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Igbo Apex Body Lobbies Tinubu, NASS for Anioma State

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Ekwutosblog has gathered that as the prominent apex socio-cultural organization representing the Igbo Nation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo is pleased to announce the initiation of deliberate and constructive consultative meetings with pivotal stakeholders and leaders across Nigeria, following our initial engagements over the past weekend. Our unequivocal aim is to advocate for the creation of Anioma State, an initiative steeped in historical significance, economic potential, and the overarching goal of unity within the Igbo community.

The choice to pursue the creation of Anioma State has been made after profound and selfless contemplation, reflecting on the sacrifices and patriotism exhibited by the Anioma people during the Nigeria-Biafra War. The necessity of unifying the Igbo Nation cannot be overstated; indeed, it transcends the self-serving agendas often perpetuated by political elites, who have been notably unsettled by the widespread endorsement of the Anioma State Movement by various Igbo constituents and stakeholders.

Our commitment to the creation of Anioma State is firmly rooted in the Igbo belief that the collective interests of our people far outweigh any individual aspirations. This united front is essential for our continued progress and representation in the geopolitical sphere of Nigeria.

To bring clarity to our campaign, we must highlight that on September 28, 2023, Ohanaeze Ndigbo constituted a dedicated seven-member ad-hoc committee on State Creation, led by the distinguished Professor Chibuikeya Achokawa. This committee has meticulously reviewed the previous recommendations regarding state creation, particularly the proposal for Aba State, which was articulated in 2017. The findings of this review underscored the reasons behind the earlier unimplemented recommendations, linked primarily to the oversight in presenting the Aba State proposal to former President Muhammadu Buhari—a leader who was amenable to granting the Southeast an additional state to equalize our representation with that of the South-South, Southwest, North Central, and Northeast zones within Nigeria’s federal framework.

It is with great regret that we acknowledge how erstwhile political maneuverings within our ranks have impeded our progress. The miscalculations by former President General Nnia Nwodo, which favored the clandestine interests of a select cabal, resulted in the significant setback of losing the opportunity for Aba State. However, with the current momentum behind the creation of Anioma State, we remain hopeful that this path will ultimately lead us back to a conversation about Aba State in the future.

For the record, Professor Achokawa’s committee has engaged in a year-long process of study, dialogue, and consultation. On November 25, 2024, they presented a well-researched report recommending the establishment of two additional states for the Southeast—Anioma State being the foremost priority, followed closely by Aba State. We now look to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lend his support and endorsement to this significant endeavor.

Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, confirmed that our organization has commenced consultations with influential leaders and supporters of President Tinubu from the Southwest, aimed at building a coalition to advocate for the creation of two additional states for the Southeast, alongside proposals for one new state for each of the other geopolitical zones. This lobbying effort began on November 7, 2024, and will extend through a series of engagements with the Presidency, the 10th National Assembly, and key traditional and political leaders across various regions, concluding our nationwide consultations by December 31, 2024.

We wish to impart a firm warning to any political elites who may seek to hinder our resolve or sow discord within our ranks. The move to adopt Anioma State is both necessary and irreversible, and we urge those in opposition—who are in the minority—not to stand in the way of progress for the greater good of the Igbo Nation. This initiative is predicated on merit and the collective aspirations of our constituents, free from the taint of personal considerations.

As we embark on this path towards greater representation and unity, we encourage all Igbo stakeholders to lend their voices and support. Let us stand together, as one, in the pursuit of our shared destiny.

SIGNED:

MAZI OKECHUKWU ISIGUZORO
SECRETARY GENERAL
OHANAEZE NDIGBO

PROF. CHIBUIKEYA ACHOKAWA
CHAIRMAN
OHANAEZE COMMITTEE ON STATE CREATION

CHIEF ALEXANDER OKEMIRI
SECRETARY
OHANAEZE COMMITTEE ON STATE CREATION

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Putin Hails Trump On Inauguration As US President For Second Time, Says Russia Willing To End War

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Russia President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Donald Trump as he is being inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States.

Putin on Monday, 20th of January 2025 revealed he was open to dialogue with the new U.S. administration on Ukraine and nuclear arms. He also indicated that Moscow was ready to discuss nuclear arms control and wider security issues.

In a video broadcast, Putin noted that he was interested in a long-lasting peace in Ukraine rather than a short-term ceasefire with the country.

He made the comments during the Russia’s Security Council meeting that was shown on state TV. According to him, “We see the statements by the newly elected president of the United States and members of his team about the desire to restore direct contacts with Russia,” said Putin.

“We also hear his statement about the need to do everything possible to prevent World War Three. We of course welcome this attitude and congratulate the elected president of the United States of America on taking office. “As for the resolution of the situation (in Ukraine) itself, I would like to emphasise that the goal should not be a brief ceasefire, not some kind of period of respite that would allow a regrouping and rearmament of forces, but a long-term peace based on respect for the legitimate interests of all people and all peoples who live in the region.”

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Court remands suspect over alleged assassination attempt on Lokpobiri

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Yenagoa—A Magistrate’s Court sitting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has ordered the remand of a 35-year-old man, Susaine Morgan, over an alleged assassination attempt on the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri on new year day.

The suspect is also facing charges of unlawful possession of two assault rifles (AK-47).
He was reportedly apprehended at the minister’s residence in Ekeremor town, Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The remand warrant, issued by the state Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, and filed by Police Prosecutor, Stella Jerry-Friday, was approved to allow the suspect’s detention for 30 days at Okaka prison.

This is to enable the investigating team of the police to track and arrest six others now at large.
The charge sheet read: “The defendant was arrested on January 1, 2025, at Senator Lokpobiri’s residence for conspiring with others to commit armed robbery, attempted kidnapping, and for being in possession of two AK-47 rifles.”

The police prosecutor explained that the request for suspect remand was necessary due to the limited power of the police to detain the suspect without a court order.

“The suspect’s detention will prevent interference with the ongoing investigation, especially as six other suspects remain at large,” a police source said.

According to security report, seven of the suspects gained access into the residence of the minister by mingling with the crowd of visitors who came to pay homage.

But information got to the military personnel stationed at the residence of the presence of armed persons among the visitors.

“Due to the large crowd, the soldiers could not open fire but ordered everyone to lie down. It was only the arrested suspect, who was with the bag conveying the weapon, that got arrested. Others mingled with the crowd and escaped,” the source stated.

The other suspects reportedly fired shots as they fled the community, attacked a filling station and carted away N400,000.

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42 Executive Orders By Trump On the First Day

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Here is the list of all 42 Executive Orders, Memoranda, and Proclamations Signed by President Donald Trump

1.Declaring a National Emergency at the Southern Border

2.Designating Mexican Drug Cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations

3.Reinstating the ‘Remain in Mexico’ Policy
4.Ending Birthright Citizenship for Children of Illegal Immigrants

5.Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism

6.Eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Programs in Federal Agencies

7.Withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement

8.Declaring a National Energy Emergency

9.Reversing Electric Vehicle Mandates

10.Implementing ‘Schedule F’ for Federal Employees

11.Relocating U.S. Space Command Headquarters to Alabama

12.Pardoning Individuals Convicted in Relation to January 6 Events

13.Halting Federal Funding for Abortion Services

14.Suspending Security Clearances for Officials Linked to Hunter Biden Scandal

15.Establishing a Federal Bitcoin Reserve

16.Releasing Classified Documents on JFK, RFK, and MLK Assassinations

17.Reversing AI Regulation Policies

18.Imposing Tariffs on Imports from China, Mexico, and Canada

19.Reinstating the Ban on Transgender Military Service

20.Prohibiting Transgender Women from Participating in Women’s Sports

21.Halting Government Offshore Wind Leases

22.Renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America

23.Reverting Mount Denali to Mount McKinley

24.Freezing Federal Workforce Hiring

25.Easing Regulations on Oil and Gas Production

26.Pausing Congress’ TikTok Ban to Seek a U.S. Buyer

27.Reversing Biden-Era Immigration Policies

28.Pulling Out of the World Health
organisations

29.Eliminating Federal Funding for DEI Programs

30.Establishing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)

31.Reinstating the ‘Muslim Ban

32.Ending Birthright Citizenship

33.Reforming the Criminal Justice System

34.Banning Critical Race Theory in Federal Agencies

35.Demanding Increased NATO Contributions

36.Confronting China on Trade Practices

37.Ending the War in Ukraine

38.Supporting Law Enforcement

39.Promoting School Choice

40.Restricting Refugee Admissions

41.Increasing Federal Focus on Fentanyl Trafficking

42.Launching a National Infrastructure Plan.

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