Abia State government has again, warned traditional rulers in the state against harbouring criminals in their communities, saying that they would be placed under watch.

The warning was sounded at Government House Umuahia by the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, on Wednesday, while briefing Journalists on the outcome of this week’s executive council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

The State government also cautioned town union leaders to be vigilant and report all cases of suspicious movements involving criminal elements in their areas to security agents.

The Commissioner who disclosed that a popular businessman who was kidnapped in Ukwa East LGA a few weeks ago has been released, said that the State government would be using security agencies to beam light on all traditional rulers, to ascertain those who harbour criminals in their domains.

“As is usual with security matters, I may not want to go into details of what happened to the businessman, but the state government is advising Abians to remain vigilant. Town unions and traditional rulers must be alive to their duties of keeping watch over their domains.

“The state government is frowning seriously at this and the warning is that if you are caught in the act of harbouring criminals, you will be treated as one”, said Kanu.

He advised all commercial vehicle operators who have registered their vehicles in the ongoing registration policy to do so as strict enforcement of the initiative would soon start.

ABUJA: The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC on Thursday said the petition to recall the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has not met the requirements of the constitution.

INEC in a tweet on its ‘X’ handle said; “The petition for the recall of the Senator representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended)”.

The President-General of the Igbo Community Association (ICA), FCT, Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, has disclosed that Nnamdi Kanu remains optimistic about securing his release from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) by April 2025.

Following a visit to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) at the DSS headquarters in Abuja, Ezenekwe issued a statement in which he revealed Kanu’s deep disappointment over the absence of strong Igbo leadership.

He lamented that many prominent figures in the region had failed to advocate for the interests of their people.

Despite spending years in detention, Kanu reportedly appeared healthy, had gained weight, and remained in high spirits. He reaffirmed his confidence in his legal team and expressed hope that the courts would grant him freedom in the coming weeks.

However, Kanu criticized Igbo political leaders for their inaction, stressing that the region was suffering due to a lack of vocal and influential advocates.

He also reflected on the historical neglect of Igbo freedom fighters, citing the case of Ralph Uwazurike, who, despite his initial efforts in the struggle for self-determination, was abandoned by his people during his imprisonment. According to Kanu, such repeated betrayals only serve to weaken the fight for the region’s future.

Ezenekwe further conveyed Kanu’s call for a referendum, describing it as a necessary step toward self-determination.

He maintained that Kanu believes he has committed no crime other than urging his people to awaken and demand their rights.

In his statement, Ezenekwe directly appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to intervene in Kanu’s case. He reminded the president of his past role in the pro-democracy movement and called on him to demonstrate the political will to ensure Kanu’s release, arguing that his prolonged detention symbolizes political repression rather than justice.

The statement reads in part: “At the DSS headquarters in Abuja, I had the honor of visiting Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Our meeting served as a vital reminder of our shared struggle for recognition, justice, and the advancement of Igbo interests.

“During our discussion, Nnamdi Kanu, appearing healthier and more composed, reaffirmed his resilience despite his current circumstances. He expressed deep frustration over the lack of strong Igbo leadership, a void that has allowed the voice of the region to fade at a critical moment.

“He reflected on the abandonment of past freedom fighters, particularly Ralph Uwazurike, and warned that such neglect threatens the collective struggle for self-determination.

“At the peak of our conversation, Kanu passionately reiterated his call for a referendum, emphasizing that this is the only legitimate path forward. He maintained that he has committed no offense other than urging our people to rise from their slumber.

“His unwavering confidence in his legal team and his hope for release by the end of April 2025 stand as a testament to his dedication and fortitude.

“As our meeting drew to a close, I was moved by his resilience. Despite years of incarceration, his spirit remains unbroken. His message to the Igbo community was clear: we must never forsake those who have sacrificed for our liberation.

“In light of this encounter, I issue an earnest appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I call on him to embrace the spirit of democracy and justice that once defined his own struggles and take decisive action to secure the freedom of our brother and hero, Nnamdi Kanu.

“Let this moment serve as a turning point—a renewed commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and future of the Igbo people.”