Politics

Group condemns demolition of Igbo properties by Lagos Agents, seeks UN, ECOWAS intervention

Published

2 months ago

February 15, 2025

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The Association of Igbo Town Unions, ASITU, has condemned in the strongest terms the alleged ongoing, systematic demolition of lawfully acquired properties belonging to Igbo people in Lagos State.

The demolition of trading plazas belonging to Igbo businessmen at Ebute Ero Market in Lagos on Friday, February 14, 2025, by agents of the Lagos State Government amounts to a calculated expropriation of the people from their legitimate businesses.

In a statement issued on Saturday by Chief Emeka Diwe, National President of ASITU, and made available to Ekwutosblog, described the demolition as an assault on justice, equality, and the fundamental principles of property rights.

Diwe said despite repeated appeals for fairness and adherence to the rule of law, the Lagos State Government has continued its brazen campaign of selective demolition, disproportionately targeting Igbo-owned properties under various pretexts.

The statement read: “It must be noted that these buildings and businesses complexes being demolished were never illegally built. They all came into being through the authorization of this same government masterminding their destruction today.

“This anti-Igbo brigandage in Lagos is totally unacceptable and cannot be tolerated anymore, because it is reminiscent of the litany of injustices which our people have had to historically endure in Nigeria.

“Given the failure of domestic institutions in Nigeria to address these grievances and rein in on the ravages levied against our hardworking patriots in Lagos, ASITU has formally petitioned the following international bodies to intervene and hold the Lagos State Government accountable for these atrocious acts:

“The United Nations Human Rights Council, UNHRC – To investigate Lagos State’s actions as a violation of fundamental human rights, including the right to property, non-discrimination, and freedom from targeted dispossession.

“The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, ACHPR – to bring Nigeria to account under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantees the protection of property rights for all citizens without bias.

“The ECOWAS Court of Justice – to seek legal redress for affected individuals whose rights have been violated in contravention of regional human rights standards.

“Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch – to document these abuses and amplify the plight of the Igbo people facing targeted property destruction.

“This is not just a legal battle—it is a fight for justice, dignity, and equal citizenship in a country that belongs to all Nigerians. We demand an immediate end to these discriminatory actions and full accountability from those responsible.

“ASITU, in view of the foregoing, reiterates its call on Ndigbo in the diaspora to embrace the Aku Ruo Ulo investment initiative, which aims at the gradual, seamless and steady repatriation of a portion of their investments to Igboland, so as to unleash the potential of our land and make it the oasis of prosperity in Nigeria.

“The world is watching. The international community will not stand by while an ethnic group is systematically dispossessed under the guise of governance.”

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Politics

Nothing new to reveal – Presidency reacts to US court order on Tinubu’s records

Published

1 hour ago

April 13, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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The Presidency on Sunday, reacted to the United States, US, District Court of Columbia ordering the Federal Bureau of Intelligence, FBI, to reveal President Bola Tinubu’s information.

Tinubu’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga said there was nothing new to reveal about the case.

Onanuga said reports by Agent Moss of the FBI and the DEA have been in the public space for more than 30 years.

Reacting to questions from journalists, Onanuga said the reports did not indict the Nigerian leader.

Ekwutosblog had reported that Judge Beryl Howell gave the order on Tuesday.

The development followed a motion by Aaron Greenspan, an American who is seeking a reconsideration of an earlier ruling.

Howell said protecting the information from public disclosure is “neither logical nor plausible.”

Greenspan had accused the FBI of violating the Freedom of Information Act, FOIA, by failing to release within the statutory time “documents relating to purported federal investigations into” Tinubu and one Abiodun Agbele.

Tinubu was claimed to have forfeited $460,000 to the American government in 1993 after authorities linked the funds to proceeds of narcotics trafficking.

Reacting, Onanuga posted on X: “Journalists have sought the Presidency’s reaction to the ruling last Tuesday by a Washington DC judge ordering the US FBI and DEA to release reports connected with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Our response is as follows:

“There is nothing new to be revealed. The report by Agent Moss of the FBI and the DEA report have been in the public space for more than 30 years.

“The reports did not indict the Nigerian leader. The lawyers are examining the ruling.”

Politics

Gov Nwifuru didn’t sign any agreement to relinquish power in 2027- Ebonyi APC

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2 hours ago

April 13, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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The Ebonyi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress,APC, has said that there was no agreement reached at any point that the State Governor, Francis Nwifuru would relinquish his position in 2027 after serving a single term of four years.

In a statement issued on Sunday, by the state Publicity Secretary of APC, Ogbuatu Chidi Simbad, the Party made it clear that such a claim was false and misleading.

According to Ogbuatu: “Let this be clear: Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru is not leaving after four years. There was no agreement to the contrary, and any such claim is false and misleading”.

POLITICS

Gov Nwifuru didn’t sign any agreement to relinquish power in 2027- Ebonyi APC

Published

April 13, 2025

Casmir Nwankwo

In a statement issued on Sunday, by the state Publicity Secretary of APC, Ogbuatu Chidi Simbad, the Party made it clear that such a claim was false and misleading.

According to Ogbuatu: “Let this be clear: Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru is not leaving after four years. There was no agreement to the contrary, and any such claim is false and misleading”.

“There was never any agreement to stop a man who is fulfilling destiny. Let this be clear: Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru is not leaving after four years. There was no agreement to the contrary, and any such claim is false and misleading”.

“It is a fact that since the creation of Ebonyi State, no governor has ever ruled for just one term. History supports continuity, and today is no different”.

“Now, a few individuals who once watched from the sidelines are trying to distract and confuse the people. But their imagination only reveals the content of their own minds. Ebonyians know better”.

He stressed that the party would not succumb to any intimidation or force from any individual or group.

The APC spokesman said: “the strength of the APC in Ebonyi was not built through intimidation or force. It was built on unity, humility, peace, and most important “Good governance”. The government’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling its promises has earned her the trust and love of the people”.

The Party further commended Governor Nwifuru for his visionary leadership and commitment to good governance in the state.

“It is no longer news that Ebonyi State, under the dynamic leadership of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru is on the right path to greatness. Governor Nwifuru’s led administration is focused on building a stronger, better state, one that is greater than it was met. Governance is a continuum, and this present government is committed to sustaining progressive policies for lasting economic and infrastructural growth, Ogbuatu added.

He noted that the State APC under the chairmanship of Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha has met will aggrieved members during his tour across the 13 Council areas and 171 wards, and assured them of reconciliation, peace and inclusiveness.

Politics

House of Representatives Forms 19-Member Ad-Hoc Committee to Oversee Rivers State Amid Political Crisis

Published

2 hours ago

April 13, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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The Nigerian House of Representatives has established a 19-member ad-hoc committee to oversee the administration of Rivers State following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency.

This decision comes amid a political crisis in the state, primarily driven by a power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

The committee’s formation aligns with the Senate’s resolution to invoke Section 11, Subsection 4 of the Nigerian Constitution, granting the National Assembly authority to set up an oversight body for Rivers State’s governance during the emergency period. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas was sworn in as the sole administrator of the state, effectively sidelining local governance structures.

The House’s action has sparked debate, with some questioning the constitutional process, including claims of insufficient votes and lack of communication with Speaker Tajudeen Abass.