Why we prescribed IPOB – South-East Govs

ITRealms:

Rising from a one-day meeting in Enugu, capital of Enugu State, the South-East Governors have explained why they prescribed the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), attributing their decision on prevailing security situation in the region, reports ITRealms.

The governors in a communique made available to ITRealms and endorsed by the Enugu State governor, who doubles as the chairman of the South-East Governors Forum, Engr. Nweze Dave Umahi, noted that the attendant consequences have literally forced them to resolve as such, to save lives and for peace to return to the good people of South East.

The governors in a 11-point communique, advised IPOB and all other aggrieved groups to articulate their position on all national issues and submit to the Committee of Governors, Ohaneze Ndigbo and National Assembly Members from the South East Zone, through the Chairman, South East Governors Forum.

Also, he said, all governors of South East Zone are to ensure compliance in their respective State, stressing that South East Governors Forum, Ohaneze Ndigbo and National Assembly Members do hereby reinforce their commitment to a united and indivisible Nigeria.

“We also reinforce our desire for the restructuring of Nigeria where all National issues will be discussed and amicably settled to achieve justice and fairness to every Nigerian,” the governors said, reiterate earlier position that the November 18, 2017 Governorship election in Anambra State must hold.

They equally appealed to Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, “to please, withdraw the Military in the South East Zone, while Police perform their traditional role of maintaining law and order.”

The South East Governors, he said, have taken concrete steps to protect lives and property of indigenes and non-indigenes in the South East.

“We’re in touch with the Northern Governors Forum, they have assured us of the safety of all our people living in the north and we have also planned for exchange of visits between the Governors and to re-enforce the confidence of Nigerians in this respect,” they assured.

The governors emphasised that in keeping with earlier position, they wish reiterated that full investigation is ongoing on all allegations of killings, maiming and other unlawful conduct in the South East Zone within this period.

“The Governors and the Security agencies are in agreement that appropriate action will be taken against anyone found culpable,” the governors said.

Just as they advised all residents of the South East to go about their normal businesses as government of each State is committed to protecting everybody, as well as urging people in the South East to “please be law abiding.”

Nweke Ozo Nweke/GEE

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!
Pix: South East governors

Anambra Professionals gets new executive

 ITRealms:

The newly elected executive of LAP led by Mr. Chijioke Okoli (SAN) has been charged to live up to the spirit of the organisation by rebuilding Anambra State into a first world reports ITRealms.

The inauguration of newly elected Central Executive Council of League of Anambra Professionals (LAP) took place at its Surulere, Lagos State secretariat. 

LAP is a non-partisan, Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) committed to rebuilding Anambra State into a first world class by harnessing her rich depository of intellectual and material resources.

IITRealms reports that the event took place at the occasion to pilot the affairs of the council for the next three years, they include the President, Mr. Chijioke Okoli, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN); Vice President, Chief Elizabeth Jibunoh; General Secretary, Mr. Ben Okafor; Assistant General Secretary, Barr. Joe Nwokedi and Financial Secretary, Mr. Magnus Ekwunife. Others were Publicity Secretary, Barr. Emeka Nwadioke; Assistant Publicity Secretary, Mrs. Kasie Abone; Treasurer, Ms. Stella Ozojiofor and Assistant Treasurer, Dr. Nkiru Ifekwem. 

In addition, ITRealms reports that the Ex officio members are Mr. Willie Nzewi, Mr. ChikeNwegbe and Dr. Mrs. Katia Ekesi, all past presidents of LAP. 

Itwas gathered that by the powers conferred on him by LAP constitution, the president of the sixth executive of LAP co-opted the following immediate past Vice President, Sir Nnamdi Nwigwe, Mr. Joe Anatune, Barr. K. O. P. Odidika and Barr.Obidi Alajuronye.

Performing the swearing in ceremony, the founding president of the association, Dr. Ndi Onuekwusi charged the new executives to live up to the spirit of LAP which is to rebuild Igbo land for the benefit of future generation. Neglecting rebuilding Igbo Land for its future generation he added would amount to an act of gross irresponsibility. 

“There will be no future Igboness without a functional Igbo land.” He added. Speaking further Onuekwusi said he accepted the honour to officiate at the inauguration because he owed a moral and spiritual duty to not only LAP but to immediate past president, Mr. Willie Nzewi, the new president and all stakeholders. 

“We have come back to run the race we started. LAP will have its ups and downs but we will keep up. LAP is blessed with a large repository of intellectual property and so I believe that Chijioke (Okoli) will succeed in reorganizing what has been done.” Continuing he said “what is most critical is to understand the DNA of LAP which is sacrificial heroism which goes beyond what you can think about when you are committed to achieving success in LAP” he said.

Onuekwusi who reposed very high confidence in Mr. Okoli’s leadership said the task before him which requires a combination of what he described as ‘Israeli and Dubai models’ is doable. He charged him not to be distracted but to deploy his enormous cerebral and spiritual endowments towards enthroning the desired change.

Earlier in his inaugural speech which doubled as a farewell cum handover note, the immediate past president, Mr. Willie Nzewi described the seamless transition of power from his executive to Okoli’s team as ‘joyous’. Paying glowing tribute to LAP visioner, 

Dr. Onuekwusi, Nzewi said looking at LAP’s journey so far, it was clear it wasn’t a human creation but divinely ordained as a platform to achieve the aspirations of bringing the desired change not only to Anambra State but the Igbo nation as a whole. “LAP is not a human creation. There is something divine about LAP. Despite its challenges, it caught on. It is very strong in the minds of the people. LAP has evolved over time.” Advising the new executives, Nzewi admonished them to bear in mind that serving people is a thankless job but “thank you is from the Almighty.”

In his acceptance speech, Okoli said “there is huge enthusiasm about what we can achieve. What is involved to achieve the objectives of LAP is tremendous. If we play all very busy, who will do the job? It is because we are busy in our world that charlatans have taken us to where we find ourselves today. I hope to deploy my intellect to the running of LAP.” He charged his team to reinvent themselves in terms of the vision of LAP to provide leadership as well show the light to society. 

Speaking further he said “Igbo society is in an existential threat. No society can sustain itself in a situation like this.” Admitting that the task ahead is enormous Okoli expressed confidence that with single mindedness, his team would surely succeed. “The task ahead is difficult bit if we succeed in moving LAP to the next level, we will look back and be happy with ourselves. I believe with single mindedness, the sky will be our footstool. We won’t fail. In the unlikely event that we fail, it would not be for lack of trial” he concluded.

The executives would be presented to Anambra State governor. Chief Willie Obiano on September 30, 2017 at Colonades Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos State.

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!
Pix: Inauguration of Central Executive Council of League of Anambra Professionals (LAP) took place at its secretariat in Surulere, Lagos. Picture shws FRon Left to Right Co opted exco member, Sir Nnamdi Nwigwe, Publicity Secretary, Barr. Emeka Nwadioke, Ex-Officio, Mr. Chike Nwegbe, Assistant Publicity Secretary, Mrs. Kasie Abone, President, Mr. Chijioke Okoli (SAN), Ex officio, Dr. Mrs. Katia Ekesi, Ex Officio, Mr. Willie Nzewi, General Secretary, Mr. Ben Okafor, Assistant Treasurer, Dr. NkiruIfekwem, Assistant General Secretary, Barr. Joe Nwokedi and coopted exco members, Barr. Obidi Alajuronye and Mr. Joe Anatune during the taking oath of office.

Retract troops from Igbo land, Ojiba urges Buhari

ITRealms:

The governorship aspirant and candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria in Anambra State (ACPN), Akunwata Ejoh Ojiba, has called on the Federal Government (FG) of Nigeria to withdraw "Operation Egwu Eke II" and the troops deployed in Abia and South Eastern States in the guise of dealing with the agitation of IPOB for a referendum for self-determination, reports ITRealms.

"Operation Egwu Eke II" is the translation of the Nigerian military's "Operation Python Dance II" in the native language of South Easterners.

Akunwata Ojiba who issued a statement in Awka on Thursday, said the Federal Government is in a better position to know that dialogue is the best option to conflict resolution instead of aggressive and offensive military action against unarmed and a non-combatant group expressing their democratic right.

Ojiba said the deployment of troops to South Eastern states when there is no state of emergency and threat to peace from IPOB is worrisome because it has come at a time the Igbos living in the North and other parts of Nigeria are being threatened with quit notices and those in their home states are living under military occupation.

“These are sad times for the Igbo man who is now confronted with major leadership challenge. What is the reason for this military deployment when IPOB is not using violence to pursue its demand? Why are the leaders in South Eastern states watching this violation of our democratic freedom with sealed lips?

Ojiba also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to address the root cause of the agitation of IPOB rather than embark on a scotched earth policy as exemplified by operation Egwu Eke II, which is "offensive and provocative".

He further said the time has come for the international community to show greater interest in the situation in the South East where people are no longer safe in their homes, places of worship or where they conduct their economic activities.

He urged the military high commands to respect the sanctity of life in their operations, even as they keep denying the loss of lives in their activities.

"What will be the major achievement for the military if it succeeds in taking out Mazi Nnamdi Kanu while leaving the entire nation in turmoil?" he queried. 

Akunwata Ojiba also advised the IPOB agitators to trade with caution in exercising their democratic rights,  bearing in mind that the Igbos in diaspora will be in for the worst should there be crisis in the region.

Nweke Ozo Nweke/GEE

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!

Cisco new MD sub-Sahara, Cathy Smith says Africa has potentials

ITRealms:

The newly promoted Managing Director (MD) of Cisco for the Sub-Saharan Africa, Mrs Cathy Smith has said that Africa has the potentials to lead in the fourth industrial revolution, reports ITRealms.

Speaking after her appointment was proclaimed; ITRealms gathered she said that as long as Africa is ready to lead in this era, Cisco will facilitate the technology innovations across the continent.

“Africa has so much potential to be a leader in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. We are already proving our worth with the technology innovations that are coming out across the region,” she said.

Smith also outlined some three elements that are needed to consider as a region, including that the development of digital skills is paramount; All industries are being digitally disrupted which presents an opportunity for a growing digital economy and Public-private partnerships are powerful levers for change.

In this era of digitisation, she noted that “no one leader knows it all so learn to collaborate with your colleagues and with your industry peers.”

Mrs. Smith who has over 25 years of experience in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry noted things have changed drastically since she first joined as a programmer.

“In my early days, we used to work with heavy hardware that we would need to manually have to carry to a customer, which is why so many females shied away from the sector for so long,” she said.

Pointing out that “Nowadays, everything is automated and software driven, so we don’t have to carry heavy loads anymore,” thus engineering has included Internet of Things (IoT), security, collaboration, and networking among others.

ITRealms recalls that Cathy Smith joined Cisco in April 2015 as the head of Cisco’s business operations across South Africa, charged with the development and execution of Cisco’s go-to-market sales and digital transformation strategies for the region, prior to her latest promotion.

Chuks Egbune/GEE

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!

Broadband, playing increasing role in development – UN

ITRealms:

The United Nations (UN) Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development has released annual country-by-country data on state of broadband access worldwide, reports ITRealms.

Released ahead of the Commission's fall meeting in New York City on 17 September, and amid the UN General Assembly taking place 12-25 September, also in New York, UN noted that, broadband technologies are today driving substantial transformation in many development-related sectors including health, education, financial inclusion and food security, making them a key accelerator towards achievement of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), says a new report released by the UN Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development.

The report, entitled The State of Broadband 2017: Broadband Catalyzing Sustainable Development, comes with alongside annual State of Broadband report which is a unique global snapshot of broadband network access and affordability, with country-by-country data measuring broadband access against key advocacy targets set by the Commission in 2011.

"Broadband is crucial to connecting people to the resources needed to improve their livelihoods, and to the world achieving the Sustainable Development Goals," said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao, who serves as co-Vice Chair of the Commission with UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova. "The goals for education, gender equality and infrastructure include bold targets for information and communication technology.

The State of Broadband 2017 report, ITRealms gathered, outlined how broadband is already contributing to this and makes valuable recommendations for how it could increase this contribution into the future.

Also, the report examined global trends in broadband connectivity and technologies, reflects on policy and regulatory developments, as well as the applications of broadband for sustainable development. It also presents several policy recommendations.

ITRealms  equally gathered that promoting investment in broadband connectivity from a broad range of sectors, the report had noted, could help achieve the full potential of these technologies and bring the world closer to the goal of an inclusive digital society accessible by all.

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!

NITDA, EFCC partner on enforcement of IT project clearance

ITRealms:

 

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to partner on enforcement of the Information Technology (IT) project clearance law, reports ITRealms.

This was the outcome of a working visit by the acting chairman, EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu to NITDA corporate headquarters in Abuja, reaffirming inter-agency commitment in the fight against corruption.

Speaking during the visit, the Director General of NITDA, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, said that the visit is key to the growth and development of the country, channeled towards the fight against corruption to save funds for the country.

“Anything you do in the aspect of anti-corruption will surely lead to retaliation by perpetrators, as long as legal is made illegal and legitimate is made illegitimate, it is corruption, more effort is needed to fight such crimes” he said.

According to a slogan by the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari which says “If you fight corruption, corruption will fight you back” which EFCC is working all round to curb the menace of such act.

Pantami stated that the effort of EFCC in the fight against corruption is for the country at large, any nation that fights corruption is doing it for the develop and better the living standards of citizens living within.

NITDA is the IT regulatory body and also a clearing house for all IT projects and infrastructural development in the country. The Agency solicits EFCC's support to enforce the IT clearance law which the Federal Government mandated NITDA to handle the clearance of all IT procurement by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDA).

Some MDAs repeatedly engage in IT projects, which there is no provision for its sustainability afterward. Information Technology (IT) is one of the areas which has been used to siphon government funds simply because of its complexity, he said.

Many MDAs come to NITDA to seek IT clearance for their projects and services, which the Agency has professionals and experts that will analyse the project critically to know its authenticity before embarking on such project so as to save funds for the government, he added.

The Acting Chairman of EFCC in his remarks stated that the two government organizations have a lot in common, and more need to be learned from each other.

EFCC need the support of every Nigerian in the fight against corruption for the betterment of our future generation because the Commission cannot do it alone. “Corruption is the biggest problem in the country” things need to be done the right way, which will curb the menace it has brought upon our country, he said.

Magu appreciates the effort of NITDA in the fight against corruption, and has the support of his office in delivering its goals and objectives for the growth and development of the country.

Chuks Egbune/GEE

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!

South-East invasion: Oriental Online Network wants Nigerian Army to end militarisation

ITRealms:

A coalition of online publishers under the aegis of Oriental Online Network (OON) has called on the Nigerian Army to put an end to the current militarisation of the South East, reports ITRealms.

According to a press statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Chairman, Mr Max Amuchie; Vice Chairman, Ms Rose Moses and Secretary, Mr. Roland Ogbonnaya, the group said the deployment of soldiers to the South East when there was no threat to lives and property was an open invitation to anarchy.

It said militarising a part of the country that has not carried arms against the country was like tempting the protesters to engage in armed struggle in self-defense.

The group said the Federal Government has not exhausted the constitutionally recognised option of using police to handle an issue like the security challenge in the South East

The organisation condemned the military invasion on Sunday of the residence of the leader of the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in his home town, Afara-Ukwu, Umuahia, Abia State and the continued house arrest he has been subjected to ever since.

"Even though the Nigerian Army keeps denying, this is the second such incident in two days. Given the background leading to the present scenario, it would be difficult to accept the denial of an invasion by the military authorities. In the first place, the conduct of the Army in this particular instance, is not only suspect but incendiary. This is because even if the first incident of last Sunday at Afara-Ukwu, Ibeku, Umuahia, could be explained as the wrongful reaction of an overzealous IPOB leader to the presence of an army patrol in his neighborhood, that explanation cannot hold water for the second incident on Tuesday.

 "Succinctly put, the Army could have chosen another route or neighborhood for its "show of force" if it was interested maintaining the peace", the statement noted.

The full statement reads:

"The Army's denial of an intention to arrest Kanu appears to be an after-thought after a failed operation. The military authorities that ordered the operation must have realised belatedly that they were not acting based on the dictates of the law.

"The truth of the matter is that only the court that granted Kanu bail can revoke it and legally order his re-arrest.

"Hence, the declaration by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Malami that Kanu had violated the conditions upon which he was granted bail, does not have the force of law until the court says so. Even after such a pronouncement comes from the court, it would be the duty of the police to effect the order. Police duties should be left for the police to do in a democracy. Since, Kanu's case is before a court, the Federal Government should allow the case to run its full course. Whatever fresh evidence the Attorney-General has against Kanu must be presented in court for the judge to decide.

"The military's major constitutional responsibility is to safeguard the nation's territorial integrity. If the military has to be deployed to assist the police to provide internal security, the Federal   Government not only needs to apply to the National Assembly for approval, it must subject the soldiers to civil training in line with international standards.

"The Federal Government has consistently refused to abide by the law in the deployment of the military to the Southeast and South-south regions of the country. This is a flagrant violation of the rule of law. This is no longer acceptable because rule of law is at the heart of democratic governance. Democracy can only survive when the rule of law is allowed to prevail.

"For Nigeria's fragile democracy to survive, the present administration needs to find solutions to the crisis it inherited instead of breeding fresh cases.

"Close to two years since it assumed office, this government is yet to subdue the Boko Haram terrorists. Marauding Fulani herdsmen have unleashed mayhem in many parts of the country while the government looks the other way. Incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery, hired killings and other violent crimes are on the increase.

"This state of affairs cannot be separated from the current economic crunch in the country, which has imposed unprecedented hardship on the overwhelming majority of the populace. In addition to this, the government needs to dialogue with groups that are agitating for restructuring, resource control and secession.  Unless this happens, the government is likely going to face more challenges.

"The Niger Delta region may soon erupt for the umpteenth time. All the people of the Southeast zone including members of IPOB want from this government is fairness. If the government could regard the people of the Southeast and South-South regions as equal stake-holders in the Nigerian project, there would be peace. What both regions need is inclusiveness and not Operation Python Dance II or Crocodile Smile."

Chuks Egbune/GEE

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!

Lai Mohammed now Vice President

ITRealms:

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has been named Vice President of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) General Assembly, reports ITRealms.

This follows his election by acclamation to represent Africa as a Nigerian candidate, alongside Cape Verde, at the 22nd General Assembly of the UNWTO, which opened in Chengdu, China, on Wednesday. China was elected President of the Assembly.

Nigeria's election followed the country's unopposed nomination by the UNWTO Commission on Africa (CAF), which met a day earlier.

Reacting to Nigeria's election, the Minister said: ''To be called upon to serve as a Vice President of the General Assembly of the UNWTO is a very big honour to Nigeria.

''It has proven one thing, that in the last two years, we have succeeded in pushing tourism and the Creative Industry as a whole from the back burner to the front burner. from a side issue to the main issue. This has also been noticed by the global community and I feel highly gratified by it.''

Nigeria, which will serve on the UNWTO General Assembly until 2019, will host the 61st edition of the UNWTO CAF Meeting in Abuja 4th-6th June 2018.

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!

Pix: The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed (middle), after his election as Vice President of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) General Assembly in Chengdu, China, on Wednesday

Invasion of Zone C secretariat, unacceptable says NUJ

ITRealms:

The National Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has described as absurdities of the ongoing Operation Python Dance 2 of the Nigerian Army in the south-eastern part of the country with dissatisfaction and disenchantment, especially the unnecessary clashes with innocent citizens, reports ITRealms.

NUJ National Secretariat via its National Secretary, Shuaibu Usman Leman

noted that of grave concern to NUJ was the invasion of our Press Centre in Umuahia, Abia State by Soldiers on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 barely few days after three journalists were brutalized by the officials of Department of State Security in Osun State.

"The NUJ had on several occasions initiated moves towards fostering safety of journalists and building synergy with agents of the state but unfortunately, brutalization and impunity by security agents still pervades. 

"There is indeed an overriding need and urgency to promote safety of journalists and fight impunity against them, in order to create the enabling environment they require to optimally perform their fundamental functions in a democracy.

NUJ, thus condemned in its totality the conduct of the Army at the NUJ Press Centre in Umuahia, Abia State yesterday and demand for immediate investigation into this macabre act.

"Our Stand:

(1) The Union notes the apologies extended to the Abia State Council of the Union by the General Officer Commanding 82 Division of the Nigerian Army and the Commander of 14 Brigade of the Army.

We however demand for an unqualified apology from the Chief of Army Staff for the dastardly conduct of his soldiers, and call for punishment for those soldiers who carried out the attack.

(2) Although it may be impossible to estimate the extent of trauma caused our members by this despicable act, we however wish to demand for the payment of medical bills for all those who sustained physical injuries.

(3) We also demand for full compensation for all the furniture and office equipment destroyed by the soldiers at the Press Centre as well as all damaged gadgets belonging to members. Items seized must also be returned.

(4) For our members to trust the Army and deal with them in their professional capacities henceforth in Abia State and elsewhere, we wish to extract the commitment of the Army to ensure always the safety and security of journalists who cover their activities."

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!

FG votes N42.5bn on IT project - Pantami

ITRealms:

The Federal Government (FG) has voted the sum of N42,560,945,191.00, billion on Information Technology (IT) projects for the year 2017, reports ITRealms.

Disclosing this to ITRealms, Director General and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), NITDA, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, said that based on assessment of the 2017 Appropriation Bill by his agency, revealed that Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) proposed to spend approximately N42,560,945,191.00 on IT projects.

This, he said, represents 2.1 per cent of the total capital budget of N2,048,989,578,222.00 trillion.

“It is therefore imperative to ensure that maximum value is derived from such huge investment of public funds, especially at a time when the need for accountable, transparent, efficient and effective public spending is high on the current administration’s agenda,” he said.

NITDA, the DG said, therefore called on MDAs and other government establishments to ensure that their IT projects in the 2017 Appropriation Act are put forward for clearance before implementation.

“It should be noted that a breach of the provision of NITDA Act and any other directive pursuant to the Act is an offence under Section 17 and punishable under Section 18 of the Act,” he said.

ITRealms recalls that NITDA is the Federal Ministry of Communications agency, created in April 2001 to implement the Nigerian Information Technology Policy and coordinate general IT development and regulation in the country.

In addition, NITDA specifically under the Section 6(a & c) of the Act mandates NITDA to create a framework for the planning, research, development, standardization, application, coordination, monitoring, evaluation and regulation of Information Technology practices, activities and systems in Nigeria.

Remmy Nweke/ ED, Ops

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!

Alleged N170m deal: Zinox blackmailer petitions Osinbajo again

ITRealms:

The embattled Managing Director of Ibadan-based Citadel Oracle Concepts, Mr. Benjamin Joseph is not done yet with his alleged mischief, as he reportedly petitioned the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, for a second time record, reports ITRealms.

Information reaching our newsroom, showed that Joseph, has again petitioned Vice President, Osinbajo against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); the Nigerian Police and the Attorney General of the Federation over his on-going prosecution for false petitioning and deceit by the Police.

ITRealms recalls that Joseph also accused of allegedly blackmailing officials of Zinox Technologies Ltd, over a N170 million contract for the supply of HP laptops awarded to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

His prosecution by the Nigerian Police, ITRealms reports, is before an Abuja High Court, which arose after rigorous investigations following his petition five years and precisely 2013, regarding a business transaction with his authorized representative, Princess Kama and ICT products distributors, Technology Distributions Ltd (TD).

ITRealms also gathered that Mr. Joseph had previously petitioned Osinbajo, alleging that his company was used to defraud the Federal Government of over N200m over the non-supply of the said laptops, had recently sent another written petition to the Vice President against the security agencies and the Attorney General’s office.

Further, ITRealms gathered that upon receipt of the first petition, the Vice President had immediately escalated it to the appropriate authority – the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for due investigation, which led to the visit by the Procurement Fraud Unit of the EFCC to the offices of the FIRS and found every unit of the HP laptops supplied with serial numbers nationwide and each unit traced to its respective user.

Further investigations showed the existence of a copy of a Letter of Authority which Joseph issued to the FIRS, with copies of his international passport, accepting the award of the contract for the supply of the HP laptops and appointing his associate, Princess Kama as his authorized representative to handle the transaction.

In addition to the office of the Vice President, Joseph had also petitioned the EFCC, Lagos who investigated and saw no merit in his complaint, especially alleging forgery of his signature on the board resolution to open an account at Access Bank, which investigation proved otherwise, with a forensic analysis confirming that the Board resolution documents were not forged but were actually signed by him, alongside other false claims, leading to the former Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, arraigning him for deceit and false petitioning at an Abuja court under Charge Number CR/216/16 at the FCT High Court.

Echika Ezuka, Corporate Communications Advisor to Zinox, disclosed that he is constrained to speak about Benjamin’s case as it is still pending before an Abuja High Court, noting that Zinox had also slammed a N2BN defamation suit on Premium Times which the defendant had been using for his campaign of blackmail.

According to Ezuka, Premium Times is yet to file its defense on the defamation case over two months since it was instituted.

“The on-going case for which Joseph is currently being prosecuted is between Citadel Oracle Concepts and another company which our Chairman has shares in. That company is Technology Distributions (TD), the biggest ICT products distributor in Sub-Saharan African representing major IT brands like HP, Lenovo, Dell, Microsoft and many others. TD is a totally different company from Zinox with different directors, shareholders, management team and a different line of business and Zinox was not in any way involved in the transaction,” he explained.

Chuks Egbune/GEE

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!

Invasion @Abia centre: NUJ says Nigeria official into Police State

ITRealms:

The leadership of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone C, (South East) has condemned the unwarranted invasion of the Press Centre of NUJ, Abia State Council, at Umuahia on Tuesday 12^th September, 2017, by alleged Nigerian army personnel, saying the act has thrown the country into a police state officially, reports ITRealms.

Vice President Zone C, Comrade Chris Isiguzo,  and Secretary, Zone C, Comrade Kenneth Ofoma in a press statement joint endorsed by them, noted that the military personnel reportedly beat up journalists at sight and destroyed their working tools such as Samsung Tablets, mobile telephones, and mini-recorders.

“The military men also destroyed furniture, documents and other property yet to be quantified,” they said.

Describing this as unprovoked attack, NUJ said its barbaric and shameful, and a throwback to dark days of military dictatorship, which the media and other well-meaning organizations and individuals fought hard to change the regime and psyche.

“The attack on the journalists on the ostensible suspicion of taking photos and/or videos of the military on a “show of strength” in a highly populated busy street, without any atom of security threat, calls to question; whether Nigeria is still operating a civil democracy or military dictatorship? Has Nigeria returned to the dark days of police state? Or is Nigeria at war?” they wondered.

NUJ also asked “if indeed the military wants to “showcase her strength”, what is wrong in the media, if at all they took pictures or video, in helping them to showcase the military power? Haven’t they been calling for media support and collaboration?”

They urged President Muhammadu Buhari to call the military to order, stressing that Nigeria deserves peace and development, and South East is peaceful, as there is no evidence that Governors from this zone, who are the Chief Security Officers of those domain, had made any request for military deployment.

“Even the latest United Nation’s report indicates that South East geo-political zone is the most peaceful in the country,” the Council said.

 Equally, NUJ urged the National Assembly and the International Community to weigh into this fragrant abuse of human rights, and premeditated provocation of civil disobedience that might precipitate shedding of innocent blood.

“We also call on the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff and the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Nigerian Army Enugu to take note of this unprofessional conducts and punish the unruly officers. They should also take immediate steps to replace damaged equipments/gadgets and compensate our colleagues manhandled. There must be rules of engagement in line with international best practices,” they appealed.

Just as the Council advised the Federal Government to adopt dialogue in handling issues of pro-Biafra agitations in the zone, which many have described as a metaphor for so many contradictions and the state of anomy in the economic and socio-political life of the country.

“All these had equally resulted in strident calls from different quarters for urgent restructuring of the country. The Federal Government cannot be impervious to the building tension, frustration and suffering of Nigerians and shouldn’t pour fuel into a gathering fire,” NUJ cautioned.

Uboshe Uboshe/GEE 

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!

Smartphone addiction: 8 free apps to help-out!

Sponsored@ITRealms:

With the utility of smartphone devices increasing by the day, it is no surprise that smartphone addiction is on the rise among various classes and demographics of users.

Latest findings by the Research and Development Unit of Yudala, smartphones have lent hitherto-unimagined ease and convenience to the increasingly fast-paced world we live in, such that the boundary of their innovative uses is constantly being pushed.

For many, smartphone addiction is now an unavoidable reality, resulting in often dire effects on work, health and human relationships.

However, the beauty of technology is the ability to use it to find solutions to its side-effects. So, if you are hooked on your smartphone, there are apps to help you deal with that. According to Yudala, here are a few apps that can help you break your smartphone addiction.

1.QualityTime (Android): QualityTime offers a unique and in-depth analysis of your smartphone activities by tracking total usage, screen unlocks and individual apps with hourly, daily and weekly summary reporting options. The app provides the ability to curb your habits by using actionable features allowing you to set your own time restrictions like ‘alerts’, ‘take a break’ and ‘scheduled breaks’. These features can help you manage and control your usage when needed. Also, you can create different QualityTime profiles to customize how you wish to unplug from your smartphone during “take a break” or “scheduled breaks” to minimize distractions during those periods. QualityTime profiles provide options for you to block notifications and reject phone calls with auto reply text messages. You can also define exceptions to allow incoming calls from important contacts and permit access to specific apps during those restricted periods.

2.Offtime (iOS, Android): The Offtime app helps users unplug by blocking distracting apps like Facebook and games, while also filtering communications. It includes information on how much you actually use your smartphone. You can choose tailored modes like Work, Family, or Me Time to ensure that you have access to the things you need, but aren't distracted by what you don't. Analytics of your phone and app usage can be an important wake-up call, and can help you curb your habits.

3.AppDetox (Android): Another useful application for breaking smartphone addiction, AppDetox can help you get your weakness under control, especially if you are one of those whose attachment to the smartphone is based on apps-usage. You can set your own parameters on an app-by-app basis so you can have access when it is not a disruption. Every time you break one of your own rules, the app reminds you to put down your phone.

4.Forest (Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Chrome, Firefox): Forest is a simple app that rewards you for not touching it. When you want to focus, open the app to plant a tree. If you want that tree to grow, don’t touch your phone for the next 30 minutes. That’s it. The mobile version encourages you to leave the app open, while the browser version gives you more flexibility: it encourages you to not browse sites from a block list you set for yourself. If you find yourself opening your Facebook, Twitter or Instagram tabs when you should be working, Forest is the right app for you.

5.Moment (iOS): Moment tracks your device usage and allows you to set daily limits. The beauty of the app is that it notifies you if you exceed them. You can even use a setting that "forces" you off your phone by flooding your screen with annoying alerts when you try to extend your screen time. Moment can also be used for families, with the option to track your family's device use from your own phone.

6.BreakFree (iOS, Android): BreakFree incorporates the usage tracking features found in many similar apps, but it differs in that it breaks down the information into an easy-to-understand "addiction score." It also shows you how often you unlock your phone screen, and comprehensively logs your usage for the day. This system makes it a great choice for those who like to set goals and challenge themselves. Ironically, it may also get you addicted to trying to see how low you can get your addiction score.

7.Flipd (Android): If you lack the focus or self-discipline to keep the phone away when you're trying to get some work done, Flipd is the app for you. Flipd allows you to lock your phone for a set period of time, and once you do, there's no going back. Even restarting your phone won't disable the app, so it is almost impossible for you to cut corners. Flipd can even be used to remotely "flip off" one user from another user's device, which is helpful for teams that want to keep one another focused on a task.

8.Stay on Task (Android): Stay on Task is an equally useful app which helps keep you away from your distracting smartphone in a gentler way. The app simply asks if you're still on task at random intervals during the day. If you are easily distracted, Stay on Task can help you overcome this weakness by redirecting your focus when your mind is wandering.

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!

Python Dance II: Ohaneze Ndigbo wants exercise called off, says its provocative invasion

ITRealms:

The Ohaneze Ndigbo has decried the deployment of Python Dance II exercise to the South Eastern states by the Nigerian Army, describing it as a provocative invasion of a quiet homestead as well as continued policy of intimidation by the current government, reports ITRealms.

Reacting to the deployment by the Nigerian Army, Ohaneze Ndigbo through its President General, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, noted that there are crimes of monstrous proportions occurring in other parts of Nigeria, which the Army refused to deploy troops to those regions.

ITRealms recalls that on the 8th of September 2017, Major General D D Ahmadu, Chief Of Training And Operations of the Nigerian Army announced an exercise called Operation  Python Dance II which he said was going to take place in the five South Eastern States to address "rampancy of assassinations, attack on security personnel, theft of weapons, violent agitations, armed banditry and kidnapping."

Ohaneze pointed out that operation Python Dance 1 has been on for quite a while in the South East. Whilst Operation Python Dance 1 lasted major roads, entries and exits of important cities in the South East had zigzag check points supervised by members of the Nigerian Army.

“They turned out to be toll gates used in extorting money under gun point  from helpless motorists. Our people were shamelessly intimidated and harassed at these check points. Operation Python Dance 1 procured no arrests of criminals that were prosecuted for any of the criminal activities that Operation Python Dance II is supposed to address.

“Instead it witnessed reckless and indiscriminate murder of self-determination agitators in Asaba, Aba, Nkpor and Port Harcourt numbering up to 191 by the estimates of Transparency International and shattered public confidence of South Easterners in the Nigerian Army and Police,” he observed.

Ohaneze also observed that operation Python Dance II launched for the five South Eastern states whose crime rates by Police statistics are not the highest in the country, turned out to focus on a tiny suburban road leading to the home of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the IPOB Leader. 

A few nights ago, he said, that road was visited by a combined team of Police and Military personnel with Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) and armed personnel. Video posts from IPOB and the Nigerian Army did not indicate any act of disobedience before the invasion of this suburban environment. Contradictory versions of the encounter in this location came from both the Military/Police and IPOB . Sparodic shots were fired at innocent civilians who had no firearms.

“Stones and bottles were pelted at the APC and military personnel. Which of the attacks preceded the other is not clear, but one was clearly disproportionate to the other and violated rules of military engagement in situations of this nature,” he said. 

Pointing out that crimes of monstrous proportions occurring in other parts of Nigeria include ravaging killings by Fulani herdsmen in the Middle Belt, Secret cult killings in Lagos and the South West, bunkering and armed resistance in the Delta, wanton kidnappings and killing of military personnel in Kaduna State and environs as well as Boko Haram insurgency in the North East.  

“The Nigerian Army has never embarked on Operation Python Dance in any of the other five geopolitical zones on account of these incidences. Innocent civilians living in these other parts of Nigeria have not witnessed the type of invasion Umuahia witnessed a few nights ago,” Ohaneze condemned. 

“Ohaneze Ndigbo is left with no alternative than to conclude that this is a containment policy aimed at the South East to intimidate our people from freely expressing their anger and angst at their marginalization and treatment as second class citizens. In a democracy the level of disenchantment expressed by the people of the South East of Nigeria ought to have provoked a serious dialogue between our people and the Federal Executive and the Legislature.  History teaches us that the continous use of force to silence dissent and free speech will only accelerate the growth of dissent and dissatisfaction. Fundamental Rights of freedom of expression are critical for a successful democracy,” Nwodo said.

Ohaneze Ndigbo therefore call on the Federal Government to call off this phoney Operation Python Dance II.

“Nigeria at this moment does not need such deliberate and proactive escalation of tensions and crisis. There are more civilised and established practices to resolve our democratic and security challenges,” Ohaneze Ndigbo said.

Nweke Ozo Nweke/GEE

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!