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Dialogue Wth Pro-Biafra Protesters, IYC Tells FG …Agitation Threatens Igbo Presidency In 2023- APC
The umbrella body of the Ijaw youth, Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide (IYC), has called on the Federal Government to adopt dialogue in the resolution of the issues giving rise to pro-Biafra protests in some parts of the country.
The IYC, in a statement by its spokesman, Mr. Eric Omare, yesterday, said adopting a military approach to crush pro-Biafra protesters as being suggested by some military operatives was not the solution.
The youth body said such approach would only escalate the crisis, and therefore, warned against military brutalisation and human rights abuse by security agencies.
The IYC said, “The right to peaceful protest is an integral part of a democratic society.
“The massive pro-Biafra protests in recent times have once more brought to the fore the need to honestly and holistically renegotiate the terms of Nigeria’s existence as a nation.
“To claim that all is well with Nigeria is self-deceit. The structure of Nigeria must be such that would allow people from different regions to develop at their own pace towards realisation of the full potential which is being hindered by the wish of people from other parts of the country.”
The IYC once again called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the founder of Radio Biafra and director of the Indigenous people of Biafra.
It said Kanu, having been granted bail, and bail conditions fulfilled, it amounted to illegality for the Directorate of State Security to continue to keep him in detention.
The IYC advised national security agencies to have regard for the rule of law in the exercise of their constitutional functions.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-East, yesterday, kicked against the on-going agitation for the actualisation of Biafra, warning that the development could scuttle Igbos’ chance of producing the country’s president in 2023.
Spokesman for the South-East APC Leadership Caucus, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, reacted to the on-going agitation in a statement which was made available to our correspondent in Enugu.
Renewed agitation for Biafra, which was partly triggered by the detention of the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), and director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, had led to massive protests in major cities of the South-East and South-South.
The protesters, including members of the IPOB and the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), are demanding the recognition of Biafra, and Kanu’s immediate release.
The development had divided opinion among leaders in the South-East, and there are reports that state governors and other major stakeholders would meet in Enugu on Tuesday to deliberate on the matter.
However, the South-East APC has urged the agitators to “stop beating their war drum” in the interest of the Igbos.
Okechukwu, in the statement, expressed confidence that President Muhammadu Buhari would honour the zoning convention by handing power to the South at the end of his second term in 2023.
Noting that an Igbo is best positioned to emerge as president when the office rotates to the South in 2023, Okechukwu said the pro-Biafra agitation should not be allowed to scuttle the chance.
He said, “Going by the zoning convention, equity and natural justice, surely the Presidency will rotate to the South in 2023.
“And when the presidency rotates to the South in 2023, we (Igbos) have all the cards stacked in our favour to appeal to our brothers in the South-West, who have had eight years stint, and our South-South brothers, who had five years plus in the presidency since 1999, when the 4th Republic commenced.
“Every rational indicator favours Ndigbo and so, we need to drop our hate propaganda and wait patiently to harvest the turn of the South-East,” he said.
President Bola Tinubu is expected to inaugurate four legacy projects, including a state-owned gas turbine, during a one-day state visit to Bayelsa State, today.
To this effect, the Bayelsa State Government has declared Friday (today) a work-free day, and ordered the closure of markets ahead of the President’s visit.
The state Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, disclosed this yesterday in Yenagoa, the state capital.
She said, “As we all know that the state is ready and we are ready as a people to receive the father of the nation, our father and leader in the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who will be in the state on a one-day visit to inaugurate four legacy projects.
“In view of this, the state government has declared tomorrow, Friday, April 10, 2026, a work-free day to enable workers and other residents of the State to participate in the programmes lined up for the one-day official visit to Bayelsa State.”
According to her, Tinubu is expected to inaugurate key projects during the visit, including a state-owned gas turbine at Opolo-Elebele, a 60-kilometre dual carriageway from Onopa to the LNG axis, and a 630-metre bridge linking Angiama to Oporoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
Koku-Obiyai urged residents, including traders, to comply with the directive and turn out to welcome the President.
The government said the measures were part of efforts to ensure a smooth and successful visit.
The Tide reports that Bayelsa is the third state President Tinubu will visit for project commissioning in the last one week.
The President was in Ogun State last Saturday to commission the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport, Iperu, together with the state’s new airline, Gateway Airline, and its two newly acquired aircraft.
He also inaugurated logistics and trade infrastructure, and launched the Nigeria Customs Service’s N73bn hub that has a residential barracks, training college, warehouse and hospital.
The president also launched mobility, security and agriculture assets, including 1,000 electric motorcycles (EV bikes), and 80 units of security vehicles.
Tinubu was also in Lagos on Wednesday on a two-day state visit to commission key legacy projects of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration.
Though represented by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the president inaugurated the newly constructed Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge, Lagos State Geographic Information Service (LAGIS) building, and Lagos Multi-Agency Building in Alausa.
Other notable projects commissioned by the President were Lagos Fresh Food Hub in Abijo, Ajah, Tolu Schools Complex in Ajegunle, and Maracana Stadium, comprising 19 mini-football pitches, built side-by-side in Ajegunle.
The Rivers State Government has called for stronger collaboration with horticulturists as part of renewed efforts to restore the aesthetic appeal and environmental quality of Port Harcourt, in line with its urban renewal agenda.
The Commissioner for Urban Development, Sir Amairagha Edward Hart, made the call during an interactive session with private horticulturists and flower dealers at his office in Port Harcourt, recently.
He said the present administration remains committed to reviving the famed Garden City status of the state capital through deliberate policies and strategic partnerships, noting that professionals in horticulture have a key role to play in achieving that vision.
The Commissioner stressed that the state government is placing high premium on environmental sustainability, beautification of public spaces, and the creation of a serene urban atmosphere that reflects global best practices.
The Commissioner urged horticulturists to align their operations with government’s urban development guidelines, adding that their expertise and experience are essential in transforming Port Harcourt into a model city.
According to him, the collaboration will not only enhance the city’s visual appeal but also contribute to improved environmental health and economic opportunities for practitioners in the sector.
He, however, cautioned against practices that undermine urban order, particularly the obstruction of walkways and indiscriminate occupation of public spaces meant for other uses.
Hart emphasized that while the government encourages business growth, such activities must be carried out in a manner that supports urban planning objectives and promotes public convenience.
In a move to further support the sector, he disclosed plans by the Ministry to establish a dedicated “Flower Village” that will serve as a central hub for horticulturists and flower dealers across the state capital.
He explained that the proposed initiative is aimed at restoring sanity to the use of walkways and road corridors, while also creating a structured environment that will enhance business operations and boost revenue generation.
Responding on behalf of the practitioners, Evang. Caroline Nabo highlighted some of the challenges faced by horticulturists, including theft of plants and materials by scavengers and scrap metal dealers.
She appealed to the state government for intervention to safeguard their investments, even as she and other stakeholders commended the Ministry’s proactive steps and pledged their support towards the successful greening and beautification of Port Harcourt.
King Onunwor
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC ) has called on the Federal Government to deploy excess crude oil revenue to subsidise local refineries as a way of cushioning the impact of rising fuel prices on Nigerians.
President of the Congress, Festus Osifo, who made the call during a press briefing in Abuja, yesterday, warned that the price of Premium Motor Spirit could climb to as high as N2,000 per litre if urgent measures are not taken.
Osifo said the persistent increase in the pump price of petrol, driven by global crude oil price volatility and exchange rate challenges, has worsened the economic hardship faced by Nigerian workers.
The TUC leader attributed the surge partly to international developments, including tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which have affected global oil supply dynamics.
Osifo also linked the rising cost of petrol to the depreciation of the naira, warning that the continued weakening of the currency is compounding inflationary pressures and reducing the real value of workers’ earnings.
To address the situation, the TUC president proposed that the government should utilise excess revenue generated when crude oil prices exceed the budget benchmark to support local refining.
He explained that with the 2024 budget benchmarked at $64.85 per barrel, any price above that threshold results in additional revenue shared by the three tiers of government, adding that at least 60 per cent of such excess funds should be channelled into subsidising crude supplied to domestic refineries, including the Dangote Refinery and other modular refineries.
He also urged authorities to take deliberate steps to stabilise the currency, noting that exchange rate stability would significantly reduce the cost of imported energy and other goods.
The TUC said it would formally communicate its proposals to the Federal Government, including the Presidency, with a view to ensuring the prompt implementation of measures to ease the hardship facing Nigerians.
He said, “Today, the cost of petrol is heading towards N2,000 per litre, depending on the part of the country that you are in. It has deeply affected the purchasing power of the salaries that we earn as Nigerian workers.
“Let the government take that excess fund that was never budgeted for, take at least 60 per cent of it, and use it to subsidise the crude being supplied to Dangote Refinery.
“The same should be done for Dangote Refinery and all modular refineries, where crude is supplied to them at that subsidised rate.
“Take the difference from the excess crude revenue, take about 60 per cent of it, and use it to subsidise the price at which crude is supplied to the refinery.
“When you subsidise crude, it cannot be abused because you are subsidising production directly. When that is done, we are going to see an immediate reduction in the price of petroleum products.”
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