Gist Arena

A fter emerging from his dogged fight to become Abia governor to no avail the president of Masters Energy Group, Mr. Uche Ogah has dumped the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). There had been insinuations that the oil magnet and industrialist was no longer in love with the PDP, under which platform he made strenuous efforts to become the chief executive of Abia without realising his dream. But speaking with journalists at his Unuaku country home in Isuikwuato local government Ogah confirmed without mincing words that he had left PDP and pitched his tent with APC, which is holding sway at the federal level. “It is not a rumor, it is the truth,” he said, adding, “You know after the Supreme Court decision on the 2015 Abia Governorship Election, I took time to rest (and) after careful consultations, I decided to finally join APC even though many political parties had approached me to join them”. Ogah, whose lo...

A group of Igbo lawyers under the platform of Anambra State Lawyers in Defence of Democracy has described the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu as an anarchist. It accused Kanu and his IPOB of trying to cause anarchy in the country, calling on security operatives to deal decisively with the organization before it would plunge the country untold conflict. In a letter addressed to the Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano and signed by its convener, Mr. Johnmary Jideobi, the lawyers said IPOB had introduced violence in the nation’s electoral process, with the threat to disrupt the November poll in Anambra state. In the letter titled, ‘The 2017 Anambra State Governorship Election and the imperative of ending the impunity of anarchists before it is too late’, the lawyers said: “The leader of IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has taken a decision and consequently issued a directive to the effect that elections would no longer hold in Biafraland. “No...

Pres. Buhari walking to take photos with members of his media team that came visiting him in London earlier today

T he Federal Government says it will come up with security plans that will guarantee the safety of lives and property in worship centres across the country. Chris Ngige, Minister for Labour and Employment, said this in Amakwa, Ozubulu in Ekwusigo council when he led a delegation to commiserate with the people and government of Anambra on Saturday over last week’s attack in a church. The delegation was led to St. Philips Catholic Church by Nkem Okeke, Deputy Governor of Anambra and Hillary Okeke, the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese. Mr. Ngige said the Federal Government would cooperate with Anambra to ensure that the culprits were brought to book. The minister, who described the attack as heinous, wicked and sacrilegious, said the delegation would report back to the presidency. He said the Federal Government would also work out a security framework that would protect worshipers anywhere in the country. Mr. Ngige, who was briefed by the Bishop and Parish ...

President Muhammadu Buhari says there is tremendous improvement in his health, indeed, he wishes to return home, “but I’ve learnt to obey my doctor’s orders, rather than be the one issuing the orders. Here, the doctor is absolutely in charge.” The President spoke while receiving the presidential media team, and the Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Matters, at Abuja House, London, on Saturday. Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, led the visiting team, accompanied by Mr Femi Adesina, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity; Mallam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, and Lauretta Onochie, Personal Assistant on Digital/Online Media. Also there was Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Matters. When the team expressed delight at the much improved health of the President, he retorted: “I feel I could go home, but the doctors are in charge. I’ve now learnt to obey orders, rather than be obeyed.” On h...

A man identified as Emeka Ogbunihuogu stabbed his father to death in Umuegbu village, Nnobi, in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State. Details on the incident are sketchy, however, according to neighbours, both father and son had been fighting over a portion of land belonging to the family. Photos: