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Brutality: Call Abia Deputy Governor to order – Activist Tells Gov. Otti, House of Assembly

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Governor Otti, Comrade Paul Ikechukwu

A human rights activist and author, Comrade Paul Ikechukwu Njoku, has urged the governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, and members of the Abia State House of Assembly, to investigate and call the deputy governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, to order, following numerous alleged brutality, intimidation, indiscriminate arrest, torture, incarceration and maiming of those who oppose him in his council area and home town in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State.

The civil rights activist added that from a retrospective antecedent and record, the deputy governor has grossly manifested questionable personalty traits unbecoming of a political leader of his position, stressing that leadership is by examplified attributes to serve the people by protecting the human dignity, including lives and property of the people who elect their leaders as guaranteed in the constitution..

This comes after a correspondent of Vision Africa Radio Station (104.1 FM) Umuahia, Abia State, on January 28, investigated a recent alleged brutality, incarceration and intimidation with bloody video and photo evidences of victim’s who were ruthlessly assaulted by the alleged order of the Abia State deputy governor.

A victim who addressed Vision Africa Radio correspondent said, ” I am igwe Akumaku from ndioma compound, Okon Ohafia, the Okon aku development union vice president and the PDP counsellorship candidate from the last concluded election.

” So this is still following the event of the Nov 2 when the unknown security personnels surrounded my house around past 3am in the night, which later was unfolded that it was plotted by the deputy governor which the case is still in Ohafia police station where the records stated that the deputy governor told the idp that was on the case that he was interested on my matter since then my life has been in danger,

“I haven’t enjoyed my freedom as a citizen, I don’t sleep in my house, there has been several attempts to attack me.
On a particular day while I was going out from my house one of the boys of the deputy governor from ndiovum compound whom he went there and choose one Bernard Inyama that has Benkamad filling station the person the deputy governor made ezeogo through the committee the deputy governor constituted, so these boys blocked me and were throwing stones at me which I have the report, I will send to you.

“They made a law that I can’t have visitors, no bike should be seen coming into my compound or else the person will be attacked. Ever since two of my siblings have been attacked with a cutlass which the case is in Ohafia division, I have been down.

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“On the 26th of January, 2025, while I was coming back from the meeting entering into my compound, Benkamad boys, blocked me and refused me access into my compound, they surrounded me and beat me up before people came to my rescue and rushed me to the hospital. The said i insulted the deputy governor, autonomous eze and others that I should call whosoever I know to rescue me.

“Incident on the Day of Councillorship Election in Abia State.
In the early hours of 3:00 am on November 2, 2024, the day of the councillorship election in Abia State, armed men invaded my compound. Fortunately, I was not at home due to several threatening calls and messages I had received days prior to the election.

“These men broke into my house and arrested two of my relatives, Uche Kalu and Obinna Kalu. We later learned they were tortured and taken first to the Ohafia Army Barracks and then transferred to the Ohafia Police Station. According to reports, their alleged offense was insulting the deputy governor.

“The next morning, I rushed to the police station to inquire about their detention and demanded access to their case documents, but I was denied. I was also informed that the deputy governor himself had visited the police station, where he threatened my relatives and anyone who would attempt to secure their release. It became clear that the Deputy Governor orchestrated the armed invasion of my house.

“My relatives were detained for over a week in both police and army custody without charges or proper documentation. Eventually, they were granted bail, but not before enduring severe torture.

“Continued threats by the deputy governor
While my relatives were still in custody, the deputy governor escalated his actions. The morning after the arrests, he came to my village with his security team and issued further threats, warning that more arrests would follow.

“I reported the incident to Vanguard, and their investigation confirmed that the Deputy Governor was responsible for the illegal arrests, torture, and invasion of my home. These actions were clearly politically motivated, as I was the PDP councillorship candidate with significant community support.

*Although, I was declared the winner of the election by the electoral officer, my mandate was later stolen and handed over to the Deputy Governor’s preferred candidate. This individual, who now claims to be the councilor, has been attacking and defaming me publicly.

“Land Disputes and Targeting of Community Leaders
Prior to the election, the Deputy Governor wrote to community leaders, including the Development Union President and the Chiefs in Council, declaring that the state government had taken over communal land belonging to different families. When the community demanded further explanation, he refused to provide any.

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“Instead, he began targeting community leaders. In March 2024, the Development Union President and another community member were arrested on allegations of vandalizing a government oil processing mill. They were detained at Ohafia Police Station for several days and later transferred to the State CID in Umuahia, where they were held for two weeks. This case is still in court.

“”While the Development Union President was in detention, the <deputy governor set up a committee to install new community leaders. Among the appointees was Ndukwe Iko, who was later made the Traditional Ruler through a process that was heavily rigged and influenced by the Deputy governor.

“Since Ndukwe Iko assumed the position of Traditional Ruler, the community has experienced continuous unrest. There have been numerous cases of illegal arrests, false charges, and deliberate persecution of individuals perceived as opponents. The traditions, processes, and culture of the community have been disregarded.

“Additionally, Ndukwe Iko has mobilized a group of youths, mostly from a specific compound (Ndi Owom), who now act as thugs. These youths go around harassing and attacking people in the community, further destabilizing the area.

Continuing, he said, “On January 26, 2025, at around 6:59 PM, while I was entering my compound (Ndi Uma), the same thugs and hoodlums from Ndi Owom denied me access to my compound and attacked me until I lost consciousness. During the assault, I overheard them saying that I had insulted the deputy governor of Abia State. Eze Ndukwe Iko, and Mr. Bernard Kama Iyama, and that there would be no mercy for me. With no one around to rescue me because of the weapons there were all carrying. I was mercilessly left unconscious before they dispersed.”.

Reacting, activist Paul said, “from a retrospective antecedent and record, the deputy governor of Abia State has grossly manifested questionable personalty traits unbecoming of a political leader of his position. Leadership is by examplified attributes to serve the people by protecting the human dignity, lives and property of the people who elect their leaders as guaranteed in the constitution..

“I therefore urge governor Alex Otti, and members of the Abia State House of Assembly, to constitute an investigative panel and committee that would investigative the barbaric exegesis of the deputy governor.

“The governor and Abia State House of Assembly should as a matter of urgency, call the deputy governor to order,.The numerous narratives of his executive recklessness, brutality, intimidation, indiscriminate arrest, torture, incarceration and maiming of those who oppose him in his council area and home town at Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State is alarming.

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“Human rights and dignity to persons are protected by the Geneva Convention. The treaties were ratified in their entirety by over 200 countries of the world including Nigeria with domestication that human beings should be protected from murder, torture, brutality and discrimination on the basis of race, nationality, religion or political tenacity.

“He should understand that human rights and dignity are protected by the Geneva Convention. The treaties were ratified in their entirety by over 200 countries of the world including Nigeria with domestication that human beings should be protected from murder, torture, brutality and discrimination on the basis of race, nationality, religion or political tenacity.

“The deputy governor should be told that the Geneva Convention mandated that the fundamental rights of persons include freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, right to life and liberty, work and education, and many more.

“Is the deputy governor not aware thaservitude 34 of the Nigerian Constitution provides that every individual is entitled to respect for the dignity of his person, and accordingly – (a) no person shall be subject to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment; (b) no person shall be held in slavery or servitude”.

Recall that on November 14, 2024, Daily Post reported that the Abia State House of Assembly condemned the alleged maltreatment of the member representing Ohafia South, Kalu Mba Nwoke, during the local government election in the state.

Nwoke was arrested on November 2, 2024, for allegedly invading the Ohafia local government headquarters with some thugs, according to the Chief Press Secretary to Abia State Deputy Governor, Chukwudi Eke Mba.

Moving a motion on the floor of the House on Wednesday, the member representing Ukwa West, Godwin Adiele, condemned the maltreatment of the lawmaker, saying he deserved an apology from the Abia State Deputy Governor, Ikechuckwu Emetu.

His motion was supported by many members of the House.

Nwoke had alleged that he was assaulted and detained for 24 hours on the orders of the deputy governor because he asked why the LGA secretariat was locked up when election should be going on.

He also said he protested over non-availability of election result sheets

However, the Chief Press Secretary to Deputy Governor, Chukwudi Eke Mba, maintained that the Ohafia South representative was not abducted, adding that his boss was never behind the arrest of the outspoken legislator.

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Africa

JUST IN: Burkina Faso Bans Bill Gates-Backed GMO Malaria Project

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Burkina Faso’s military government has halted a malaria eradication project backed by billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates and his foundation.

The project, run by the research consortium Target Malaria, focused on releasing genetically modified mosquitoes into the environment to help eradicate malaria.

On Friday, authorities ordered Target Malaria to immediately suspend all operations in the West African nation.

The move marks yet another clash between the government and international non-governmental organizations, many of which have faced intense restrictions under military rule.

The decision sparked heated reactions from civil society groups. Opponents of the project argue that Burkina Faso should focus on safer and more traditional solutions rather than experimenting with controversial genetic technologies.

A spokesperson for a coalition campaigning against the project stated that citizens “deserve protection through proven health measures, not risky experiments.”

Target Malaria, however, defended its work.

The group insisted that since 2012, it has complied with Burkina Faso’s national laws and worked closely with local authorities.

It expressed readiness to cooperate further with the government despite the sudden suspension.

The project has faced criticism not only within Burkina Faso but also internationally.

It became the target of online disinformation campaigns that claimed the genetically modified mosquitoes posed unforeseen dangers to the ecosystem.

While the first release of such mosquitoes took place in 2019, the long-term effects remain under global scientific debate.

Burkina Faso, one of the ten countries most affected by malaria, recorded more than eight million cases in 2024 alone.

The disease remains one of the leading causes of death in the country, particularly among children under five.

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Supporters of the Target Malaria initiative argue that innovation is crucial to ending this deadly cycle, but critics fear it could introduce new risks.

This ban comes amid wider tensions between the military rulers and international organizations.

Since seizing power nearly three years ago, Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s administration has increasingly tightened control over foreign-funded NGOs.

In recent months, the government revoked the licenses of at least 21 groups, accusing some of pushing foreign agendas and destabilizing national sovereignty.

Analysts see the latest crackdown as part of a broader trend. Burkina Faso’s rulers are distancing the country from Western-backed projects while strengthening ties with alternative global partners.

However, the sudden halt to malaria research may come at a cost, as the country continues to battle one of the world’s deadliest diseases.

For now, the future of genetically modified mosquito projects in Burkina Faso remains uncertain.

The debate highlights the sharp divide between innovation and caution, science and politics, as the country balances urgent health needs with national sovereignty concerns

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Africa

Why Every Nigerian Should Learn Combat Skills — CDS

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The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has urged all Nigerians to acquire combat skills such as Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo to protect themselves in the face of increasing danger.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Thursday, August 21, General Musa likened learning martial arts to other essential survival skills, including driving and swimming.

“That one should be taken as learning driving, learning how to swim.

Whether we have war or not, it is a survival instinct,” he said.

He added that in Europe, swimming and basic security education are compulsory because citizens must understand and practice personal safety.

The defence chief emphasised that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) should incorporate unarmed combat training into its programme to prepare graduates for real-world threats.

He explained, “That’s what the NYSC is supposed to do, but the NYSC has been watered down to three weeks. Self-defence is very important.

Unarmed combat, swimming, driving these are critical aspects of human survival. We should never take them for granted because they prepare us for the future.”

General Musa further encouraged Nigerians to remain situationally aware of their environment, alerting authorities to any suspicious activities or individuals.

He said, “The world we are in now is dangerous. We have individuals who don’t mean people well. They kill for whatever reason.”

Highlighting evolving threats, General Musa disclosed that terrorists increasingly use gold to finance their operations.

He noted that complex international networks make it difficult to immediately expose or prosecute these financiers. “Gold is the main source.

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They circulate it through various channels, including foreign links, which complicates intervention,” he explained.

General Musa acknowledged that bad roads and challenging terrains hinder rapid military response to attacks.

He said, “Many Nigerians expect immediate intervention from the Armed Forces without understanding the logistical challenges. By the time information reaches us, terrorists have already struck and vanished because they move more quickly in these regions.”

He added that improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the North-East further slow troop movement.

Regarding the Southeast, General Musa noted that the arrest of pro-Biafran agitator Simon Ekpa in Finland in November 2024 has improved security in the region.

He said, “Troops are actively pursuing Ekpa’s lieutenants in Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Abia states. We will continue operations until all threats are neutralised.”

The CDS also praised the synergy among the Nigerian Army, Air Force, and Navy, which led to the arrest of Ansaru terrorist leaders, describing it as a major success in the fight against terrorism.

General Musa concluded by announcing an African Chiefs of Defence Staff conference to foster continental collaboration and enhance regional security efforts.

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Africa

‘Misplaced Priority’: Peter Obi Blasts FG’s ₦142bn Bus Terminal Project

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Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has slammed the Federal Government’s approval of ₦142 billion for the construction of bus terminals across Nigeria, describing it as a reckless misplacement of priorities.

Obi issued a statement on Friday, August 22, via his Official X formerly Twitter platform, warning that the project reflects poor leadership and lack of focus in managing Nigeria’s limited resources. He titled his statement, “₦142 Billion for Bus Terminals.”

According to him, the true test of leadership is how scarce resources are prioritized.

He stressed that investing such a huge amount in bus terminals while critical sectors like healthcare suffer shows a government that is out of touch with citizens’ realities.

Obi said: “The difference between success and failure in any nation is how leaders prioritise resources.

The decision to spend ₦142 billion on six bus terminals exposes a lack of competence and vision. It is a clear sign of poor leadership.”

The Federal Executive Council had recently approved the funds for the construction of one modern bus terminal in each of the six geopolitical zones.

The government described it as part of efforts to modernise transport infrastructure and improve mobility nationwide.

But Obi strongly disagreed. He compared the allocation to healthcare funding, pointing out that the combined budget for all teaching hospitals and federal psychiatric centres in Nigeria is less than ₦100 billion in the 2024 budget.

“This is disturbing,” Obi continued, “because health remains one of the most critical sectors of development. Yet it is underfunded and deteriorating rapidly.

The World Health Organization has reported that over 20 million Nigerians live with mental health conditions.

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This is a tragic irony. How can the government ignore this crisis and focus on bus terminals?”

He argued that the health sector, alongside education and poverty reduction programs, deserves priority attention.

Obi insisted that until government spending reflects the real needs of Nigerians, the country will remain trapped in poor governance.

Many Nigerians have also taken to social media to express anger, echoing Obi’s concerns. Critics argue that the decision proves the Federal Government is disconnected from the economic struggles of ordinary citizens.

For Obi, the ₦142 billion project is not just a case of wrong timing.

He sees it as a clear example of governance failure and misplaced priorities.

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Africa

Canada Announces Permanent Residence Lottery Results for Foreign Workers

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Canada ends visitor work permits policy

Canada has carried out a new Express Entry lottery, inviting thousands of skilled workers to apply for permanent residency.

Financial Express report that the Announcement which came on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, marks one of the most significant rounds this year.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 4,200 candidates in the latest Express Entry draw.

The invitations were sent under the no-program-specified category, which means candidates from all economic immigration programs were considered.

To qualify, candidates needed a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 507 points.

This cut-off is higher than several recent rounds, showing rising competition in Canada’s immigration pool.

Breakdown of Recent Express Entry Draws

The August 20 general draw came just a week after Canada held two smaller, targeted draws.

On August 14, 2025, IRCC issued 1,500 invitations in a Healthcare category-based draw, with a minimum CRS of 430.

On August 13, 2025, another STEM occupation draw invited 1,000 candidates, with a CRS cut-off of 481.

This means Canada has invited more than 6,700 candidates in August alone, highlighting its steady demand for skilled workers.

Why Express Entry Remains Key

The Express Entry system is Canada’s main pathway for skilled migration. It manages applications for three major programs:

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Through this system, candidates are ranked by CRS points based on age, education, work experience, language skills, and adaptability. Higher scores improve the chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Impact of the Rising CRS

The 507-point cut-off has sparked concern among applicants.

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Many worry that higher thresholds make it harder to qualify unless they boost their profiles with stronger English or French test results, higher education, or Canadian job offers.

Immigration experts note that Canada is prioritizing candidates who are more likely to integrate quickly into the economy.

With rising competition, applicants may need to explore provincial nomination programs (PNPs), which can add up to 600 extra CRS points.

Canada’s Immigration Targets

Despite higher CRS cut-offs, Canada’s immigration outlook remains ambitious.

The government has pledged to welcome 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025.

Skilled workers make up a large share of this intake.

With labor shortages in sectors like healthcare, technology, and construction, Canada continues to use Express Entry to attract foreign talent.

What Applicants Should Do

Experts recommend that prospective migrants keep their profiles updated and monitor both general and category-based draws.

Targeted draws for healthcare, STEM, and trades occupations often have lower CRS cut-offs, giving candidates more opportunities.

For those struggling to meet the high CRS threshold, exploring study routes in Canada, provincial nominations, or job offers may increase chances.

The August 20 Express Entry draw shows Canada’s ongoing commitment to skilled immigration.

With over 4,200 invitations issued and CRS cut-offs climbing, the competition is intense.

However, the system continues to provide multiple entry points for determined applicants worldwide.

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Africa

Japan Designates City as Hometown for Nigerians

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The Japanese government has officially designated the city of Kisarazu as the hometown for Nigerians, marking a major step in strengthening cultural diplomacy and workforce collaboration between both nations.

The announcement was made during the ninth Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9) and confirmed by the Director of Information at Nigeria’s State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye.

According to the agreement, the Japanese government will introduce a special visa category for highly skilled and innovative young Nigerians who are willing to relocate to Kisarazu to live and work.

This initiative also extends to artisans and blue-collar workers from Nigeria who are ready to upskill and contribute to Japan’s economy.

At the same event, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) designated three other cities as hometowns for African nations:

Nagai in Yamagata Prefecture for Tanzania,

Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture for Ghana, and Imabari in Ehime Prefecture for Mozambique.

These hometown designations aim to foster manpower development, cultural exchanges, and economic partnerships that will benefit both Japan and the participating African countries.

Nigeria-Japan Partnership

Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires and Acting Ambassador to Japan, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, received the certificate on behalf of Nigeria alongside Yoshikuni Watanabe, the Mayor of Kisarazu.

The ceremony highlighted the city’s longstanding relationship with Nigeria, as Kisarazu was the official host town for the Nigerian contingent during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where athletes trained and acclimatised before moving to the Olympic village.

Local Japanese authorities hope that designating Kisarazu as Nigerians’ hometown will boost the city’s population, enhance regional revitalisation, and strengthen bilateral cooperation.

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Japan’s Vision for Africa

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, in his address at TICAD9, announced $5.5 billion in new investments across Africa.

He stressed the importance of mutual understanding, local solutions, and collaborative development, focusing on three key areas:

Private sector-led sustainable growth,

Youth and women empowerment.

Prime Minister Ishiba also acknowledged Japan’s challenges with an ageing population and shrinking agricultural land, calling on African nations to support Japan while benefiting from expanded cultural and economic opportunities.

What This Means for Nigerians

For Nigerians, the recognition of Kisarazu as their official hometown in Japan provides more than symbolic value.

It creates new employment opportunities, encourages skills transfer, and opens a pathway for closer cultural integration between both nations.

This strategic move underscores Japan’s commitment to forging deeper ties with Africa, while offering Nigerians a platform to thrive abroad

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