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COVID-19: Why Enugu Must Be On Lockdown, Activist writes Ugwuanyi

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An activist, Comrade Chibuzo Gabriel Onyeije, has called on Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to immediately rearrange his plan for tackling COVID-19 pandemic or alternatively, lockdown the State.

This is coming after the second confirmed case of COVID19 patient in Enugu was discharged

Onyeije, the Convener of both the Nation Builder and Johnnymanpush stated this in a press release on Friday.

In the release titled, “COVID-19, Restrategise Market/ Sales Structure or Declare a Total Lockdown in Enugu to avoid Danger that could come from Hunger and Greed,” Onyije lamented that people were taking advantage of the existing COVID 19 plan of Governor Ugwuanyi to rip off the State.

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He alleged that people take advantage of the existing plan to divert the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) that ought to have accrued to government.

Onyije urged the governor to be mindful that the world was fighting a virus and not a ghost time bomb, adding that “a wealthy nation is a healthy nation too.”

He lamented that the effect of market price/control in Enugu State has become worse than COVID 19 itself, even as residents now offer bribes to get what they want from the same markets that were purportedly closed by government.

He wrote: Our listening Governor Sir, it is no longer a breaking news of the current situation in the country concerning Corona virus and how it is destabilising and threatening our health and the economy of our dear State.

“I am personally concerned about Enugu people as you, my dear Governor, looking at the task as a leader already at the verge of sensory overload.

“It is about the smart criminals who take advantage of the situation and how it affects our IGR respectively. His Excellency Sir, I want to draw your attention to the last Enugu State population Census which indicated that we were about three million people in 2006. The estimation of our population was over 3.8 million in 2012. This is to say that we should be over five million people today.

“In the last state of the nation speech of President Buhari, he stated it clearly that only three states were asked to lockdown for another 2 weeks because of the COVID 19 challenges and that other states decided on their own to do so.

“His Excellency Sir, Enugu State is known as the Central Capital of the Eastern Region (now defunct) and a civil service state where most of our income comes from the government until today.

“I want to state it to you that you are the Chief Security Officer of the state and have the capacity to build and restrategize the security, health, business, education and the economic architecture of the state, based on the restriction of movement of the people.

“Enugu state has lost billions of naira within the period of this COVID-19 pandemic and the most painful part of it is that the money is going into the pockets of individuals and not to the State government,” Onyije said.

He alleged that policemen at the borders collect bribes, seize people’s goods, even essential commodities, arrest and release their victims after settlement, thereby diverting IGR meant for government.

He also cited as another example, the Coal Camp Motor Spare Parts Market, which was shutsdown, yet N500 was paid per head for anyone that wants to collect vehicle parts from his shop.

“Doctors in the government hospitals are deceiving their patients, saying they were not comfortable treating them within the government hospital and thereby taking them to their private hospitals. That is state IGR diverted.

“Street/road side hawking is now thriving all over the State. That is State IGR diverted.

“The 7am to 7pm order issued by the State Government to Keke tricycle riders places undue advantage on those that will enforce it, State IGR will equally be affected because the tricycle riders will settle at night too. This is among many more instances,” he said.

Onyije expressed  that salaries would be paid as at when due in the coming months without referencing this current situation.

He wondered if Enugu State can cope if the federal government delays allocation in coming days.

He noted that 90 percent of the people giving out food items since this pandemic started were politicians and everybody knows how the money comes.

“Sir, can there be a time table on all the businesses opening at a particular, as we are not exercising the lockdown as it should be. I stand to be corrected.

“This is the time to gather sharp brains, nation builders and spirited economists to restrategize on how to manage and secure our IGR before we run into deficit.

“I strongly believe that we can manage this Virus even if it is in Enugu and manage our affairs accordingly, but that is if we are serious.

“Remember, Abuja has ordered opening of markets between a particular time. It is same with Adamawa State calling off the lockdown.

“In conclusion, I am asking that Enugu State is locked down automatically or you set up another plan that will give room for everyone to have access to what they want without inflicting pains and suffering on others,” he said.


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Oluyede Appointed New CDS as Tinubu Sacks Service Chiefs

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Tinubu Independence Day speech 2025
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President Bola Tinubu has announced major changes in Nigeria’s military leadership, appointing General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), replacing General Christopher Musa.

The shake-up, revealed on Friday in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, also saw new appointments across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Under the new military hierarchy, Major-General W. Shaibu becomes the Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke takes over as the Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas assumes office as the Chief of Naval Staff.
The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, retains his position.

According to the statement, the changes are part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture.

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“The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, expresses most profound appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the other Service Chiefs for their patriotic service and dedicated leadership,” the statement read.

“He charges the newly appointed Service Chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them by further enhancing the professionalism, vigilance, and comradeship that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”

All the appointments take immediate effect.

General Oluyede’s elevation to CDS marks a rapid rise within the military leadership. He was appointed acting Chief of Army Staff in December 2024, following the death of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.


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Nottingham Forest Beats Porto in Sean Dyche’s Europa League Debut

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Nottingham Forest began a new chapter under manager Sean Dyche with an impressive 2-0 victory over FC Porto in the Europa League on Thursday night at the City Ground.

The win marked Forest’s first European triumph since the 1995/96 season, ending a decade-long wait for continental glory.

Morgan Gibbs-White opened the scoring in the 19th minute from the penalty spot after a handball in the area, while Brazilian forward Igor Jesus sealed the result with another spot-kick in the 77th minute.

The disciplined performance also saw Forest earn their first clean sheet since April, signaling an immediate impact from Dyche’s trademark defensive organization.

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READ ALSO: Nottingham Forest Appoint Sean Dyche as Head Coach Until 2027

The hosts, who had gone 10 games without a win prior to Dyche’s arrival following Ange Postecoglou’s sacking, frustrated a Porto side that entered the fixture unbeaten in 11 matches across all competitions. Dyche’s compact 4-4-2 setup neutralized Porto’s attacking threat, with goalkeeper Matt Turner rarely tested throughout the encounter.

The victory lifts Forest into a promising position in their Europa League group and gives fans renewed optimism for the rest of the campaign. Dyche hailed the result as “a foundation to build on” as he looks to restore stability and resilience to the side.

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BREAKING: Omoyele Sowore Arrested at Federal High Court, Abuja After Meeting Nnamdi Kanu

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Omoyele Sowore Arrested at Federal High Court Abuja After Meeting Nnamdi Kanu
Omoyele Sowore Arrested at Federal High Court Abuja After Meeting Nnamdi Kanu
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Human rights activist and politician Omoyele Sowore was reportedly arrested on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja shortly after meeting the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Eyewitnesses said Sowore was whisked away by security operatives on the orders of the Commissioner of Police, moments after leaving the courtroom where he had exchanged greetings with Kanu.

The activist, known for his outspoken stance on governance and civil rights, had earlier shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) confirming his meeting with Kanu, describing him as “powerful and unrelenting.”

Reacting to the arrest, prominent human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong condemned the incident on X, calling it “preposterous” and a violation of judicial integrity.

Effiong wrote:

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“The arrest of Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja moments ago is preposterous.
The police and the Tinubu regime are making a mockery of our judicial system.
He should be freed immediately.
Stop the shenanigans.”

As of press time, the reason for Sowore’s arrest remains unclear, and authorities have not issued an official statement regarding the incident.

A video circulating online shows the moment the activist was surrounded by police officers before being taken away from the court premises.

This development comes just hours after Nnamdi Kanu told the court he would be representing himself following the withdrawal of his legal team, led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN).


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Two Killed, Two Injured as Plane Bursts Into Flames After Takeoff Crash in Venezuela

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A Piper Cheyenne plane exploded after takeoff in Venezuela, killing two and injuring two others. Officials suspect mechanical failure.
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A tragic plane crash in Venezuela has claimed two lives and left two others injured after a Piper Cheyenne I aircraft erupted into flames shortly after takeoff on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.

The incident occurred at Paramillo Airport in Táchira State, with the aircraft crashing within the vicinity of San Cristóbal National Park moments after takeoff.

A shocking video circulating online shows the aircraft struggling to gain altitude before tilting sharply, striking one of its wings on the ground, and exploding into a massive fireball.

Witnesses nearby can be heard screaming in horror as the plane hit the ground and burst into flames.

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According to Mail Online, local authorities identified the deceased as Toni Bortone and Juan Maldonado, while two other passengers survived but sustained serious injuries.

Preliminary reports suggest the pilot may have lost control after one of the aircraft’s tires exploded during takeoff.

Emergency services, including firefighters, Táchira Civil Protection, and the Bolivarian National Police (PNB), responded swiftly to the crash site around noon, battling the blaze and rescuing survivors from the wreckage.

Officials confirmed that the aircraft was being used for government logistics operations, although further details about its mission remain under investigation.

The ill-fated plane, identified as a Piper Cheyenne I (PA-31T1), is a twin-engine turboprop model manufactured by Piper Aircraft in the late 1970s. The aircraft type is widely used in both civilian and governmental operations due to its reliability and performance.

Aviation authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash, focusing on potential mechanical failure or maintenance issues.

This latest tragedy follows another aviation accident in Venezuela last month. In September 2025, a Learjet 55 crashed near Simón Bolívar International Airport outside Caracas during takeoff amid adverse weather conditions, leaving two passengers injured.

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Nnamdi Kanu Tells Court He’ll Defend Himself as Lead Counsel Kanu Agabi, Others Withdraw

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NNAMDI KANU
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The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Thursday informed the Federal High Court that he would be representing himself in his ongoing trial after his legal team, led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), withdrew from the case.

Agabi, a former Attorney-General of the Federation, told the court that the entire defence team was stepping down, explaining that the defendant had decided to personally take over the conduct of his case.

“All counsel in the defence have agreed to withdraw as the defendant has chosen to represent himself,” Agabi announced before the presiding judge.

Confirming the development in open court, Kanu stated that he had opted to handle his own defence “for now,” though he might reconsider that decision at a later stage. When asked by the judge whether he wanted the court to assign him another lawyer, Kanu declined, insisting he would proceed on his own terms.

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In his brief oral argument, the IPOB leader maintained that the court lacked jurisdiction to try him, reiterating his long-standing position on the matter.

Meanwhile, confirming Kanu’s presence in court, human rights activist Omoyele Sowore shared an update on his X (formerly Twitter) account, saying he met with the separatist leader in person.

Sowore wrote:

“Finally, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and I met at the Federal High Court today. The man is powerful and unrelenting. We greeted and hugged and the bond is strong!”

Thursday’s proceedings mark another dramatic twist in the long-running legal battle between the Nigerian government and Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in custody facing charges related to treasonable felony and separatist activities.

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