IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

 Joint Nigerian Army, Police troops Neutralize ESN Combatants in Ohafia and Arochukwu axis of Abia.

... Burst hideouts, Recover Artillery Guns

Joint troops of 82 Division Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Police have neutralized 3 combatants of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network (ESN) in a fierce encounter that ensued during a clearance operation in the early hours of Monday 18 September 2023 at Igboro Forest, between Arochukwu and Ohafia Local Government Areas of Abia state. 

The camps were uncovered, after several weeks  of credible surveillance revealed that IPOB/ESN were using the forest as a combat training ground for their members and as a base for planning and launching attacks on targeted civilians, security operatives and government facilities in the state.

 On further exploiting the camp, the gallant troops recovered several weapons and ammunition, amongst others. The Items recovered include One improvised 16 Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) Gun mounted on a vehicle,  One improvised 12 MBRL Gun, One improvised 6 MBRL Gun,  One AK 47 Rifle,  One Dane Gun, 6 locally made Rocket Launchers, four Improvised Explosive Devices, five Fragmental Jackets,  One Baofeng Radio, Military Camouflage Uniforms and several assorted charms. 

In a similar development that also took place in the early hours of today, 18 September 2023,  same troops of 82 Division NA in synergy with the Nigerian Police Force, acting on credible intelligence busted IPOB/ESN hideout at Ezioha Mgbowo in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu state. 

ONYEMA NWACHUKWU

Brigadier General

Director Army Public Relations

18 September 2023

In a robust operation aimed at curbing the enforcement of the unlawful sit-at-home order declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), combined troops from the 82 Division Nigerian Army, sister security services, Nigeria Police and other security agencies have successfully raided and destroyed hideouts and training camps of the IPOB/ESN in the Orsomoghu forest which spans across Anambra and Imo States.

This operation, executed on Monday 31 July 2023, was prompted by alerts of the group’s disruptive activities in several regions including Onitsha, Nnewi, and Iheme Obosi in Anambra State, as well as the New Market in Enugu state. Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu in a statement on Tuesday disclosed that during the operation, troops cleared Ekeututu, Orsomoghu, Lilu, and Mother Valley camps, belonging to the separatist group. Encounters with armed fighters from the group led to exchanges of fire.

Despite the group’s deployment of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and locally fabricated mortar tubes, the valiant troops overcame the resistance, causing the militants to flee their positions with gunshot wounds. The subsequent search operation by the troops led to the arrest of five fleeing group members and the recovery of an IPOB flag, a CCTV camera, two detonated IED bombs, and a fabricated mortar tube. Unfortunately, five soldiers and two Nigeria Police operatives sustained various degrees of injuries from the IEDs detonated by the criminals.

The Nigerian Army urged all law-abiding citizens of the South East to continue their normal daily activities and businesses, disregarding the unlawful two-week sit-at-home order. They also encouraged citizens to support ongoing operations with actionable information. The Army, in synergy with sister services and security agencies, vows to persistently protect and safeguard lives and property within the framework of the law.

The House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee probing employment racketeering and gross mismanagement of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) by agencies of the Federal Government has directed that directed that the Nigerian Army, Navy, Airforce and the Police as well the intelligence agencies, among others, to appear before it on Wednesday. Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, who handed down the directive during a hearing of the Ad hoc Committee on Tuesday expressed displeasure over their absence even though they were duly invited. 

According to Hon. Gagdi "Let me say this to all agencies we have invited, I think we need to read their names clearly here. They are the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, the Nigerian Communication Commission, the Nigerian Post Services, the Nigerian frequency management Council, Galaxy backbone, National Identity management Commission, Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Fire Service, Nigerian Police Force, Defence Intelligence Agency, State Security Service, national Intelligence Agency, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Airforce, Nigerian Navy must appear tomorrow since they have failed to appear today. This is the ruling of the committee,"

Also appearing at the hearing, the Accountant General of the Federation has said her office is working hard to fish out ghost workers who existed in the system before the introduction of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). She also denied allegations that her office was engaging in the enrolment of ghost workers for personal gains as her office was working hard to address problems with the IPPIS.

According to her “As of today we have 640 MDAs registered on the IPPIS, enrolled on the IPPIS, because there are some that are not on the IPPIS like all the security agencies, federal government owned enterprises that generate revenue, they are not on IPPIS. Then self-funding agencies are not on IPPIS. Some parastatals that have different arrangements for the payment of their salaries like those that are receiving first line transfers like the National Assembly are not on the IPPIS and so many others like that. So if we put the number of those outside IPPIS, it may get to over 900. Except if an Act of the National Assembly makes it compulsory that all government agencies must be on IPPIS.”

In a related development, Director of the IPPIS, Emma Deko, accused some universities of sending more names than required to be captured on the system.

West Africa’s regional bloc on Wednesday said a military intervention in junta-ruled Niger was “the last resort” as Nigeria cut electricity supplies to intensify pressure on the country’s coup leaders. As ex-colonial power France sent in a fifth plane to evacuate its citizens, coup leader General Abdourahamane Tiani insisted they had no reason to quit the country.

Joining the departures, the United States ordered a partial evacuation of its embassy in Niamey. West African military chiefs were meeting in Nigeria’s capital Abuja to frame a response while a delegation was in Niger for negotiations, a week after the coup that shook the fragile nation.

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) leaders on Sunday imposed trade and financial sanctions, giving the coup leaders a week to reinstate Niger’s democratically elected president or face the possible use of force. “(The) military option is the very last option on the table, the last resort, but we have to prepare for the eventuality,” said Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS commissioner for political affairs, peace and security.

An ECOWAS team headed by former Nigerian leader Abdulsalami Abubakar was in Niger for talks, he added at the start of a three-day meeting of the grouping’s military chiefs in Abuja. West Africa’s pre-eminent military and economic power Nigeria, the current chair of ECOWAS, has vowed a firm line against coups that have proliferated across the region since 2020.

A source in Niger’s power company, Nigelec, said Nigeria had cut electricity to its neighbour as a result of the sanctions.

Niger, one of the world’s poorest countries, depends on Nigeria for 70 percent of its power. Junta-ruled Mali and Burkina Faso have warned any military intervention in their neighbour would be tantamount to a “declaration of war” against them.

A ministerial nominee from Kwara State, Lateef Fagbemi, says the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) cannot continue to disobey court orders. The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who spoke on Wednesday when he was screened by the Senate in Abuja, pledged to work with the National Assembly and the judiciary “on certain parameters” if appointed the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice by President Bola Tinubu.

Fielding questions from the lawmakers on disobedience to court orders by federal agencies, Fagbemi, who was accompanied to the screening exercise by over 10 senior advocates, said the DSS and the EFCC should conduct investigation before arrest and not arrest before investigation. He said, “The major areas where we have these disobedience of court orders, with main respect, are between these agencies. My advice will be that in matters of law, the AGF should be involved.

“DSS cannot be an island onto itself. EFCC cannot continue to behave as if there is no law. There is law and if you want to do investigation, you do investigation before inviting the accused person. It is not a question of inviting him and say you have caught a big fish and at the end of the day you say you are investigating.”

On his reaction if a President flouts court orders, the senior lawyer said, “I think with respect, you will not find the President flouting any order because the Attorney General will be made a party to.” “The mere fact an order is made does not mean that you should obey it immediately. You’ll think about it, do I appeal? If I am not appealing what do I do next? If I am not appealing, of course, I cannot subject the order of court to any order of validity.

“By Section 287, it has to be obeyed, not only by the government but by every authority and persons in Nigeria,” he said.

President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, met with the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the service chiefs at the State House in Abuja. In attendance at the meeting include the Chief of Defence Staff, Maj. Gen. C.G Musa; the Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen T. A Lagbaja; the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral E. A Ogalla; and the Chief of Air Staff, AVM H.B Abubakar.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun was also present at the security meeting. The meeting was not unconnected to the worrisome security situation in the country. Monday’s meeting is the President’s first formal engagement with the NSA and the service chiefs since their appointment on June 19, 2023.

Monday’s engagement followed Tinubu’s return to base in Abuja on Sunday after a string of Sallah activities in Lagos last week. The President had on June 19 removed all the service chiefs he met in office exactly three weeks after his inauguration and appointed new ones whom he directed to resume with immediate effect.

The move by the President followed persistent calls by civil society organisations that the security architecture be rejigged and fresh hands allowed to handle the nation’s security apparatus.

Plans to commence the defence by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the Presidential Election Petitions Court (PEPC) on Monday recorded a setback due to the absence of its first witness.

INEC, which is the first respondent in the petition by the Labour Party and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, was scheduled to open its defence today. The petitioners are challenging the emergence of President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the February 25 election.

At the resumed hearing, counsel to INEC, Abubakar Mahmoud, told the court that he planned to call three witnesses within three days, but the one slated for the day’s hearing was unavailable due to some domestic issues. He subsequently applied for an adjournment till Tuesday to enable the witness to attend court. Counsel to other parties did not object to the request by INEC’s counsel.

The Chairmen of the panel, Justice Haruna Tsammani, subsequently adjourned till 9 am on Tuesday for the hearing. INEC is also expected to open its defence at 2 pm in the petition by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.q

By Chiamaka Ibeh, Abuja.

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has said that any political party in Imo state having dealings with Emeka Ihedioha as regards Governorship come 2023 will face the consequences as they are taking record of those colluding with Malami, Hope Uzodinma, Emeka Ihedioha and others who are joining with the Nigerian Government to continue the illegal detention of their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

This is coming on the heels of military invasion of Amangwu Ohafia community in hunt of hoodlums who had allegedly taken control of the area.

"There were allegations that the hoodlums in the community were members of ESN.

The pro-Biafra movement in a press statement by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, dissociated IPOB from any group operating any camp in the affected areas.

”ESN has no camp at Okigwe in Imo State and Amangwu Ohafia LGA Abia State”, the statement said.

Continuing, the statement said:”Since ESN was formed and up to now, we have never had any camp at Okigwe and Amangwu Ohafia. Any group operating from any camp within Okigwe and Amangwu Ohafia axis are not ESN operative.

“Therefore, let nobody associate IPOB and ESN with the actions and activities of any criminal gangs in any camp at Okigwe and Amangwu Ohafia LGA.

“IPOB leadership knows all the ESN camps and ESN is secure in their various camps and locations within Biafra territories.

”Those relocating from Orsumoghu forest to Okigwe bushes are state sponsored gangs who are part of the insecurity going on in our region.”

It warned those impersonating ESN to retrace their steps or brace up for difficult times.

“Those impersonating IPOB and ESN operatives and committing crimes should stop or be ready to pay a heavy price.

Those criminal gangs who are kidnapping and snatching cars are our enemies who are frustrating Biafra restoration.”

IPOB said that its major concern was how to secure release for its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu; and ultimately restore peace in the South East.

“What we want is peace in Biafra Region and the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu whom the courts and UN working group have ordered for his immediate unconditional release because he has been discharged and acquitted of all charges against him.”

IPOB renewed its call for the immediate and unconditional release of Kanu who it said had been discharged and acquitted of all counts of terrorism charge preferred against him by the Federal Government.

“Nigeria Government should release him without further day because this case will destroy Nigeria the more they continue to detain him.”

IPOB said it had taken note of some Igbo political elite conniving with the Federal Government to keep Kanu in perpetual custody

“We are taking record of those colluding with Malami, Hope Uzodinma, Emeka Ihedioha and others who are joining with the Nigeria Government to continue the illagal detention of our leader Mazi Nnamdi KANU.

“Anybody or party hoping to use Emeka Ihedioha as flag bearer is hitting the rock. We know our enemies and we are going to face them head on.

”Anybody who dinned with Nigeria Government to detain Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will be exposed and nobody will take you as human. 

Meanwhile, Ihedioha is currently in Imo state to perfect his manipulation as the chairman of Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Council in the state as according to close source of the Mbutu Mbaise politician disclosed that the Sunday, 13th November Imo PDP stakeholders meeting was convened to formally adopt him as the chairman of the Campaign Council in the state. 

Political pundits in the state had argued why a man nursing for Governorship alongside other Imo PDP guber aspirants will be desperate to head the presidential campaign council. 

Others are of the view that there are several qualified and competent leaders in the party that can head the Campaign Council and not Ihedioha. 

It is gathered that from the purported list sent to the National Executive Committee as members of the Campaign Council List from Imo state, Ihedioha's name was captured as the chairman while his deputy in his short-lived seven months administration, Gerald Irona emerged as deputy chairman, to other critical stakeholders of the party, " such desperation will no longer be tolerated" as the party do not belong to any Individual.

…Fixes Nov 15 for hearing.....

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to respond to a fresh suit that is seeking to disqualify the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu, over alleged breach of section 90(3) of the Electoral Act.

The court, in a ruling that was delivered by Justice Ahmed Mohammed, equally granted leave to the plaintiff, Incorporated Trustees of Kingdom Human Rights Foundation International, to apply for an order of mandamus against the INEC boss, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

It ordered the INEC Chairman, the APC and Tinubu, who were all cited as 1st to 3rd defendants in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1960/2022, to file their defence before November 15, when it adjourned the matter to, for hearing.

Specifically, the plaintiff, through its team of lawyers led by Mr. Jideobi Johnmary, is praying the court for; “A declaration that having regard to the clear, unambiguous and express provisions, sprit and tenor of Section 90 (3) read alongside section 84 (13) of the Electoral Act 2022, the 1st defendant, has deliberately refused to exercise the powers, mandate and statutory duty/obligation bestowed on him in section 84 (13) of the Electoral Act 2022.

“To immediately exclude, expunge and remove the 3rd defendant’s name Bola Ahmed Tinubu from the final list of presidential candidates contesting the 2023 presidential election for failure of the 2nd Defendant to comply with the mandatory provisions of section 90 (3) of the Electoral Act 2022.

“A declaration that by operation of law and having regard to the clear, unambiguous and express provisions, sprit and tenor of Section 90 (3) read alongside section 84 (13) of the Electoral Act 2022, the 3rd defendant Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is not a candidate for the 2023 Presidential election.

“He is automatically excluded, expunged, and removed from participating in the 2023 presidential election for failure of the 2nd Defendant to comply with the mandatory provisions of section 90 (3) of the Electoral Act 2022 in nominating the 3rd defendant as its presidential candidate.

“An order of mandamus directing and compelling 1st defendant to exercise the powers, mandate and statutory duty/ obligation bestowed on him in section 84 (13) of the Electoral Act 2022, to immediately exclude, expunge and remove the 3rd Defendant’s name Bola Ahmed Tinubu from the final list of presidential candidates contesting the 2023 presidential election for failure of the 2nd Defendant to comply with the mandatory provisions of section 90 (3) of the Electoral Act 2022 in nominating the 3rd defendant as its presidential candidate”.

As well as, “An order nullifying and setting aside as illegal, null and void, the nomination of the 3rd defendant as the presidential candidate of the 2nd defendant for failure of the 2nd defendant to comply with the mandatory provisions of section 90 (3) of the Electoral Act 2022”.

On grounds upon which it instituted the action, the plaintiff argued that by the provision of section 90 (3) of the 2022 Electoral Act, no political party in Nigeria is allowed to receive any contribution, of cash or kind, exceeding N50million, without showing the source of the contribution to INEC.

“The APC advertised for contributions and its members (by way of payment for forms) into its accounts by various members desiring to contest for various elections under its platform.

“The 3rd defendant picked his form through his supporters led by James Faleke, Dayo Adeyeye and Babachir Lawal and he paid 100m cheque/bank draft to the 2nd defendant.

“The APC did receive N100m from aspirants for the office of President, and has proceeded to send to INEC, the name of one of the aspirants who paid the said N100m as its candidate for the election, without a submission verifying the source of the N100 million it received from the aspirant to INEC.

“The 2nd Defendant failed to comply with the mandatory provisions of section 90 (3) of the Electoral Act 2022 in nominating the 3rd defendant as its presidential candidate for the 2023 presidential election.

“INEC is bound by s.84(13) of the electoral act to exclude APC and the candidate it submitted for failure to comply with section 90 (3)”, the plaintiff averred, adding that it resorted to the court action after INEC failed to act on its petition.

“Nigeria’s democracy is under serious of threat by corrupt activities of politicians elected to serve the people in various positions and the ongoing fight against corruption will not succeed unless citizens and civil society organizations support the government in the fight against corruption through a public interest suit of this nature.

“This application is in the overall public interest to promote good governance, public accountability, constitutional democracy and rule of law in nomination of candidate to contest the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which is a public office”, it added.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday charged the Inspector General of Police to sustain a leadership standard that will guarantee a level playing field, and secure public space for the citizens to freely exercise their franchise for the outcome of the 2023 elections to be a true reflection of the people's choices.

He made a charge at the opening ceremony of the conference and retreat for senior police officers, in Owerri, Imo State capital.

Buhari said elections are local, and it is only when the votes really count that the faith of the citizens in the democratic process can be demonstrated and government legitimacy assured.

According to him, "This can best be guaranteed through a well-policed election and security operations that is impartial, firm, and professional. This is what, on this day and this occasion, I charge the Nigeria Police Force to deliver to the nation during the 2023 General Elections.

"I, therefore, task the Inspector General of Police to sustain his leadership standards that will guarantee a level playing field and secure public space for the citizens to freely exercise their franchise and for the outcome of the elections to be a true reflection of the people's choices. I offer my full assurance of support and encouragement in this process.

"I am fully aware of all steps being taken by the Inspector General of Police to adequately prepare personnel of the Force for the General Elections including the recently concluded geo-political election security management workshop as well as the ongoing Operational Plans ahead of the exercise.

"I expect that the Force will maximize the opportunity of this Conference and Retreat to achieve two critical goals. First, to review the current and evolving internal security threats as they may impact a peaceful and successful election. Second, to perfect operational plans that will guarantee a credible outcome in the 2023 General Elections.

At the conference, Buhari said the retreat will enable us to discuss issues relating to the role and capacity of the Nigeria Police, being the lead agency in the electoral and internal security process, towards ensuring a peaceful, secure, free, fair, and credible 2023 General Elections.

Buhari further said the event will also provide a unique opportunity to brainstorm on pathways to guaranteeing a stable internal security space in the countdown to the electoral transition exercise.

The United States-based Special Counsel to the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Bruce Fein, has petitioned the US Senate and House of Representatives Committee Chairmen, seeking sanctions against President Muhammadu Buhari; and the Attorney General of Nigeria, Abubakar Malami.

Naija News gathered that Fein is seeking sanction for the duo for the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu despite an Appeal Court judgement ordering the release of the IPOB leader.

The letter was captioned: “RE: Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act: Recommending President Joe Biden to impose sanctions against Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigerian Attorney General Abubakar Malami for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights against Biafran leader Nnamdi Kanu, including kidnapping, torture, and prolonged arbitrary detention to retaliate for exercising internationally recognized rights to freedom of expression and association.”

The IPOB leader’s lawyer asked the legislature to prevail on US President Joe Biden to impose severe sanctions on Buhari and Malami for flouting both the United Nations Human Rights Council Working Group on Arbitrary Detention Opinion, and the Nigerian appeal court judgement ordering immediate release of Kanu.

While liken Buhari and Malami to Russian President Vladimir Putin; Chinese President Xi Jinping; and Saudi Arabian Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman, the lawyer urged Congress not to allow them get away with their rascality and lawlessness.

He addressed the letter to Robert Menendez, Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Relations; Jim Risch, Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Foreign Relations; and Richard Durbin, Senate Committee Chairman on the Judiciary.

Others are Chuck Grassley, Ranking Member, Senate Committee on the Judiciary; Pat Leahy, Senate Committee Chairman on Appropriations, Richard Shelby Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Appropriations; and Honourable Sherrod Brown, House Committee Chairman on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

The letter was also addressed to Pat Toomey Ranking Member, Senate Committee Chairman on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Gregory Meeks, House Committee Chairman on Foreign Relations, among others.

By Barr Kingsley Anokwute (Basa)

It is very worrisome, suspicious and unethical for the leadership of PDP in Imo State under Chief Charles Ugwuh to defend Emeka Ihedioha in serious issues bordering on Corruption, Letter to Attorney General of the Federation over Mazi Nnamdi Keanu’s release and threat to sustain the insecurity in the state respectively.

In a well structured political party, members of the Working Committee try to be neutral and only interested in matters affecting the party rather than, individual.

We should understand that Emeka Ihedioha is an ordinary member of the party the same way others are, and if the Charles Ugwuh’s led SWC is speaking for Emeka Ihedioha,  that means that they have taken side with an aspirant, contrary to the constitution of PDP.

When one Ikenga Ugochinyere insulted the National Secretary of PDP, what did the Charles Ugwuh’s led SWC do to caution him?  Has Ugwuh led Imo PDP ever issued any press release condemning the myriads of unprovoked media attacks against the National Secretary of the party before, during and after the party’s primaries? The answer is NO!

What of the attacks against Elezianya, Okwulonu, Onyeriri, Ozuruigbo by some party members and outsiders, what did Ugwuh led SWC do to protect the party’s candidates having suddenly resorted to speaking for Ihedioha?

Also, the same state working committee speaking for Emeka Ihedioha today spoke against the National Secretary of the party when issues of payment of backlog of salaries was made open. 

The question is, what is more special about an ordinary member of PDP like Ihedioha than a man occupying the second most powerful position in PDP?

The question from Analysts is;  is Ugwuh led SWC the Governorship Campaign Council of Emeka Ihedioha, speaking on his behalf or an unbiased party officers responsible for the party and its members?

A cursory look at Ihedioha reveals that he neither occupies any office in PDP nor more PDP than others to warrant the leadership of the party under Charles Ugwuh to speak as his personal media handlers.

No doubt, Emeka Ihedioha has a Media Aide, Chibuike Onyeukwu and other new media handlers, but it therefore smacks of ignorance and administrative ineptitude for a formidable party like PDP under Chief Ugwuh to continue to embarrass themselves by speaking on behalf of an individual while leaving other party activities in abeyance.

Retrospectively, some bigwigs of PDP in the state before and currently, Mike Ahamba (SAN), Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Senator Chris Anyanwu, Chief Achike Udenwa, Ikedi Ohakim, Ada Okwuonu and Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu etc, have had one issue or the other in the past without the leadership of PDP in the state speaking for them. They spoke for themselves as individuals.

But in the case of Ihedioha, Charles Ugwuh and his inexperienced State Working Committee are busy issuing counter press releases when the accused person, Ihedioha has not come out to say yes or no to the allegations.

It therefore becomes a deliberate mischief making and lack of understanding or mastery of their functions as a party, for Chief Ugwuh and his colleagues to be interested in personal issues concerning Emeka Ihedioha when the later has recruited staff to speak for him.

Recently, the National Chairman of PDP, Senator Iyorchia Ayu was accused of collecting N1 billion and N100 million respectively by the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, the National Chairman did not asked the party’s National Publicity Secretary to speak for him, rather he allowed his Media Adviser to speak for him.

This shows that Iyorchia Ayu understands the workings of the party, and that PDP is different from him, while Chief Ugwuh does not understand the separation between PDP and Ihedioha or other members.

A matter of serious concern like threat to sustain the ongoing killings in the state, siphoning of a whooping sum of over N19.5 billion and call for the continued detention of Mazi Kanu by Emeka Ihedioha should not be swept under the carpet. Ugwuh at his level in life, should have known that Ihedioha is different from PDP, and so, the party cannot Speaker for him.

Charles Ugwuh and his cohorts should have allowed the security agents or agencies to do their job and also allow Ihedioha to speak for himself before dabbling into the mater.

For dragging the party into a personal issues affecting an individual as Ihedioha is an indication that Ugwuh and his executive do not know the reason why they were elected. It therefore shows that Ugwuh and cohorts are only acting a script of one man while holding power on trust for PDP members in Imo state.

Ugwuh’s led Imo PDP is a big disgrace to our modern day politicking. He should allow Ihedioha’s media handlers to do their works rather than trying to show that he is a good “boy” to Ihedioha.