Lack of ventilators killing millions annually — D-Box inventor, Dr. Olakulehin

-30th-May-2016.

The inventor of the D-Box, Dr. Dayo Olakulehin, speaks with our correspondence about his medical device and how it can help to prevent paediatric deaths

Tell us about D-Box.

D-Box is the short name for Dayo’s Box. I had the idea for the D-Box while I was at work. I was not actively probing for an invention; this was a case of a dire need and a creative mind intersecting at a moment orchestrated by fate.

It is a portable, battery-powered, easy to use ventilator that offers a more efficient and better alternative for patients who cannot access a conventional ventilator or afford intensive care. My first light-bulb moment was while I was working at the paediatric emergency room and had to manually ventilate a child. I felt very strongly that there had to be a better way. These thoughts were reinforced when I was on call at an adult emergency (ward). I saw the surprising number of patients requiring manual ventilation just because they could not afford to be in an intensive care unit. It was almost a day to day affair, consequently reducing the number of doctors who were actually attending to patients. I felt I could invent a device that would do that and allow doctors attend to other critical needs of patients. This need was seen in Lagos, the centre of excellence. I wondered what the case was for health facilities in rural areas and other developing nations. It was then it dawned on me that my idea really is a global idea that could save millions of lives all over the world.

 How rampant will you say the lack of ventilators is in Nigerian hospitals?

I have asked expert anaesthetists this question and the answer has been consistently unequivocal. While we don’t have exact national data to quote, various studies have well established that we are well below par with number of ventilators in health facilities, number of paediatric ventilators, number of ICU beds and number of critical care physicians and nurses. I think the paediatric age group – our leaders of tomorrow – are the hardest hit. Private medical institutions have tried and are trying to bridge this gap, but this option remains extremely expensive for the average Nigerian family.

 Will you say lives have been lost due to absence of ventilators?

Probably hundreds of thousands to millions of lives are being lost annually, especially in developing nations due to this.

 Who needs the device most?

The D-Box is needed in every health facility. Emergency rooms, operating theatres, recovery rooms, wards and ambulances nationwide should have the D-Box as a matter of urgency. Primary health clinics, general hospitals, private hospitals, teaching hospitals, company clinics and public spaces with emergency kits should all have the D-Box.

 Has the D-Box been approved by the Federal Ministry of Health?

We are in conversation with all necessary bodies both locally and internationally. The D-Box is to be used globally and we are doing due diligence to obtain all required approvals.

 Is the D-Box affordable and when will it be available in Nigeria?

At the product launch in January, the D-Box was introduced at $300 for individuals and institutions to pre-order. We took this risk and almost ran at a loss just to sample expert feedback and market response. To fully get the D-Box to remote areas and all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria, Africa and other developing nations, efficient marketing and distributorship alliances have to be made. I can say I expect the D-Box to sell for up to $1000. At this cost, it still remains an extremely affordable option for our health facilities. We are hoping to get it available within the next six months.

 Any plan to have the D-Box produced in Nigeria?

This is my desire, to manufacture the D-Box in Nigeria and export to the world. We have this as one of our goals within the next three to five years. We also will manufacture other innovative devices here and want Nigeria to be known as Africa’s medical manufacturing hub.

If ventilators are so scarce in Nigerian hospitals why haven’t the doctors gone on strike if they can do so for pay raise?

Doctors have a sacred obligation to patients. I cannot begin to outline the sacrifices my colleagues and other health workers make to ensure proper patient care. From improvisations to actually contributing money for patients, I have to say we have tried to do our bit in putting patients’ well-being over individual comfort. But every elastic object has its breaking point; it is this breaking point that we must avoid getting to as a nation. I do not believe industrial action is the best way to get results. The problems we have in healthcare, as with other sectors are to be solved strategically and gradually. The rot that got us here was gradual and strategic also. We must take solace in the reality that we have a well-meaning administration and better trained health leaders and administrators. I believe with strategic planning, visionary leadership and diligent executions of plans and policies, healthcare in Nigeria can be one of the best (in the world).

 What strikes you most among the health care challenges in the country?

I must say the answer here is a complex multi-factorial one. First, there are systemic challenges. Health care practitioners feel undervalued, underpaid, and that will always psychologically affect the delivery of their duties except for a rare few. Then, there’s logistics and infrastructure that is common across all sectors: electricity and the need to run on generators or otherwise, leave patients in the dark and in the heat; lack of water, and road access to the hospitals. And also, lack of modern-day equipment that help with apt and precise patient care are luxuries found only in a few private health care institutions. Then there are patient challenges with health habits and gross misinformation. Most Nigerian patients arrive late at hospitals after a lot of havoc has been done elsewhere. We must also not forget health care financing for our growing population; we need to do better.

 For how long have you practised medicine in Nigeria?

I have worked for about three years in Nigeria; from one of the most foremost teaching hospitals in Nigeria, to a primary health care centre, to family practice and also one of Nigeria’s most internationally recognised private hospitals. I think in such a short time, I’ve had a decent experience with the Nigeria health system.

 What other innovative medical devices are you working on now?

I can confidently say that we are almost ready with the next innovation, but we are not in a hurry. Our desire is to see the D-Box on every emergency tray in the world.

National ID won’t replace INEC voter card – NIMC

National ID won’t replace INEC voter card – NIMC.

By:Nwana A.C

The National Identity Management Commission on Friday said there were no plans to replace voter cards issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission with the electronic national identification cards.

It said this while denying reports in the media (not The PUNCH), which claimed that the Delta State Coordinator of the NIMC had stated that the national ID would replace INEC-issued voter cards in 2019.

The Head, Corporate Communications, NIMC, Chika Ogbonna, said that the reporter quoted the state coordinator out of context.

Ogbonna said that the electronic ID card issued by the NIMC had a number of applets built into it, which made it capable and available for use in up to 13 use cases and scenarios.

“But at no time during the advocacy visit by our Delta State team to the royal father did the state coordinator announce that the eID card would replace the voter’s card presently issued and used for elections by INEC,” he said.

“The state coordinator did not grant any press briefing or interviews during the visit, neither was she at the palace to make any announcement concerning any elections,” Ogbonna said.

He said the primary reason for the visit was to seek the support of the royal father in the renewed drive by the new NIMC Director-General, Aliyu Aziz, to increase the number of enrolment for the National Identification Number.

“The visit was also to brief him on the collaboration between the NIMC and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to uniquely register and issue NIN to farmers in Delta State under the National Agricultural Payment Initiative,” he said.

“The NIMC and INEC are both working harmoniously with other data-collecting agencies of government towards the aggregation of all citizens’ biometric data in order to achieve a single national database as directed recently by the President. Both commissions of government are in partnership now to that extent,” Ogbonna added.

Tompolo speaks from hiding, says I’m not in Gbaramatu.

WANTED ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, a.k.a.Tompolo, on Sunday made a solemn appeal from his hideout to rampaging militant group, the Niger Delta Avengers, to ceasefire, alluding that President Muhammadu Buhari-led government was ready to hold a dialogue with the group. Tompolo also said last Saturday’s invasion of his home and Gbaramatu communities by the military in the name of searching for him and members of the NDA, had further proved his assertion that the Nigerian government was only interested in the Niger Delta oil.

In an appeal letter to members of the dreaded militant group, the former leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, personally signed by him, urged the group to retreat in the interest of the entire region.

Tompolo, who described himself as a man of peace, emphasised that he was neither a member nor a sponsor of the group, as some persons believed, stressing that he was only a victim of ethnic politics.

He asked the NDA to “put an end to this act of pipeline vandalism, as it will not do our dear country any good, especially in this critical period of our economic history.

“I still maintain that I know nothing about your group and the destruction of crude oil facilities in the Niger Delta region.

“That notwithstanding, for the love of country and out of patriotism, I wish to appeal to you once again to stop the bombing of oil facilities in the Niger Delta region, and embrace the path of dialogue with the Federal Government of Nigeria, as the government is ready to hear you out on whatever issues you wish to discuss with it.

“You guys know that I do not know you and how to reach you, except through the mass media. If truly as you guys claimed that you are fighting for the well-being of the people of the Niger Delta, then you must adhere to this appeal, otherwise, the world will label you as criminals

“Come to think of the consequences of your actions in the region so far, particularly as it affects me and the people of Gbaramatu kingdom. Just yesterday (Saturday), the Nigerian Army invaded the ancestral headquarters of the kingdom, Oporoza town, under the guise of looking for members of your group, particularly me, who they have wickedly linked to your group, and unleashed mayhem on the innocent people of the community,” Tompolo added.

He lamented that the actions of the group were causing his people in Gbaramatu kingdom both economy and psychological pains especially Saturday’s alleged invasion of their communities to ensure he was arrested by all means.

The ex-MEND leader added, “And this happened in my absence as I am currently out of Gbaramatu kingdom, but what I gathered from some of the victims of the Army invasion is unspeakable. Even pots of soup were not spared. The Army has massively looted resident homes, desecrated traditional places of worship, committed sacrilege, abominations and what have you.”

EFCC recovers N900m from Jonathan’s kinsman

EFCC recovers N900m from Jonathan’s kinsman.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has recovered N900m from Mr. Waripamowei Dudafa, a former Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

A reliable source at the EFCC told our correspondent on Sunday that the money was found in one of Dudafa’s accounts, which was immediately frozen.

The source said, “Dudafa told us that he had no money; so, we began to investigate his accounts. We then found N900m that was hidden in one of his accounts through the connivance of his account officer.

“Dudafa initially denied owning the account but when he was confronted with evidence, he had no choice but to admit. Some people, who had paid money into the account based on Dudafa’s instructions, even came forward to say that the account indeed belonged to Dudafa. The N900m will be used as evidence against him in court.”

Dudafa, who was a close aide to and a kinsman of Jonathan, was arrested on April 18 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

The former presidential aide, alongside Jonathan’s ex Aide-de-Camp, Col. Ojogbane Adegbe, was accused of giving N10bn to delegates at the presidential primary of the Peoples Democratic Party in December 2014, in which Jonathan was the only candidate.

The money was allegedly diverted by the Office of the National Security Adviser from a Signature Bonus Account in the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The N10bn is believed to have been diverted from oil receipts as follows: $5m (November 14, 2014); $47m (November 27, 2014); €4m (December 3, 2014) and €1.6m (December 24, 2014).

While Adegbe was arrested but later released, Dudafa was said to have fled to either Dubai or a Caribbean country where he stayed for several months.

However, impeccable sources at the EFCC told our correspondent that Dudafa was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services upon arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

In his Statement of Witness/Accused Person, which had been filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, embattled former NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), had said the N10bn was given to Ojogbane and Dudafa.

Dasuki had said, “That I am aware in November, I cannot remember the exact date, my office requested the CBN to exchange N10bn from the account of the Office of the National Security Adviser domiciled in CBN. The money was exchanged and $47m and some Euros, which I cannot remember the exact amount, were delivered at my residence.

“The money was for delegates that attended the nomination convention for the PDP presidential nomination. The money was paid and sent to Hon. Dudafa (SSAP, Household) and ADC(C-I-C) for distribution on the instruction of the President.”

Falana, Rewane, others react as Buhari fails to name looters.

Some legal practitioners and economists have expressed support for the refusal of President Muhammadu Buhari to unveil the names of looters and the amount of looted assets so far recovered.

The President, had, in an interview in London, while attending the anti-corruption summit organised by British Prime Minister, David Cameron, recently, promised to disclose the figure in his Democracy Day address to the nation.

Buhari, however, on Sunday, dashed the hopes of millions of Nigerians who were waiting to be told how much his administration had so far recovered from individuals and firms accused of looting the nation’s treasury.

In his nationwide address to mark his one year in office on Sunday, Buhari failed to disclose the figure as promised.

Rather, the President promised Nigerians that the Ministry of Information and Culture would be publishing the details which he said would be updated periodically.

He simply said “significant amount of assets” had been recovered.

Buhari promised that when forfeiture formalities were completed, the money would be put in the nation’s treasury and be spent transparently to fund developmental projects.

The President said, “The processes of recovery can be tedious and time-consuming, but today, I can confirm that thus far, significant amount of assets have been recovered. A considerable portion of these are at different stages of recovery.

“Full details of the status and categories of the assets will now be published by the Ministry of Information and updated periodically.”

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Femi Falana, and Lagos-based lawyer, Jiti Ogunye, said on Sunday that Buhari’s directive to the Minister of Information to release details of the looted funds periodically, was in order.

In separate telephone interviews with one of our correspondents, the human rights lawyers believed the President’s directive the ministry was the best approach.

“That is the correct approach because it is an ongoing process,” Falana said.

But the Executive Secretary of Anti-corruption Network, Ebenezer Oyetakin, said Buhari’s speech did not meet the expectations of most Nigerians, who expected him to name the corrupt elements as he promised.

Oyetakin stated that the people also expected some shake-up in the structure of government, adding that disappointment occurred because people thought that Buhari would never say what he would not do.

He added, “He must embrace immediately a single policy that is capable of disarming the moneybags, who uses their stolen wealth to sponsor destabilisation projects. He must as a matter of urgency and courage deflates such people immediately before they rocked his government.”

Ogunye said he would not have expected the President “to be reeling out names of looters in his Democracy Day speech”.

He said, “The President cannot be reeling out the names of looters in his speech because there is no way he will give details of the recovered loot without giving the names of the looters or from whom what amount was recovered.

“It is the duty of the Minister of Information to speak for the government. The strategy adopted by the President is the best.”

Falana however said the Buhari administration had yet to address “some inbuilt leakages” in government’s funds.

He argued that the government needed to mobilise other anti-corruption agencies in the country in the fight against graft, contending that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was already overwhelmed by the huge number of cases it was contending with.

He said, “The other anti-graft agencies ought to be reorganised. More importantly, the government should mobilise the Nigerian people to own and take over the fight against corruption.”

Falana stated that the Buhari administration’s fire brigade approach would not solve the current economic crisis in the country.

He said, “The economy cannot be fixed through the fire brigade approach of the government. Why should the Central Bank of Nigeria be wasting the country’s scarce foreign reserves on the importation of consumer goods for our pampered elite?

“The goods produced by companies funded by the bank are not patronised because imported ones are cheaper.

“Why has the CBN not increased duties on imported goods, which can be produced locally? In some of our neighbouring countries, public officers wear locally produced dresses. Can’t the government lead by example?”

Also, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, said, “He is not going to mention it (list of looters) in a broadcast. The President said ‘the government’; he didn’t say he would mention it himself.

“So, the government will still mention it.”

On the plan to keep the Naira exchange rate steady, Rewane stated, “It is a national wish. Every government strives for currency stability. But the markets are the ones that determine the value. So, I think the President is coming to terms with the fact that markets work in a modern-day economy, and what the government can do is to strive to make sure that it is stable within the parameters of market forces.”

On his part, Prof. Sheriffdeen Tella of the Department of Economics, Olabisi Onabanjo University, said, “About the three or four days ago, the EFCC chairman was asked and he said they were still compiling the list and that some money was just coming in, which has not been properly recorded. So, that could be responsible for the delay.’’

Tella, who described the President’s speech as inspiring, said, “He knew that he has not done much, and he couldn’t have done much within the given time, considering the magnitude of what he met on the ground.

“My only concern is that you put money into the economy and you find that all the things you are going to buy are imported. If they are leading to improvement in local production, I think it will be good for us.’’

Tella stressed the need for a national plan to drive the growth and development of the economy.

Buhari again read the Riot Act to the Niger Delta Avengers, who have been vandalising pipelines in the Niger Delta, saying the perpetrators and their sponsors would be apprehended and brought to justice.

He said his administration was committed to implementing the United Nations Environment Programme report and was advancing clean-up operations.

“The recent spate of attacks by militants disrupting oil and power installations will not distract us from engaging leaders in the region in addressing the Niger Delta problems.

“If the militants and vandals are testing our resolve, they are much mistaken. We shall apprehend the perpetrators and their sponsors and bring them to justice,” the President vowed.

Buhari described his one year in office as “a year of triumph, consolidation, pains and achievements.”

He accused the previous government of not saving for a rainy day when there was oil boom and leaving critical infrastructure in decrepit state.

The President said, “The past years have witnessed huge flows of oil revenues. From 2010, average oil prices were $100 per barrel. But economic and security conditions were deteriorating.

“We campaigned and won the election on the platform of restoring security, tackling corruption and restructuring the economy.

“On our arrival, the oil price had collapsed to as low as $30 per barrel and we found nothing had been kept for a rainy day. Oil prices have been declining since 2014 but due to the neglect of the past, the country was not equipped to halt the economy from declining.”

The President said the measures to be taken might lead to hardships.

Buhari added, “We resolve to keep the Naira steady, as in the past, devaluation had done dreadful harm to the Nigerian economy. Furthermore, I supported the monetary authorities’ decision to ensure alignment between monetary policy and fiscal policy.

“We shall keep a close look at how the recent measures affect the Naira and the economy. But we cannot get away from the fact that a strong currency is predicated on a strong economy.

“And a strong economy pre-supposes an industrial productive base and a steady export market. The measures we must take, may lead to hardships.”

The President stated that his administration identified 43,000 ‘ghost’ workers, therefore saving the government N4.2bn in salaries.

Apart from making savings, Buhari said his administration had changed the way public money was spent.

The President explained the rationale behind the recent increase in fuel price to N145 per litre, describing the decision as painful.

Buhari added, “It is even more painful for me that a major producer of crude oil with four refineries that once exported refined products is today having to import all of its domestic needs. This is what corruption and mismanagement have done to us and that is why we must fight these ills.”

He said the policy measures and actions taken so far by his administration should not be seen as some experiment in governance, stressing that he was fully aware that the vested interests, who had held Nigeria back for so long, would not give up without a fight.

“They will sow divisions, sponsor vile press criticisms at home and abroad, incite the public in an effort to create chaos rather than relinquish the vice-like grip they have held on Nigeria,” he said.

The President said the economic misfortune the nation was experiencing in the shape of very low oil prices had provided his government with an opportunity to restructure the economy and diversify.

He said his administration was in the process of promoting agriculture, livestock, exploiting solid mineral resources and expanding industrial and manufacturing base.

FG, ex-militants meet, vow to end bombings

FG, ex-militants meet, vow to end bombings

— 30th May 2016

From Tony Osauzo, Benin

FEDERAL Government and former Niger Delta militants rose from a meet­ing at the weekend and pledged to work together to put a stop to the spate of bombings and pipelines vandalism in the country.

The meeting convened in Benin, Edo State, by the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Matters and coordinator of the Amnesty Pro­gramme, Brigadier General Paul Boroh, and attended by Phase one, two and three ex-militants of the amnesty pro­gramme from Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Edo states, ruminated on how to put an end to reccurring bombings, particu­larly of oil installation and facilities.

He expressed optimism that the outcome of the meeting would end the circle of violence in the region, saying, “we have all resolved that we will put our heads and hands together to pre­vent the re-occurrence of this type of thing. Collectively, we (Federal Govern­ment and Niger Delta Avengers) have agreed to work as a team to prevent re-occurrence. We feel bad that it is happening, it is affecting our economy and it is affecting development and we are very concerned about it.”

Brigadier-Gen. Boro who spoke to journalists after the meeting, said the bombings in the Niger Delta was inflict­ing pains on Nigerians and reducing the economic fortune of the country. He called on those carrying out the bomb­ings to discuss whatever issues they have appropriately rather than resort to other means.

Today been the 30th of May 2016,Biafrans all over the World are massively commemorating the Biafra Heroes Past and as well observing the 50th Biafra anniversary.

Lifeless Body of Biafran kill by Nigerian Militery

 Today been the 30th of May 2016,Biafrans all over the World are massively commemorating the Biafra Heroes Past and as well observing the 50th Biafra anniversary.

Reporting Live from Nkpor in Anambra State BiafraLand, while we made our way down to Nkpor, we sighted Nigeria combined team of force men harassing upcoming vehicles and seriously searching them. Biafrans who were heading towards the venue of May 30th Heroes day celebration and was seen with Biafra Flag,Hats,Shirts were arrested and forced into their Hilux Vans to an unknown destination. As a result of the barbaric act of the Force Men, a huge traffic jam was experienced and passengers, who could not be patient enough in the traffic, alighted and trekked towards their various destinations.

As at 8pm on the 29th of May 2016, Three ABA IPOB Family Members heading towards Nkpor where shot dead and their corpse were taken away, in a police van. The sporadic shooting by the Nigeria combined team of force men at the ABA IPOB brethrens heading to Nkpor on the 29th of May,led to a stampede, leaving 3 dead and several others injured, while others escaped.

Today been the 30th of May 2016,as the Indigenous People Of Biafra gathered at the Church at about 2am with the intention of proceeding for the remembrance day, the Nigeria combined force team invaded the church and started shooting teargas canisters, after which they opened fire, leaving 8 dead. They left with 6 of the corpse, while two others were forcefully taken to the mortuary and several others were injured and large numbers forcefully taken into Police Hilux vans.

Despite the Killings,Molestations and Harrasments,The Indigenous People Of Biafra are still sighted moving forward and proceeding to the venue, where the Heroes day will be observed. At about 9:40am more Hiluxes and Heavily Nigeria Combined Force Team,have been deployed to Nkpor and currently people are been teargased. Stay Tuned For More Updates.

HEROES’ DAY UPDATE: BUHARI’S MILITARY AND BIAFRANS IN SHOW OF DETERMINATION.

HEROES’ DAY UPDATE: BUHARI’S MILITARY AND BIAFRANS IN SHOW OF DETERMINATION.

Biafran heroes’ day is mustering as Biafrans are determined to surmount or defy the heavy military presence in Onitsha, Nkpor precisely. Last year Nnamdi Kanu had announced that this year’s heroes’ day would take place in Nkpor, this prompted the Nigerian military to shift all her military to the town of Nkpor. While this is the case, Biafrans are determined to make sure that the heroes’ day is observed without obstruction.

When Chima Onyekachi and Ifeanyi Chijioke of Family writers toured Nkpor, heavily armed soldiers were seen everywhere as stop and search is being conducted, while people perceived to have come for the heroes’ day are molested. Speaking to one of the victims, he narrated his ordeal “I was coming for the heroes’ day when they held me but I had to lie that I am living around here before they freed me. I am motivated the more because I am here to respect our fallen heroes, nothing much if I become a hero this day” he said with bravery.

There is significant movement in Onitsha as Biafrans are fearless, heading to the venue of the meeting or waiting for announcement. “We have not been communicated the venue of the meeting. We are just walking to Nkpor and maybe we will know when we get there” one Onyeka said as he jubilantly waved Biafran flag.

    

Meanwhile, all markets are permanently shut down in solidarity with Nnamdi Kanu, the normal busy roads of Onitsha are lonely and everybody headed for Nkpor, Meanwhile Information reaching us says Nigeria army in an effort to disrupt today gathering has opened fire around nkpor axis. Many where been hit by ttray bullets, why one person confirmed dead. However the wounded has been moved undisclosed hospital.
   
The bottom line remains the status quo- that despite the heavy presence and incarceration by the combined forces of Buhari, Biafra shall observe her heroes’ day. This becomes a show of determination as Biafrans are clustering and the military posing like there is a war in Onitsha. Shamelessly, they have found strength in unarmed people of Biafra and die disgracefully in the hands of armed militants.

AMERICA AND THE FALLACY OF GLOBAL PEACE KEEPING : A CASE OF BIAFRA RESTORATION

AMERICA AND THE FALLACY OF GLOBAL PEACE  KEEPING : A CASE OF BIAFRA RESTORATION
According to Bob Nesta Marley, you can fool some people sometimes but you can not fool everybody all the time. The United States of America has always made the world believe that it stands for peace and justice to the extent that most people of the world especially the developing countries put so much trust in them on the issue of global peace.

The question in hand now is whether this assumption is a truism or a myth. Before we go to answer this question, I want us to look at the Arab spring of Lybia and the role played by the US and also look at the Crisis in the Central African Republic and the role played by the US as well, personally I took time to analyse the crisis in the two countries and was convinced that the US only preach peace to the extent that it favours them. The US does not bother in situations where they will gain nothing. That is the reason the US did not waste any time to obtain UN resolutions that were used to oust Muoma Gaddafi of Lybia because of its interest in Lybia while the people Of Central African Republic were allowed to kill themselves with nobody coming to help because the US has nothing to gain in the Central African Republic.

The US was part of the killer squad that committed the Biafra genocide of 1967 to 1970, their reason massacring over 3.5M Biafrans was to ensure that they protected American interest in the oil of the South East people so that Chevron and other American oil companies will retain their share of the Biafra oil, the US had to massacre over 3.5M Biafrans in collaboration with the British government. All that mattered to them was their trade and not the lives of Biafrans.

Today that same evil drum is beating again and America is doing nothing to stop the looming genocide in Biafra land. The US believe that it is only in Nigeria that their interest in trade is guaranteed probably because of their past involvement in the Biafran war, the believe that the Biafrans will not give them the opportunity to do business but these are wrong assumptions because to Biafrans all that matters is freedom and nothing else
Whether America likes it or not Biafra must come but if may suggest I will advise that the US consider this an opportunity to launder it's bad image and try to fix the already battered relationship with the Biafrans.

The Biafrans understand the whole conspiracy against them, all the remote efforts by the American government to supply arms to Buhari to use against Biafrans are known and never hidden. The US is pretending to be helping Nigeria fight insurgency with the implicit arrangements to supply arms to Buhari against the Biafrans is apparently contradictory after all the Federal government had earlier stated that Boko Haram is already defeated so why is the US still giving arms to Buhari? Why is the US pledging to help Buhari fight the Niger Delta Avengers? Are the Avengers terrorists? The Niger Delta militants are not terrorists, they are simply saying no to injustice by the Government,  they are only asking the Government to hands-off and leave their resources alone since it cannot take care of their welfare. The statement accredited to the US embassy in Nigeria pledging to help Buhari fight the Niger Delta Avengers clearly shows that the US is simply supporting injustice and criminality.

Therefore,  it is important to let the US know that they can only retain investment and trade interest in Biafra land by standing up now to the truth by supporting the Biafra restoration and immediately seize to give military assis.

Rivers State women have protested harassment and the arrest of a paramount ruler by the Nigerian Army.

Rivers State women have protested harassment and the arrest of a paramount ruler by the Nigerian Army.

Soldiers from the 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, stationed in Bori, on Monday arrested His Royal Highness, Chief Barinadaa Gbaranee, a paramount ruler in Ogoni and vandalised his home. A group of women from Yeghe Community gathered Wednesday, May 25, 2016 in protest of the arrest of their monarch.

Yeghe Community, in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State has been a hot-bed of army operations since the army invaded the community in February in search of former agitator, Solomon Ndigbara, whom the military has since declared wanted.

The Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Capt. Eli Lazarus, confirmed the arrest of the traditional ruler but however, sad the army “invited” Gbaranee for questioning concerning an investigation it was carrying out.

A text message from Lazarus, said: The paramount ruler of Yeghe Community, Barinadaa Gbaranee was invited by 2 Brigade Nigerian Army in connection with an on-going investigation that relates to security within his domain. I assure you that he will return to his ccommunity as soon as investigation is completed.

Biafra Memorial: Security agents ground traffic at Onitsha/Asaba Bridge

 

A combined team of police, soldiers and road safety personnel have brought traffic at the bridge along the Onitsha/Asaba Expressway almost to a standstill.According to eye witnesses who used the bridge connecting Southeastern Nigeria to the rest of the country, the traffic gridlock was being enforced by the security in anticipation of Biafra Memorial rallies expected to hold on May 30. The rallies are being organised by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and other pro-Biafran groups.

Biafra Memorial: Security agents ground traffic at Onitsha/Asaba Bridge.

A driver plying Asaba to Onitsha told our correspondent that most road users spent about two hours on a journey that normally lasts 30 minutes.

Investigations showed that the soldiers were stopping vehicles to conduct thorough searches. “Any bus that is loaded is stopped and the bags are removed and searched. They have been searching since yesterday. They are also stopping containers carrying imported goods, breaking the keys and conduct searches inside.

They told us they were ordered from above to search all vehicles coming to the Southeast to ensure no weapons are smuggled in because of Biafra Remembrance Day”, our source said. The gridlock also forced the drivers to increase their transport fares. While some took N150, as against the usual N100 it cost to travel from Asaba to Onitsha, some charged as much as N200 and N300. Some of the vehicles had to take a detour and travel through Oko inland to connect the Onitsha head bridge, a hectic journey which was however, faster than waiting on the queue.

When The AUTHORITY on Saturday arrived the head bridge, some of the soldiers were in their tents while others stood around resting. “They are exhausted”, the driver told our correspondent. Pedestrians were also banned from trekking across the bridge.

Speaking on the development, Yahgozie Immanuel, Biafra 24 presenter in London who spoke to our correspondent on the phone stated that pro-Biafrans in the UK were planning a massive rally to honour Biafrans who died in the war.

He said that all groups supporting Biafra will be out on May 30, while he would lead a team of reporters to give it live coverage. “UK is planning heavy, peaceful demonstrations and prayers for our dead. We are also going to continue calling for the release of not just Nnamdi Kanu, but all other agitators that are in detention in Nigeria.”

He however cautioned the military against killing innocent civilians in Nigeria, since they are never violent: “Don’t shoot our people for asking for their rights. Our members are the only nonviolent agitators in this country. Stop shooting at us, and listen to our requests”, Yahgozie stated.

According to eye witnesses who used the bridge connecting Southeastern Nigeria to the rest of the country, the traffic gridlock was being enforced by the security in anticipation of Biafra Memorial rallies expected to hold on May 30.

The rallies are being organised by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and other pro-Biafran groups.

A driver plying Asaba to Onitsha told our correspondent that most road users spent about two hours on a journey that normally lasts 30 minutes.

Investigations showed that the soldiers were stopping vehicles to conduct thorough searches. “Any bus that is loaded is stopped and the bags are removed and searched. They have been searching since yesterday. They are also stopping containers carrying imported goods, breaking the keys and conduct searches inside.

They told us they were ordered from above to search all vehicles coming to the Southeast to ensure no weapons are smuggled in because of Biafra Remembrance Day”, our source said. The gridlock also forced the drivers to increase their transport fares. While some took N150, as against the usual N100 it cost to travel from Asaba to Onitsha, some charged as much as N200 and N300. Some of the vehicles had to take a detour and travel through Oko inland to connect the Onitsha head bridge, a hectic journey which was however, faster than waiting on the queue.

When The AUTHORITY on Saturday arrived the head bridge, some of the soldiers were in their tents while others stood around resting. “They are exhausted”, the driver told our correspondent. Pedestrians were also banned from trekking across the bridge.

Speaking on the development, Yahgozie Immanuel, Biafra 24 presenter in London who spoke to our correspondent on the phone stated that pro-Biafrans in the UK were planning a massive rally to honour Biafrans who died in the war.

He said that all groups supporting Biafra will be out on May 30, while he would lead a team of reporters to give it live coverage. “UK is planning heavy, peaceful demonstrations and prayers for our dead. We are also going to continue calling for the release of not just Nnamdi Kanu, but all other agitators that are in detention in Nigeria.”

He however cautioned the military against killing innocent civilians in Nigeria, since they are never violent: “Don’t shoot our people for asking for their rights. Our members are the only nonviolent agitators in this country. Stop shooting at us, and listen to our requests”, Yahgozie stated.

The rallies are being organised by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and other pro-Biafran groups.

A driver plying Asaba to Onitsha told our correspondent that most road users spent about two hours on a journey that normally lasts 30 minutes.

Investigations showed that the soldiers were stopping vehicles to conduct thorough searches. “Any bus that is loaded is stopped and the bags are removed and searched. They have been searching since yesterday. They are also stopping containers carrying imported goods, breaking the keys and conduct searches inside.

They told us they were ordered from above to search all vehicles coming to the Southeast to ensure no weapons are smuggled in because of Biafra Remembrance Day”, our source said. The gridlock also forced the drivers to increase their transport fares. While some took N150, as against the usual N100 it cost to travel from Asaba to Onitsha, some charged as much as N200 and N300. Some of the vehicles had to take a detour and travel through Oko inland to connect the Onitsha head bridge, a hectic journey which was however, faster than waiting on the queue.

When The AUTHORITY on Saturday arrived the head bridge, some of the soldiers were in their tents while others stood around resting. “They are exhausted”, the driver told our correspondent. Pedestrians were also banned from trekking across the bridge.

Speaking on the development, Yahgozie Immanuel, Biafra 24 presenter in London who spoke to our correspondent on the phone stated that pro-Biafrans in the UK were planning a massive rally to honour Biafrans who died in the war.

He said that all groups supporting Biafra will be out on May 30, while he would lead a team of reporters to give it live coverage. “UK is planning heavy, peaceful demonstrations and prayers for our dead. We are also going to continue calling for the release of not just Nnamdi Kanu, but all other agitators that are in detention in Nigeria.”

He however cautioned the military against killing innocent civilians in Nigeria, since they are never violent: “Don’t shoot our people for asking for their rights. Our members are the only nonviolent agitators in this country. Stop shooting at us, and listen to our requests”, Yahgozie stated.

According to eye witnesses who used the bridge connecting Southeastern Nigeria to the rest of the country, the traffic gridlock was being enforced by the security in anticipation of Biafra Memorial rallies expected to hold on May 30.

The rallies are being organised by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and other pro-Biafran groups.

A driver plying Asaba to Onitsha told our correspondent that most road users spent about two hours on a journey that normally lasts 30 minutes.

Investigations showed that the soldiers were stopping vehicles to conduct thorough searches. “Any bus that is loaded is stopped and the bags are removed and searched. They have been searching since yesterday. They are also stopping containers carrying imported goods, breaking the keys and conduct searches inside.

They told us they were ordered from above to search all vehicles coming to the Southeast to ensure no weapons are smuggled in because of Biafra Remembrance Day”, our source said. The gridlock also forced the drivers to increase their transport fares. While some took N150, as against the usual N100 it cost to travel from Asaba to Onitsha, some charged as much as N200 and N300. Some of the vehicles had to take a detour and travel through Oko inland to connect the Onitsha head bridge, a hectic journey which was however, faster than waiting on the queue.

When The AUTHORITY on Saturday arrived the head bridge, some of the soldiers were in their tents while others stood around resting. “They are exhausted”, the driver told our correspondent. Pedestrians were also banned from trekking across the bridge.

Speaking on the development, Yahgozie Immanuel, Biafra 24 presenter in London who spoke to our correspondent on the phone stated that pro-Biafrans in the UK were planning a massive rally to honour Biafrans who died in the war.

He said that all groups supporting Biafra will be out on May 30, while he would lead a team of reporters to give it live coverage. “UK is planning heavy, peaceful demonstrations and prayers for our dead. We are also going to continue calling for the release of not just Nnamdi Kanu, but all other agitators that are in detention in Nigeria.”

He however cautioned the military against killing innocent civilians in Nigeria, since they are never violent: “Don’t shoot our people for asking for their rights. Our members are the only nonviolent agitators in this country. Stop shooting at us, and listen to our requests”, Yahgozie stated.

BIAFRA HEROES MUST BE REMEMBERED ON MAY 30TH 2016.

BIAFRA HEROES MUST BE REMEMBERED ON MAY 30TH 2016.

Annually on May 30th, in Biafraland and all across the world, Biafrans and lovers of freedom gather together to remember and honor heroes of the 1967-1970 Biafra Genocide. In agony, I watched the recent video released by the Press and Information Service of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), of true events in Biafraland in 1968. While Britain was shipping weapons to Nigeria, USA watched on and France was not bold enough to stop the atrocities and subjugation, some other parts of the world were wrongly misinformed. British Broadcasting Cooperation (BBC) did a good job for the Nigeria government during the genocide. Biafrans were been exterminated in a genocide orchestrated by Yakubu Gowon in collaboration with Ibrahim Babaginda, Olusegun Obasanjo, Sanni Abacha, Muhammadu Buhari, Obafemi Awolowo and a host of others. Houses, churches, schools, market places, vehicles and properties were purposely targeted by the Nigeria armed forces, which resulted in hardship, misery and death to most civilians in Biafraland.

Women,children and the aged in hundreds, hundreds of thousands and millions carrying along few possessions that has been saved  like pots, bowls, straw mats and few clothes, fled their homes on foot, bicycle and if lucky enough crammed into rickety lorry, in order to seek temporary refuge. Weariness, hunger and sickness became an occurrence,dead bodies of children,women,men and the aged also became a common sight, with vultures hovering around.

Refugee camps sprung up in various places but was never adequate to cater for the needs of millions of helpless Biafrans. The Nigeria armed forces purposely began to destroy farmland and farm crops to cause famine when pre-war stocks ran low. In the local market, matches were sold singly,a spoonful of salt became a luxury equivalent to gold, food was rarely seen,egg,meat and fish became inexistent, few frogs and rats were available for sale.

The Nigeria government of Yakubu Gowon in connivance with Harold Wilson of British government placed a blockade on humanitarian aid on the already bittered and distressed Biafrans. The Red Cross in collaboration with few goodwill voluntary organizations and some generous governments tried to make survival possible for Biafrans during the genocide. From Santa Isabel (now Malabo),the Island capital of Equatorial Guinea, food and medical supplies were airlifted to Biafra.

The personnel of the ICRC tour to Biafra were made up of different nationals of Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Netherland and Finland working together for a common cause. Dried fish,powdered milk,porridge, rice, and petroleum products were transported via aircraft, out of range and at risk of been shot down by anti-aircraft guns of the Nigeria government. In the refugee camps and hospitals, nurses and doctors of French, Yugoslav, Israeli, America and Swiss origins, battled to cater for the stream of critically ill, injured or wounded children, women and men.

The desire of Yakubu Gowon to wipe out Biafrans in three months met a strong resistance from our Heroes who sacrificed their lives for us, so we can live to continue the struggle for our freedom. When the so called "No Victor! No Vanquished!!" was declared, Late General Philip Effiong addressed gallant Biafran soldiers on the need for them to cease-fire which they did. But the vile Nigerian soldiers moved from house to house in Biafraland, killing, raping and stealing from innocent Biafrans who had returned home, still with fresh scars of the genocide. My grandfather, Late Elder Samson Ezeh was a victim,in grief my mother narrated to me how her father was wrongly accused of been a "sponsor of Biafra". She lamented that her father was wrongly fingered because of his philanthropic gestures through donations of crops to refugee camps, and the fact that his firstborn son was a Warrant Officer in the Biafra Army. My grandfather was abducted by Nigeria soldiers in his compound,he and other abducted Biafrans were forced to march from Amaracha-Acha towards Amaibo in Isuikwuato and has not been seen till date. Words filtered in that he jumped down the cliff before he could be tortured and executed, and his body was never found.

As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of our heroes of the Biafra Genocide, let us also reflect on the current subjugation of Biafrans. Since August 10,2015 over 1000 innocent Biafrans have been killed in different parts of Biafraland. They were killed because they demanded for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Leader of Indigenous People of Biafra,IPOB, and Director of Radio Biafra/Biafra Television. Unarmed Biafran protesters were shot dead because they seek for the freedom of their fatherland - Biafra. On May 30th 2016, true Biafrans must come out in mass where ever they reside in the world, especially in Biafraland. We are not violent but coming out to remember our heroes and we will not be intimidated.

President Muhammadu Buhari has sworn to drown, let us assist him to drown faster. We must show fearlessness as the Avengers have shown in the creek. I warned Governor Willy Obianoi of Anambra State and Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State not to allow themselves to be used as tools in the anarchy that will begin, if a shot is fired at one Biafran in Biafraland on that day.

FAMILY WRITERS is aware of various meetings the committee made up of top hierarchy of the Nigeria armed forces, appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari had with governors of South East,Ohaneze Ndigbo, Clergymen and some notable Biafrans. FAMILY WRITERS is alerting Biafrans on the combined Nigeria armed forces(Army,Airforce,Police,and DSS) of mostly Hausa/Fulani men patrolling all over Biafraland.

Do not be intimidated or afraid to honor your heroes in your fatherland. With our holy flags raised high, dressed in our beautiful attires of Biafra insignia, with chants, songs, trumpets, bands,whistles, we shall march in honor of the souls of our departed heroes. My respect and honor to every fallen Biafra hero, your prize is the restoration of Biafra. It is either Biafra or Death. .