News
Proposed Aba State, the Most Economically Viable Among Contending State Requests- Group
Proposed Aba State, the Most Economically Viable Among Contending State Requests- Group
By: Michael Mike
Proposed Aba State has the potential of becoming the most economically viable among all state creation proposals currently under consideration, a group of indigenes from the area have said.
The agitators, in a statement on Tuesday by the Chairman and Secretary, Aba State Movement, HRH Eze Love Wogu and Chief Godfrey Akara, respectively, said the creation of Aba State is deep rooted, and not a recent or politically motivated demand, but a century-long pursuit rooted in a distinct identity.
They pointed out that if not for the 1983 coup, Aba state would have come to reality by now.
They noted that other states proposed at the same time had been created.
They said: “This isn’t simply a demand; it’s a promise that has been repeatedly made and validated but never kept.”
They added that: “The movement’s unwavering dedication is evidenced by its submissions to every state creation committee and national conference since 1988, demonstrating a resilience that has outlasted numerous governments and generations.
“Throughout Nigeria’s complex history of state creation, the quest for Aba State stands out as a persistent and enduring endeavor.
“The journey began in 1915 when the British colonial government administratively united the Asa, Ndoki, and Ngwa people into the Aba Division.
“The formal political pursuit of autonomy began just over a decade later, in 1927. This long struggle reached a critical milestone in 1983 when the National Assembly, under a democratic government, approved a referendum for the creation of Aba State.
“However, that referendum was never realized due to the military coup of December 31, 1983. Ironically, every other state recommended for creation alongside Aba in 1983—Adamawa, Jigawa, Katsina, Kogi, Taraba, and Enugu—has since been established, leaving Aba as the only unfulfilled recommendation.”
They also said: “Beyond historical claims, a compelling economic case exists for Aba State. Advocates argue that the proposed state would not only be sustainable from its inception but would also quickly become a significant financial powerhouse.
“The region is already the commercial and industrial heart of the South East. Aba metropolis, home to the renowned Ariaria International Market, is a major hub for leather goods, footwear, and engineering fabrications, serving markets across West and Central Africa.
“This economic strength is further bolstered by vast resources, including approximately 124 operational oil wells and some of Nigeria’s highest-quality gas reserves in Ukwa West.
“Furthermore, the proposed state has the unique advantage of self-sufficient electricity generation, thanks to the Geometric Power Plant in Osisioma Ngwa, which promises to trigger a significant industrial revolution.
“A 1998 Federal Government survey revealed that the nine Local Government Areas comprising the proposed Aba State contributed the largest portion of Abia State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).”
Proposed Aba State, the Most Economically Viable Among Contending State Requests- Group
Military
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
By Zagazola Makama
Security was significantly reinforced around Niger’s Presidential Palace in Niamey following reports of unrest involving elements of the country’s armed forces, security sources told Zagazola Makama.
According to multiple security sources, the heightened deployment of the Presidential Guard, supported by armoured vehicles around the Presidential Palace on the night of July 3 and into July 4, followed what was described as a limited protest by personnel of an armoured unit within the Niger Armed Forces (FAN).
The sources said some soldiers reportedly declined deployment to frontline positions in northern Tillabéri Region, particularly around Inatès and Chinagodrar, citing inadequate heavy equipment and insufficient operational resources to confront the growing security threats in the area.
The protest was described by one source as a “small mutiny,” although there has been no official confirmation from the Nigerien authorities.
Security sources said the development triggered concern within the country’s leadership, prompting the reinforcement of security around the Presidential Palace and temporary restrictions on movement in the surrounding area as a precautionary measure.
The Tillabéri Region remains one of Niger’s most volatile security zones, with recurrent attacks by armed extremist groups, including factions linked to the so-called Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS).
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerien government and military authorities had not issued any official statement regarding the reported protest or the increased security presence around the Presidency.
The situation remains under close observation.
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
Two suspected criminals arrested during patrol in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1 under Operation Enduring Peace have arrested two suspected criminals during a routine patrol in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the suspects, identified as Azi Ezekiel, 21, and Ajiji Emmanuel, 19, were apprehended at about 10:30 a.m. on Saturday along the road leading to Forbur Village.
The sources said the suspects were intercepted by troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, while conducting a routine patrol in the area.
According to the sources, the two suspects have been handed over to the Keystone Police Station in Forbur for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The arrest forms part of ongoing security operations aimed at combating criminal activities and enhancing safety across Plateau State.
Two suspected criminals arrested during patrol in Plateau
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Plateau community
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4 of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested a suspected kidnapper during a security operation in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources said the suspect, identified as Mohamdu Surajo, 29, was arrested at about 6:45 p.m. on Friday at Sabon Layi Village following sustained security operations in the area.
The sources disclosed that the suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing preliminary interrogation to aid ongoing investigations.
They added that the arrest is part of continued efforts by security forces to dismantle criminal networks and enhance security across Plateau State.
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Plateau community
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