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Release Nnamdi Kanu Or No Election Will Hold In Anambra — IPOB

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The Indigenous People of Biafra have declared a one-week sit-at-home protest across the South-East states starting from November 5, the eve of the Anambra governorship election.

IPOB’s Media and Public Secretary, Emma Powerful, in a statement on Saturday in Awka, the Anambra State capital, said the protest was aimed at prevailing on the Federal Government to release its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

The group vowed that the protest would go on as planned if Nnamdi Kanu was not released before November 4.

Recall Nnamdi Kanu is facing trial on a seven-count amended charge bordering on treason and terrorism.

The Federal Government had blamed the IPOB leader for the murder of Dr. Chike Akunyili, the husband of a former Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, late Prof. Dora Akunyili.

A Presidential committee set up by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), had also accused Kanu of being responsible for the murder of a former presidential aide, Ahmad Gulak, and over 184 others in the South-East.

The 24-member committee comprised members from the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Federal Ministry of Information, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency and the Defence Intelligence Agency.

The committee, headed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), said consequent upon the instigating directives of Kanu, IPOB members and the Eastern Security Network carried out massive attacks on democratic institutions, especially facilities of the Independent National Electoral Commission to hamper democratic process in Nigeria.

Kano was arraigned on October 21 with journalists prevented from entering the court to cover the proceedings and the case was adjourned till November 10 for further hearing.

But IPOB in a statement on Saturday asked the Federal Government to release Kanu from custody before November 4, threatening to impose a one-week sit-at-home order across the South East, which could disrupt the November 6 governorship election in Anambra.

Release Nnamdi Kanu Or No Election Will Hold In Anambra — IPOB

The statement read in part, “Following the adjournment of our great leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s court case to November 10, 2021, by the Federal High Court Abuja, we, the great movement and family of the Indigenous People of Biafra,  wish to inform Biafrans, friends of Biafra and lovers of freedom that IPOB will lock down Biafraland from November 5 to November 10 except Sunday, November 7th, a day our people worship the almighty God, if  the Nigerian Government fails to release our leader unconditionally before 4th of November 4, 2021.”

The secessionist group said though it was aware of the adverse effects of the sit-at-home order on the people, it took such a drastic measure to achieve a better purpose in the collective interest of Biafrans.

The statement added, “We have taken time to analyse what transpired on October 21 when our leader was arraigned and discovered that the Federal Government is not sincere and only wants to humiliate him and keep him perpetually in DSS custody to rot there.

“We all saw how lawyers, journalists, Igbo delegates, respected traditional rulers and other people who came from all around the world to witness his court case were restricted and denied access into the court premises by security agents who kept them outside under the scorching sun.”

However, reacting to the proposed one week sit-at-home the apex pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, warned that nothing should threaten the November 6 governorship election.

The spokesperson for the group, Chief Alex Ogbonnia, warned all parties to tread with caution, saying it would be unwise to stop the polls.

Ogbonnia, who said this in an interview with one of our correspondents on Saturday, called for calm while efforts to ensure Kanu’s release were being made by Igbo leaders.

He said, “Ohanaeze Ndigbo urges everybody to show maturity and wisdom especially in issues concerning the Indigenous People of Biafra, especially now that leaders in Igboland from all walks of life have united in the struggle to ensure that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is freed.

“The November 6 Anambra governorship election is very important to all Ndigbos, because the state is the economic live wire of the Igbo. It is in the best interest that Anambra maintains its economic growth. Therefore, we appeal to our youths to show maturity. Anything that disrupts this election is not in the interest of the Igbo. We wish that the election should be held.”

Meanwhile, counsel for Kanu and IPOB, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, said that it will not be bothered by what it described as “trending falsehood” and “media propaganda” from the Federal Government linking Kanu with recent high profile killings in the South-East.

Ejiofor, in a text message to one of our correspondents on Saturday, urged IPOB supporters to remain calm, peaceful and be focused.

He vowed that no hearing would be conducted on Kanu’s case without media presence, on November 10.

He said, “There is no cause for alarm Umuchukwu Okike Abiama (children of God Almighty); do not panic at all. I may not wish to dignify their trending falsehood by directly responding to it but it is a bad strategy, already dead on arrival. We saw it coming.

“After a robust outing of October 21 and strong objection raised to the empty charge, the narratives changed. Note that the media has been awash with this false narrative from the first day our client was extraordinarily renditioned to Nigeria, even before the amended seven-count was filed twice.”Release Nnamdi Kanu Or No Election Will Hold In Anambra — IPOB

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5th Bodex Social Media Hangout: Exploring the power influence and impact of digital platforms

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The 5th edition of the Bodex Social Media Hangout (BSMH) unfolded in grand style, spotlighting the transformative power of social media in shaping narratives, fostering collaboration, and addressing societal challenges. With the theme “Social Media: The Influence, Power, and Impact,” the event attracted dignitaries, influencers, and stakeholders from across various sectors.

The event was moderated by the visionary Bodex Florence Hungbo, who guided the discussions with her signature poise and depth. Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dr. OreOluwa Finnih, S.A. on SDG who delivered a keynote address on behalf of the governor, who was on an official trip.

The presence of Dr. OreOluwa Finnih highlighted the Lagos State Government’s commitment to leveraging social media as a tool for growth and societal well-being.

The Bodex Social Media Hangout is a distinguished media talk-shop fostering collaboration among social media users, professionals, and stakeholders. Focused on promoting responsible digital citizenship, BSMH aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3) to enhance the well-being of users and encourage cultural and societal advancements through social media.

The event emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to address challenges such as fake news, cyberbullying, and online harassment.

A recent survey by The Guardian Nigeria revealed that 86% of Nigerians have encountered fake news, reflecting the pervasive influence of misinformation on social stability. Additionally, issues like mental health threats, cybercrime, and privacy concerns were discussed as critical challenges requiring immediate attention.

Through its sessions, the event showcased how social media has become a powerful tool for fostering awareness, driving economic growth, and promoting cultural exchange. Speakers and panelists also examined the darker side of digital platforms, including the rise of cyberbullying, mental health issues, and the spread of divisive content.

The event featured an impressive lineup of speakers and panelists who provided unique perspectives on the influence, power, and impact of social media:
Dotun Babatunde – The Impact of AI on Social Media

Dotun Babatunde explored the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in the social media landscape, emphasizing its impact on the “attention economy.” He remarked, “We live in an attention economy, where human attention is a scarce commodity.” Babatunde explained how AI-driven algorithms prioritize engagement, often amplifying sensational content, but also creating opportunities for personalized and meaningful interactions. He encouraged users and creators to approach AI with a balanced perspective, recognizing both its potential and pitfalls.

A/Prof Tayo Popoola Ph.D. – Social Media: The Influence, Power, and Impact

Associate Professor Tayo Popoola from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, provided a thought-provoking analysis of social media’s role in society. He stated, “Social media is a double-edged sword: it empowers the voiceless but also creates spaces for misinformation and toxicity. The challenge lies in managing its influence responsibly.” Prof. Popoola underscored the importance of digital literacy in enabling users to harness the benefits of social media while mitigating its negative impacts.

Akin Olaniyan – Navigating the Social Media Age: Clout, Influence, and the Ethics of the Attention Economy

Akin Olaniyan delivered a compelling critique of clout-chasing in the social media era. He commented, “Give any moron a smartphone, and anything and everything becomes content. To such a fellow, clout-chasing is an end in itself, and the smartphone just makes it super-easy.” Reflecting on the quality of content creation, he added, “I am tempted to believe that their choice of subjects reflects their intellect, with the more empty-headed being the most daring.” Olaniyan called for ethical standards in digital content creation and urged society to value substance over virality.

ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi – The Digital Detective: Solving Crimes in the Social Media Age

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, showcased how social media has revolutionized law enforcement. He stated, “Social media is not just a platform for entertainment; it’s a valuable tool for law enforcement. By leveraging the power in the mass number of social media active users, we can solve more crimes and make our communities safer.” Adejobi shared examples of cases solved through digital platforms and emphasized the need for digital-savvy officers to maximize this potential.

In addition to the keynote speakers, the panelists brought fresh insights and diverse expertise to the event. Notable contributors included:
Olufemi Oguntamu, CEO of Penzaarville Africa.
Tomiwa Talabi, Founder/CEO of Lagos Life Influencer.
Dayo Oketola, Author, PR Consultant, and Former Editor at The Punch.
Iyabo Ojo, Actress, Filmmaker, and Influencer.

Hosted by celebrated media personality Frank Edoho, the event featured workshops, live sessions, and networking opportunities, creating an interactive atmosphere for attendees. Discussions covered a range of topics, from personal branding and content creation to the role of digital platforms in fostering community and enhancing security.

The panelists emphasized the power of social media in amplifying voices, holding leaders accountable, and fostering a sense of global connection. However, they also called attention to the darker aspects of the digital world, advocating for measures to combat negativity and promote a safer online environment.

Dr. OreOluwa Finnih reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s vision of creating a digital ecosystem that promotes economic growth, cultural exchange, and societal well-being. The event’s mission remains clear: to foster collaboration, combat negativity, and shape Nigeria’s digital landscape for the better.

The Bodex Social Media Hangout remains a leading force in shaping Nigeria’s digital landscape.

In the words of Bodex Florence Hungbo: “Social media is the new oil well, Let us go fetch it.”

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“Tunji Ojo Has No Case To Answer” -Shehu Sanni

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Olubunmi Ojo

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, says Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has no case to answer regarding the contract awarded to a company linked to him by suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu.Sani, in a chat with The Whistler, said Tunji-Ojo did not violate any public service law since he resigned from the company years ago.
” It could have been a conflict of interest if he hadn’t resigned.The senator further said it is “not his ministry (that awarded contracts), and companies have the right to pursue businesses anywhere.“Edu’s case is very clear and can’t be equated with that of a company associated with Hon Ojo.“Legally, he can’t be held to account on this matter.“Let’s not be distracted,” Sani said.“The extant provision of the law under the 1999 Constitution is that anybody who is a public servant cannot engage in any business other than farming,” said Nelson Kebordih, a senior lawyer whose interest is in public policy.He said the implication of the law is “that a person must be in active control and directorship of the company in the management of any enterprise.“You are permitted to own shares because owning a share does not put you in the day-to-day management of the company or any enterprise.“If he (Tunji-Ojo) has resigned from being a director, the law does not stop him from owning shares in the company,” he stated.The former lawmaker’s position aligns with the 2008 Federal Service Rules on Chapter 4 which states that “Public officers are not prohibited from holding shares in both public and private companies operating in Nigeria or abroad except that they must not be Directors in private companies, and may only be Directors in public companies if nominated by Government.”
Following the suspension and quizzing of Edu, concerning alleged financial sleaze, the Minister of Interior has come under pressure to resign or equally be suspended by the president after it emerged that his company, New Planet Project Ltd, also received a contract from Edu.Edu had awarded some companies contracts, some of which were unregistered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) raising concern of fraud and illegality.Tunji-Ojo is also being pressured to step down with many commentators saying he has flouted the Public Service Rules which barred public servants from being awarded contracts or contracting any business except farming.But the Minister while speaking on television explained that he had resigned since 2009 from the company.“Almost five years ago, I resigned as director of the company, so I’m not a director. I resigned on 1st of February, 2009, you can take that to the bank,” the minister had said.

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”Your mentorship, humility, and resilience was exemplary” Oando Boss, Wale Tinubu Mourns Barkindo

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The Group Chief Executive, Oando Plc, Jubril Adewale Tinubu, has mourned the death of H.E. Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, the Secretary General of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC.
Tinubu said Barkindo’s death has robbed him of a good friend.
He wrote: “We had many conversations and speeches together  yesterday but this wasn’t one of them.
“The most profound reminder of the fragility of life is death.
“You were a good man who lived a great life. Y
“I still can’t believe the news, but Allah knows best. Till we meet again my good friend.”
Barkindo died at about 11pm on Tuesday, 5th July 2022.
His death confirms the old saying of a thin line separating life from death. But once that line is crossed, the gulf created becomes as large as an ocean, and so treacherous that it’s impossible to cross back.
The sad incident of the death of H.E. Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo has again brought to the fore what difference a few hours coiuld make between life and death.
Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo was among other top and eminent personalities that delivered speeches at the ongoing 21st Nigeria’s Oil and Gas conference in Abuja . His speech earned him a standing ovation.
Unfortunately, the technocrat died of heart attack hours after he was honoured by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa.
A former managing director of the NNPC,  Barkindo was appointed OPEC Secretary-General in 2016. He was the fourth Nigerian to hold that position and the 28th person in the role overall.
He was GMD of the NNPC between 2009 and 2010.
He was 63 years old.


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