One dead, car razed as Nigerians clash over Biafra in Bengaluru, India

The Biafra struggle is playing out on the streets of Bengaluru,India with some Nigerian nationals clashing over the issue multiple times.

According to a report by the Times of India, the Bengaluru Police are now mulling over getting these students deported.

A series of attacks and counter attacks has taken place in the city between these students over Baifra issue.

In the wee hours of Sunday, a dozen Nigerian students created a ruckus in Hennur. They allegedly attacked the residence of one Elvis Ohachosim, a 39-year-old fellow Nigerian, and set his car ablaze.

According to DCP North East, Girish, this was a counter attack in retaliation to Elvis attacking two Nigerian friends on Saturday evening.

He said that Sunday’s attack was not the first time the Nigerians fought over Baifra issue.

“This has been going on since the beginning of September. On September 3, Nigerian citizen N Chigozie, a resident of Hennur, died. Investigations suggest that he may have died after clashes between the gangs at an African restaurant in Kothanur,” DCP Girish added.

The Bengaluru police have filed four cases against these two Nigerian groups since September 3.

According to Elvis’ complaint, 12 people arrived at his house in Vaddarapalya at around 3am on Sunday.

“The man knew he was in trouble so he did not open the door. His car was parked in front of his house and they set it ablaze instead. He has also said that the gang threatened to kill him,” the DCP added.

An FIR was filed at the Hennur Police Station later on Sunday against the 12 Nigerians. Elvis’ car was not completely gutted as a few of his neighbours helped him put out the fire after the gang left.

According to the police, Chigozie was found dead near Geddalahalli railway track on September 3. The Kothanur police had thought it was a road accident. After preliminary investigation, a case of murder was registered. The police are now awaiting the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report.

Chigozie's brother Nonso Odedike, has filed a complaint accusing a group of Nigerians led by a man named Aiwa, of attacking him and Chigozie at a restaurant named African Kitchen in Kothanur, on September 2.

“Chigozie’s brother has said that they were having dinner at African Kitchen on the night of September 2. They were discussing the Biafra issue when they were attacked. Six people were arrested in the case and are now out on bail,” a senior police official said.

Nonso, in his complaint states that when the attack occurred, they fled the spot. He says that his brother may have been killed while trying to escape.

The senior official said that two groups – one supporting Nonso and the other supporting the six accused in Chigozie’­s murder, have been clashing repeatedly after September 3, the senior police officer said.

Elvis is believed to be a Nonso supporter, who allegedly attacked Christoper Okwi Onuigbo and his friend Ani Charles. The duo were part of the six-member gang arrested for Chigozie’s murder.

The Kothanur Police filed a complaint against six people including Elvis for the attack on Saturday night.

“There are two gangs of Nigerians who are clashing over political reasons. We will submit a report about them to the Foreign Regional Registration Office,” DCP Girish said.

Police said the accused in all four cases are Nigerian nationals and had come to India on business or student visas.

Biafra: Primate Ayodele releases prophecies on Nnamdi Kanu, Buhari, Atiku’s presidential ambition

The founder of Inri Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele has released more prophecies on the Biafra agitation spearheaded by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu and the 2019 presidential election.

Speaking with Sunday Tribune, the Primate said Kanu had taken the wrong step in his fight for the actualization of Biafra.

Ayodele also stated that a Northerner will still rule Nigeria in 2019.

The clergy man insisted that Nigeria will disintegrate by 2035.

According to Ayodele, “Nnamdi Kanu has taken the wrong step in his fight for Biafra. He cannot actualise it.

“But the government must dialogue with him because his agitation will cause pandemonium. There will be a lot of factions within the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB). Some people would penetrate the group in order to cause issues.

“Besides, I see a major referendum in the nearest future; it is not now. No government can stop the disintegration of Nigeria. Only God can stop it.

“Note my words: only God can stop Nigeria’s disintegration, but it is not yet time. By 2035, Nigeria will be no more. Five nations will come out of the country. Two will be greater than three.”

Speaking on Nigeria’s 2019 general election, Ayodele said: “Neither the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) nor the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) can take Nigeria to the next level.

“I have five names of people who can take Nigeria to the next level, but it is not yet time to announce them. You know the way we are in this country. Should I announce those names, they would tell me that I have been bribed.

“Unfortunately, President Muhammadu Buhari cannot take Nigeria anywhere. Atiku Abubakar cannot take Nigeria anywhere. He should consult God before stepping in.

“When Dr Goodluck Jonathan wanted to re-contest in 2015, I told him to consult God. Atiku should consult God so that his ambition will not ruin his image or personality. He must watch out. Buhari’s second term is not the best for Nigeria. He knows that.

“He should leave in 2019 and pick someone else from his party. A northerner will still rule in 2019. No South-West governor will rule in 2019.”

Ayodele, had few weeks ago released prophecies regarding the unity of Nigeria and the agitation for Biafra.

Ayodele predicted that Biafra will be actualized but not through Kanu.

My ordeal in the hands of Nollywood’s sexual predators – Sandra Onyenemere, actress

Model and up-and-coming actress, Sandra Onyenemere is peeved! Reason: randy movie producers and directors are giving her a hard time because they want to sleep with her before giving her a role, and she is not ready to compromise.

In a chat, the hazel-eyed, light-complexioned beauty and graduate of Economics from Madonna University opened up on her ordeal, declaring that no matter what happens, she will never drop her pants in order to secure a role because a randy movie maker wants her to.

Hear her: “I want to expose randy movie producers and directors who give the industry a bad name. Most times we females are the victims. There is so much pressure from directors; they want to take advantage of you because they know you are passionate about acting. They know you are vulnerable so they want to take advantage of that, and that is tragic!”

Bitter experience

Recalling her ordeal, the fast rising thespian narrated: “It was a bitter experience. I don’t want to go into details. There was a day I got a call that I should travel to Asaba in Delta State. And this is someone I haven’t met before. Somebody actually gave me his number to call him and Asaba is not where I have lived before.

“He said he would put me in a hotel for two nights and I was like, ‘two nights doing what?’ I was recommended to him so why would I have to go through all that; I mean, spend two nights with him in a hotel? But he was like ‘I like you; you’re a beautiful girl. Let us have a relationship and work as a family’. It was really scary.

“There was another one who said that my ‘holy-holy’ attitude won’t get me anywhere, he is a big name in Abuja. He relocated from America with state-of-the-art equipment with plans to transform Nollywood, so I was shocked when he made the statement because I saw him as a professional. It was so bad I had to block his number.

“A lot of times you go for auditions, you get the role and when it is time for cameras to role, you find out that you have been dumped like a bag of bad potatoes, because you refused to do what other girls are doing.

“There was this very big name in Nollywood who boasted to me that all the big names in the industry passed through him. In fact, he even boasted that I wasn’t even half as pretty as them. He told me that if I must get to Jerusalem, I must pass through him. And besides, he told me that my case was already complicated because I was not as pretty as the actresses who slept with him before he transformed their careers.”

Sticking to her guns

Why doesn’t she just give them what they want and move on with her career? After all, a lot of young girls would do exactly that. Doesn’t she think she is being timid? Her response: “I can’t because I am a role model to my siblings. We are seven kids and I am the first. They say charity begins at home, so I want to extend that to the world. I don’t need to sleep with any movie maker or director to land a role.”

Advice to wannabes

So, what does Onyenemere have to say to girls who believe that sleeping around is the shortest cut to success? “It is their choice and then we all have our individual priorities and decisions. They have made their choice, but for me, that is not it. I am from a strong Christian background and sleeping around is a taboo in my culture.”

Dreams

Despite her challenges, Onyenemere is undeterred to achieve success in Nollywood. “I want to do my own movies. Actually, I want to create awareness about sexual harassment and I also want them to know that Nollywood is not a bad industry; it is just a few randy ones giving it a bad name. I can actually find good and reserved men who don’t sleep around but rely on God and sheer talent to get to where they are today. It all depends on you.

“I am currently working on my first film, and by God’s grace, before the middle of next year, it should be ready for the cinemas. My family is very supportive. My role model is Omoni Oboli; she is such a hard working woman,” she  stated.

I never thought I could make money with my voice – Chioma, Emeka Omeruah’s daughter

— 24th September 2017

Chioma Omeruah alias (Chigul) is an artiste, singer, comedienne and all round entertainer. She is the first daughter of the late Col. Emeka Omeruah and has a unique accent. Her road to fame began in 2009, when she did a voice note with the character Chigul. According to the lady from Oboro Ikwuano, Umuahia, Abia State, she sang a crazy song that went viral. That song launched her into stardom and Chigul is now sought after female comedian. In a chat, she talked her craft, upbringing and what she misses the most about her father.

How did you start as a comedian?

I did a voice note in 2009 with the character Chigul. Actually, it was a crazy song; it went viral and here we are.

The way you are talking to me now, is this your real voice, I thought it’s only for stage?

As I am talking to you now, this is my calm inside voice. (Laughs)

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Lagos, I grew up in Lagos and went to school in Jos. About four years later, I came back to Lagos before going to the United States in 1994. I lived there for 12 years and moved back to Nigeria in 2006.

What were you doing in the United States?

I went to high school and later studied at Daleware State University in the US. I also worked a bit before my father asked me to come home.

What do you miss about your dad?

When you see his character you feel you have a covering, I feel I’m covered but God has been the one covering us. God has been my covering. When we were young, my dad had a way of making us study harder to come out with good results and there was always a price for it.

Once you pass your common entrance my dad would give you a gift. My elder brother traveled to the Olympics in Los Angeles and he met Muhammad Ali and other sports men. I went on pilgrimage with my mum and dad. I remember we went to London, Israel and Rome.

How was growing up for you?

It was fun. When someone came to the house back then, I would always be the one to notice them and mimic them. I was always close to the TV, I could copy the characters in commercials on TV and I just made fun of everything. I watched TV a lot when I was a kid. I grew up watching television all the time. It caused me trouble so many times.

What is style for you?

Comfort. Style is looking nice but being comfortable and being practical as well. Considering everything about yourself and what you think will look nice on you. Sometimes sticking to your ground, sometimes not taking to advice on what to wear and what not to wear.

Which part of celebrity lifestyle don’t you like?

I don’t think there’s anything about being a celebrity that I don’t like right now. May be the aspect of going out and working all the time. Sometimes you want to take a break but and then you realize you can’t work forever, so you do the best that you can.

Do you still eat and walk on the road, like eating boli and roasted plantain?

Me? I can do anything. I can stop and eat on the road. I don’t have time.

If I feel like eating boli, I go and buy it. If I feel like eating corn, I go and buy it. Even if I want to eat guguru and epa (groundnut and popcorn), I will buy it and eat. I don’t like going to the market, even when I was younger I didn’t like it.

I can pay someone to go to the market. I don’t like shopping at all. Whether its supermarket or store I don’t like it.

Your commercial for Diamond Bank is really nice, what can you say about it?

It was a unique experience. I thank God for it. I have had a lot of people pass by and say, ‘This is the lady in the Salary-For-Life advert.’ It has added a plus to my career. I’m so grateful to God for the opportunity.

Were you shy on first day on stage as a comedienne? Did you have butterflies in your stomach?

Shy? I felt like I was walking on air. I’m never a shy person. Even if I try to fake it wouldn’t work.

So, were you spoilt growing up?

No way. My father was a strict military man.
   He was disciplinarian. He did not spare anybody. Nobody in my house was spoilt. We didn’t have too many househelps, maybe one at a time.

My father had one who was helping him and we had one househelp like a nanny; we had cousins living with us. Our house was always full, because they came to live with us and go to school. The house was big enough.

What has life taught you?

My mantra in this world is: be humble, be grounded, work hard, know where you are coming from, have the idea of where you are going to in your head, and keep calm as much as you can. Tell people around you the truth, be aware of yourself, keep good people around you that would tell you the truth, be aware of your surroundings, and watch and pray.

Now that you are making waves as Chigul, many people would now want to come to you as friends, how do you take that?

I’m a believer of people coming into your life and people coming through your life and they stayed and they remained.

I’ve been blessed with good people around me, people who are considerate and grounded, people who remind me of where I come from, and where I’m going to and push me when they need to. I think that is the most important thing.

Did you ever envisage you would make money from talking this way?

I never thought I could make money from this. I never planned comedy; comedy just happened for me. God just created the space.

I used to serve as a compere (master of ceremonies, MC) at some time. The first time I did the comedy thing was with Basket Mouth and it was my best show ever.

Kano govt., Chinese firm sign $600m MoU for textile industrial park

— 24th September 2017

The Kano State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Shandong Ruyi Technology Group of China, for the establishment of a $600 million Textile Industrial Park in the state.

Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Usman Alhaji, and the company’s chairman, Mr. Yafu Qiu, signed the agreement at the company’s headquarters in Jining, Shandong, China.

Shandong Ruyi is China’s leading innovative technology textile enterprise and the planned multi-million dollar investment in Kano will be its biggest in Africa, upon completion.

Speaking shortly after the ceremony, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who had earlier visited one of the group’s factories, described the event as “the biggest Foreign Direct Investment expected in the state in recent times”.

“I thank you for the invitation to visit one of your factories and from what I have seen in your production line, your facilities are world-class. One can only imagine the number of jobs that would be created and the value that would be added to our economy when your plant commences operation in Kano”, he stated.

Governor Ganduje informed his host that Kano has put in place facilities for textile clusters across its 44 local government areas and requested the Group to visit the state and inspect them, with a view to incorporating them into the Textile Industrial Park.

He assured the company that his administration would create enabling environment for the smooth take off of its project, pointing out that his administration was taking steps to ensure that Kano becomes the number one destination for investment not only in Nigeria but in the West Africa sub-region.

On his part, the Chairman of Ruyi Group, Mr. Yafu Qiu said the investment is to hasten growth and support global development, noting that having the governor come personally for the signing of the MoU was a boost to the successful implementation of the project.

According to him, his company would also look at the possibility of executing a solar power project specifically for the Textile Industrial Park, even as he expressed desire to collaborate with the government towards enhancing the capacity of its on-going Hydro Power project at Tiga and Challawa.

Court stops PDP Disciplinary Committee from sanctioning Kashamu, others

A Federal High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, has stopped the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)  from taking any disciplinary action against some chieftains of the party in South-West.

The interlocutory injunction, specifically restrains the PDP, the Chairman of its National Caretaker Committee, and Secretary, from taking any disciplinary action against the plaintiffs and other leaders of the PDP in the South West zone.

The chieftains include the Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Buruji Kashamu; the immediate past National Secretary, Wale Oladipo; the immediate past National Auditor, Adewale Adeyanju; and others

Biafra: Nnamdi Kanu sue Zoo government for declaring IPOB as terrorist group.

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has challenged the court ruling that declared the group a terrorist unit.

Orizon News learnt that the suit was filed on Thursday by Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Kanu’s lawyer.

Ejiofor said it was illegal for the Federal High Court, Abuja, to issue an order against the IPOB as it is a non-violent organisation.

Ejiofor argued that his client’s right to fair hearing was breached and that the court in Abuja lacks the jurisdiction to issue such an order.

It was the Defence Headquarters that first declared the IPOB a “militant terrorist organization” in contravention of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2013 (as amended), alleging that the group had set up a parallel Secret Service and was in possession of weapons.

However, following public outcry, the office of the Attorney General of the Federation hurriedly kick-started a formal process, which was signed by approved by President Muhammadu Buhari before he left for the United States on Sunday.

On Monday evening, the court issued an order declaring IPOB a terrorist group and rendering anyone who participates in the group’s activities liable to a jail term of 20 years.

Meanwhile, Kanu’s still remain missing a week after soldiers besieged his hometown, Afaraukwu, in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State.