News
Radio Biafra Founder’s Arrest: Group Writes World Leaders
The group championing the secession of Biafra from Nigeria, Indigenous People of Biafra Worldwide, which owns Radio Biafra, yesterday, wrote an open letter to world leaders over the plight of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who was arrested on Saturday by operatives of the Directorate of State Service (DSS) in Lagos.
In the letter written by one Ifeanyi Chijioke, on behalf of the group, the members said that with the arrest of Kanu, freedom of speech had received a knock of death.
The letter reads: “the world leaders must stand up to its integrity, pride, and in defence of the law they made,” the group said, adding that the UN charter on the rights of indigenous people had become endangered with the arrest of this “leader of indigenous people of Biafra.
“It’s on record that Nnamdi Kanu is a law abiding leader who has disciplined indigenous people of Biafra to strictly abide by local and international law.
“The gut for his arrest is nothing but a slap on the face of United Nations.
“Meanwhile, this is a gross provocation of indigenous people of Biafra and, as endangered people, would only wait shortly for due process and immediate release of her leader.
“The world should know that the arrest of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is the making of monster in indigenous people of Biafra, and to prevent and save lives, world leaders stand up to their responsibility.
“Biafrans call on world leaders to prevail on Buhari to, with immediate effect, release the leader of the people as he is charged with no crime,” the group added.
Meanwhile, a faction of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) yesterday, called on the Federal Government to immediately release the Radio Biafra Director, Nnamdi Kanu, who was arrested by the Department of State Security (DSS) in Lagos.
In a statement issued in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, the National Director of Information, MASSOB, Comrade Uchenna Madu, threatened that any refusal by the Federal Government to ensure the release of Kanu would lead to a worldwide demonstration and protest which would endanger the already battered image of Nigeria before the international community.
The statement read in part: “MASSOB faction condemns the cowardly arrest and detention of Radio Biafra director but also accepts the fact that it is part of non-violence struggle; as no agitation is complete without arrest, detention and prosecution.
“It shapes the minds of the activist, drawing sympathy from the internal and external observers. It also shows that Nnamdi Kanu and Radio Biafra have become a factor of reckoning in Nigeria.
“The arrest and detention of Nnamdi Kanu by DSS will assist immensely in reviving the consciousness and sympathy for Biafra actualization in higher dimension which was temporarily halted by Ralph Uwazuruike’s deviation and lust for wealth.
“This singular arrest will cause more diplomatic harm on Nigeria’s image than good. Before Nnamdi Kanu’s arrest, he has succeeded in propagating the Biafra struggle in about 78 countries, including Biafraland
“MASSOB warns Nigeria Government to quickly release Nnamdi Kanu now or arraign him in a competent court of justice or face an eruption of Biafra worldwide demonstration, protest which will endanger the already battered image of Nigeria before the international community and cause more diplomatic harm to Nigeria,” it stated.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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