Governor Nyeson Wike of Rivers State has said that the people of Niger Delta can never be part of the Igbo people that are agitating for the Republi of Biafra.
According to him, leaders and people of Niger Delta will always strive to defend the unity of Nigeria, because to them, the country remains as one indivisible entity and that it is ‘non negotiable’ and of paramount importance.
Governor Wik who spoke in Sokoto when he paid a visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar II, said that the interest of Nigerians and Africans will be better served with Nigeria remaining as one ‘strong and united nation.’ “Let me first of all sincerely thank you, our father the Sultan, for what you are doing for this country, working tirelessly to ring peace and to bring unity to the people. So for all of us this is what is meant by one Nigeria. “We cannot run away from this country. The unity of this country is very, very paramount. The unity of this country is non-negotiable. I am from the Niger Delta, from Rivers State to be specific so I cannot see us in a divided country. No way. We stand for the unity of this country.” The Governor said that his administration has put a lot of time, resources and energy to protect national assets especially the ones in Rivers State. “In Rivers, you hardly find pipeline vandalisation. We are working at all times to protect national assets in our state. In my state, I am governor for all the people living in the state. I am not a governor of a particular political party, but a governor for all the people of Rivers State.” The governor commended the Sultan for his leadership of the Muslim community in Nigeria, adding that he was in Sokoto to felicitate with his colleague, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, who gave out his daughter in marriage on Saturday. He dispelled the notion that his relationship with Tambuwal had political connotation, saying that they have been friends for a long time: “long before politics defined who we are now. “Tambuwal is my friend for a long time. If anything affects him, it affects me also. If he gives out his daughter in marriage, I have to be here to support him. If any problem happens to him, it affects me as well.
“Your Eminence, I am here to seek your royal blessing. You have blessed me before, that is why I am growing. So let me wish you a prosperous new year ahead.”
In their remarks, both the host Governor and Sultan implored Nigerians to live in peace with one another, and wished their countrymen and women a year full of happiness and blessings. [myad]
The embattled President of Gambia, Yahya Jammeh has made it clear that he is ready for war if the leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) go ahead to send troops into his country to force him to accept defeat in last month’s presidential election.
He said that the planned invasion of Gambia by ECOWAS troops is “a declaration of war.” ECOWAS deployed troops to The Gambia on Thursday after Jammeh said he would not accept the results of December’s election, in which he lost to opposition leader Adama Barrow.
In a New Year’s message broadcast on Saturday, Jammeh said that the “blatant and one-sided” approach of ECOWAS had disqualified it from providing mediation services.
“Let me make it very clear, we are ready to defend this country against any aggression.”
Jammeh said that if ECOWAS did not back down the impasse will continue with the risk of escalation into a military confrontation.
“What we are simply and rightfully asking for is to return to the polls and allow the Gambians to elect who they want to be their President in a free and fair election.”
The 51 year old President Jammeh, who has been in power for more than two decades, lost the election which was conducted on December 1 to Barrow, a former real-estate agent.
After initially accepting the result, Jammeh later rejected it, alleging irregularities, and filed a petition to the Supreme Court which is due to be reviewed on January 10.
Barrow has insisted he will take office nine days later, as planned, with ECOWAS leaders set to attend the ceremony.
Earlier this month, ECOWAS said it would stage a military intervention, led by neighbouring Senegal, if Jammeh failed to step down and set a deadline of January 19, the day of Barrow’s planned inauguration.
The UN Security Council has called on Jammeh to “fully respect” the election results and ensure Barrow’s safety.
The electoral commission said Barrow obtained 222,708 votes (43.3 percent) compared with Jammeh’s 208,487 (39.6 percent). Jammeh has questioned the validity of the count after the electoral commission changed some results, even though it insists the outcome was not affected. [myad]
Unidentified gun men have kidnapped the paramount ruler of Ajaokuta Local government area, (the Ohi of Ajaokuta) in Kogi State, Alhaji Musa Isah Achuja. The kidnappers were said to have contacted the family and demanded N20 million ransoms.
The traditional ruler was said to be on his way home from Lokoja on Saturday December 31, 2016 when he was abducted along Lokoja-Ajaokuta road.
A family member of the traditional ruler, said that the Ohi’s driver and one of his aides who were traveling alongside with him escaped by the whiskers.
Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer of the Kogi Police Command, Mr. Williams Aya, said the incident was yet to be reported to the command.
He however assured that the police will spring into action to ensure the rescue of the abducted traditional ruler once the command is abreast with the details of the incident. [myad]
January is named after Janus, the Roman god of doors and gateways. He was commonly depicted in statues, carvings and paintings as a two headed man with one head facing forward and the other head facing backwards.
In 46BC, Julius Caesar chose January 1st as the first day of the New Year as Janus symbolically represented the door to the New Year. Wild parties and orgies were held on the night before the New Year’s Day as a re-enactment of the chaos which Roman mythology depicted as preceding the cosmos or the ordered world whose organization was set by the gods.
Furthermore, by that time, Janus had become, in practice, the highest god receiving the ritual sacrifices of Roman worshippers before the other gods, including the chief god, Jupiter.
Thus, in its essence, the celebrations of the New Year on January 1stand New Year’s Eve, the night before, are a part and parcel of pagan religious rituals based on idolatrous beliefs in false gods. Consequently, it is completely Haraam (sinful and forbidden) for Muslims to participate in or adopt any of its related rituals, customs and symbols.
If a non-Muslim greets a Muslim “Happy New Year,” the Muslim is not allowed to respond in a similar manner or say “Same to you.” Instead, in order not to offend or hurt the feelings of non-Muslim friends or acquaintances, one may say, “Happy holiday.”
As for celebrating the New Year according to the Islamic calendar which begins with the month of Muharram, this is also not permissible from a number of perspectives. First and foremost, if one does so believing that it is pleasing to Allah to do so, thereby transforming it into an act of worship, it becomes a Bid‘ah or cursed innovation in the religion about which the Prophet (pbuh) said: “Every innovation in religion is misguidance and all misguidance leads to the Hellfire.”
If one does so merely as a custom, it is still impermissible as it falls under the prohibition of imitation of pagan customs about which the Prophet (pbuh) said: “Whoever imitates a people becomes one of them.”
Pope Gregory 13th who set the modern calendar, the Gregorian calendar, also officially fixed the first day of the year for Christian Europe as January 1st in October 1582.
The Gregorian calendar is internationally the most widely used civil calendar. The calendar was a refinement to the Julian calendar, involving a 0.002% correction in the length of the year. The motivation for the reform was to stop the drift of the calendar with respect to the equinoxes and solstices—particularly the vernal equinox, which set the date for Easter celebrations.
Transition to the Gregorian calendar would restore the holiday to the time of the year in which it was celebrated when introduced by the early Church. The reform was adopted initially by the Catholic countries of Europe. [myad]
The Board and Management of the Greenbarge Media and Communications Limited (GMCL), publisher of Greenbarge Reporters online medium has condoled with Alhaji Akeem Oyetunji, publisher of Prompt News online over the death of his mother, Hajiya Sariyu Oyetunj. A statement by the Editor-In-Chief/Chief Executive Officer of GMCL, Yusuf Ozi-Usman, said that Madam Sariyu died at the time her motherly care was most needed by her immediate children and the people around her. The statement recalled how Alhaji Akeem had praised her for the prayer she had continually offered him at the time he was running up and down to resolve her health challenge. The GMCL prayed to God to grant Alhaji Akeem, the other children, relations and the community she so served the courage and fortitude to bear the loss. It also prayed to God to grant her gentle soul eternal rest in Aljanatu Firdausi. [myad]
President Muhammadu Buhari seems to be happy with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai over the conquering of Sambisa Forest in Borno State, by the Nigerian Army, from Boko Haram insurgents, at the 2016 Regimental dinner night with Guards Brigade in Abuja.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin Hands over Boko Harem flag and Shekau’s Qur’an captured in Sambisa forest by the Nigeria Army to President Buhari during the 2016 Regimental dinner night with Guards Brigade in Abuja today, December 31, 2016. Photo by Sunday Aghaeze.
“I urge all Nigerians to be on the alert and watch out for strange figures settling in their communities, and report to the nearest security agencies, as our armed forces intensify the pursuit of fleeing terrorists from the captured Sambisa Forest.”
These were the words of caution by President Muhammadu Buhari in his New Year message to Nigerians which he personally signed
He said that with the successful capture of Sambisa Forest, spearheaded by troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, Nigeria had entered a new phase in the battle against the country’s common enemy, Boko Haram.
He asked Nigerians to join him to, once again, congratulate the heroic and gallant efforts of our military and other security agencies on their remarkable successes to rid the nation of terrorism.
“When we see our beloved 21 Chibok girls reuniting with their families and community for Christmas, it gives us the hope that those who are still in captivity will one day return to the loving arms of family, friends and well-wishers.”
President Buhari said that the misguided elements who decided to take up arms against constituted authorities must be brought to face the full weight of the law, even as he insisted that the support of all Nigerians to security agencies to enable them successfully execute their mandate is crucial in our bid to effectively secure our country.
“Seeing the joyful return of thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to Damasak town in Borno State, following the reopening of Maiduguri/Gubio/Damasak road in Northern Borno on December 25, 2016, reassured us that the voluntary return of IDPs in other parts of the country is imminent.
“The Federal Government will spare no effort in seeing to the resettlement and rehabilitation of the unfortunate victims of terrorism and insurgency. I urge state governments, privileged Nigerians, donor agencies and countries to redouble their contributions towards this goal.
“Government is aware of some mistakes and wrongdoings in handling the affairs of IDPs. We are taking measures to correct those mistakes and punish the culprits.”
The President assured Nigerians that in this New Year, our defence and security forces are more than ever before ready to perform their constitutional role of protecting lives and property in the country and that “we will surely overcome all other forms of security challenges.”
He made it clear that the lingering security issues in several states will be frontally addressed, adding that the ugly crises cannot be allowed to fester as they strain the unifying bonds of brotherhood and neighbourliness. Some sections of the press and some politicians should avoid provocative and inflammatory statements, while the government is painstakingly trying to find solutions to our challenges.
“I want to remind you on the first day of this New Year of an African proverb that says “it is easy to break a broomstick but not a bunch”. Nigeria is a bunch and is more than equal to troublemakers.
“I have interacted with a broad spectrum of Nigerians, the old and the young, and they have told me unequivocally that they believe in the unity and stability of Nigeria.
“The year 2017 provides an opportunity for us to build on those aspects of our national life that unite us. We are courageous, hardworking, hospitable, steadfast and resilient people, even in the face of difficulties.
“These are the attributes that define us and have for years confounded the pessimists who do not believe in our continued existence as a united and indivisible nation. We are a remarkable nation that has succeeded in harnessing our multiple diversities for national development. We must continue to support and tolerate one another and live together as one.
“We will continue to pursue peace initiatives in the Niger Delta as I again, call on our brothers in that region who have taken to violent disruptions of economic infrastructure to come to the negotiating table.
“As for our brothers and sisters of the Shia Community, we urge them, too, to embrace peace. They must accept the laws of the country they live in. They cannot be islands by themselves. At the same time, the law enforcement agencies must treat them humanely and according to the rule of law.
“On our part, in the past 20 months since our inauguration on May 29, 2015, we have focused our energies to turn around the economy, create jobs, fight corruption, and transform agriculture to replace oil and gas as a major revenue earner for the nation. I am encouraged that we are getting things right.
“The agricultural revolution has begun. Farmers in different parts of the country are experiencing bumper harvests; states are getting into strategic partnership towards attaining self-sufficiency in rice, and the era of over-dependence on oil for foreign exchange revenues is gradually waning. I am optimistic that the CHANGE we all yearned for in voting this administration to power in 2015 will manifest more and be sustained in different sectors, particularly agriculture, in 2017.
“As you may be aware, our economic recovery and growth plan in 2017 is anchored on optimizing the use of local content and empowering local businesses.
“In pursuit of this administration’s philosophy, we will continue to appeal that we buy “Made In Nigeria” goods. Like I said during the 2017 Budget presentation to the National Assembly, farmers, small and medium-sized manufacturers, agro-allied businesses, dressmakers, entertainers and technology start-ups, will remain the true drivers of our economic future. They are the engine of our economic recovery and their needs underpin our Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.
“On job creation, this administration will sustain existing programmes aimed at lifting a vast number of our youth out of poverty, while at the same time creating the opportunities for people to fend for themselves.
“Our determination to wrestle corruption to the ground remains unshaken. This fight, which will be guided by respect for the rule of law and due process, will not spare anybody or organ of government. It is a collective undertaking and resolve that must be seen to its logical conclusion in spite of certain distractions. The fate of our country lies partly in the success of this campaign. It will be unthinkable on my part to allow the boat of this crucial campaign promise capsize mid-stream.”
President Buhari expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their support for his administration’s efforts to transform Nigeria even as he assured that the current pains are temporary and will ease when the economic seeds in gestation begin to bloom to fruition.
“I urge you to continue to support this administration in its effort to transform Nigeria for the good of all.” [myad]
The acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu has visited two internally displaced persons’ (IDPs) camps in Abuja where he asked them not to despair as their travails would soon be over.
At the camps, Magu said: “I am aware that most of you never expected that you will find yourselves in this predicament. There are things we as human beings cannot change. But whatever situation we find ourselves, we can make the most of it. That is the reason I am here today to tell you that I feel your pains and to celebrate this special season with you.”
A statement by the Head of the EFCC Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren quoted his bossw as asking the IDPs to be disciplined and stay out of crime, assuring them that government is determined to bring an end to their suffering.
He said that with peace gradually returning to the North East, it would not be long before they returned to the comfort of their homes.
The EFCC boss distributed various food items to thousands of IDPs at the Kuchingoro and Area 1 camps in Abuja. [myad]
An Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), in charge of Training and Development, whose name was given as Christopher Nosakhare Osakue has reportedly committed suicide in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
ACP Christopher Nosakhare Osakue allegedly shot himself in the head with his service pistol inside his private residence located at Upper Sakponba area of Benin City.
A neighbour, who craved anonymity, said she heard a gunshot inside the ACP residence about 5 pm on the fateful day. She added that after the sound of the gun, a frightening and curious silence engulfed the entire building until his wife later broke the silence with a sorrowful scream.
She disclosed that operatives of Ugbekun police division later stormed the residence.
Sources at the State Police Command headquarters in Benin City disclosed that Osakue was recently posted to the state from Ondo State police Command.
Apparently to ensure that he carried out his suicide mission unhindered, it was gathered that the deceased allegedly sent a woman and the little boy living with him on an errand before shooting himself.
The late ACP was said to have suffered a partial stroke few years ago, which was said to have affected his emotional and social lifestyle.
Osakue, who was said to have been recovering gradually from the stroke before he took his life, however did not leave any suicide note behind.
As at the time of filling the report, the deceased’s residence which is located at an unnamed street, Off Avan Street, Off Ekhator Street, Upper Sakponba Road, was desolate.
A metallic ash coloured Lexus SUV marked Ondo, NND 131 HV was parked in front of the new bungalow.
The late police officer was said to have hosted some youths in his area who visited him on Christmas day and gave them some money to celebrate the yuletide with their families.
The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Haliru Gwandu, who confirmed the case as suicide, explained that the pistol the late ACP used to commit the act was issued to him at the Ondo State Police Command from where he was recently posted to Edo State. [myad]
Access Bank has hit it big again in the Nigerian banking industry, emerging as the ‘Bank of the Year.’ It all happened at the 17th annual Bank of the Year awards black-tie dinner in London. The award, which validates other nine international honors earned by the Bank over the past ten months for operational excellence, responsible business practices and innovation, is one of the most coveted awards in the banking sector globally. Presenting the award, Michael Buerk, BBC News journalist, said: “in spite of the challenging operating environment and rapid changes in the industry, Access Bank has remained a formidable institution. Specifically, the Bank has been a purveyor of innovation in the Nigerian banking space and consistently outperformed industry forecast. It is firmly believed that its operational model, risk management and governance framework, which enable sustained superlative financial performance need commendation.” The Bank’s Group Managing Director, who received the award for the Bank said: “while innovation, excellent risk and corporate governance framework might be the advantage we have over our competitors, the Bank is propelled by a vision of becoming the world’s most respected African Bank, and this requires us to do things differently to standout.”
He thanked the bank’s stakeholders for their support and assured them of improved performance in the years ahead. Over the years, Access Bank has established a reputation as one of the most formidable financial institutions in Nigeria. This is unconnected with its impressive growth trajectory and contributions to the development of the Nigerian economy through empowerment initiatives and practical SME schemes.
As an acclaimed innovative industry pioneer, the Bank has remained the choice of international financial organizations and multilateral agencies seeking partnership in Nigeria. For some of its pioneering initiatives and outstanding performance, the bank has earned a number of recognition in the past months. The recognitions include the ‘Karlsrushe Outstanding Business Sustainability Award’, ‘ BusinessDay Banking Award – CEO of the Year’, ‘BusinessDay Banking Award – Best Bank of the Year’, ‘EMEA Finance Best Bank in Nigeria Award’, ‘EMEA Finance Corporate Responsibility Award (Pan-African)’, ‘EMEA Finance CEO of the Year (Pan-African’ and World Finance Most Sustainable Bank of the Year Award’. [myad]
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The Board and Management of the Greenbarge Media and Communications Limited (GMCL), publisher of Greenbarge Reporters online medium has condoled with Alhaji Akeem Oyetunji, publisher of Prompt News online over the death of his mother, Hajiya Sariyu Oyetunj.
Access Bank has hit it big again in the Nigerian banking industry, emerging as the ‘Bank of the Year.’