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Nnamdi Kanu: MASSOB leader dissociates self from IPOB, Dokubo’s face-off

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The head of Biafra Independence Movement and Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, has disassociated himself from the conflict between the Indigenous people of Biafra and Alhaji Mujahid Asari Dokubo, the former head of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force, on Friday.

According to a statement made on his behalf by Mazi Chris Mocha, his Director of Information and Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Uwazuruike is only concerned with how IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, can be freed from the Department of State Services prison, not what Asari Dokubo said on social media.

Uwazuruike said those accusing him of conniving with Dokubo should go and verify from Dokubo if both of them had spoken as friends for the past three years.

He recalled how he visited Dokubo in 2002 in Port-Harcourt when the former militant leader told him that the issue of Biafra was not one to be achieved through non-violence, stressing that violence was the only language that the Federal Government understood.

He said, “I do not even have Asari Dokubo’s phone number, let alone talking with him on the phone. It has gotten to about three years now since we last talked, either on the phone or in a friendly conversation.

“If you had a problem with Asari Dokubo, you should better clarify that with him and not drag Ralph Uwazuruike into the matter.

“I am a non-violent crusader, known all over the world and everyone should fight his own battles, carry the cross and not call me to do that for you.

“So Asari had never worked with me on the path of non-violence struggles, and when he was championing the cause for Niger Delta people, he took up arms and ammunition against the Federal Government, which everyone could testify to.”

Uwazuruike described Dokubo as a man who matches his words with action and urged those who are insulting him on social media platforms to go and face him squarely.

He added that Dokubo’s comments asking the Federal Government not to release Nnamdi Kanu were his personal opinion, as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution as amended.

He noted that his opinion cannot override those of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisations, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and South-East Governors Forum, among others, that have been demanding his release.

Uwazuruike said he is only preoccupied with the process that will lead to the release of the leader of IPOB from DSS custody, not talking about irrelevant matters about who said what and who said the other.

He urged the Federal Government to release Kanu because it is against the rule of law that one should be held incommunicado for this long in a DSS facility, even after several courts of competent jurisdiction had ordered his immediate release.

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President Tinubu Signs updated List of Eligible Beneficiaries of State Pardons

Consequently, certain persons convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, unlawful possession of firearms/arms dealing, etc, were deleted from the list.

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has executed the relevant instruments of release to complete the process of formally exercising his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy to grant pardon and clemency to specific individuals who were earlier convicted for various offences.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (information & Strategy), disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

He said that following consultations with the Council of State and public opinion on the matter, the President directed a further review of the initially approved list for consideration in furtherance of the President’s discretionary powers under Section 175(1)(&(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Consequently, certain persons convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, unlawful possession of firearms/arms dealing, etc, were deleted from the list.

Others who had been hitherto pardoned in the old list had their sentences commuted.

This action became necessary in view of the seriousness and security implications of some of the offences, the need to be sensitive to the feelings of the victims of the crimes and society in general, the need to boost the morale of law enforcement agencies and adherence to bilateral obligations.

The concept of justice as a three-way traffic for the Accused, the Victim, and the State/Society also guided the review.

The approved list of eligible beneficiaries has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation in line with the duly signed instruments of release.

Furthermore, to ensure that future exercises meet public expectations and best practices, the President has directed the immediate relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice.

President Tinubu also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue appropriate Guidelines for the Exercise of the Power of Prerogative of Mercy, which includes compulsory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies.

This will ensure that only persons who fully meet the stipulated legal and procedural requirements will henceforth benefit from the issuance of instruments of release.

The President appreciated the constructive feedback and engagement from stakeholders and the general public on this matter.

President Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s broader commitment to judicial reforms and improving the administration of justice in Nigeria.

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170 Foreigners Seeking Nigerian Citizenship – Tunji Ojo

According to the Minister, the 170 applications will undergo rigorous scrutiny by a high-level panel comprising representatives from the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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One hundred and seventy (170) foreign nationals are seeking Nigerian citizenship.

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Interior Minister, disclosed this in Abuja after chairing a meeting of the Citizenship Advisory Committee, which vets all citizenship requests before forwarding recommendations to President Bola Tinubu for approval.

Tunji-Ojo noted that citizenship of the world’s largest Black nation is not for everyone.

“Anyone who holds the citizenship of our great country must be a person of strong character and impeccable integrity, reflecting the true values of Nigeria,” he declared.

According to the Minister, the 170 applications will undergo rigorous scrutiny by a high-level panel comprising representatives from the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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NPF to celebrate 70 years of women in policing

In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, on Wednesday, the celebration is scheduled to hold from December 3 to 4, 2025, and will bring together serving and retired female officers alongside the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

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The Nigeria Police Force has announced plans to celebrate 70 years of women in policing, honouring seven decades of courage, resilience, and service since the first set of female officers were enlisted in 1955.

In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, on Wednesday, the celebration is scheduled to hold from December 3 to 4, 2025, and will bring together serving and retired female officers alongside the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

The statement noted that the milestone “underscores the vital role of women in strengthening law enforcement and fostering community trust across the nation.

It added that the IGP commended the invaluable contributions of female officers to the operational effectiveness and public image of the Force, saying their “dedication and compassion have continued to be integral to the foundation of policing in Nigeria.”

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