News
Again army storm another Delta community, nab 10, recover ammunition
People of Olota community in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, have decried Nigerian Army invasion of their community.
It was gathered that the soldiers, in a search operation over the killing of 17 military personnel at Okuama storm Olota community in search for arms and suspects on Thursday.
Olota, an Urhobo community is said to be 50km away from the Okuama community where irate youths murdered 17 military personnel on March 14.
In the ongoing search for suspects involved in the killing of 17 soldiers and alleged snatching of military arms in Okuama, neighbouring Olota had suffered invasion by soldiers, who allegedly left one Joseph Willie dead.
In the latest development, soldiers were said to have invaded Olota again, burning two houses and destroying another, before taking away the community Chairman, Matthew Olokpa, and no fewer than nine others..
The President-General of Olota, Prosper Evuarherhe, could not be reached for comment as of the time of filing this report, but a resident who witnessed the incident said, “As of this moment, soldiers have invaded Olota again.
“Soldiers reentered Olota in three gunboats this (Thursday) morning. They have held the Chairman, Matthew Olokpa; Bigi Edjekpewhu, German Obiokute, Kenneth Okorodudu Atua, and others.
“Gunshots roared in Olota. We ask those in authority to intervene and tell the soldiers to leave Olota in peace. They have left with those apprehended, no fewer than 10 persons. They burnt two houses and destroyed one.
“They also left with some boats belonging to residents. The community chairman was beaten to a stupor before they moved him with the others, along with a 75-engine boat belonging to Kenneth. This latest crisis may not be connected with Okuama.”
However, according to a post by the Nigerian Army on its X handle on Thursday night, the service said an armoury containing a significant cache of arms and ammunition was uncovered at the residence of a gun runner in Olota community.
The Army said the armoury was concealed in the residence of one Mr. Kenneth.
The post read, “In a successful operation to eradicate illegal weapons in the South-South region, Nigerian Army troops have uncovered an armoury containing a significant cache of arms and ammunition at the residence of a gun runner in Olota community and adjoining communities of Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State.
“Responding to actionable intelligence, the troops raided the identified armoury concealed in the residence of one Mr Kenneth, a notorious gun runner in the said community.
“A search of the armoury yielded one G3 rifle, 853 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, and 19 rounds of 7.62mm special. The operation further extended to other adjoining locations within the community, resulting in the discovery of four G3 rifles and magazines, one Pump Action Semi Automatic Gun, three Sub-Machine Guns and magazines, as well as 476 live cartridges.
“Additionally, the troops recovered five locally fabricated guns, a large plastic bag containing a substance suspected to be cannabis sativa and two speed boats with 75 horsepower outboard engines The troops also apprehended three suspects during the operation.
“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in sanitising and mopping up illicit munitions in possession of criminal elements in the region, as it works tirelessly to maintain peace and security for all law-abiding citizens.”
News
2025 Budget is ambitious, growth sustaining -Prof Nnamchi
Professor Paul Sunday Nnamchi, a federal lawmaker, has praised the 2025 national budget proposal, calling it ambitious and growth-sustaining.
He believed that the budget was aimed at reassessing the government’s transformation agenda, its impact on the production and the overall economy in addition to making sure that the government’s monetary and fiscal policies were in tandem.
The proposed budget according to him, “is expected to bring down interest rates, support investments, promote production, and sustain growth and reduce inflation. He stressed.
Professor Nnamchi also acknowledged the progress made in security, particularly in the Niger Delta region, which has contributed to the increase in oil production from 1.2 barrels a day to 1.8 barrels a day.
Key highlights of the budget proposal include: A significant allocation to security, which Professor Nnamchi observed that it was crucial for addressing food security concerns and reducing the cost of staple foods.
“Increase in oil production and agriculture due to improved security situation in the troubled areas will raise our GDP significantly, which could bring down inflation from 39% to 15 % going by medium term expenditure frameworks”
He noted stressing that the budget outlined proposed measures that would also support investments, promote production, and sustain growth while reducing inflation.
Such measures, he stated includes investments in infrastructure development, which were expected to stimulate economic growth and attract foreign direct investments.
“While ambitious, this budget is grounded in sound economic principles, and its successful implementation will depend on our collective resolve as representatives of the people to ensure that every naira allocated serves its purpose and delivers tangible benefits to Nigerians.”
Overall, Professor Nnamchi emphasized the need to prioritize national interest and work towards moving the nation forward urging that Nigeria should be placed above sectional interest.
News
Work for Peace and Unity of Nigeria’, Obi tasks Ohaneaze president, Mbata
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The leader of the opposition Labour Party and the 2023 Presidential flag bearer, Peter Obi, has admonished the newly elected leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide led by Senator John Azuta Mbata to work towards peace and unity of the nation.
Writing on his X handle in a congratulatory message to the Executive, Obi urged the new Executive to leverage their position, which shows the people’s confidence in them to strengthen the Igbo family and unite the country.
“On behalf of my family and the Obedient movement, I congratulate the Newly Elected President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Senator John Azuta-Mbata; the Deputy President General, Prince Okey Nwadinobi; the Secretary-General, Emeka Sibeudu, and other newly elected executive members, on their emergence as the leaders of the noble organization.
“Their emergence as the leaders of Ohaneze Ndigbo, the umbrella body that unites the Igbo people, underscores the level of confidence and hope the people have in their leadership ability and their commitment to the development of the region and the nation in general.
“I pray that they will leverage their new offices to continue to work for the peace and unity of our nation and contribute immeasurably to ideas that will drive development, peace, and progress among the people.
“May God give you all, the wisdom and strength to serve the people.
A New Nigeria remains Possible.
News
Minor cabinet reshuffle: Delta gov redeploys Information Commissioner to Ministry of Special Duties
In a minor cabinet reshuffle, the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has redeployed Information Commissioner to Ministry of Special Duties.
As part of the changes, Dr. Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza, the Commissioner for Information, has been reassigned to the Ministry of Special Duties.
In the interim, Mr. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, the Commissioner for Works, Rural and Riverine Roads, will oversee the Ministry of Information.
Also, a reliable source within the inner circle of the government has also verified the same development.
There are mixed reactions among journalists regarding Governor Oborevwori’s directive for the Ministry of Information to be overseen by Mr. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu.
This sentiment stems from lingering grievances over the fallout between journalists and the administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
Journalists have expressed dissatisfaction with Okowa’s refusal to acknowledge their efforts during his eight-year tenure with a ‘parting gift.’
It is worth recalling that Okowa was accused of denying journalists of same gesture of Chief James Onanefe Ibori, fully implemented by Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, extended to media professionals, both government house press crew and those outside the Government House.
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