Skip to main content

Operation Python Dance: Army withdraws from Abia


Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia has expressed gratitude to God for averting bloodbath in the state, following the withdrawal of troops deployed to Abia for a one-month military exercise code-named “Operation Python Dance.”
Ikpeazu made the remark on Sunday when he visited the secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Abia council to commiserate with journalists over last Tuesday’s invasion of the secretariat by soldiers.
The governor noted that the presence of the troops sparked tension across the state.
He said “we are grateful to God for intervening in stopping what could have been the greatest bloodbath known in the history of mankind.”
He also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for reposing confidence in Southeast Governors’ Forum, “by giving us a second chance to talk to our people on the need for us to live as one united nation.”
He added that the Igbos remained the most widely travelled people in Nigeria, living and conducting businesses in every nook and cranny of the country.
The governor put the estimated population of Igbos in the north at about 12 million, with Borno having the least population of about 50,000 Igbo households.
He said Abia needed peace for business to thrive, especially in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the state.
“I am very happy to say that normalcy has returned to the state,” he said, adding that Muslims worshipped in their Mosque on Friday in Aba.
He, therefore, urged residents of the state to go about their lawful businesses, assuring them that government would continue to provide adequate security for lives and property.
The governor described the invasion of the NUJ secretariat as unwarranted, saying that “journalists do not deserve such an attack.”
He said that although journalists faced different hazards in the course of their duty, military attacks only happened under military regime or war situation and not in a democracy.
Ikpeazu, who complained that the activities of his administration were under-reported, urged journalists to help in reporting the state positively to the world.
He promised to look into some of the challenges facing the Abia NUJ, including taking steps to complete the union’s unfinished permanent secretariat.
Earlier, the state Chairman of the union, Mr John Emejor, narrated how the secretariat was invaded by no fewer than 20 soldiers without any provocation.
Emejor said that Abia NUJ was the only council in the country that still operated in rented apartment.
He described the relationship between the union and Ikpeazu’s administration as frosty and urged the governor to take steps to reverse the trend.
The Abia correspondent of The Oracle Today newspaper, Bonny Okoro, was manhandled during the attack.
His Samsung tablet, as well as a cellphone belonging to the correspondent of Daily Times, Mr Sunny Nwakanma, was also destroyed by the assailants.
Gov. Ikpeazu was accompanied on the visit by his Deputy, Chief Ude Oko-Chukwu, Rep. Sam Onuigbo representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, and the Pillar of Abia NUJ, Dr Anthony Agbazuere.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Season Greetings From The Mandate Health Empowerment Initiative (MHEI)

Merry Christmas and a blissful mentally healthy new year great minds! Please if you are interested in humanitarian, community service Join The Mandate Health Empowerment Initiative Volunteer Team! As we engage Africa in Mental Health Literacy, Psychosocial Support Campaign and Prevent Drugs and Substance Dependency across all sectors! There are more people living with mental illness than people living with HIV AIDS!  Be Involved www.mhfnigeria.org  www.facebook.com/mhf2015 @infomhei just drop a line message of interest. God bless you

More firepower against ISIS

Not weeks. Not months. Years. That's how long nations entering the fight against ISIS may need to be prepared to spend on the battle, British and U.S. officials say. British Prime Minister David Cameron told Parliament Friday of the likely length of the mission ahead of what turned out to be an overwhelming vote to send UK air power into the fight.

All The Winners At The 2014 Headies Awards

The Headies awards 2014 wrapped up a few hours ago at the Eko Hotel in Lagos and Olamide, Davido and Patoranking were stars of the night earning 2 awards each. The Mavin crew would be happy on the night as Don Jazzy snapped up the producer of the year, and his team grabbed the pop single of the year with Dorobucci. It didn’t end there for the Mavins as their new act, Reekado Banks snatched the rookie of the year and deservedly so. The night also featured some great performances. See the complete list of winners below; Best R&B Single – Let Somebody Love You by 2face Idibia. Best Pop Single – Dorobucci by The Mavins Best Rap Single – Parcel by Phyno Best Street Hop – Double Wahala by Oritsefemi Best Vocal Performance (Male) – Iyawo Mi by Timi Dakolo Best R&B/Pop Album – The Journey by Sean Tizzle Best Vocal Performance (Female) – Love To Love You by Niyola. Best Rap Album – Baddest Guy Ever Liveth by Olamide. Best Reggae/Dancehall – Girlie O by Pator...