It was gathered that the Federal Government was seeking Egypt’s support so that the stranded Nigerians could be moved to Luxor. The Director of Special Duties of the National Emergency Management Agency, who doubles as Chairman of NEMA’s Committee for the Evacuation of the Stranded Nigerians from Sudan, Dr Onimode Bandele, said the Federal Government was meeting with government officials in Egypt on how to move Nigerians out of Sudan through Egypt. Bandele said this as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, in an interview with Channels Television on Sunday, said the government had concluded arrangements to evacuate 5,500 Nigerians in Sudan by road. According to him, Nigeria, for security reasons, will get authorisation from the Sudanese government before the evacuation. The conflict between the Sudanese armed forces and the paramilitary group, Rapid Support Force, has claimed over 400 lives with thousands of others injured and millions displaced. The clashes broke out between erstwhile allies, General Abdel al-Burhan who heads the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF paramilitary group, led by General Mohamed Dagalo. Several ceasefires that had seemingly been agreed upon by both sides were ignored, including a three-day pause to mark the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which started on Friday. The Federal Government had on Friday explained that the tense situation in Sudan was making it difficult for stranded Nigerian citizens to be evacuated from the country. The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said though the Nigerian Mission in Sudan and the NEMA had put in place arrangements to evacuate the citizens, it was impossible for any flight during this period of war as all airports and land borders in Sudan were closed. However, giving an update on the rescue plan on Sunday, Bandele stated, “Let us make it clear that the situation in Sudan is an internal conflict. It is not Sudan versus another country. It is two factions against themselves. However, we are in touch with our ambassador in Sudan, and in fact, I spoke to him about two hours ago. “The situation does not allow anybody to go in and pick any of their citizens. It may interest you to know that the governments of Qatar and France tried to move some of their citizens yesterday (Saturday) and they were attacked, so they have to beat a retreat. NEMA DG “However, as I speak to you, the Director-General of NEMA, Mustapha Ahmed, is already in Cairo, and some 30 minutes ago he had a meeting with Ambassador Nura Rimi, the Nigerian Ambassador to Egypt.” On measures being explored by the Federal Government, Bandele said though there was a window of moving Nigerians through Addis Ababa, the current option on the ground was to see how Egypt could help bring out some Nigerians in Sudan first. He noted, “The Nigerian government is exploring a diplomatic pact with Egypt, to see if Egypt can help us make arrangements to get into Sudan and move our people to safety at a town called Luxor in Egypt. “There is another window too in Addis Ababa, however, that will be explored between Ambassador Rimi and the ambassador in Ethiopia. But the point I want to make here is that nobody who is thinking straight will just go into Sudan to move anybody. “Mind you, some of those countries that we say had moved their citizens, some of them have fewer than 50 citizens in Sudan, but for Nigeria, if we do an evacuation today, it will be up to thousands.” Asked to state the estimated number of Nigerians in Sudan, Bandele replied, “In fact, from the figures we’ve got from our ambassador, 2,000 Nigerians are ready for evacuation, and he said the population of students that we need to move is about 3,000. So we are working with a figure of about 5,000 Nigerians. “And if we are going to move these 5,000 Nigerians out of Sudan with a 50-seater bus, you’ll be needing 100 buses, and that is too large a convoy for anybody to guarantee. So these are the technicalities that are involved and you need to be careful. “Also, when you are doing this kind of planning, you don’t just go to social media, because it is a security issue. You don’t know who is reading it, you don’t know who is happy with us.” This, he said, was why NEMA had decided to leave the evacuation process at the level of high-ranking officers, “because if we say we are going to take Nigerians in segments of a maximum of 10 buses, which will be about 500 persons, this is still very large.” Bandele added, “So let the modalities be worked out there and once we finalise and we are sure there is going to be security cover for us to move out of Sudan to the safe place in Egypt, we will release another statement and we can now activate the evacuation proper.” On his part, the minister stated that the evacuation plan by road became imperative following the attack on the flight of the French rescue team in Sudan. He said, “We have been given the cost estimate and all the details. They gave us a figure of 5,500 who are ready for evacuation. Obviously, what you need in a situation like this is a place where everybody can congregate before you start moving them out. Because the airports, as you pointed out in your report, are out of commission. The only viable way out is by road. Of course, it’s totally safe. So we want to require the government to provide some security and a safe corridor out. “Our situation is particularly challenging because the numbers are so great. Some countries like the US and European countries have started evacuating. But what they’ve been evacuating were actually their diplomatic staff. They haven’t been able to start evacuating their citizens there. We can’t evacuate all our diplomatic staff at the moment because they need to also

  The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25 general elections, Mr Peter Obi, has said politicians are using politics to sow seeds of discord among Nigerians. Obi stated this in Onitsha, Anambra State on Sunday, when he visited the Muslim community to celebrate the Sallah holiday. He noted that Nigerians are one but that once politics come on stream some desperate politicians who want to reap from where they did not sow always bring segregation by wanting to divide the citizens along tribal and religious lines. The former Anambra State governor donated bags of rice, cartons of noodles and packs of soft drinks to the Muslim community and prayed Allah to accept their fast and sacrifices and grant them good life. He said, “I am here today to celebrate with you on this year’s occasion. Nigeria is one country. I am one Nigerian who believes in Nigeria, and also that we are one, irrespective of tribe and religion. I have never discriminated against anyone on the basis of religion, and I will never do that. “The only thing that brings division among us is politics. Once it is time for election, some politicians engage in divisive campaigns, but it should not be so. One of my businesses is run by a northerner from Kano, and the business is doing well. “You all are my brothers, and I am your brother. Today is not for politics but for celebration. “I came after election because if I came during politics, people would have said it is because I am running to be President. “No one has supported the Muslim community in Anambra like myself. This mosque was demolished at some point, but when I became governor I rebuilt it the way it is today. We see you as part of us, and I want to assure you that no one can stop you from living here and carrying out your businesses. “I live here in Onitsha, and if there is any need to contact me, always do so. If you need me in the area of health care and education, feel free to call on me, because those are areas I’m very passionate about.” Earlier, the Chief Imam of Onitsha Central Mosque, Alhaji Abdulraman Imam, commended Obi, saying he remained the only governor in the state, who visited members of the Muslim community at every celebration to felicitate them. “This mosque was rebuilt by you when it was demolished years back. You visited us in the Army barracks when we had problem then. All the years you were governor, you always visited us during celebrations like this, so you are not new to us. “For the eight years you were governor, you sponsored a lot of our members to Mecca. You did all these, even though you are a Christian. That is why we say we are with you, even as a Christian.” Also, the secretary and spokesperson for the Hausa community in Onitsha, Mr Mahmud Imam, said the Hausa community had decided to support Obi, and would continue to pray that he triumphs and leads Nigeria, because his capacity to lead was not in doubt. Imam said, “We know what you are capable of, you did it here while you were governor. “We (Hausa community) are the highest registered voters in Odoakpu Ward Four here, and we voted for you, and we have no regrets about that. “We saw you during campaigns, visiting interior parts of the North, places that presidential candidates that are of northern extraction feared to go to. “We are happy that you represented very well, and you vindicated us, through the messages we always sent back to our people that you were the best for the position.”

  Monday 24 April 2023 With 35 days to go, Buhari leaves Nigerians with failed promises Sudan conflict: Govt seeks Egypt’s support to rescue 5,500 Nigerians by road Tinubu may return today, to meet APC NWC Obi visits Anambra Muslims, condemns ethnic politics Nigeria’s indebtedness to World Bank now N6tn Again, Building Under Construction Collapses In Lagos State APC Dissolves Campaign Council, Commends Buhari For Support APC Dissolves Campaign Council, Commends Buhari For Support INEC Writes Police To Probe Adamawa REC Yunusa Ari Global competitiveness: Over 30 taxes choke industries in Nigeria as FG plans 18 more Zamfara reinstates Emir dethroned for turbaning bandits leader Withdraw your petition against Tinubu, Nnamani urges Obi ‘We need to find common solutions’ — Italian envoy says Rome, Nigeria have similar challenges Visit a newspaper stand this morning, buy and read a copy for yourself…

  A five-storey building at Ladipo Oluwole Street, GRA, Apapa area of Lagos, has collapsed. The building which was under construction was said to have collpased following a thunder strike. Officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) have sealed the building. Asimiyu Tiamiyu, a volunteer with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC) in Ajeromi Ifelodun LCDA, said no casualty was recorded in the incident.   He said there were no workers present at the scene of the incident, adding that the state government must beam a searchlight on the recurring incident of building collapse in the state. The incident comes barely 10 days after a seven-storey building collapsed in the Banana Island area of the state. Gbenga Omotoso, commissioner for information and strategy, confirmed that one body was recovered from the rubble of the collapsed building.

  Some residents of Abuja and its environs have decried the scarcity of the new naira notes. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) restored the old 200, 500 and 1000 naira notes to remain as legal tender until 31 December. A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) who monitored the availability of the new notes reports that residents are lamenting over the scarcity of the new notes. Moses Nnegedu, a resident of Nyanya, said if CBN was serious to accomplish its goal of the circulation of the new naira notes before the deadline, it would monitor the commercial banks. ‘’The last time I used the new note was two weeks ago and it is really not available. ‘’It seems that the new notes are being hoarded. ‘’There should be political will to ensure the circulation of the new notes before the expiration date so we don’t have a repeat of cash crunch,’’ he said. Gabriel Daniel, a resident of Garki, said he didn’t think the 31 December deadline would be visible because presently it was only the old notes that were available. “I can’t remember the last time I saw or used the new notes because even the banks are dispensing old notes both at the ATMs and in the banking hall.   ‘’One of the problems we are having in this country is non-implementation of policies and the absence of accountability from those in authority. ‘’At this point, I am just confused, because the moment the announcement was made that both notes should be legal tenders, the few new ones disappeared,” he said. According to Abbah Moses, a resident of Gwagwalada, those who have a lot of money and are able to get the new notes earlier are hoarding them against the December deadline. “So, even if the banks release the new notes and it is being hoarded by some person, there will not be enough in circulation. ‘’In the past one week, I have only seen one new N500 note. “The situation might be worst than what we had experienced early this year,’’ he said. Mr Manasseh Gimba, a resident in Dutse, said the last time he saw the new note was a month ago. ‘’CBN should print more new notes and ensure they are in circulation. ‘’The old notes in circulation should be limited if the December deadline will be feasible,” he said. NAN reports that the Supreme Court had earlier extended the validity of the old naira notes till Dec. 31. However, Nigerians believe that the new notes, in circulation though, which were hard to get at the time of release, have gradually vanished. (NAN)

  Troops of Operation Hadin Kai and 199 special forces battalion in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) have reportedly killed 35 Boko Haram insurgents in Sambisa Forest. The Sambisa Forest in Borno state has been the target of major security operations, as it is said to provide a major cover for terrorists. Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, focused on the Lake Chad region, that the troops made the unprecedented incursions into Boko Haram hideouts, in line with efforts to completely eliminate the insurgents operating along the fringes of the forest. The sources said the “clearance operation” began from Awulari on April 17 and progressed further into other identified insurgents’ camps around Garno and Alafa. The sources added that the troops overwhelmed the insurgents with superior firepower and killed 18 of them. However, a member of CJTF was said to have died during the gun duel. The troops further “stormed and cleared Izzah and Farisu on April 19”, where they “ferociously engaged dozens of the resisting terrorists in a heavy gunbattle”. “The troops overpowered the terrorists after about 30 minutes of gun battle, killing 18 of them and recovered several motorcycles, AK 47 rifles and an anti-aircraft gun.” Zagazola said the troops further moved to Farisu where they eliminated an additional eight terrorists. The publication further said three terrorists were killed by the troops in Alafa including one commander simply identified as “Salafi”, while two motorcycles were recovered. “On April 20, in Ukuba, the ground troops made contact with another set of the insurgents, killing seven, while others escaped with bullet wounds. The troops recovered one truck and two 122 artillery guns. “The gallant troops moved further to clear Garin Glucose where they neutralised additional two terrorists while other terrorists hastily withdrew and avoided making contact with the approaching troops.” The sources told the publication that the troops “successfully” cleared terrorists’ hideouts in Garno, Alafa, Alafa D, Garin Doctor, Njumia, Izzah, Farisu, Somalia, Ukuba, Garin Glucose, Garin Ba’aba, and Bula Abu Amir communities in Bama LGA in Borno state. Some women that were held captive by the insurgents were said to have been rescued.

  Former Governor of Enugu state, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani has asked the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Mr. Peter Obi to withdraw his petition against the President-Elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and join him in the task of making a new nation. Nnamani who made the remarks in a statement he issued to newsmen on Sunday urged Obi and his supporters to align with the ebullience and conviviality of welcoming Tinubu’s victory to the Office of the President of the greatest black nation on earth. He said Obi knows he has neither spread nor national appeal to win the Presidential Election, pointing out that what Obi is doing with the petition is “bad belle, petulance and demarketing.” He said: “His Petition is dead on arrival. He does not have the spread or national appeal. His appeal to non-electoral matters is to demarket the President-elect and besmirch his reputation. “He does not have near spread and national appeal. His petition is ego-driven, a joke carried too far. His attempt to highlight on non electoral issues is trying to embarrass President-elect. “Obi needs to come down from his high horse to allow sedate minds to negotiate on behalf of the Igbo and South East for safe landing to include our stake in the national Palavar and Share of the accruals of the commonwealth” “We must join the mainstream and participate in the making of a new Nigeria. We are not going anywhere. We de kampe and ready to bargain for our own share. It is a common knowledge that others are doing the same. “Igbo has to confront reality now or be consigned to the backwoods of history. Time to align is now.”

  President Muhammadu Buhari’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu on Sunday disclosed that the presidency is worried over thousands of its citizens stuck in troubled Sudan due to the dangers posed to air travel in the North African country. Speaking on the incident via his Twitter handle, Shehu wrote: “Nigerian government has been having sleepless nights following the ongoing crisis in Sudan. “Our officials are doing a lot, coordinating with the Embassy in Khartoum, the Sudanese and Ethiopian governments trying to ensure the safety of the large number of our citizens there. “Minister Geoffrey Onyeama who is coordinating these efforts is optimistic that they will start moving people to safety as soon as possible. “Watch the Minister explain what they are doing on Channels TV this evening.” The conflict between the Sudanese armed forces and the paramilitary group, Rapid Support Force, has claimed over 400 lives with about 3,500 injured. The clashes have also displaced thousands of civilians who fled the capital, Khartoum, as the violence, which started on April 8, entered its 15th day on Sunday. Until recently, the Sudanese Armed Forces, led by General Abdel al-Burhan, and the RSF paramilitary group, headed by General Mohamed Dagalo, were allies. They worked together in 2019 in a popular uprising that overthrew Sudan’s brutal dictator, Omar al-Bashir, who ruled the country for three decades.