Author: GANUX

 

A human rights lawyer and counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has faulted the Amnesty International report on Okigwe killings, describing it as “hasty and full of inconsistencies”, just as he called for a thorough, impartial, and evidence-based investigation.

 

Recall that some yet-to-be-identified armed men reportedly ambushed and killed some travellers along the Okigwe Road in Imo State, some days ago.

 

The alleged killings have triggered mixed reactions, with a call for a thorough investigation to unravel the perpetrators.

 

But in a statement released on Tuesday, Ejiofor said the quick attribution of the killings to IPOB, without exhaustive verification, raises serious concerns about the integrity and neutrality of the Amnesty International report.

 

According to him, this approach does not align with the expected standards of a globally respected human rights organisation.

 

He said while he condemned the killing of the innocent travellers by yet-to-be-identified “heartless” perpetrators, he called on Nigerian security agencies to promptly and meticulously investigate the heinous crimes and ensure that those responsible are identified, apprehended, and prosecuted according to the law.

 

The statement read, “In light of the recent hasty statement issued by Amnesty International (Nigeria) on the Okigwe killings, it is imperative to underscore the need for a thorough, impartial, and evidence-based investigation.

 

“The quick attribution of the killings to IPOB, without exhaustive verification, raises serious concerns about the integrity and neutrality of the report.

 

“It must be unequivocally stated that no individual or authority, regardless of their constitutional powers, is permitted to take another’s life outside the due process enshrined in Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). The sanctity of human life must remain inviolable.

 

“I call on Nigeria’s security agencies to promptly and meticulously investigate these heinous crimes and ensure that those responsible are identified, apprehended, and prosecuted according to the law.

“The security agencies should stop paying lip service as they often do, and actually conduct a thorough investigation into these dastardly and wanton killings.”

 

The human rights lawyer said upon a careful review of Amnesty International Nigeria’s statement, several inconsistencies and troubling lapses were observed, such as “questionable sources of casualty figures, premature attribution of blame, potential conflict of interest and ongoing threats in the region”.

 

“Amnesty International Nigeria reported specific casualty figures without disclosing any independent verification sources.

 

“This departs from their well-established protocol, which emphasises independent investigations often taking days or weeks before conclusions are drawn.

“While the police acknowledged the attack, they refrained from confirming exact casualty numbers or the real identity of the attackers. Amnesty’s conclusive link to IPOB, therefore, appears speculative and unsubstantiated.

 

“Concerns have also been raised about the neutrality of the Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, who use to hold a political appointment as Special Assistant to the Governor of Yobe State. This dual role casts a shadow over the objectivity of the organisation’s reporting.

 

“It is a well-known fact that remnants of armed elements loyal to Simon Ekpa continue to destabilise communities across the South-East. While this remains a security concern demanding urgent state intervention, it should not justify rushed attributions of blame without due diligence,” he added.

 

According to him, national and international stakeholders must demand a credible, unbiased, and fact-driven investigation into the Okigwe killings.

 

He insisted that the loss of innocent lives must not be politicised or sensationalised, adding that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done, both to honour the victims and to safeguard the rule of law in our democracy.

 

“Only the truth, firmly established through rigorous investigation, can pave the path to justice and lasting peace,” he said.

 

 

The United Nations Children’s Fund, on Tuesday, raised the alarm over diversion and reselling of RUTF, a food meant for over half a million malnourished children in Borno, Adamawa State.

 

The organisation described the act as ‘going out of hand’ and may result in the death of many under-aged children.

 

Speaking with newsmen in Maiduguri during a one day meeting with stakeholders in the state, the UNICEF Chief of Maiduguri Field Office, Joseph Senesie, said the diversion is been carried out by workers, transporters and traders

 

He said, “The issue is going out of hand, where either traders, transporters, and some workers been found involved or caught for misusing or diverting supplies, which is a major issue to UNICEF.

 

“We have done investigations to know what is happening, and we have found it is happening online, in the market, which we believe the law enforcement should do their work to ensure these free commodities go free the right children.”

 

According to him, UNICEF is targeting more than half a million children with the supplies in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe state

While speaking on the effect of the product diversion, Senesie said, “For a child to die because the product meant for them is stolen is alarming to us. This problem is huge, we all know how insecurity, food insecurity and everything is affecting families and those who are displaced, so if those doing this sell these commodities, you are depriving the children, and they are going to die, and not only that, we will not have resources for those who really needs it, donors will stop”

 

Senesie urged stakeholders to contribute their efforts in advancing the rights of malnourished children

 

“We want everyone, like law enforcement agency to do their work, we want action from the government transporters, never to transport anything of nutrition commodities which are not going directly without a way-bill, traders not to sell, buyers not to buy because it is free. We want action from health workers not to sell or divert these supplies. We want action from everyone,” he noted.

 

He also called on the media to support the organisation in advocating for children’s rights and support it’s campaign against the diversion of supplies

 

Senesie also urged security agencies in the state to return any confiscated supplies from those diverting it to the state government in order to prevent them from expiring

 

“When the police station confisticate these supplies, it should come back to the ministry of health for it to be used, not to be in police stores,”he added.

 

The Anambra State Police Command has rearrested one Ikemefuna Ossai, a suspect linked to the kidnapping and gruesome murder of the late member, representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Justice Azuka.

 

It was gathered that the suspect was re-arrested in Asaba, Delta State, by a team of Police operatives led by the former Officer-in-Charge of Anambra Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Ifeanyi Iburu, a Chief Superintendent of Police.

 

Ossai was first arrested on February 6, the day the lifeless body of the kidnapped lawmaker, who was abducted on December 24, 2024, was found by security operatives near the Second Niger Bridge.

 

He reportedly escaped on February 18, alongside one of his gang members at Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, when they accompanied some police officers to arrest another suspect linked to the crime.

 

In a press statement released on Tuesday, the Spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said he was arrested on May 7, following a painstaking and intelligence-led operation, after he was tracked across multiple states in Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

 

The statement read, “The Anambra State Police Command wishes to inform the public that its operatives have successfully rearrested one Ikemefuna Ossai, a suspect in the kidnapping and gruesome murder of the late Justice Azuka, the distinguished Member representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly.

“This rearrest followed a painstaking and intelligence-led operation. The suspect, who had previously escaped custody, was tracked across multiple states within Nigeria and even into a neighbouring West African country.

 

“He was eventually apprehended on May 7, 2025, in Asaba, Delta State. Upon sighting the operatives, the suspect attempted to escape arrest but was swiftly subdued and sustained a gunshot wound to the leg in the process.”

 

Ikenga said the Police Command, in its continued commitment to transparency and accountability, has briefed relevant stakeholders, including the family of the late lawmaker and the leadership of the Anambra State House of Assembly.

 

“During the engagement, the Commissioner of Police acknowledged and expressed regret over the operational lapses that led to the suspect’s earlier escape.

 

“Further to this development, actionable intelligence obtained from the suspect is currently aiding ongoing operations. The Command has intensified efforts to apprehend the remaining fugitive and dismantle the criminal network responsible for this heinous crime.

 

“The Anambra State Police Command reiterates its unwavering resolve to bring all perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety and security of Ndi Anambra,” the statement added.

 

Two students of the University of Ibadan have won the French Embassy’s “Get Creative with Plastic” Challenge.

 

This is contained in a statement on Tuesday in Ibadan, by the university’s Director of Public Communication, Mrs Joke Akinpelu.

 

Akinpelu explained that the challenge was part of the French Embassy’s Plastic Free Campus Awareness Initiative.

 

”UI was one of the 10 Nigerian universities selected to participate in this initiative, which was funded by the French Embassy Fund (FEF) Project.

 

”The initiative was championed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale and coordinated through the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships), Prof. Oluyemisi Bamgbose, SAN.

 

”The initiative received support from other management staffers,” she explained.

 

She disclosed that Prof. Aina Adeogun of the Department of Zoology served as the focal person for the UI-FEF Campus Wide Initiative.

 

”Working closely with the Students’ Union Executive Committee, Directorate of Public Communication, and Information Technology and Media Services Unit, the team ensured robust student engagement and wide participation across the university community,” she said.

Akinpelu noted that the institution’s contribution stood out significantly, with more than 300 students’ active participation and about 100 creative submissions for the challenge.

 

”UI recorded the highest level of engagement among all participating campuses, a feat that can only be from the institution as the ‘First and the Best’.

 

”Due to this extraordinary commitment, the university became the only university among the 10 to have two winners in the challenge,” she added.

 

She disclosed that the first winner was Debbie Paul, a 300-level student of the Department of Environmental Health Science, Faculty of Public Health, in the Music Category.

 

”The second winner was Adekunle Akorede, also a 300-level student of the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences in the Writing Category,” she said.

 

She said that the recognition underscored the university’s leadership and sustained excellence in addressing plastic pollution and environmental sustainability in Nigeria.

 

 

The former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice Presidents, Atiku Abubakar, Namadi Sambo and former Presidents of the Senate, Ken Nnamani, Paius Ayim have arrived at the venue of former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido’s Book Launch.

 

Former PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, is set to review Lamido’s autobiography titled Being True to Myself.

 

Among the attendees already present at the ongoing book launch at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja are the 2023 Presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi, then Governors of Gombe, Muhammadu Yahaya; Jigawa, Umar Namadi; and Plateau, Caleb Mutfwang.

Also in attendance are several notable figures, including former Governors Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Ahmed Makarfi (Kaduna), and Babangida Aliyu (Niger), (Cross Rivers), Liyel Imoke among others.

 

Details shortly…

 

Former Benue State Governor, Senator Gabriel Suswam, has warned that the Peoples Democratic Party could collapse before the 2027 elections if the party’s leaders don’t take serious steps to fix its problems.

 

The PDP is currently battling over who should be the national secretary.

 

Also, the party recently experienced a gale of defection when the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, his immediate predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and other erstwhile leaders and members of the PDP moved to the All Progressives Congress, signifying a turning point in the state’s political history.

 

Speaking on Arise TV’s The Morning Show on Tuesday, Suswam said the party is in a critical condition.

 

He said, “A lot of people are hanging on, waiting to see the ultimate end of this party.”

He explained that many members have lost hope and believe the party might not survive.

 

Suswam said efforts by PDP governors and former governors, led by ex-Senate President Bukola Saraki, may help save the party.

 

He said, “Whether there is light at the end of the tunnel in the efforts made by Senator Saraki will be seen in the next two weeks. For now, I would say that PDP is it in the hospital? Yes. Is it in the ICU to some extent? Yes, it is. Can it be rescued? Yes, if the proper medicine is applied.”

 

He added that comparing the PDP to a patient in the Intensive Care Unit means its survival chances are 50-50. If Saraki’s team fails, he warned, the party may not survive.

 

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has condemned the recent attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP in various parts of the state, while urging residents to remain resilient and prayerful.

 

In a statement released by his spokesperson, Dauda Illiya on Tuesday, the governor symphatised with the victims while reaffirming the state government’s commitment to working closely with the Federal Government, military, and other security agencies to contain the security challenges.

 

The statement said Zulum also expressed his heartfelt sympathy to the families of all victims affected by the tragic incidents, which included an improvised explosive device (IED) attack along the Maiduguri-Damboa Road.

 

“The recent surge in attacks will not deter our resolve to tackle the scourge of the 16-year-long insurgency. I urge the people of Borno to remain resilient and prayerful. This is a partial eclipse — and we shall overcome it, Insha Allah,” the governor said

“These acts of terror are deeply condemnable. The recent tragic loss of our education staff, gallant troops, and innocent civilians is a painful reminder of the challenges we continue to face,” he added

 

He also said “I am more determined than ever to support the military, security agencies, and our volunteer forces in the fight to end terrorism and insurgency in our state.”

 

The statement said the governor recalled his recent visit to Gwoza, where he engaged with military personnel and the Izge community, as part of ongoing efforts to reinforce resilience and ensure the protection of lives and property.

 

Punch had reported an explosion that killed two travellers along Maiduguri-Damboa Road, an attack in Marte, Chibok, Gwoza, Kala Balge, and other communities.

 

The National Youth Service Corps, has deployed 1,600 corps members to Bauchi State, assuring that the corps members would deliver maximum impact on their host communities.

 

The Director General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, made the assurance in Bauchi on Tuesday during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘A’ stream 1 orientation course.

 

The DG, who was represented by the Bauchi state Coordinator of NYSC, Rifkatu Yakubu, commended the patriotism, loyalty, patience, perseverance, understanding and good conduct of the corps members during the orientation course.

 

He said, “By your show of maturity, patriotism, loyalty, commitment, discipline and tolerance, I am convinced that our three-week stay at camp has not been in vain and that you will have a maximum impact on your host communities during the service year.

 

“As you embark on the second phase of the service year, I enjoin you to continue to be obedient, loyal and diligent and endeavour to settle down quickly when you get to your places of primary assignment and adapt to the ways of life there.

“Do your best to obey the rules governing your host communities and learn to appreciate their customs and culture, and ensure that you leave them better than you will meet them through your community development projects.”

 

While appreciating all the collaborating agencies that sent their personnel to assist the scheme in the running of the camp, Nafiu also lauded the NYSC staff for being at their very best to ensure a seamless exercise.

 

He also commended the Bauchi state Government for providing a conducive environment and security for both corps members and camp officials, saying the contributions have made the exercise a huge success.

 

PUNCH reports that a total of 1,600 corps members comprising 717 males and 883 females were deployed to their various places of primary assignments in the state for the one-year national service.

 

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti will take the reins of the Brazil national team on May 26, aiming to lead the team to World Cup glory next year for the first time since 2002.

 

Previous coach Dorival Junior was sacked in March after a 4-1 thumping by rivals Argentina in qualifying.

 

Here, AFP Sport considers three reasons he could prove successful with the record five-time world champions:

Calm character

 

Ancelotti, who has written a book named “Quiet Leadership”, is known for his calm and warm character, making him an ideal candidate for one of football’s highest pressure jobs.

 

The Italian has demonstrated his ability to succeed in similar environments with some of Europe’s biggest sides, including Real Madrid, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.

 

With Brazil’s fiercest rivals Argentina reigning world champions, the pressure on Brazil to succeed in the 2026 World Cup will be higher than ever.

 

Ancelotti is also set to be the first foreign manager to lead Brazil into a World Cup.

 

However if anybody is cut out to thrive in — or despite — heavy scrutiny from fans and national media, it is the unflappable, avuncular Ancelotti.

 

“Ancelotti would be ideal because everyone, including opponents, respects him,” said Brazil great Zico in 2023.

 

“He knows football and is aware that players are more important than tactics.”

 

Ancelotti is considered a superb man-manager, which will allow him to get the best out of a national team rich in talent.

 

Strong relationships

With Neymar turning 34 ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, there is a strong chance the forward and talisman of this Brazilian generation will not feature.

 

He has made only nine appearances since rejoining Santos from Saudi club Al Hilal, continuing to struggle with injury problems.

Instead Vinicius Junior will likely be Brazil’s key figure, a player who has developed brilliantly under Ancelotti at Real Madrid.

 

The Italian has helped the 24-year-old turn from a figure of fun, because of his inconsistent end product, into one of the Spanish league’s biggest stars.

 

Rodrygo Goes has also won two Champions League titles with Ancelotti at Madrid, as has defender Eder Militao.

 

Teenage forward Endrick, who has already scored three goals for Brazil, has made 35 appearances for Madrid this season, netting seven times in all competitions.

 

Personal challenge

Ancelotti is the only coach in history to win all five of Europe’s biggest leagues and will find a new challenge in international football.

 

The World Cup is the final puzzle piece left for Ancelotti to complete his glittering managerial career.

 

Ancelotti won the Champions League twice as a player with AC Milan and twice more as a coach there, along with three further wins while in charge of Real Madrid — five triumphs puts him two ahead of any other manager.

 

The 65-year-old seemed to have fallen out of the elite after taking charge at Everton in 2019, but Madrid’s surprise move to reappoint him in 2021 has been fruitful for both coach and club.

 

Now Ancelotti sets his sights on glory with Brazil, and completing his personal trophy cabinet.

 

AFP

 

The UN is undergoing some dire financial strain amid growing global challenges, Secretary-General António Guterres has said.

 

Guterres, while briefing Member States in New York on Monday about the state of the multilateral body, pushed for wide-ranging structural reforms to cut costs and enhance the world body’s effectiveness.

 

According to information provided by the UN Controller to the General Assembly’s Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary), only $1.8 billion had been received against the $3.5 billion regular budget assessments for 2025.

 

This amounted to a shortfall of around 50 per cent.

 

As of 30 April, unpaid assessments stood at $2.4 billion, with the United States owing about $1.5 billion, China ($597 million), Russia ($72 million), Saudi Arabia ($42 million), Mexico ($38 million), and Venezuela ($38 million).

 

An additional $137 million was yet to be paid by other Member States.

 

For the peacekeeping budget, which runs on a July-June cycle, including prior-period arrears, the unpaid amount totals $2.7 billion.

 

For the International Tribunals, total contribution outstanding was $79 million as of April 30.

 

“These are times of peril,” Guterres lamented, adding, “but they are also times of profound opportunity and obligation.

 

The mission of the United Nations is more urgent than ever.”

 

Guterres outlined wide-ranging efforts to revamp how the UN system operates, which included cutting costs, streamlining operations, and modernizing its approach to peace and security, development and human rights.

 

He said the conclusions would be reflected in revised estimates for the 2026 budget in September 2025, with additional changes that require more detailed analysis presented in 2027.

 

Guterres said the changes were expected to yield “meaningful reductions” in the overall budget, in which the departments for political and peacekeeping affairs could see a 20 per cent reduction in staff by eliminating duplication.

 

He said this level of reduction could serve as a benchmark across the UN system while also considering unique factors for each department.

Gutterres said, “There might be immediate, one-off costs involved in relocating staff and providing potential termination packages.

““But by moving posts from high-cost locations, we can reduce our commercial footprint in those cities and reduce our post and non-post costs.”

 

He said departments at the UN’s headquarters in New York and Geneva had been asked to review whether some teams could be relocated to lower-cost duty stations, reduced or abolished.

 

A preliminary review identified more than 3,600 unique mandates for the Secretariat alone. A full and more detailed analysis is now underway.

 

Guterres emphasised that the sheer number of mandates, and the bureaucracy needed to implement them, placed a particular burden on smaller Member States with limited resources.

 

“Based on this work, Member States may wish to consider the opportunity to conduct themselves a review of the mandates,” he added.

 

Nearly 50 initial submissions had already been received from senior UN officials, reflecting what Guterres described as “a high level of ambition and creativity.”

 

Key work areas had been identified for review, including peace and security, development, human rights, humanitarian, training and research and specialised agencies.

 

Guterres also touched on the UN dire cashflow situation, stating that the initiative was not an answer to the months-long liquidity crisis but by being more cost effective, it should help limit the impact.

 

“The liquidity crisis is caused by one simple fact – the arrears,” he said, adding that structural reform was not the answer to a fundamental failure by some member states to pay what they owed on time to meet running costs.

 

The secretary-general told member states he would be consulting with them closely and regularly on the cash crisis and needed reforms, seeking guidance and presenting concrete proposals for countries to act on.

 

He said UN staff members and their representatives were being consulted and listened to, adding, “Our concern is to be humane and professional in dealing with any aspect of the required restructuring.”

 

He concluded by highlighting that the UN80 Initiative was a “significant opportunity” to strengthen the UN system and deliver for those who depended on the global multilateral organization.

 

Launched in March, the UN80 Initiative centred on three priorities: enhancing operational efficiency, assessing how mandates, or key tasks, from Member States are implemented, and exploring structural reforms across the UN system.

He urged,“Let us seize this momentum with urgency and determination, and work together to build the strongest and most effective United Nations for today and tomorrow.”

 

(NAN)