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Governor imposes curfew in Abia after soldiers/IPOB clash

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A THREE-DAY curfew has been imposed on Umuahia and Aba as the government of Abia State battles to stem a major security problem.

There has been a clash between soldiers and members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) in the state, prompting Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to take the action.

The stay-at-home will run betwem 6pm and 6am for the period, the governor said in a statement he personally signed yesterday.

Abia has been under security focus because of the activities of the separatist group and its leader Nnamdi Kanu.

Last week the Army deployed troops for “Operation Python Dance 2”. During a “show of force” on Sunday, Kanu alleged that troops shot and injured his men near his Umuahia home.

But the military said its men only shot into the air to scare away a mob that threw stones at its convoy.

There was tension in different parts of Aba, as soldiers reportedly clashed with members of IPOB.It could not be confirmed if anybody died in the fracas.

Some members of IPOB who left Aba for Umuahia in solidarity with Kanu were alleged to have been stopped by soldiers at Isiala Ngwa junction on the Enugu/Port Harcourt Expressway.

The IPOB members who escaped after being stopped by the soldiers were said to have met another set of soldiers at Osisioma Junction, a few kilometers away. A face-off reportedly ensued.

The soldiers were said to have shot sporadically into the air while the IPOB members moved towards Ariaria International Market. There was confusion. People ran helter skelter.

The chaos at Osisioma stretched beyond Ariaria market to the Flyover Junction, a distance of over eight kilometres. Some vehicles were destroyed. Many people were injured.

There was pandemonium within the city centre as soldiers cordoned off roads leading to the Aba Central Mosque to prevent hoodlums from vandalising the facility.

They shot into the air to ward off intruders, and people ran for their lives. Traders hurriedly closed their business.

Ikpeazu said: “Government notes and has observed the frenzy of activities of members of IPOB within Afara – Umuahia, the ancestral home of the leader of IPOB for some months now.

“Government is equally aware of the recent proclamation by the Nigerian Army of Operation Python Dance II within the Southeast geopolitical region of Nigeria.

“The operation as declared by the Army is intended to check kidnapping, banditry, assassination, secessionist activities within the region, amongst other forms of criminal activities.

“The recent confrontation between the Nigerian Army and members of IPOB on Sunday, 10th September, 2017, could presumably be attributed to the commencement of the said Operation Python Dance II.

“The Abia State government unequivocally states that Abia is a component State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and subscribes to the supremacy of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all other extant laws.

“While the government of Abia State recognises the right of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, to perform their statutory duty of protection of lives and property of Nigerian citizens, such duties must be carried out within acclaimed Nigerian and international standards of engagement with the civil populace, with due respect to the human rights of citizens and sanctity of human lives.

“The Abia State government is committed to the protection of the lives and properties of its citizens and others residing and doing business within the geographical entity called Abia State.

“Abians and others living within Abia are advised to remain law abiding and carry on their lawful business without fear, as efforts by government will be made to reduce friction between the civil populace and military personnel in the State.

“Abia residents are advised to observe a curfew from 6pm to 6amfrom today 12/09/2017 to 14/09/2017.

“Persons residing within the State are strongly advised to remain law abiding, while going about their lawful business without fear of molestation, and, not engage in any form of confrontation with military personnel or other security agents.

“The government recognises the constitutional Right to Freedom of Movement for all Nigerians, but objects to the influx of people into Abia State for purposes of unsettling the enduring peace in the State.

“Abia State will co–operate with security agencies to maintain the rule of law and order in the State.”

The Southeast Governors’ Forum set up a seven-man committee to probe the Sunday clash between the Army and IPOB members in Umuahia.

Mr Michael Udah, the forum’s Director of Media and Communications, in a statement, said the committee was expected to submit its report during the forum’s meeting on Friday.

Udah did not mention the leader of the committee, but said that it was set-up to proffer lasting solutions to such problems and forestall future occurrences.

Udah said the governors were consulting with stakeholders in the zone, including the military, to ensure clarity of positions.

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Oseni congratulates Ajimobi on Nigeria’s IAEA Board appointment

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Chief (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi

Hon. Aderemi Oseni, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, has congratulated Nigeria’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to Austria and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Dr. Florence Ajimobi, on her appointment as Nigeria’s Governor on the agency’s Board of Governors.

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), described the appointment as a development worthy of celebration in Oyo State and across the country.

In a statement on Sunday by his Media Aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker also congratulated the Federal Government on Nigeria’s election to the 35-member IAEA Board of Governors for the 2026 -2028 term.

Nigeria was elected to the Board during the 70th Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference in Vienna, Austria. Following the election, Ajimobi was appointed to represent Nigeria as Governor on the Board and will participate in its meetings and those of its committees.

The APC chieftain said Ajimobi’s new assignment would give Nigeria an opportunity to contribute to discussions around the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology, nuclear safety and security, safeguards and international cooperation.

He said the appointment was also a recognition of the diplomatic responsibilities the former Oyo first lady had undertaken on behalf of Nigeria.

“I congratulate Her Excellency, Ambassador Florence Ajimobi on her appointment as Nigeria’s Governor on the IAEA Board of Governors.

“This is a good development for her, for Oyo State and for Nigeria. She now has another important responsibility to represent the country, and I am confident that her experience will be useful in carrying out the assignment,” Oseni said.

The lawmaker said Nigeria’s participation in the IAEA Board could also help the country strengthen its cooperation with the agency and explore greater use of nuclear science and technology in sectors directly affecting the lives of its people.

According to him, such areas include healthcare, agriculture, food security, water-resource management and human-capacity development.

Oseni expressed confidence that Ajimobi would use the opportunity to advance Nigeria’s interests and promote initiatives that would further harness the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology for national development.

He added: “At a time when science and technology are becoming increasingly important to development, Nigeria must make the most of its membership of the Board.

“I wish Chief Ajimobi a successful tenure and pray that her service will bring further opportunities for Nigeria and strengthen our engagement with the IAEA.”

Oseni also commended the Federal Government for Nigeria’s election to the Board, saying the country’s representation would enable it to take part in decisions and discussions concerning the agency’s work.

He wished Ajimobi success in her new assignment, noting that her appointment was another opportunity for a Nigerian diplomat to contribute to issues with implications for the country’s development.

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Alli hails Ajimobi’s appointment to IAEA board

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Senator Sharafadeen Alli, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, has congratulated Nigeria’s Ambassador to Austria, Dr Florence Ajimobi, on her appointment as Nigeria’s Governor on the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Ajimobi’s appointment is for the 2026–2028 term, following Nigeria’s election to the 35-member IAEA Board during the agency’s 70th General Conference in Vienna, Austria.

Alli, in a statement on Sunday, described the appointment as a significant diplomatic achievement for Ajimobi and a source of pride for Oyo State and Nigeria.

He said the appointment reflected the confidence placed in Ajimobi’s diplomatic experience and her capacity to represent Nigeria in discussions on the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology.

“This is not only a personal achievement for Ambassador Ajimobi but also a proud moment for Oyo State and Nigeria.

“Her appointment reflects the confidence reposed in her ability to contribute to critical global discussions on nuclear science and technology,” Alli said.

The APC candidate said Nigeria’s membership of the IAEA Board would give the country a stronger platform to participate in global discussions on nuclear governance and advance its interests in the peaceful application of nuclear technology.

According to him, nuclear science has important applications in sectors including healthcare, agriculture, energy, environmental protection and scientific research.

Alli urged Ajimobi to use her experience to promote initiatives that would support the development and responsible application of nuclear science and technology in Nigeria and other developing countries.

He specifically mentioned nuclear medicine, food security and clean energy as areas where greater international cooperation could benefit developing countries.

“Ambassador Ajimobi’s appointment comes at a time when the world is seeking safer, cleaner and more sustainable solutions to its energy and development challenges.

“I am confident that she will bring her expertise, integrity and commitment to the board and make Nigeria proud,” he said.

Alli also commended the Federal Government for supporting Nigeria’s representation on the IAEA Board, saying the development would further strengthen the country’s engagement in international diplomacy.

He wished Ajimobi a successful tenure and urged Oyo State stakeholders to celebrate the appointment as a reflection of the state’s contribution to national and international affairs.

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Oyo South: Oseni Supports Apete Widows With N10m, Promises More Interventions

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has supported widows from Apete, Awotan and neighbouring communities in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State with N10m, promising more interventions to improve their welfare and livelihoods.

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and chairs the House Committee on the Federal Road Maintenance Agency, made the donation on Tuesday during an interaction with hundreds of widows at Awotan, Ibadan.

The meeting was part of his ongoing consultations across Oyo South ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the event, Oseni said his support for widows, market women and other vulnerable members of society was not driven solely by politics, but by his personal conviction and faith.

According to him, his own experience of growing up under difficult circumstances had strengthened his resolve to support people facing hardship.

He said, “The more I give, the more God blesses me. I pray every day that God should give me more so that I can give more to society. My joy is to see people happy.”

Oseni also assured the women that he would continue to support initiatives aimed at improving their welfare, while urging them to remain active in their communities and engage other residents on issues affecting their lives.

He encouraged the women to take the message to the grassroots through house-to-house and street-to-street engagement, including interactions with market women, artisans and youths.

The lawmaker also solicited support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and other APC candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.

Earlier, the coordinator of the widows, Mrs Comfort Adedeji, said widows should not be regarded as helpless, noting that many of them had continued to provide for their families despite the loss of their husbands.

Adedeji described the women as mothers, caregivers, traders, farmers and workers who had continued to shoulder the responsibilities of their households.

She commended Oseni for what she described as his support for the women and appealed to him and other stakeholders to pay greater attention to widows through empowerment programmes, skills acquisition, financial assistance and educational support for their children.

She said supporting widows was effectively an investment in entire families because of the responsibilities they carried.

“When you empower a widow, you are not helping only one woman; you are helping an entire family and securing the future of her children,” she said.

The women expressed appreciation for the intervention and urged the lawmaker to sustain support for them, particularly in areas of business development and livelihood assistance.

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