These are the stories that drove conversation this week.

The Abia clash

In the event of the inauguration of Operation Python Dance II in the Southeast, the Nigerian Army did a parade in the streets of Abia, which the members of IPOB saw as a threat and eventually responded – as they saw it as an attack on Nnamdi Kanu’s residence.

In response, the INC asked the Federal Government to withdraw its troops from the region in order to avert an unwarranted crisis.

The Police also said there was no attack on Mr Kanu’s house, it was only a test that the Soldiers were doing and passed through the residence of the IPOB’s leader’s house. The Army also said there was no attack on Mr Kanu or his house.

Mr Kanu also described how IPOB members stopped Soldiers from invading his house.

The Abia government warned residents, especially members and supporters of IPOB to stop confronting soldiers. Also declaring a curfew in Aba till Friday, which was later extended to Sunday.

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo urged the Federal government to withdraw its troops, as it was causing more harm than good and sent a different message to people of the Southeast.

Having said they were concerned about the clash in Abia, the Southeast governors banned the activities of IPOB and like groups in the region.

The Southeast Senators also said the exercise (Operation Python Dance II) has sent a strong signal to people of the Southeast. 

The Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu expressed concern over the events in the Southeast, asking the President to resolve the issues amicably, but the Presidency through Garba Shehu asked why he was silent when Mr Kanu called for war.

Mr Kanu, reacting to the back and forth accusations declared the non-violent method of the pro-Biafra group will re-considered.

The Nigerian Army also clarified that the exercise is not aimed at Mr Kanu but to clear the region of criminals.

Mr Kanu’s lawyer when interviewed after the events said the whereabouts of his client remains unknown.

To end the week, the Southeast governors proscribed the activities of IPOB and other like groups. The Defence Headquarters also declared IPOB as “terrorist group”.

The Alhassan declaration

While Nigerians were still digesting her declaration of her unalloyed support for former vice president Atiku Abubakar in the 2019 election, Femi Fani-Kayode (FFK) claimed the Minister for Women Affairs said the governor of Kaduna, Nasir El-Rufai was involved in the kidnap of the Chibok girls in 2014 – which she elaborately denied, asking FFK to stop peddling falsehood.

In response, FFK asked her not to be intimidated and stand on the truth.

Then, contrary to speculations, the Minister attended this week’s FEC meeting and was the centre of attraction.

However, she appeared before the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), where it was claimed that she apologised for her statements. The APC also said they never asked her to resign.

Fayose… 2018 and 2019

The governor of Ekiti, Ayodele Fayose was claimed to be attempting to impose his deputy on the people of Ekiti – when he had said either him or his deputy would contest any election in the state again – the Ekiti election comes up in 2018. Following up, a petition was sent to the Chairman of the PDP, Ahmed Makarfi, to look into the matter.

Then, this week also, the governor officially declared his intention to run for the Presidency in 2019 with a poster of his campaign on social media.

Dino Melaye’s recall process

The Court on Monday directed INEC to continue Melaye’s recall process and threw out Melaye’s suit against the process.

In reaction, the Senator representing Kogi West said the governor of Kogi, INEC and some people in the Presidency were behind his travails.

Meanwhile, INEC announced that it is set to release a re-organised timetable for the recall process.

The Senator has since sent an appeal for the discontinuation of the process.

WAEC and NECO

This week, while WAEC announced it is set to re-introduce e-marking for its tests, NECO announced the release of results, analysing the results as compared with last year.

Atiku’s campaign for 2019

The former vice president, Atiku Abubakar said this week that he would fight corruption to its knees if given the opportunity to lead Nigeria from 2019.

Early, when a Twitter user said he was a threat to the economy, Atiku gave reasons the user is wrong in his judgement.

Apple launch

Apple launched three new devices this week, which drew tech giants from all over the world.

Everything you need to know about the devices? Check here.

UEFA Champions League 

The UEFA Champions League began this week on Tuesday and saw some interesting scorelines.

For Tuesday’s scores, check here. Wednesday check here.

The diversification of the economy

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday said Nigeria’s oil will no longer be profitable in a few years. A statement that the Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu reiterated in another event.

The Rivers clash

It was reported this week also that residents suspected to be members of IPOB and Hausas clashed in Rivers.

In response, the governor, Nyesom Wike said he believed in One Nigeria, warning IPOB members to desist from their secessionist activities in the state, also claiming that members of SARS were the ones behind criminal activities in the state, insisting on that later when he was asked again.