News
Abasi People Foundation Rejects Southern Traditional Rulers Council, Seeks Refress of Historical Marginalisation
Abasi People Foundation Rejects Southern Traditional Rulers Council, Seeks Refress of Historical Marginalisation
By: Michael Mike
The Abasi People Foundation (APF) has forcefully rejected the proposed Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, describing the initiative as historically insensitive, politically exclusionary, and structurally flawed.
In a detailed statement issued in Abuja at the weekend and signed by its President, Dr. Victor Udo, the Foundation not only denounced the proposed council but also declared unambiguous solidarity with Igbo traditional rulers under the leadership of Lawrence Agubuzu, Eze Ogbunechendo of Ezema Olo Kingdom in Enugu State.
The APF argued that any attempt to establish a southern regional traditional body without full democratic consultation and equal representation of indigenous nationalities risks repeating historical patterns of marginalisation that have shaped Nigeria’s political evolution since colonial rule.
The Foundation anchored its opposition in what it described as the “unresolved contradictions” of Nigeria’s 1914 amalgamation, when the British colonial administration merged the Northern and Southern Protectorates into a single political entity. According to APF, the colonial arrangement prioritised administrative convenience over ethnic autonomy, laying the groundwork for structural imbalances that continue to influence governance and representation.
The group further noted that post-independence constitutional experiments — from the regional structure of the First Republic to the centralized federal system that emerged after military rule — have struggled to equitably accommodate Nigeria’s complex mosaic of ethnic nationalities.
“The architecture of amalgamation created artificial divisions and entrenched central dominance,” the statement said. “More than a century later, the same logic must not be allowed to redefine southern identity through exclusionary frameworks.”
The APF however emphasized that the Abasi people — comprising the Ibibio, Annang, Oro, Efik, Obolo, Eket, Ekoi and related communities — represent a historically rooted nationality with a shared cultural heritage and distinct identity within Nigeria’s southern corridor.
It insisted that no regional traditional council can claim legitimacy if it sidelines indigenous populations or imposes hierarchical arrangements where equality should prevail.
“Unity cannot be legislated through selective inclusion,” the Foundation declared. “Any structure that reproduces historical marginalization under the guise of regional integration undermines its own moral and civic authority.”
The group demanded the immediate suspension of any process toward establishing the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council unless it guarantees full democratic participation and equal representation for both the Abasi and Igbo nationalities.
Beyond the immediate controversy, the APF called for a renewed national dialogue on Nigeria’s political future, advocating a transition toward a confederal system in which ethnic nationalities can exercise greater autonomy while cooperating within a shared sovereign framework.
According to the Foundation, Nigeria’s long-term stability depends on recognizing all its constituent peoples — including Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Abasian, Kanuri, Ijaw, Fulani, Nupe, Jukun, Tiv, Bini and others — as co-equal stakeholders in governance.
Political analysts say the Foundation’s intervention highlights deeper conversations underway across the country about federal restructuring, regional identity, and the evolving role of traditional institutions in modern governance.
APF warned in the statement that national cohesion cannot be built on exclusion.
“Justice demands representation, peace requires equality, and development begins with dignity,” the group said, signaling that debates over regional structures are likely to intensify as broader constitutional questions resurface on the national stage.
Abasi People Foundation Rejects Southern Traditional Rulers Council, Seeks Refress of Historical Marginalisation
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.
On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.
The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.
One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.
No military equipment was lost during the operation.
Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.
Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
News
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
The high-profile terrorism trial in Charge No. FHC/ASB/18C/2024 took a dramatic and gripping turn this week at the Federal High Court, Asaba, as explosive evidence and powerful witness testimonies continue to unfold against Mike Nwaukoni (aka “Supu”) and his alleged accomplices.
Standing trial alongside him are prominent figures including Barrister Francis Okolie, Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), and Mazi Elue Adigwe, the association’s Secretary-General, among others accused in connection with the violent October 12, 2023 attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.
🔴 Doctor’s Testimony Leaves Court in Silence
In what court observers have described as one of the most chilling moments of the trial so far, Dr. Ezeike Ugochukwu Godwin took the witness stand and delivered a clinical yet deeply emotional account of the injuries sustained by a vigilante operative assigned to protect the Palace.
The doctor confirmed that the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to the head and upper limbs, describing in precise medical terms the severity of the trauma.
According to his testimony, the victim was brought into the emergency unit in a state of intense pain and critical distress, alongside several others wounded during the attack.
Dr. Ezeike further told the court that the patient was referred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, reinforcing the official chain of response following the violent incident.
🔴 Police Investigator Details Chaos and Destruction
A day earlier, on April 21, 2026, the court heard from Inspector Ijeoma Ovat, the initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who painted a harrowing picture of the aftermath of the attack.
She testified about the widespread chaos, multiple casualties, and destruction that followed the invasion of the Palace during the controversial Ineh Festival. Crucially, she tendered photographic evidence showing heavily damaged police and vigilante vehicles, corroborating claims of a coordinated and violent assault.
Sources within the prosecution confirm that the damage to the vehicles was extensive and consistent with armed aggression.
🔴 Witnesses Tie Defendants to Armed
AssaultEarlier testimonies in the trial have reportedly identified the defendants as active participants, alleging they were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons during the attack. Witnesses have also pointed to Mike Nwaukoni as a central figure who allegedly instigated and coordinated the operation.
🔴 Passport Request Sparks Legal Firestorm
In a fresh development that has further intensified proceedings, lead prosecutors in the case including CSP Samuel Mallum Esq and A.I Aminu Esq from the Police Legal Directorate in Abuja have strongly opposed an application by Nwaukoni’s legal team seeking the temporary release of his international passport for overseas travel.
According to sources, the prosecution argued that granting such a request poses a serious flight risk, warning that the defendant could attempt to evade justice, seek asylum, or acquire foreign citizenship.
The prosecution also suggested that the move may be a deliberate tactic to delay the trial, particularly as significant portions of the case have already been established.
The matter has been adjourned for further consideration, with hearings expected to resume in late May, continuing into early June 2026.
🔴 Calm Returns to Ogwashi-Uku Amid Trial
Meanwhile, community sources in Ogwashi-Uku report a notable return of peace and stability since the commencement of the trial. Residents have expressed hope that the judicial process will be seen through to a swift and just conclusion, bringing lasting closure to one of the most serious security incidents in the Kingdom’s recent history.
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.
The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.
Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.
The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
Troops Clear Terrorist Enclaves, Recover Items in Katsina Operation
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
Troops Respond to Attack in Zamfara, IED Incident Recorded Without Casualties
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
