#JUNGLE! I’m broken, my family is shattered – Sister of student killed by bandits in Kaduna

 Sim Yohanna, the sister of Dorathy Yohanna, one of the three Greenfield University students killed by bandits in Kaduna, has expressed grief over the death of her sister.

Recall that bandits on Tuesday night broke into the private university located along the Kaduna-Abuja highway, shooting sporadically before whisking an unspecified number of students away.

Following the development, Dorathy and two other students, Sadiq Yusuf Sanga and Precious Nwakacha, were killed by the armed bandits few days after their abduction.

The abductors also contacted the parents of their victims to demand a collective ransom of N800 million.

Reacting, Sim who took to Twitter on Saturday to mourn her sister revealed that she and her family were shattered over her senseless murder.

“I am broken. My family is broken.

“Seeing my sister’s lifeless body all over the media breaks my heart. I am shattered.

“Sadly, the police is not your friend,” she said.

- DAILY POST

LaLiga: Zidane reacts as Real Madrid drop points in title race against Real Betis

 Real Madrid manager, Zinedine Zidane, has insisted his team is not out of the LaLiga title race, following a goalless draw with Real Madrid.

Los Blancos looked tired in the dull affair on Saturday night.

The result leaves Zidane’s men two points behind leaders Atletico Madrid, who have a game in hand.

They are also three points ahead of Barcelona, who have played two matches less.

“No, I don’t think [the league is getting away],” Zidane told Movistar.

“They’re two points dropped for us, but I don’t think so. We have to keep going, we tried, we clearly lacked something in attack.

“We were good defensively but we missed something with the ball. I don’t think the league is over.”

- DAILY POST

NDLEA intercepts drugs hidden inside religious statue, auto parts in Lagos

 

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has found 140 grammes of methamphetamine concealed in a religious statue, en route the Philippines.

Femi Babafemi, the agency’s spokesman, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

Babafemi said the agency also seized 500 grammes of heroin hidden in automobile spare parts en route Canada.

According to the NDLEA spokesman, 3.1 kilogrammes of cannabis concealed inside spices and local herbs were also intercepted in a package bound for the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Babafemi said the illicit drugs were sized in courier companies in Lagos state.

“The narcotics agents from the Directorate of Operations and General
Investigations seized 500 grammes of heroin going to Canada and hidden inside auto spare parts from one of the courier firms, while 140 grammes of
Methamphetamine going to Philippines and concealed inside statue of Mary was
seized in another courier company,” he said.

“The Director, Operations and General Investigations, Adeyemi Adeofe disclosed that 3.1 kg of cannabis going to UAE concealed inside spices, and another kilogramme of cannabis going to UAE concealed inside local herbs, were intercepted and seized.”

In a related development, the NDLEA command in Ondo state arrested 31 suspects — 24 males and seven females — while 275.552kg of assorted drugs was recovered.

The agency said the arrests were made between April 6 and April 20.

NDLEA said the operations were “carried out to curb the increasing rate of drug abuse among the youths and even the elderly in Ondo state”.

The agency added that the drugs seized “consist of 74.285kg of cannabis sativa, 267grammes of psychotropic substances: 201kg of skuchies (a combination of cannabis, tramadol, ethanol, and zobo), while many of the drug spots have been dismantled”.

In a similar operation, the NDLEA command in Akwa Ibom intercepted and seized 62.150kg of illicit drugs in Oron and Uyo LGA in the state.

Four suspects were said to have been arrested in the two operations carried out on Thursday and Friday.

Buba Marwa, NDLEA chairman, commended the various commands for the seizures and arrests, and urged them to do more to tackle the scourge of drug abuse and trafficking in the country.

- THECABLE

No COVID-19 death in Nigeria for the 12th day

 

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Saturday reported 51 new cases of COVID-19 and zero death for the 12th consecutive day.

The nation’s death toll remains static at 2,061.

In contrast, globally it has ballooned to 3,114,009, with rising fatalities in India.

The new cases were registered in five states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), NCDC said.

“Yobe took the lead with 19 cases, Lagos 17, Rivers 8, FCT 4, Akwa-Ibom 2 and Bayelsa 1.”

Forty-four people recovered from the virus and were discharged from isolation centres.

Till date, 164,684 cases had been confirmed, 154,687 discharged in 36 states and the FCT.

The country’s active cases were about 9000, as at April 24.

- PM NEWS

ABATTOIR REPUBLIC !! Nine residents hacked to death as ‘hoodlums’ invade Nasarawa community

 

Nine persons were found dead with machete cuts on Saturday, following an attack by suspected hoodlums on Ajimaka village in Doma LGA of Nasarawa state.

Ramhan Nansel, the Nasarawa police spokesman, said the command received reports of the attack in the early hours of Saturday.

According to NAN, he said upon receipt of the report, security personnel were immediately sent to the area, where nine corpses were found.

“On 24/4/2021 at about 0600hrs, information was received on same date that at about 0100hrs, unknown assailants attacked Ajimaka village situated at Nasarawa/Benue boundary, Doka district of Doma LGA,” the statement reads.

“Upon receipt of the information, a joint team of police and military personnel were deployed to the scene, where nine corpses were recovered; each with multiple machete cuts.”

Nansel said the commissioner of police has directed the officer in charge of the state criminal and investigation department (SCID) to conduct a comprehensive investigation of the incident.

The police commissioner condoled with families of the deceased and assured residents that the command will ensure the arrest of the perpetrators.

He also called on members of the public to assist the police with useful information that will assist in investigation and reduce crime in the state.

- THECABLE

Two arrested allegedly with human skulls at Muslim cemetery in Kaduna

 The Kaduna State Police Command on Saturday confirmed the arrest of two suspected ritualists with human skulls at a Muslim cemetery.

ASP Mohammed Jalige, the command’s Public Relations Officer, who confirmed their arrest said that the suspects were also caught with a hoe.

According to him, “On Äpril 23, 2021, at about 21: 30 the command received a distress call that some people suspected to be carrying out a heinous act were sighted at a Muslim graveyard at Kudenden.”

Jalige identified the suspects as Abdulaziz Jimoh ‘M’ 68yrs of Zaki Close, Kabala West Kaduna, and Mohammed Isa ‘M’ 30yrs of the same address.

“On getting the report, operatives were immediately dispatched to the area where they succeeded in apprehending the suspects.

”Recovered from the said persons were a hoe and some human skulls.”

He added that further investigation was ongoing and the suspects will soon be charged to court.

- DAILY POST

Nnamdi Kanu speaks on crackdown of IPOB by Buhari

 

Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has reacted to the crackdown on his group by the Buhari government.

He said this was done because IPOB remains the “only constant obstacle on their path to Fulani conquest of the rest of Nigeria.”

The IPOB leader was reacting to the bloody raid of the headquarters of the Eastern security Network (ESN), the militant arm of IPOB.

According to reports, 11 people were killed in the ensuing battle including four security operatives and the second in command of the ESN.

- PM NEWS

We want referendum not asylum, IPOB tells UK

 

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) says it wants a referendum on self-determination for the south-east of Nigeria not asylum. 

A referendum is a vote on which the citizens of a country give their opinion or decide an important political question. Territorial referendum could lead to breakaway of a region from a country.

TheCable had exclusively reported that the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) released new guidelines on how to treat asylum applications by members of Biafran secessionist groups.

In the guidelines, asylum is to be granted to “persecuted” members of the proscribed IPOB and the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).

But in a swift response, the federal government said the plan by the UK to grant the group asylum undermines Nigeria’s security.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Emma Powerful, IPOB media and publicity secretary, said while the group appreciates the gesture from the UK, what members need is a referendum not asylum.

“We the global family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by our great and indomitable leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has noted with satisfaction the news that the United Kingdom has agreed to grant asylum to persecuted Biafra agitators resident in the UK,” he said.

“While we commend them for this bold initiative, we wish to most graciously remind them that what we Biafrans need and cherish the most is referendum and not asylum in the UK.

“We are tired of living in bondage in the devilish contraption called Nigeria they single-handedly created.

“We would not wish our children, now and generations unborn, to share the same geo-political space with those that reward terrorists and criminalize law abiding citizens.

“We particularly thank the UK government for confirming what the rest of the civilized world already know that the great IPOB worldwide family are not terrorists but peaceful agitators and freedom fighters.

“That Nigeria is a country run by terrorists for the benefit of terrorists has been confirmed by this noble move by the United Kingdom.

“Aso Rock, the seat of power in Nigeria is a terrorist haven with serving ministers who are openly sympathetic to terrorists and their activities coming and going as they please, while freedom fighters are languishing in jail. We want freedom not asylum.”

-THECABLE

EPL: Mourinho blasted Tottenham players for four hours after he was sacked

 

Jose Mourinho ripped into Tottenham Hotspur’s players at the club’s training ground for over four hours after he was sacked, the UK Telegraph.

The 58-year-old was sacked on Monday and replaced on an interim basis by Ryan Mason.

Mourinho left Spurs in seventh place in the Premier League and had crashed out of the Europa League, throwing away a 2-0 win from the first leg against Dinamo Zagreb.

It is understood that Mourinho’s relationship with some of the players hit an all-time low following the Europa League exit.

Following a two-hour meeting with Tottenham senior officials where he was informed that he would be fired, Mourinho is said to have held a series of discussions with the players.

During the conversation, the former Chelsea and Manchester United boss told them “home truths” about their recent performances.

- DAILY POST

KILL AND PAY SCHEME !! Gunmen on motorcycles shoot 30 villagers dead in Zamfara

 

Gunmen on motorcycles have reportedly shot 30 villagers dead in a raid of four villages in Zamfara State.

The attacked villages were Gobirawa, Rini, Gora, and Madoti Dankule in Bakura and Maradun LGAs in the state located in the north-western region of the country.

Channels TV quoted eyewitnesses as saying that the gunmen arrived the villages in their large number and immediately opened fire on villagers.

The gunmen were said to have razed several houses in the villages before leaving.

According to Sole Administrator, Bakura LGA, Aminu Suleiman, more security personnel were needed in this area if farming was to be successful this season.

He told the Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Nasiru Magarya, who led a delegation of the state government to the affected villages, that over 30 people have been confirmed killed in the tragedy.

Suleiman said on Tuesday, the council prayed for 17 dead people in Rini and about 10 others in Gora.

“There were two incidents actually. The first attack that led to the killings of about more than 20 people and the reprisal (by the Yan-Sakai – local vigilante) that led to the killing of about 10 people as well,” he said.

- PM NEWS

Abductors demand $2million for 20 Greenfield University students

 

Abductors of students of Greenfield University, in Kaduna have made contacts with the families of the 20 students captured Tuesday night to demand N800 million as ransom.

This is about $2million going by the official Central Bank of Nigeria rate.

The terrorists have also threatened to kill the students if the ransom is not paid, according to a relation of one of the students who spoke with TheNation.

Twenty students, made up of 14 females and six males were captured by the terrorists on Tuesday night.

Two female staff of the university were also abducted.

The relation of one of the victim also claimed that the abductors have been beating the students, insisting on the urgency of the payment.

The abduction at Greenfield University was the second at a tertiary institution in Kaduna state since March.

On 11 March, 39 students of Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, in Kaduna were also abducted. Ten of them have been released.

Mr Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, said in a statement on Wednesday in Kaduna that troops have been deployed to the area of the university.

“After search-and-rescue operations, a staff member of the university was confirmed to have been killed by the bandits, while a number of students were kidnapped.

“The security operatives took custody of the remaining students, who have been handed over to the institution, as at noon, Wednesday 21st April.”

Aruwan said the actual number of students kidnapped is still being sought from the institution’s records.

“Troops and other security operatives are working in the general area, and the public will be informed of further developments,” Aruwan said.

- PM NEWS

Amazon to open African headquarters in South Africa

 

Amazon, a United States multinational technology company, has chosen South Africa as the headquarters for its African market.

This development comes a week after Twitter, US-based microblogging and social networking service announced the opening of its first-ever African office in Ghana.

The announcement has since generated reactions from some Nigerians on Twitter, as they have taken to social media platforms to register different opinions, especially on the choice of Ghana instead of Nigeria

Similarly, the German government said a new German-West African Centre for Global Health and Pandemic Prevention will be located in Ghana.

BusinessTech reports that authorities of Cape Town, South Africa, confirmed that the headquarters will be located at River Club, a mixed-use development project in Cape Town that costs R4 billion (about $280 million).

In April 2020, Amazon, founded by Jeff Bezos, the world’s richest person, launched its first data centres for Amazon Web Services (AWS) in Cape Town. However, its e-commerce services are not yet available anywhere on the African continent.

City officials said 5,239 jobs will be created in the construction phase, alongside up to 19,000 indirect and induced jobs

The development is envisaged to take place in phases, with construction set to take place over three to five years.

“The city has carefully and thoroughly considered all of the submissions and concerns during the appeal process. We are acutely aware of the need to balance investment and job creation, along with heritage and planning considerations, ” said Dan Plato, major of Cape Town.

“It is clear that this development offers many economic, social and environmental benefits for the area. We are committed to driving investment to revitalize the economy, which is slowly recovering following the impact of Covid-19.”

The development design intends to create a 150,000 square metre mixed-use space, divided into commercial and housing uses across two precincts. The developer intends 31,900 square metres to be used for residential purposes.

The city said the development will include both market-driven and affordable housing opportunities – the latter of which will be physically integrated with the other residential units in the apartment complexes.

Reacting, the Democratic Alliance (DA) said the project has the potential to provide around 19,000 jobs for Capetonians.

- THECABLE

Al-Qaeda: Pantami not a repentant terrorist – Nnamdi Kanu

 

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has reacted to the controversy surrounding Isa Pantami, the Minister of Communications and Digital Planning.

Kanu insisted that Pantami is not a repentant terrorist.

Pantami was recently linked to terrorists’ organisations like Al-Qaeda and TalibaThis followed the resurgence of an audio recording of his past teachings where he supported the terrorists organisations.

Since the audio was made public, Nigerians have been calling for his sack, over his past comments on Taliban and Al-Qaeda.

Following the backlash, the Minister had earlier distanced himself from such extremist groups.

He later admitted making such controversial comments but claimed his perception has changed.

Reacting to his comment, Kanu said such change is not possible.

In a tweet, the IPOB leader wrote: “In case you forgot, TERRORISM is a form of #Islamic ideology, as well as a religious duty for every Muslim that believes in JIHAD.

“Therefore, there can never be anything like a repentant terrorist, not even some Minister named Isa Pantami (@DrIsaPantami). Please be guided. I am.”

- DAILY POST

U.S. warns citizens to avoid 14 Nigerian states in travel advisories

 The United States, in its latest travel advisories warned its citizens to avoid some 14 Nigerian states, rife with terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

Although it approved travel to other parts, it urged its citizens to “Reconsider travel to Nigeria”.

In the updated advisory, the U.S. State Department added at least 116 countries this week to its “Level Four: Do Not Travel” advisory list.

The UK, Canada, France, Israel, Mexico, Germany and others are on the list, citing a “very high level of COVID-19.''

Before Tuesday, the State Department listed 34 out of about 200 countries as “Do Not Travel.” The State Department now lists 150 countries at Level Four.

Nigeria is categorised as Level 3.

Unlike countries categorised as Level 4, based on the advice of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nigeria has a good rating on COVID-19 prevalence.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 1 Travel Health Notice for Nigeria due to COVID-19, indicating a low level of COVID-19 in the country”, the State Department said.

It then listed areas the American visitor should avoid, while in Nigeria.

These are: Borno, Yobe, and northern Adamawa states due to terrorism and kidnapping, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Zamfara states due to kidnapping.

It also banned American citizens from going to Coastal areas of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt) due to crime, kidnapping, and maritime crime.

In a country summary on Nigeria, the U.S. State Department wrote:

“Violent crime – such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage taking, banditry, and rape – is common throughout the country.

“Kidnappings for ransom occur frequently, often targeting dual national citizens who have returned to Nigeria for a visit, as well as U.S. citizens with perceived wealth. Kidnapping gangs have also stopped victims on interstate roads.

“Terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria, especially in the Northeast.

“Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting shopping centers, malls, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, bars, schools, government installations, transportation hubs, and other places where crowds gather. Terrorists are known to work with local gangs to expand their reach.

There is civil unrest and low-level armed militancy in parts of Southern Nigeria, especially in the Niger Delta region. Armed criminality, including kidnapping and maritime crime, is also pervasive in this region.

Violence can flare up between communities of farmers and herders in rural areas.

There is frequent maritime crime in the Gulf of Guinea.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Nigeria due to security conditions.

It offered its citizens security tips, while in Nigeria. These are;

*See the U.S. Embassy’s web page regarding COVID-19.

*Visit the CDC’s webpage on Travel and COVID-19.

*Carry proper identification, including a U.S. passport with a current Nigerian visa, if needed.

*Use caution when walking or driving at night.

*Keep a low profile.

*Review travel routes and times to vary your predictability.

*Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.

*Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.

*Monitor local media for breaking events, and be prepared to adjust your plans.

*Be aware of your surroundings.

*Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.

*Avoid demonstrations and large political gatherings.

*Review your personal security plans.

*Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.

Borno, Yobe, and Northern Adamawa states – Do Not Travel

The security situation in these states is fluid and unpredictable due to widespread terrorist activity, inter-communal violence, and kidnapping. Security operations to counter these threats may occur without warning.

Terrorist groups based in the Northeast routinely target humanitarian camps, security forces, churches, schools, mosques, government installations, educational institutions, entertainment venues, and road travelLers. Approximately two million Nigerians have been displaced as a result of the violence in Northeast Nigeria.

Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Zamfara states – Do Not Travel

The security situation in these states is fluid and unpredictable due to widespread inter-communal violence and armed criminality, especially kidnapping and roadside banditry. Security operations to counter these threats may occur without warning.

Coastal areas of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt) – Do Not Travel

Crime is rampant throughout Southern Nigeria, and there is a heightened risk of kidnapping and maritime crime, especially in the Gulf of Guinea. Violent civil unrest and armed militancy persist in these areas.

- PM NEWS

Suspected Fulani herdsmen butcher family of four, three others in Benue

 

Armed men suspected to be killer herdsmen, have butchered a family of four and three other residents of Mbamondu community, Modern Market Council Ward in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue state.

DAILY POST gathered that the incident occurred at about 1am Saturday morning when the assailants invaded the community.

Aside those butchered, scores of other residents were said to have sustained life threatening injuries and are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

The State Commissioner for Land Survey and Solid Minerals, Mr. Bernard Unenge who is also a native of the community, confirmed the attack.

The Commissioner who said he was informed of the incident early hours of Saturday, lamented that the attack had occurred before the arrival of security operatives.

According to him, the seven dead bodies recovered on Saturday morning have been deposited in a morgue at the the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi.

“We discovered seven dead bodies that we have already deposited at the mortuary. Five persons were also injured and three of them are very critical”, he added.

Recall that suspected Fulani herdsmen militias same night, invaded a community in Gwer-West Local Government Area of the state, killing no fewer than 11 persons, while others were left injured.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Anene Sewuese Catherine had confirmed the killing of 11 persons, stating that security operatives had been deployed to the area to forestall further attack.

However, she was unable to state the level of casualty.

 - DAILY POST

Germany picks Ghana over Nigeria as West African centre of global health

 

The German government says it will support the launch of a German-West African Centre for Global Health and Pandemic Prevention.

Christoph Retzlaff, German ambassador to Ghana, announced in a tweet on Thursday that the centre will be located in Ghana.

Retzlaff said the Ghanaian centre is one of eighth others worldwide. He, however, did not mention the locations of the seven others.

“Excellent news: Germany will support launch of a new “German-West African Center for Global Health and Pandemic Prevention,” Retzlaff wrote.

“It will be located in Ghana and be part of 8 new centers worldwide to fight global challenges.”

The development comes just when the dust is yet to settle on Twitter’s choice of Ghana over Nigeria for its African office.

There is an ongoing conversation over how Africa’s giant somehow manages to lose opportunities to neighbouring countries, Ghana especially.

Jack Dorsey, Twitter CEO, said the company’s choice of Ghana was based on the country’s history of being a “champion of democracy” and “a supporter of free speech, online freedom and the open internet”.

Check out TheCable’s analysis of seven times Ghana has beaten Nigeria to the prize here.

While Nigeria may pride itself as Africa’s giant, Ghana is gradually positioning itself as the apple of the continent’s eyes, especially to foreign investors.

- THECABLE

Southeast: Deployment of military may lead to Nigeria’s break up – Ohanaeze

 The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, on Sunday, cautioned the Federal Government against any deployment of military to the South-East.

It warned that such action could lead to Nigeria’s break up.

Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Secretary General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, gave the caution in a statement he made available to DAILY POST.

He said the “Southeast has remained the nation’s safest place for foreign and local investments. What is happening now is not strange as the UK Ambassador announced in his earlier warnings that Northern bandits were sponsored to the South, possibly to wreak havoc and tensions in the region.

“Our belief and suspicions were reinforced through evidences of serial attacks and violence perpetrated in our zone by ‘unknown gunmen’, a few weeks after UK’s warnings of exodus of Northern bandits heading towards South, with provocative agenda to inflict crisis, anarchy and promotion of civil disturbances, especially in the peaceful Southeast and South-South for political reasons.”

He called on President Muhammadu Buhari “to resist the temptation of military deployment to the South-East as the consequences might be disastrous and a preparatory ground for unending guerrilla activities or another avoidable war.

“Ndigbo has implicit confidence on ESN and Ebubeagu for self defense.

“Military must focus on the insurgency in the North and refuse to fight at all fronts at the same time. Ndigbo are emergency experts and any infiltration in the process of Igbo defensive mechanism might spell doom for Nigeria.

“Ndigbo don’t need military assistance now, except there are high level manipulations to destabilize and destroy our region for political purposes and deny Ndigbo presidency in 2023.”

- DAILY POST

Messi to stay at Barcelona – Laporta

 

Messi is yet to confirm whether he will stay this summer, with the possibility that his seventh Copa del Rey triumph could be the last trophy he wins for Barca.

“Leo is the best player in the world, he is a player who is deeply rooted in the club, who loves Barca,” said Laporta after the final in Seville.

“I am convinced that he wants to stay and we already know that we are going to do everything in our power, within the possibilities of the club, to ensure he continues with us. It is what we want the most.”

Messi scored a spectacular goal that he started in his own half at La Cartuja before rounding off the victory with a strike into the corner for his 31st goal of the season.

It is the 13th consecutive campaign that Messi has scored more than 30 goals for Barcelona.

“Leo put on an exhibition today,” Laporta added.

AFP/NAN

‘We’ll occupy your homes’ — workers threaten lawmakers over bill to scrap LGs

 

The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has kicked against a bill seeking to scrap the local government (LG) system in the country.

Solomon Bob, a member of the house of representatives, had in December sponsored the bill to remove the third tier of government from the constitution.

Bob had asked that the LGs creation, powers and funding be vested exclusively in the state house of assembly “in accordance with the principle and practice of true federalism”.

He argued the bill will go “some good way towards fixing the many centripetal anomalies in the 1999 constitution”.

Reacting, Ambali Olatunji, NULGE president, described those calling for the scrapping of local councils as enemies of Nigerians and democracy.

He said those behind the plot were insensitive to the plight and governance needs of the majority of Nigerians in the rural areas.

He said the NULGE is planning to occupy the homes of all federal lawmakers over the plan to scrap the local government system, warning that the sponsor of the bill and other lawmakers, who showed support for it, would face the wrath of the workers.

Olatunji said if the bill is not killed immediately, the workers would in the next few days stage a protest at the national assembly, after which they would storm the country homes of all members of the parliament.

“Our existence is being threatened; we will not sit down and watch. There will be a national protest there at the national assembly,” he said.

“They are no longer representing us, they are representing themselves. Bob Emmanuel, who benefited from the local government system, has now become so disillusioned that he wants the system scrapped.

“He is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and that is why we have asked the party to call their son to order. Any person who attempts to kill the local government system is killing his own political future.

“No lawmaker, who is on the side of the masses should join this destructive move. We shall fight them all.”

The NULGE president urged governors who believe the LG system to speak out against the plan to “destabilise a system that draws government closer to the people”.

- THECABLE