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Rep. Agucha Responds To Planned Peaceful Protest By Group

Published

2 years ago

August 25, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

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…reiterate commitment to constituents, Abia state

By Gloria Ikibah

Member of the House of Representatives, Rep. Obi Aguocha has responded to a planned peaceful protest by a group under the auspices of “Niger Delta Youth Peace Builders”, scheduled to hold in Abuja on September 4th, 2024.

Rep. Aguocha who represents Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia state alleged that the group was being sponsored by “certain individuals defeated in the last general election and vowing to declare the Abia State governorship seat vacant in 2027, whilst fully being in cahoot with an aspirant to the Abia local government election”.

According to the Abia lawmaker, the said Niger Delta group is allegedly being sponsored, all expenses paid, to fly in and host paid agents in posh hotels within Abuja to protest under the guise of lack of constituency projects, accountable representation, and the management of rice palliatives in Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency.

In a statement signed by the Media Team, Rep. Aguocha said he fully respects and recognizes their right to a peaceful assembly of citizens and of expression as enshrined in section 40 of 1999 constitution as amended.

“These rights are fundamental to our democracy. We encourage them to carry out their activities peacefully and in compliance with the extant laws”, he stated.

The lawmaker however expressed concerns on the safety and well-being of all his constituents, regardless of their political persuasion, and urges them to ensure that their protest remains a positive and constructive engagement.

In response to their demands Rep. Aguocha questioned the involvement of a Niger Delta based group in the affairs of his constituency and said it has political undertone.

He also reiterated his commitment to maintaining transparency and accountability and assured to continually provide regular updates to his constituents.

The statement reads further: “However, we would like to take this opportunity to address the concerns raised in their notice;

“Constituency Projects:

Hon. Obi Aguocha has consistently worked hard to secure viable projects, including infrastructure and human capital development opportunities in the Appropriations Act 2024, for our federal constituency. The Appropriation Act is an open source and easily verifiable. This is in line with his avowed campaign promises for projects aimed at improving the lives of our great people.

“These projects will be executed when funds are released by the federal government to contractors for their implementation. However, it is significant to note that projects in the Appropriation Act do undergo rigorous due process, including their award to eligible contractors who have bidded for them. It is also significant to understand that NO government project funding at any level is released to the account of any Honourable Member.

“Accountable Representation:

Accountability has always been at the core of Hon. Aguocha’s public and community service to his constituents. He has sponsored fifteen [15] bills to him name and co-sponsored three [3], including the South East Development Commission Act 2024. These are open and easily verifiable facts on the official website of the House of Representatives.

“He has consistently engaged with his constituents, holding regular meetings, interative radio shows and in other social media platforms listening and attentive to the needs and concerns of his constituents, including his continued bold and courageous demand for the unconditional release of his brother and constituent, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from political detention, among others, in the gap of injustice.

“Management of Rice Palliatives:

As the Honourable Member has repeatedly posited. The distribution of rice and now fertiliser palliatives will be carried out in the thirty-two [32] wards of our federal constituency with utmost care and fairness, ensuring that those most in dire need receive support.

Any allegations of mismanagement are entirely unfounded and are being used by mischief makers as tools of propaganda. We stand by the integrity of the processes we intend to use for the rice and fertiliser distribution. We welcome any genuine concerns or otherwise minded, to be brought forward through appropriate channels for redress”.

Aguocha expressed his unalloyed commit to serving the people of Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency; even as he prayed that the planned protest be conducted peacefully.

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BREAKING: Benue boils again as bandits invade palace, kill monarch ,wife, son three others

Published

5 hours ago

April 24, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

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Bandits have killed a monarch,his wife, his son, and three other residents in a deadly night attack on Olegabulu community in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.

Residents said the attack happened on Thursday night when the armed men, numbering about four and arriving on two motorcycles, stormed the palace of the monarch and opened fire on him and his family members.

According to a resident who requested anonymity, the attackers entered the community without raising suspicion, reportedly exchanging greetings with locals in the native dialect before heading straight to the royal residence. Once inside, they opened fire, killing the traditional ruler, his wife, and his son on the spot.

The attackers were said to have spent about 20 minutes in the community. After the assault on the palace, they reportedly moved to a nearby compound where they killed two additional residents and left another person injured before fleeing the scene.

Eyewitnesses described the incident as coordinated and deceptive, noting that the gunmen initially blended in with residents before launching the attack.

The Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Melvin Ejeh, confirmed the incident, stating that five people were killed and one person sustained injuries.

He added that security operatives, including police personnel, have since visited the scene.

Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer in Benue State, DSP Udeme Edet, said she was yet to receive full details of the attack at the time of filing this report.

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Yahaya Bello to know fate on May 6 as Court adjourns financial infractions case

Published

5 hours ago

April 24, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

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Proceedings in the case involving former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, were on Thursday adjourned till May 6, 2026, by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

At the resumed hearing, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, represented the prosecution, while Bello was represented by his lead counsel, Mr Joseph Daudu.

During proceedings, the prosecution informed the court of the need for more time to respond to applications filed by the defence, while Bello’s legal team urged the court to consider their submissions and move the matter forward.

Justice Nwite, in his ruling, adjourned the case to May 6 to allow all parties to adequately prepare and ensure a fair hearing.

Mr Bello is currently facing charges bordering on alleged financial misappropriation during his tenure as governor, allegations he has repeatedly denied.

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Nigeria set to record largest surge in food insecurity globally in 2026-Reports

Published

5 hours ago

April 24, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

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Nigeria is set to experience one of the highest increases in food insecurity worldwide in 2026, according to the latest Global Report on Food Crises released on April 24, 2026.

The report, compiled by agencies including the Food and Agriculture Organization and World Food Programme, raised fresh concerns over worsening hunger levels driven by insecurity, economic hardship and declining humanitarian funding.

According to FAO findings, about 4.1 million additional Nigerians could fall into acute food insecurity in 2026, placing the country among those with the largest increases globally.

Reacting to the development, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development, Mr Alvaro Lario, said “the crisis is becoming more prolonged and difficult to contain”.

“We are no longer seeing just temporary shocks, but persistent shocks over time,” warning that the situation is placing growing pressure on global stability.

FAO noted that about 266 million people across 47 countries face high levels of acute hunger in 2025, with conditions expected to remain severe into 2026.

In Nigeria, the situation is being worsened by continued insecurity in key farming regions, rising inflation and limited access to food.

According FAO projections, over 34 million Nigerians may experience crisis level hunger between June and August 2026, during the peak of the lean season.

The FAO Country Representative in Nigeria, Mr Hussein Gadain, said the combined impact of armed conflict, climate shocks, high food prices and cuts in global aid funding is pushing more Nigerians into hunger.

The report called for urgent and sustained intervention, warning that without immediate action, millions more could slide into emergency levels of food insecurity in the coming months.