Israel, Armed Palestinian Groups Declare Ceasefire In Gaza

May 6, 2019

Israel and armed Palestinian groups have declared ceasefire in Gaza in early hours of today, Monday, halting intense violence that claimed 25 Palestinian lives and four civilians in Israel in just over 48 hours.

Reports said however, that any meaningful change to the status quo in Gaza, under Israeli air, land and sea blockade for 12 years, a resumption of the deadly fighting is only a matter of time.

There have been several bouts of fighting across the Gaza-Israel boundary in recent months, each lasting one to three days, with Israel and armed groups coming to a ceasefire agreement.

Those agreements have brought little relief for Gaza’s two million Palestinians, half of them children, who have been plunged into poverty under Israeli siege and whose reality grows increasingly dire.

A human rights group in the territory, Al Mezan, warned today, Monday that international silence regarding Israel’s military operations against Palestinians in Gaza would result in the collapse of the humanitarian situation in the territory.

International bodies like the United Nations have repeatedly warned that an explosion in the Gaza pressure cooker is imminent.

But instead of using its leverage to change the underlying causes, the UN has played a complicit role in Israeli violations of international law by enforcing the siege and treating Palestinian rights as bargaining chips.

The European Union meanwhile has rewarded Israel’s settlements built in violation of international law and funded its weapons industry that “field tests” its wares on Palestinians in Gaza.

Those bodies and governments allied with Israel performatively condemn Palestinian factions for firing rockets as though they are the cause and not a symptom of the wider human rights and political context.

14 Die In Plane Crash In Mexico

Greenbarge Reporters

May 6, 2019

No fewer than 14 people are dead after a plane which left Las Vegas heading to Monterrey, Mexico, crashed in northern Mexico, late yesterday, Sunday.

Fernando Orta of Coahuila state’s emergency services department said that the plane was located 129 miles northwest of Monclova. It went missing about 90 minutes after departing Vegas on May 5.

“The land is rather mountainous … so they’re going to take a while longer to arrive,” Orta said, adding that officials have not yet arrived on the scene of the crash.

The passengers, who were between the ages of 19 and 57, were reportedly in Las Vegas to watch the boxers Canelo Alvarez and Daniel Jacobs fight. It is believed that the victims are Mexican nationals.

Though, the wreckage of the plane has been found, according to a government official where 11 passengers and three crew members died, Coahuila Governor, Miguel Riquelme however said today, May 6 that a search operation for the plane was ordered, even as he admitted: “we still do not know what happened.”

According to CNN Wire reports, the plane model was the Canadair Challenger 600, and it has a total capacity of up to 20 people.

FlightAware said the plane went to 37,000 feet for a while, went up and down before climbing to 40,000 feet and was not tracked any longer. Report confirmed that a strong storm was in the area.

A Radio Centro correspondent stated: “The Secretariat of Public Security of Coahuila and authorities of Nuevo Leon have begun searches for the private Jet Bombardier Challenger 601 plane, registration N601VH, that flew from Las Vegas to Monterrey, with which contact was lost on Sunday afternoon.”

Source: Associated Press.

Kano Gov Vows To Throw Out Fifth Columnists In His Government

Greenbarge Reporters

May 6, 2019

Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State has vowed to throw out those he referred to as fifth columnists in his government as a way of moving the state to the next level, even as he promised to compensate those who supported him and President Muhammadu Buhari at the just concluded elections.

Governor Ganduje who spoke at a meeting of the stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Government House, Kano yesterday, Sunday night, said that he had mandated APC stakeholders in all the 44 local government areas of the state to within two weeks, nominate 10 people each, to be given positions.

He stressed that the nominees must be selected based on carefully-defined criteria, including loyalty, experience, political dexterity, academic qualification and zoning, among others things.

The governor made it clear that the shake up in the government operatives, including the weeding out of the fifth columnists, would be carried out soon to create conducive environment to serve the people better.

“The shake-up will affect all Commissioners, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Personal Assistants, heads of government agencies and directors, among others. In the same vein, the State Hisbah Board and local governments will face major reorganization,” the governor disclosed.

“We started with permanent secretaries because they are the backbone of the civil service. If the backbone is weak and disloyal to the government, what should you expect? We shall, therefore, appoint only selfless, hardworking and trustworthy people into positions of responsibility.”

Dr. Ganduje said that his government would now focus on consolidating on its achievements in heath, education, skills acquisition, security and women development, among other sectors.

2019 General Elections: 75 Political Parties Pass Vote Of Confidence In INEC Chairman

Greenbarge Reporters

May 6, 2019

No fewer than 75 registered political parties in the country have passed a vote of confidence in the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmoud Yakubu following what they described as successful completion of February 23 Presidential, National Assembly and March 9 Gubernatorial, State Houses of Assembly and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections.

According to the parties, the 2019 general elections met the expectations of majority of Nigerians

Chairmen of the parties who spoke at a 2-day Roundtable on the evaluation of the last polls in Abuja, however blamed operatives of security agencies, particularly the military and the police for whatever shortcomings that may have been witnessed in the election, even as they called on President Muhammadu Buhari to as a matter of urgency, sign the Electoral Amendment bill into law as that would help save the country from the challenges associated with the current electoral law.

The National Roundtable with the theme: “The role and Performances of Stakeholders in the 2019 General elections, issues, challenges and prospects”, drew together political stakeholders, including members of the civil society organizations (CSOs). READ ALSO: Masari promises inclusive govt, says no loser in Katsina

The event which was attended by the immediate past Vice President of Sierra Leone, Alhaji Sam Sumana, and chaired by Prof. Remi Aiyede, took place at the International Conference Centre, ICC, Abuja.

In her address of welcome, the Acting Executive Director, Centre for Transparent Advocacy (CTA ), co-organizers of the event, Faith Nwadishi, said that INEC as the umpire of the general elections proved quite independent in the way and manner it responded to the unexpected challenges thrown its way by the stakeholders in the process and other unforeseen circumstances during the last general election.

“Of note is how it bravely prevented the ruling party from fielding candidates in Zamfara in its determination to follow the rules no matter whose ox is gored.

“More crucially, on the ground, during election and voting day, it refused to be intimidated by threats and violence unleashed on its officials and ad-hoc staff leading to some Certificates of Return being withheld by INEC though this is now subject to litigations.”

She urged the political class to “take internal democracy seriously.” In a communique issued and read by the National Chairman of C4C party and the Chairman, Organising Committee of the event, Honourable Jeff Ojinika, the Chairmen explained that the decision to commend the INEC Chairman was anchored on his commitment to ensuring that things were done in a transparent manner.

“The Roundtable after a comprehensive review of the conduct of the 2019 general elections passed a vote of confidence Professor Yakubu for the successful conduct of the election, and noted with satisfaction the transparency in communication and regular engagement of stakeholders at the National, State and Local Government levels which ensured that everybody was carried along in the process.

The Roundtable indicts the security agencies for the lapses in the election due largely to their collusion with unscrupulous politicians and negligence to do their jobs.

Source: Vanguard.

My Son’s Life And Mine Under Threat For Supporting Buhari, Obasanjo’s Wife Cries Out

Greenbarge Reporters

May 6, 2019

Wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Mrs. Taiwo Obasanjo has said that her life and that of her son, Olujonwo are under threat due to their decision to support President Muhammadu Buhari in the last election.

Mrs. Obasanjo said that she was reliably told that someone, who is not pleased with her decision to support Buhari, sent the assassin to kill her and her son who is publicly supporting President Buhari.

She said that reliable information at her disposal showed that Chief Olusegun Obasanjo had paid the assassins who are already trailing her to kill her and her son, adding that the assassins intend to kill her first and make it appear as it is an armed robbery operation.

According to her, the second phase of the plot is to kill her son in another armed robbery attack, saying: ”I want the world to know that my life and that of my son, Olujonwo are under threat for supporting President Muhammadu Buhari in the last election.

”Very reliable sources have informed me that ‘Baba’ Obasanjo has sent out assassins to kill me and my son because he is not happy that we supported Buhari to win the last election. They have been paid to kill us and make it look like an armed robbery attack. I am crying out now to let the whole world know who to blame if anything happens to me and my son. Since me and my son expressed our support for Buhari’s administration and his quest for reelection, Baba Obasanjo has not been happy with us.

“I am appealing to anyone who knows ‘Baba’ to please tell him not to kill me and my Son. It should not become a crime that must bring me and my Son death because we are supporting President Buhari.

“I am also appealing to the police and other security agencies to please come to our aid. This is a serious threat and the police should please help us.” This is not imaginary or attention seeking or publicity stunt.

Source: Vanguard.

How Igalas’re Scheming To Wrest Power From Kogi Gov In November 2 Gubber Poll

Editorial staff

May 6, 2019

Leaders of the Igala speaking people in the Kogi East Senatorial District are already putting their acts together in their determination to wrest power from the incumbent from the Central Senatorial District, Alhaji Yahaya Bello in the November 2, 2019 governorship election in the State.

Part of the scheme is for the over 40 aspirants of Igala extract to the governorship position from different political parties, to step down for one another when the heat is on, and a committee has been set up by the elder’s council of Igala people to prune down the number of aspirants from 43 to four before the party primaries which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) scheduled for August this year.

The decisions and the setting up of the committee was made on May 1^st at a meeting elder’s council, convened by the former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmadu Ali which was he held at his residence at Maitama area of the nation’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Those who were close to the meeting said that about 43 aspirants to the governorship position from different political parties attended it with Professor Seidu Ogah and Elder Obolo Okpanachi offering the opening prayers.

Information has it that the convener, Ahmodu Ali gave a brief run down of why the meeting was called.

Among other delicate issues raised, he reminded the Aspirants that the Igala Nation is known for its Kingly attitude, as it wasn’t known for losing wars.

He was quoted as saying that like Republicans whose attitude has to be “me, or no one else,” which he said was the very reason, “why we are where we are today.

He further stressed that even the Western world whose democracy we are practicing, are not living up to the true tenet of what democracy is about, referring to democracy as Government of, by and for the people.

“The recent election in the United States is one evidence, where the Electoral College determines everything, and not the popular vote.”

The Chairman of the Screening Committee, Sule Iyaji, was also quoted as reminding the aspirants that without the love of the people at heart, there can be no contest in the governorship election.

He unveiled the criteria for selection as follows;

Collection of Corriculum Vitaes

Transparency will be the guiding principle.

Collate, aggregate, quantify and arrive at a clear figures of scores.

The use of appraisal form. This will include: educational qualification, political experience, management experience, lion heartedness, visible impact, state-wide acceptability & debt profile.

Other considerations such as EFCC investigations and others, will be key.

The Committee, on behalf of his members, warned sternly, that on no account should ant of the Aspirants, flirt with his members. The seriousness attached to this task, led to the removal of some of the Committee members, who were caught, extorting money from Aspirants, thereby, tarnishing the image of the Committee.

The Aspirants were admonished to ensure they are always alert and ready for series of emergency sessions, to ensure the deadline is worked with, putting in view, the closeness of the governorship election.

The essence of getting 3 , of the over 40 Aspirants, is to reduce to its barest minimum, the issues of money politics in governance structure.

Senator Ahmodu Ali opened the floor, for few Aspirants to , on behalf of their colleagues, make input . Among the few who spoke include:

Hon Simon Maha:

He stressed on the need to ensure the ideals of our founding fathers is rejuvenated in our time. He admonished his co-Aspirants that whoever emerges, the rest should use their professional expertise to support the consensus candidate to succeed, but before, during and after the election.

AVM Salihu Atawodi:

He was passionate about the security of both the Aspirants and our people. He spoke decisively on modalities being put in place, by the Retired Senior Military Officers at ensuring the security of lives and properties in Kogi state, and plans being made, to halt the reoccurrence of what happened during the February and March elections.

Comrade Sunday Bala Oma:

He began by causing a little uproar, when he pleaded with the Honourable House to express his thought in English. Not because he isn’t fluent in his mother tongue, but just to passionately press home his intent. After much ado, H.E Sen Ahmodu Ali gave him the go ahead, as it was emphasized that there might be those amongst us, whose tribal inclination to the Igala Nation, may warrant some thoughts to be shared in English.

SB Oma was glad to inform the audience how happy he was, especially as it touches on the unity of the Igala Nation, for the first time in history. He pleads with all, to accept the outcome of the entire process, since the unity of our people, should be the driving force, behind the Aspirant’s intents.

He suggested that, in addition to the 8 points listed by the Screening Committee, Aspirants should be allowed to engage amongst themselves, in an open secret vote, in choosing the consensus. He also added that a peace accord should be organized so Aspirants will sign, to show their commitment towards this just course.

He was emphatic to conclude that if this plan sees the light of day, all of us, would have left behind, a legacy that will stand the test of time, which other tribes and ethnic nationalities will emulate thereafter.

Other speakers includes, the PDP Zonal Chairman and the Representative of the APC. Both of them advice on the need for the parties to be Carrie along, in the selection process, as they have knowledge of the Aspirants contesting on their platforms.

Aspirants, agreed to contribute 150,000naira each, for the smooth running of the Secretariat of the Screening Committee and other logistics involved. H.E appreciated all for coming, and admonished us not to be deterred as victory shall be ours in the end. Elder Obolo was asked to say the closing prayer. The meeting was brought to a halt at 2.55pm.

Atiku Remembers Late President Umaru Yar’Adua, Describes Him As Man Of Peace

Editorial staff

May 5, 2019

The Presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last Presidential election in Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has described the former Nigeria’s President, Umaru Musa Yar’adua as a man of peace and a leader with a vision.

In a statement today, May 5, marking the second a marking the ninth anniversary of the death of the late President, Atiku described late Umaru as an advocate and proponent of the Rule of Law and the doctrine of Separation of Powers.

“His was the only administration that did not suffer from Executive-Legislative tensions in this Fourth Republic.

“I am proud of what he achieved and the fact that such a decent leader was produced by my political family (the Yar’adua political family) and my political party (the Peoples Democratic Party).

“May the Almighty Allah continue to shine His Noor (Light) on the face of our late dear President Umaru Yar’Adua as we mark 9 years of his passing and may Allah (SWT) grant him al-Jannah Firdaus.”

Kidnappers Turn On Each Other, Pregnant-Wife Of Rival Gang Kidnapped

Editorial staff

May 5, 2019

A fierce dispute has broken out between two rival kidnapping gangs after an eight-month pregnant-woman, who is a wife to a member of one of the gang members was abducted by the opposing group, in a place in the North-Western Nigeria.

In a telephone conversation clip obtained by PRNigeria, a member of the gang whose pregnant woman was abducted offered to pay a ransom of N100, 000 for her to be released, while speaking in both Hausa and Fulfulde to a member of the other group.

However, the abductors of the pregnant declined the offer, saying the meagre amount will not even be enough for cigarette-smoking.

“If you are having N100, 000 presently, would you have even think of abducting a pregnant woman?” responded the member of the kidnapping gang whose woman was abducted.

This was even as the gang of the kidnapped pregnant woman had abducted a member of the rival who volunteered the phone number of the group and pleaded with them to release the victim.

They also threatened to burn down the settlement, rustle the cattle and kill the women, children and aged relations of the group that kidnapped their member’s wife, if she is not released within the next 24 hours.

2 Anglican Church Priests Dismissed For Alleged Homosexuality

Editorial staff

May 5, 2019

The Arochukwu/Ohafia Diocese of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) in Abia State has dismissed two priests for allegedly indulging in homosexuality.

A letter entitled: “Notice of dismissal from ministry”, dated April 29, 2019, and signed by Bishop of the Diocese, The Rt. Rev. Johnson Onuoha, circulated to all archbishops and bishops of the church said that an investigation by the diocese, after it got wind of the allegation, confirmed that the two men were neck-deep in the act.

The memorandum which was also copied to the Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria and Bishop of Abuja, The Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, warned any persons dealing with the expelled clerics to be mindful as such could dent the image of the church.

The letter read in part: “We wish to inform you that the following clergy have been dismissed from the diocese of Arochukwu/Ohafia. They are Rev. Chukwuemeka Duru and Rev. Solomon Chukwuzubelu Okonkwo.

“The report got to us that they were indulged in the act of homosexuality. We investigated and found them guilty of such accusation. We were left with no option than to withdraw their letters of order (licences and certificates of ordination) and dismissed them from the ministry.

“Therefore, anyone dealing with these persons should tread with care as such can drag the image of the church to the mud.”

A staff of the Cathedral of All Saints Ugwuavo, Arochukwu confirmed the incident, saying: “Yes, we heard such thing, investigated and confirmed it. So, we showed them the way out. It’s not actually supposed to come from me, but the bishop. What you heard is true; there’s something like that.”

Source: Sunday Sun.

Ramadan Moon Sighted, Muslims Begin Fasting Tomorrow

Editorial staff

May 5, 2019

Muslims all over the world will begin the 30-day Fasting from tomorrow, Monday, May 6, with the sighting of Ramadan Moon in various locations across the country and other parts of the world.

In Nigeria, the Secretary – General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Professor Is-haq Oloyede, confirmed the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan in Sokoto, Kebbi and Yobe states even as the sighting of the Moon is also confirmed in Saudi Arabia.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar has therefore formally announced the commencement of the Fasting Tomorrow.

Across the world, Muslims fast each day for the entire month of Ramadan, abstaining from food and drink from dawn to dusk. That means about 15 hours without food, water, cigarettes or caffeine.

Fasting is aimed at drawing worshippers closer to God through self-control, remembrance and humility. The challenge of fasting for many is also a chance to reset spiritually and physically, kick bad habits and purify the heart.

During the day, Muslims must also abstain from sex, gossip and cursing, and are encouraged to focus on meditative acts like prayer, reading the Quran and charity.

It’s common practice across many Muslim-majority nations for liquor stores and hotels to curb the sale of alcohol during Ramadan. Often, restaurants shutter their doors during the day.

Those exempt from fasting include children, the elderly, the sick, women who are pregnant, nursing or menstruating, and people travelling.

The Ramadan fast begins with a pre-dawn meal called “suhoor” to prepare hungry stomachs for the long day ahead. A typical suhoor often includes bread, vegetables, fruits, yogurt, tea, as well as lentils and beans.

At sunset, when it’s time to mark the end of the daylong fast, families and friends gather for an evening meal known as “iftar.”

Muslims typically break their fast as the Prophet Muhammad did some 1,400 years ago, by eating sweet dates and drinking water, followed by a sunset prayer. Then, the iftar meals are enjoyed. These are often lavish affairs of home-cooked platters of rice, stews and meat, as well as spreads of desserts and other sweets.

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