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South East

Was South East Development Commission A Gimmick? Or Mere Settlement For The Boys? We Want Answers

by Nelson Ugwuagbo October 26, 2025

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Early this year, accolades were raining on the Deputy Senate President, Benjamin Kalu for his dogged effort in pushing SEDC [South East Development Commission] Bill into reality.

The Bill was signed into law by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu shortly after legislature passed it into law.

The Igbo Community along with other affected communities congratulated the presidency for their great vision.

There was hope that the regional development Commissions will work to accelerate infrastructural development like never seen before.

But with over six months since its formation, nothing has been done and nothing real has been started. No signs or indications of any form of activity has been seen or witnessed.

And it has become a joy killer for the people of the South East who welcomed the SEDC.

For this reason, the Igbo Community in Abuja is nolonger sure what the true objectives behind the formation of the SEDC are.

Was it truly for the purpose of straightening the infrastructural integrity of the region or was it to settlement the “boys”?

Why has the [MD] Managing Director of SEDC, Mark Okoye been silent on his inability to move the Commission towards its true objectives?

Why has the Deputy Senate President, Benjamin Kalu been mute on the matter?

If the problem is funding, like some unofficial sources indicate, then why has the two principal personalities remained silent?

The Igbo Community is demanding for answers.

Signed

Engr Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe
President General
Igbo Community Association FCT

Mazi Emmanuel Chinwoke Onah
Secretary General
Igbo Community Association FCT

October 26, 2025 0 comments

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IPOB declares May 30 lockdown to remember Biafra heroes

by Folarin Kehinde May 12, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

…..set to disrupt ongoing WAEC exams

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has declared a lockdown on May 30, 2025, to remember Biafran heroes and heroines who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the defunct Republic of Biafra.

The group stated that the lockdown is an annual memorial and remembrance day for Biafra heroes and heroines.

Spokesman of IPOB, Emma Powerful, said the event will feature memorial lectures honouring Biafran heroes, both at home and abroad, just like in earlier years.

The statement said, “The peak of the yearly memorial and remembrance event will occur on May 30th, 2025, known as the Biafra Heroes Memorial Day. It is a day designated by IPOB for Biafrans to commemorate and pay tribute to our heroes, heroines, and those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for Biafra’s liberation and independence. The IPOB leadership has announced that May 30, 2025, will be a free day, marking a total lockdown for Biafrans residing in Biafran Land.

“Biafrans residing in Biafra land should observe a lockdown to pay tribute to those who battled and perished in the Nigeria genocidal war against Biafra while Biafrans fought for our independence. We need to commemorate them by spending one day indoors. We urge all Biafrans and every advocate of freedom in Biafra Land to comply with this one-day lockdown directive on May 30, 2025.

“All IPOB family members in their various countries must organize and obtain permits to demonstrate against the unlawful imprisonment of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the illegal detention of Nnamdi Kanu in Nigeria.

”There will be no school, no community meetings, no religious services, no opening of markets and stores, and no public assemblies of any kind. Simply stay inside and enjoy television and videos with your family while contemplating the memories and the genocide inflicted upon Biafrans from 1967 to the present day. It is a day for families to recount their experiences of the Biafran genocidal war from 1967 to 1970 and the ongoing victimisation, destruction, and marginalization of the Ndigbo within Nigeria.

“IPOB has contacted the West African Examination Council, WAEC, to inform them of the lockdown directive on 30th of May, so they can modify the May/June SSCE exams schedule to serve all students. Messages have also been dispatched to the Governors in the South East and South South Regions to notify them that we will remember and pay tribute to our heroes and heroines who sacrificed everything for us with a lockdown mandate on May 30, 2025.”

May 12, 2025 0 comments

Headlines

Terrorist Intent: Simon Ekpa, Four Others detained

by Leading Reporters November 21, 2024

written by Leading Reporters

Simon Ekpa, has been arrested in Finland along with four others on terror-related charges, The Finnish-Nigerian separatist and self-proclaimed leader of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile

It was gathered that the Finnish Central Criminal Police confirmed the arrests, citing allegations of incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent and financing terrorism.

The arrests, carried out earlier this week, led to the suspects being remanded by the district court of Päijät-Häme. Authorities allege that Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, used social media to incite violence in southeastern Nigeria, exacerbating tensions in the region.

Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen, leading the investigation, emphasized the cross-border nature of the case, highlighting international cooperation in uncovering the alleged activities.

Ekpa, known for his radical activism, has a history of controversy. In 2023, Finnish police briefly detained him for suspected fundraising fraud. Globally, he has gained notoriety for advocating election boycotts and publicly endorsing violence. In one of his widely shared statements, Ekpa said, “I support violence against Nigerian government forces. This is self-defense against war crimes committed against us.”

The arrests signal a critical development in addressing allegations of international terrorism and separatist militancy, with implications for security both in the South East particularly, in Nigeria and abroad.

November 21, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

LG Chairman in South East State Appoints Special Advisers on Yam, Garden Egg, Pepper

by Folarin Kehinde November 19, 2024

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Chairman of Igbo Etiti Local Government Area (LGA), Eric Odo, has appointed two Senior Special Assistants to focus on specific agricultural produce in Enugu State.

One of the advisers, Ezeugwu Frederick Ogbonna will oversee yam and pepper, while Nwodo Everestus Ugonna will concentrate on garden egg and pepper.

These appointments, dated November 1, have sparked interest on social media.

Both appointees have been directed to report to the office of the executive chairman of Igbo Etiti LGA, Ogbede, for briefing and deployment.

One of the appointment letters reads: “I am pleased to inform you that the executive chairman Igbo Etiti LGA has approved your appointment as senior special assistant to the local government chairman on agriculture (yam and pepper),” Ezeugwu’s letter reads.

“You should report to the executive chairman Igbo Etiti LGA, Ogbede, for briefing and deployment.

“It is pertinent to note that this is not a career civil service appointment but a temporary appointment which you hold at the pleasure of the executive chairman of Igbo Etiti LGA.”

Meanwhile, Ugonna’s appointment letter partly read: “I am pleased to inform you that the executive chairman Igbo Etiti LGA has approved your appointment as senior special assistant to the Local Government chairman on agriculture (garden egg & pepper).”

November 19, 2024 0 comments

Headlines

“South-South, South-East Don’t Have A Say If The North Endorses Me”: Tinubu

by Leading Reporters December 13, 2021

written by Leading Reporters

An exclusive report by 247ureporters had quoted Presidential hopeful, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been quoted to have told leaders of thought from the northern part of the country, during a secret meeting with them, that with the North’s support, his proposed Muslim-Muslim ticket would fly despite opposition that may come from Christian dominated South-South and South-East regions.

Tinubu was quoted to have told the Northern power brokers that the only problem he foresees with his proposed Muslim-Muslim ticket is the South West, Yoruba Ethnic people. But he assured them that getting the Yorubas on his side would be just a walk-over.

Addressing some elders of the North some days ago in Abuja at a secret meeting arranged by his long time friend Senator Abu Ibrahim, Tinubu said they should leave the task of convincing the Yoruba to him if selected by his APC party to carry the banner of the party in the 2023 elections.

The issue of who will be his running mate according to our sources became a major issue during the deliberation. They told him flatly they will not accept a Christian northerner to be his running mate.

He was said to have promised to pick a Northwest politician who will be a Muslim. It was then a prominent politician and former governor was said to have asked him how that will be taken in the South.

Tinubu, said our sources , told his guests the South East and South South who are largely Christians will not matter. It is the South West, he was quoted to have said , that could raise issues but he will manage that and they will not mind.

Tinubu , at the meeting was said to have argued that the vote of the North West, North East , some largely Muslim states in the North Central as well as South West were enough to make him President.

“ All I need is your support,” he was quoted as having said. “ Leave the rest to me, I will handle it.” His guests were said not to have been convinced by his assurance as no regime in the country since independence has governed with both head and deputy as Muslims.

It is believed that come February , the party APC , under which he want to seek the office is most certain to pick a Muslim Chairman from the North Central part of the country. Aspirants for this position are already emerging from Niger , Kwara and Nasarawa states . These candidates are all Muslims . If Tinubu therefore emerges as APC candidate and picks a Muslim candidate from the North West it means all of the important positions in the party are held by Muslims to the exclusion of the Christian.

Part of the argument of the pro -Tinubu elements is that this has happened before when the late billionaire Muslim Aare Moshood Abiola selected Alhaji Babagana Kingibe as his running mate . One of the northern leaders present at the meeting said ,while this is true, that time is different from now. There are all manners of tensions in the land and the security of the nation is fragile.

“If anybody does that now it will be like deliberately setting the country on fire. “

“The IPOB issue is still raging in the South East, young elements are restless in the South West” the source in the meeting was quoted to have pressed on Tinubu

December 13, 2021 0 comments

Headlines

Anambra guber: IPOB cancels sit-at-home order

by Leading Reporters November 4, 2021

written by Leading Reporters

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has cancelled its sit-at-home order in the south-east.

The proscribed group had threatened to lock down the region from November 5 to protest the detention of Nnamdi Kanu, its leader.

Emma Powerful, IPOB’s spokesperson, on Thursday, said the sit-at-home order has been cancelled to allow people in Anambra to participate in the governorship election on Saturday.

“Following the genuine intervention of our elders, esteemed traditional Institutions/Rulers and Religious Leaders, and after a due consideration of the positive impacts of their engagement, and sequel to the fact that our elders have spoken in our terms, the Leadership of IPOB ably lead by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu hereby and immediately call off the one week sit-at-home earlier declared to commence tomorrow, November 5 to November 10, 2021,” the statement reads.

“We have equally considered several appeals by our mothers who earn their living based on their daily economic activities which will obviously be affected if Biafra land is locked down for one whole week. It’s never our intention to add to the pains of our people, hence our decision to suspend the sit-at-home.

“IPOB leadership is only interested in our referendum and peaceful agitation for self determination, and cannot by under any guise be seen to be interfering with any electoral process.

“The people of Anambra State should go out en masse and peacefully exercise their franchise come 6th November 20121 and accordingly, chose a leader of their Choice and should not be intimidated by anybody, group of persons or security agents.”

The group also warned supporters against attacking voters in Anambra under the guise of enforcing the suspended sit-at-home directive.

IPOB, however, said it remains committed to the agitation for secession.

“Anambrarians should vote and standby to protect their votes. No rigging of any kind will be tolerated on the Anambra State governorship election. It must be transparent, free and fair to all,” IPOB said.

“We wish to thank Biafrans, IPOB members worldwide, friends of Biafra and lovers of freedom for their continued support for our dogged struggle for independence.

“May we, therefore, warn detractors, traitors and enemies of Biafra not to cause confusion by imputing motives to our decision. IPOB doesn’t expect anybody to observe, monitor or enforce the suspended order, otherwise such action will be considered a rebellion to the highest leadership of our global movement.

“On the other hand, our oppressors should not take our decision as an act of cowardice. IPOB still believes that our elders, religious leaders, political leaders and various stakeholders will live up to their promises in their engagements and efforts towards securing the unconditional release of our leader.

“We therefore urge all Biafrans and residents of Biafra to go about their lawful businesses without fear of any molestation. All agents of darkness recruited by our enemies to inflict pains on our people under the guise of enforcing the sit-at-home are hereby warned to steer clear or brace up for the consequences of their evil action.

“IPOB will not relent in our pursuit for Biafra freedom. Nigeria government must give us date for Biafra referendum to decide where we want to belong.”

November 4, 2021 0 comments

Headlines

Northern coalition advocates S/East’s speedy exit from Nigeria

by Leading Reporters October 26, 2021

written by Leading Reporters

Some members of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) have approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, asking it to order the National Assembly to ensure the exit of the South East from Nigeria.

The members said the exit could be made before the conclusion of the ongoing constitutional amendment.

The plaintiffs, led by Nastura Ashir Shariff, Balarabe Rufa’I, Abdul-Aziz Sulaiman and Aminu Adam, explained that their action is informed on the need to curtail violence and destruction as a result of the agitation for secession championed by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

They noted that they are strongly against a repeat of the 1967 to 1970 civil war in Nigeria that cost the country millions of lives and property worth billions of naira.

The Attorney General of the Federation, the Senate president, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the National Assembly were listed as defendants in the suit.

IPOB, led by Nnamdi Kanu, has been agitating for self-determination. They claim marginalisation by the government is their main driving force, insisting that a referendum is conducted.

Kanu was last week sent back to the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) after his plea to be sent to the Kuje Correctional Centre was turned down at the Abuja Federal High Court. He was repatriated to Nigeria from Kenya, where he was rearrested after jumping bail to flee Nigeria in 2017. He claimed the Nigerian military had laid siege to his home in a bid to kill him.

October 26, 2021 0 comments

Headlines

Igbos Are In Charge Of Nigeria’s Economy – Buhari

by Leading Reporters September 11, 2021

written by Leading Reporters

President Muhammadu Buhari has described, the Igbos of South East Nigeria as the most enterprising people, trailblazing economic feats in Nigeria.

The President said so while conveying his heartfelt appreciation over the honor and reception accorded him by the Government and the people of Imo State.

“I thank the Government and people of Imo State for the very warm reception accorded me during my visit yesterday. It was a pleasure to visit Imo State and to be hosted by Governor Hope Uzodimma.

The president said he was impressed with infrastructural development in Imo State and encouraged his host, Governor Hope Uzodinma to continue to pursue impactful policies that would benefit his people.

“I was pleased to see and commission his impactful infrastructure projects, and to note that he is giving infrastructure the same kind of priority that we are giving it at the Federal level.

“I firmly believe that when you get infrastructure right, Nigerians will mind their own businesses. And the Igbos will especially benefit from this ongoing infrastructure revolution, because, as a group, they are truly the most enterprising.

“There is no town you will visit in Nigeria without seeing the Igbos being in-charge of economic activities. The evidence is there for everyone to see, that Igbos are in charge of Nigeria’s economy.

“It is therefore unthinkable for me that any Igbo man would consider himself not to be a part of Nigeria.

“Let me again say that I was very pleased with what I saw in Imo State, and I would like to assure that I will support Imo State and the entire region within the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The Federal Government will complete all ongoing key projects in the South East, including the 2nd Niger Bridge, and other major highways, as well as the railway lines and routes linking the region with other parts of the country.

September 11, 2021 0 comments