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Kanu’s conviction not end of road, I have activated plans to get him out – Governor

Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has said that the conviction and sentencing to life imprisonment of the Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is not the end of the road for him.

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Otti disclosed this in a statement signed by him and made available to newsmen in Umuahia on Saturday.

He stated that efforts to secure his freedom had been reactivated, in the wake of the judgment and urged the people to remain calm.

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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Thursday, pronounced the Abia-born IPOB leader guilty of terrorism-related charges.

The governor noted that the IPOB leader’s sentencing had thrown many residents of Abia and beyond “into shock and sorrow”.

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He recalled condemning the 2017 military invasion of Kanu’s family home in Afaraukwu Umuahia, which led to destruction and deaths.

He added that he had, at the time, urged dialogue as the best approach to resolving issues around IPOB.

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Otti stated, “Operation Python Dance: Killing a Fly With a Sledge Hammer”, was the title of his 2017 article, criticising the invasion and proposing peaceful options.

He further stated that “leadership required restraint, emotional intelligence and tolerance, rather than force and violence”.

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According to him, poor handling of IPOB at the early stages contributed to the present situation.

Otti maintained that he began high-level engagements on alternative resolution on Dec. 22, 2023.

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He added, “Some agreements were made, which were dependent on quick dispensation of the matter at the federal high court.”

He explained that delays stalled progress but expressed the hope that Justice James Omotosho’s judgment would now allow the agreed strategy to begin.

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“This strategy was explained to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, when I visited him while he was in the DSS custody earlier in the year,” Otti stated.

He further stated that he had activated the agreed plan and would continue until Kanu regains freedom.

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He added: “I’m also happy to collaborate with other well-meaning Nigerians, who genuinely want this problem resolved”.

The governor admonished residents to remain calm and avoid actions that could heighten fear or derail ongoing engagements.

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“I have no doubt that with the assurances I have received from the Federal Government, a resolution is in sight and Mazi Kanu will receive his freedom,” he added.

Otti cautioned politicians against exploiting Kanu’s plight for cheap political gains.

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He maintained that his administration remained committed to pursuing peace in the South-East through dialogue and diplomacy. (NAN)

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BREAKING ; Atiku’s Son dumps PDP defects to APC, vows to work for President Tinubu’s reelection

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BREAKING ; Atiku’s Son dumps PDP defects to APC, vows to work for President Tinubu’s reelection

The Son of Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, dumped the PDP and pledged to work for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

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Abubakar, popularly known as Abba, formally announced his defection to the APC at the National Assembly, where he was received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, with APC leaders from the North-East.

Party leaders described the move as a significant boost to the APC’s consolidation efforts ahead of the next general election, given Abba’s political network and grassroots organisation.

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Announcing his resignation from the PDP, Abba said the decision was informed by his conviction in the leadership style of Senator Barau and the policies of the Tinubu administration.

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Eight persons killed, others injured in another fatal road accident

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Eight persons killed, others injured in another fatal road accident

Eight persons died while three others were injured in a road traffic crash along the Potiskum–Dogon Kuka carriageway in Yobe.

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The Yobe Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Andrew Longkam, confirmed the incident on Thursday.

He said the crash occurred around Gaggaba on the Potiskum–Dogon Kuka axis at about 12:40 hours.

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“Preliminary reports from Dogon Kuka Unit Command show the incident was promptly reported to the corps,” Longkam said.

FRSC operatives arrived within five minutes, enabling swift rescue, evacuation of victims, traffic control, road clearance and prevention of secondary crashes.

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The crash involved a white Howo trailer, registration DAL 963YY, and a white Mitsubishi Canter, registration NNR 437XA.

“Twelve adult males were involved, with eight fatalities and four rescued, including three injured and one unhurt,” he said.

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The injured and deceased were taken to Government General Hospital, Dogon Kuka, where the injured received prompt medical attention.

Longkam said the FRSC tow truck cleared the obstruction, restored traffic flow and notified the Police Motor Traffic Division in Dogon Kuka.

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“Preliminary findings indicate the Mitsubishi Canter, suspected to excessive speeding, committed a route violation and crashed into the trailer,” he said.

He said excessive speed and route violation were suspected causes, adding that investigations were ongoing to determine the exact circumstances.

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The sector commander urged motorists to avoid speeding, route violations and unsafe practices, assuring continued enforcement, emergency response and public education across the state. (NAN)

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Atiku finally breaks silence after his Son defects to APC

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Atiku finally breaks silence after his Son defects to APC

Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has addressed his son Abba Abubakar’s decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a personal choice.

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In a statement posted on his X handle, Atiku said, “The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal. In a democracy, such choices are neither unusual nor alarming, even when family and politics intersect.”

He added, “As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians.”

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The former vice president also highlighted his concerns about the ruling party, saying, “What truly concerns me is the poor governance of the APC and the severe economic and social hardships it has imposed on our people.”

“ I remain resolute in working with like-minded patriots to restore good governance and offer Nigerians a credible alternative that brings relief, hope, and progress.”

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