suffered as a result of the 30 months war. Although I believe very strongly that the campaign was being driven by just a few people, though it is true that, majority of the Igbo people do not share this secessionist view. We must restructure Nigeria now —Okorocha To curtail the pro-Biafra protests and other problems in the country, Governor Okorocha called for the immediate restructuring of the country. Okorocha gave the advice, yesterday, in Abuja while delivering a lecture on “Managing Change in a Democracy” during the FRCN 2015 Annual Lecture. He said it was worrisome that since the nation’s independence in 1960, it is still battling with how to coexist as one nation devoid of all the numerous problems of ethnicity and religion. Okorocha, who also spoke of his meeting with leaders of the secessionists MASSOB said Nigeria must wake up from its present position, which he described as a sleeping giant to begin to do things like most other nations of the world who take the issue of their citizens seriously. “There is a major issue that we must address urgently in Nigeria and that is the issue of unity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Today, I must say that the only force holding Nigeria is God because all the qualities and qualifications of nations that have broken, all of them are here and all the characteristics of a broken nation are in Nigeria. Look at the insurgency in the North-East, the crisis in the South and the last election we had, yet we are still together, it means that God is not done with us yet, we must thank God but we must also not take this grace of God for granted. “Our main problem is tribalism and sectionalism, some few months ago when President Jonathan was in power. Some people from the South-South and the Christians said it was their time. Today it is President Buhari and some local Nigerians will say it is the time for northerners and Muslims. No nation can develop in that manner. “When the issue of MASSOB came, they ended their rally in Owerri three days ago in Imo State and it was meant to be the main rally where the catastrophe and destruction will happen. The information came to me that MASSOB was coming to Imo State. With the consent of the President and the Service Chiefs, I said no shooting, give them proper escort. So they were followed with armoured tanks and military vehicles and they went round, prayed at every junction and ended up in Imo State without a drop of blood. “But in the night, my chief of staff told me that he got a call from somebody that the leadership of MASSOB wanted to see me, so I called Mr. President and intimated him and he said I should go ahead and receive them. So by 11 pm MASSOB arrived my house. When they came in you could see people that for a very long time did not care to take their bath and the first stood up to say ‘I am Late Dr. so, so and so, another said ‘I am late Barr. Or Late Chief so, so and so’ and I told them that I don’t communicate with dead people since they have ‘late’ attached to their names. But they told me they have their reasons. “They said that some of them were killed in the North-East and they ran back home, they are not doing anything and most of them are orphans and their children cannot go back to school and nobody cares to listen to them. They also told me that they were part of the Niger Delta that caused the problems there but when they gave them amnesty, they were not given after surrendering their arms. Third, they told me that in Lagos they locked up their shops and the traditional ruler said they should jump into the lagoon. Number four, that they have more than 160 corpses of their members litered all over the country without burial. Number five, they said they want God to hear them. When I asked if it is the reason they want to declare a nation, they said they want everybody to know that the issue that led to Biafra is still there. It is an ill wind that blows nobody any good, sometimes our leaders have a role to play because every unemployed youth in this country is a time bomb.”