News
Coalition condemns attack on Thisday newspaper by gunmen
The Coalition of Southern and Middle Belt Youth Leaders Assembly, COSMBYLA, the umbrella body of all the youth groups in South East, South South, South West and Middle Belt regions condemned in strongest terms the attack on Thisday office at Utako, Abuja by armed gunmen who threatened to kill all the staff on duty if the staff dared to alert the police.
The Coalition said, “it is a vicious and ferocious attempt to gag the press in a democracy and it cannot stand. These attack is a blow to press freedom. It showcases once again the brazen way to intimidate and harass the press.”
In a statement which was signed by the President General, Hon. Goodluck Egwu Ibem, Coordinator, Terrence Kuanum and two others which was sent to CAPITAL POST in Abuja, the Coalition described the attack on as an attempt to gag the press.
The statement reads: “The attack on Thisday newspaper will not be far-fetched from the fact that it has maintained his professional ethics and standard over the years in journalism and news reporting. The news house is known for objectivity and truthfulness in its dealings and has always stand firmly with the people and the downtrodden and some people are not happy about it hence the attack on this renowned professional newspaper establishment.
“It is not a coincidence that On April 26, 2012, some suicide bombers hit THISDAY offices in Abuja and Kano, killing at least 11 persons. However, while rescue was ongoing in Abuja in the wake of the attack, another explosion went off in its Kaduna office.
“This attack on the Utako , Abuja office of Thisday must be unraveled by the police and other security agencies and those responsible brought to justice. Abuja is the nucleus of the nation’s sovereignty and if criminal elements can attack any section of it without being apprehended or arrested, it then means that the country is gone.
“We warn those threatening and attacking the press to desist from it henceforth or the will attract the exasperation of the youths. Never again should this kind of attack happen to Thisday or any other newspaper houses , Radio and Television stations inclusive.
“We call on the youths not to allow themselves to be used as thugs to attack the press, anyone or any property. If those demons who enjoy killing and destroying properties contract any youth for such dirty jobs, the youth should tell them to engage their biological children to do the job and see how they will react.
“We therefore call on all Nigerians to ” rise up and defend” the press who are targets for destruction because of their stand for truth and defence of the people.”
Structured HQ Legal, (SHQ) has issued a public notice warning against any transactions involving the buying, selling, leasing, or letting of the Hampton Harbour landed property.
The landed property measuring at 19.5 hectares is located at Elegushi Royal Family Land, Ikate Ancient City, Eti Osa, Local Government Area, Lagos State with reference number 376/376/2777GC and belongs to the Baggeren International Company.
In an official press statement issued to the news men, the firm disclosed that the property is currently under legal scrutiny, cautioning that any individual or entity engaging in transactions related to Hampton Harbour does so at their own risk. They also emphasized that unauthorized dealings could lead to significant financial loss and expose parties involved to legal consequences.
SHQ further noted that any person(s) who proceeds with any dealings in relation to the Hampton Harbour property risks both financial loss and potential legal actions noting that such transactions may result in criminal and civil liabilities for trespass or fraud.
The public is strongly advised to exercise caution and ensure due diligence before engaging in any transactions concerning Hampton Harbour. Prospective buyers, investors, or stakeholders must seek formal confirmation and approval from Structured HQ Legal or Baggeren International Company Limited to avoid financial and legal risks.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Thursday said, requirements for recalling Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan representing Kogi Central Senatorial District were lacking in the petition.
In a statement to update circumstances surrounding a purported petition against Natasha, the INEC said, it has rejected the petition.
The Commission said, Natasha is a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and there are requirements to recall her or any other Senator, but it cannot consider the petitions that lack merits.
Earlier the Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, acknowledged receipt of petition against the embattled lawmaker from her constituents after submitting it to the INEC headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan representing Kogi Central Senatorial District was the former Chairman of Senate Committee on Local Contents, but was suspended from the Senate over alleged breach of Senate Standing Rules.
Natasha disclosed that she has approached the Court to quash her suspension which she claimed was illegal.
According to the petitioners, over 250,000 constituents’ signed the petition, out of about 480,000 registered voters in the senatorial district.
The petition was titled Constituents’ Petition for the Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Grounds of Loss of Confidence’.
In a brief statement on Thursday, the Commission said, “The petition for the recall of the Senator representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).”
The female lawmaker also on Tuesday defied ban by Kogi State Government and visited her Senatorial District in what she said, was a Sallah visit to felicitate with those who gave her their mandate.
Operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS), have arrested two principal suspects involved in the killing of 16 Nigerians of Northern extraction in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government last week.
The suspects were arrested by operatives of the DSS in Uromi, following credible intelligence. Operatives of various security agencies are hunting for other key suspects involved in the unfortunate incidents
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, had on Monday in Kano State, during a condolence visit, revealed that 14 suspects had already been arrested in connection with the killing.
Governor Okpebholo who visited the State to condole with the Government and families of the victims, had vowed that justice will be served and those involved in the killing will be brought to justice.
Governor Okpebholo had also assured families of the victims that adequate compensations will be paid.
In the latest development, the two principal suspects arrested by officials of the DSS, have been transferred to Abuja, the nation’s capital, for further interrogation and prosecution by the relevant authorities.
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