BIAFRA : You Can't Sacrifice Biafra For Your Presidential Ambition, IPOB Tells Governor Umahi

  

EASTERN SECURITY NETWORK HAS WON AS NORTH YOUTH CONDEMN NIGERIA ÁŘMY & PØL1ÇE INTER...

On Sunday, the Indigenous People of Biafra warned South-East governors not to work against its newly launched security outfit, the Eastern Security Network.

It accused the governors of a motive to incite the army and others against ESN.

In a statement by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, the group warned the governors to desist from such act or be prepared to face catastrophic consequences.

The secessionist group also warned local vigilantes in the zone set up by state governors not to allow themselves to be used to carry out what it called evil agenda or have themselves to blame.

It said both the governors and community leaders would be held responsible for any form of attack on any of its security personnel.

IPOB advised the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to stop dissipating energy towards stopping ESN, but rather channel their strength against Boko Haram, bandits and terrorists rampaging the North.

The pro-Biafran group maintained that ESN was not a Biafran Army but a  vigilante group to defend the people of the old Eastern region against terrorists and criminals responsible for the growing insecurity in the region.

The statement partly read, “The game plan is to orchestrate crisis between the vigilante groups and ESN to pave the way for Nigeria soldiers to attack ESN personnel.

“We, therefore, wish to warn all local vigilantes in every state of Biafra who has been or may be contacted or are being recruited by the masterminds of this evil plan through the traditional rulers and President General of any community or town in Biafraland to attack ESN operatives to have a rethink. Embarking on such an unholy mission is suicidal.

“Anyone, vigilante group, community, traditional ruler or President General, political elite or anybody under any guise who will conspire with the enemy to expose or attack ESN in their locality will live in eternal regret of such satanic mission. It’s not a threat but a promise.

“We want to make it clear that leaders of any community in Biafra land where any ESN personnel is attacked will pay dearly for such attack.”

The statement added, “We specifically warn Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State not to push us any further against the wall. He cannot sacrifice Biafran freedom on the altar of his imaginary presidential ambition. Umahi must retrace his steps now and not test our resolve to protect our land.”

When contacted, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, John Abang, said he would not want to speak on the matter.

Igbo synagogues razed by soldiers in Nigeria's Biafra region

 

At least six Igbo synagogues were razed by soldiers last week in Nigeria’s River State, located in the country’s Biafra region, 

The incident took place as soldiers besieged Oyigbo, Etche, Iriebe and Eleme after violence broke out as a result of a youth protest demanding an end to police brutality in the country, 9Africa news reported, citing Igbo Jewish adherents who escaped the attack.

During the siege, at least 50 people were killed and an eyewitness said two people were arrested at a synagogue in Iriebe Okpulor for “wearing Kippah & Magen”.

The Biafra region is mostly populated with the Igbo ethnic group, the majority of which are Christians, according to the Forward. Many Igbo believe that they are descended from a lost tribe of Israel, and include Jewish practices amid those of their own religion. However, some smaller groups identify as Jews themselves.

Campaigning for the secession of the former Easter region of Nigeria is a group called the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which is led by an exiled activist named Nnamdi Kanu, who identifies as Jewish.

The group has been outlawed.

Kanu called for the release of the two who were arrested, and condemned the attack on the Jewish adherents. He additionally tweeted last Wednesday about the destruction of the synagogues.

Lampard , could rotate his squad against Londoners, Aston Villa

 

Chelsea would be aiming for a win against Aston Villa when both sides meet on Monday after losing 3-1 against Arsenal on Boxing Day.

The Blues have now lost three of their last four outings in the English topflight and their quest for the title is at risk ahead of the home fixture against Villa.

Lampard is supposed to ring changes to the Chelsea side that lost against Arsenal as it would barely be only 2 days before facing Londoners Aston Villa.

Goaltender, Edouard Mendy is expected to keep his spot but the Blues could field an entire changed defence line. Full-back pair of Ben Chilwell and Reece James was struggling with fitness concerns prior to the Arsenal game. So Emerson Palmieri and Cesar Azpilicueta could come in for both pair respectively.

Kurt Zouma and Thiago Silva should be given a break, meaning Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger could come in as their replacement.

In the centre of the park, the only player that could start is N’Golo Kante. Though Jorginho could pick a spot as the deep-lying playmaker not minding his penalty miss against Arsenal.

German playmaker Kai Havertz may also be given another to redeem himself regardless of his poor start to the season.

In the attack, Olivier Giroud would come in for Tammy Abraham while Frank Lampard has relatively confirmed that Callum Hudson-Odoi will start against Villa.

On the opposite wing, Christian Pulisic or Timo Werner may be given a run in the side. Hakim Ziyech is back but will likely start from the bench.

Chelsea’s predicted line-up against Aston Villa

Edouard Mendy; Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, Emerson Palmieri; Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, Kai Havertz; Christian Pulisic, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Olivier Giroud.

Mourinho, told he is ‘asking for trouble’ with negative tactics at Tottenham

 

Sky Sports pundit, Jamie Redknapp, has said Tottenham Hotspur manager, Jose Mourinho, is “asking for trouble” with his negative tactics.

Spurs have now gone four games without a win in the Premier League, following their 1-1 draw at Wolves on Sunday.

They also missed the chance to move into third place.

Tanguy Ndombele gave Mourinho’s team an early lead, after which they chose to sit back rather than try and increase their advantage.

Spurs eventually paid for their reluctance to get forward as Wolves equalized in the 86th-minute through Roman Saiss’ header.

Redknapp feels Mourinho may have unwittingly created a confidence issue in the dressing room, by continuing to favour efficiency over expression.

“I think the disappointment is they had it in their hands. If you’re going to keep sitting back, you’re asking for trouble.

“This is not a one-off – there are many games where this has happened, so it’s becoming a pattern. The more often it happens, the more negative the players get.

“They start to think ‘it will happen again’. It transmits to the brain and it’s a major problem for Jose right now,” Redknapp said.

Transfer, Arsenal eye Lamptey as Barcelona line up Bellerin transfer

 

Arsenal are closely monitoring Brighton’s full back, Tariq Lamptey, with Barcelona preparing to move for Hector Bellerin, according to the UK Mirror.

Bellerin featured for the Gunners on Boxing Day, as they beat Chelsea 2-1 at the Emirates.

The Spaniard started his youth career at Barcelona, before making the switch to Arsenal in 2011.

Bellerin has gone on to become a mainstay in the first team in recent years.

However, he was linked to the likes of Barca and Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, with Mikel Arteta previously admitting he feared the defender would leave the club.

It is now understood that Barcelona are now lining up a move for the 25-year-old for next summer with Joan Laporta, the favourite to be club’s next president, a big admirer of his.

Arsenal are also looking at Tariq Lamptey as a potential replacement at right-back given the 20-year-old’s dramatic rise this season.

Lamptey left Chelsea in January of last season and has impressed for Brighton as an attacking right wing-back.

Manchester City and Bayern Munich are also keeping tabs on his development.

Messi reveals two clubs he can never play for

 

Barcelona captain, Lionel Messi, has vowed never to play for Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid.

Messi almost forced his way out of the Nou Camp last summer and his current deal expires in six months.

This has led to more speculation about the 33-year-old’s next move in his career.

With negotiations over a new contract yet to begin, Messi has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City.

However, there are two teams he would not consider signing for.

“It’s impossible for me to leave for Real Madrid or Atlético Madrid. I’ve always said I’d like to enjoy the experience of living in the United States. But I don’t know if it will happen or not.”

“If I ever leave, I would like to return to Barça and Barcelona. When I retire, I would like to return to the club to contribute my knowledge,” Messi said in quotes posted on Barcelona’s official website.

Mourinho slams Tottenham players after 1-1 draw with Wolves

 

Tottenham Hotspur boss, Jose Mourinho, has accused his players of lacking “ambition”, following their 1-1 draw at Wolves on Sunday.

Spurs missed the chance to move up to third and close the gap on league leaders Liverpool to four points, after Romain Saiss’ 86th-minute header cancelled out Tanguy Ndombele’s goal.

Mourinho’s men failed to build on their early lead, failing to record a single shot on target after the 21st minute.

It means Spurs, who have now gone four games without a win, sit fifth after they failed to take advantage of Liverpool’s draw earlier in the day.

“I am frustrated with the result, we had control of game, we had 89 minutes to score more goals and we didn’t,” Mourinho said.

“It’s not just about not scoring but also not being dangerous and ambitious and for me that’s the problem.

“But I don’t think is very, very obvious to go in that direction and not to go in other directions. The other direction for me is you score a goal in the first minute, you have 89 minutes to score more goals and we didn’t.”