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Fire guts shops in Onitsha on Christmas Day

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An early morning fire on Wednesday gutted some shops near the General Post Office at Ibokwu Street, by Old Market Road, Onitsha, the commercial city of Anambra.

The inferno destroyed goods and property, including equipment worth millions of naira.

Chidimma Ike, a witness and a house owner in one of the affected houses, said the fire emanated from one of the shops.

She said that residents saw the thick flames as it spread to other shops before they mobilised alongside passersby to put off the fire and rescue goods in the shops.

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Ms Ike said that in spite of several calls to the state fire service, no firefighter came to the scene, adding that residents and passersby battled to quench it and prevented it from escalating to other neighbouring structures.

According to her, “The fire started from one of the shops early this morning, as we suddenly observed thick smoke and before we knew what was going on, it  started raging.

“Most of the traders and shop owners did not come for business today as they were at home for Christmas.

“As the fire raged, several calls were made to the fire service but it was residents and passersby who mobilised to rescue goods  and battle  the fire for several hours,” she said.

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One of the affected shop owners, Chinedu Nnamdi, who is  also resident in the area,  said he saw smoke from far away and thought somebody was burning some waste because the shops were closed for the  Christmas celebration.

Mr Nnamdi said he was not aware that the smoke  was from the fire that engulfed their shops until he received a call from  his neighbours on the incident.

The Anambra State fire chief, Chukwudi Chiketa, did not respond to calls as of the time of filing this report.

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BREAKING: Tension in Delta as soldiers invade another community

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Fear grips Okpare-Olomu town, located in the Olomu Kingdom of Ughelli South Local Government Area in Delta State, after Nigerian military personnel invaded the community with three Hilux vehicles.

The incident, which occurred on Thursday morning around 7:30am, has left residents on edge, with reports indicating that the soldiers took control of the community town hall by force. It was learnt that locals are concerned about the military’s presence in their community.

It was gathered that the military stormed the community in search of some of the community’s leaders, especially its President-General, Okiemute Otoka.

The sudden appearance of the military in Okpare-Olomu community sparked widespread panic, with residents fleeing in all directions, while women and children ran for safety to avoid a repeat of a similar incident in Okuama community.

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According to Otoka, Okpare-Olomu community President-General, the military’s true intention was to disrupt the community’s annual conference, scheduled for Thursday, where crucial decisions on growth and development were to be made.

Otoka’s allegations suggest that the military’s presence was not just a coincidence, but a deliberate attempt to interfere with the community’s affairs.

Otoka further accused some elders and leaders of the community of unlawfully selling communal land without the approval of the annual conference as those behind the invasion of the community by the military.

Meanwhile, at the time of filing this report, there was apprehension in the community as the invading military personnel were still in the community.

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Source: Saharareporter

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Sad! Ex- Kwara Commissioner Abdulraheem Adisa Is Dead

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Ex-Kwara State Commissioner and prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abdulraheem Adisa, has passed away at the age of 91.

He died in the early hours of Thursday, according to sources in Ilorin, the state capital.

Adisa, a loyal figure in the Saraki political dynasty, had an extensive career in journalism and public service.

He served as the Editor of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the General Manager of The Herald Newspapers, and as the Commissioner for Information in Kwara State. He also held the position of Chairman of Moro Local Government Area in the state.

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The burial arrangements are currently underway, with the funeral scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Muslim Public Cemetery in Ilorin.

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Stop Managing Nigeria Like Your Personal Business – Edwin Clark Blasts Tinubu

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Elder statesman Edwin Clark has cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to refrain from treating Nigeria as if it were his personal outfit.

Speaking during a press conference in Abuja, Clark, a prominent Ijaw leader and elder in Nigerian politics, emphasized that the nation’s leadership must be grounded in transparency, inclusivity, and respect for democratic principles.

Clark, who has long been an influential figure in Nigerian politics, expressed deep concerns over recent policies and actions he believes favor narrow interests over the collective good. He cited the President’s economic decisions and appointments as examples of a tendency to prioritize personal or regional advantage, rather than acting in the best interests of all Nigerians.

“Nigeria is not a personal business where one person’s decisions rule unchecked,” Clark declared. “We have a democratic system in place, and the people of Nigeria expect the President to be accountable to them, not to his personal interests or those of his inner circle.”

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The 86-year-old statesman also called on President Tinubu to embrace a more inclusive governance model, one that listens to the voices of all Nigerians, including opposition groups and civil society organizations. “This is not about personal power,” Clark said. “It’s about national unity, prosperity, and the future of our children.”

The call comes at a time of heightened political tension in the country, as debates over the President’s economic reforms, security strategies, and appointments continue to dominate public discourse. Critics argue that some of the administration’s policies have disproportionately benefited certain groups while leaving others behind, exacerbating existing inequalities.

In response to Clark’s comments, government officials have yet to release a statement, but supporters of the President have dismissed the remarks as part of a broader political attack aimed at undermining the administration’s legitimacy. They argue that the President’s actions are driven by a desire to modernize the economy and stabilize the nation, especially in the wake of mounting challenges such as security concerns and a faltering economy.

Despite the differing views, Clark’s warning resonates with many Nigerians who feel that their country is at a crossroads, and that leadership must be more than just a pursuit of personal power. As the nation prepares for the years ahead, calls for a government that serves all citizens, rather than a select few, continue to echo across political and social platforms.

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