A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Shehu Gabam has cautioned the leaders of the party to learn to run a responsible opposition rather than just finding ways of running down President Muhammadu Buhari. Gabam, who was Chief of staff to former Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State, said at an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), that it would not speak well of the PDP leadership to be blindly criticising every step taken by the President, who he said has good intentions for the country. He stressed that there is no need for the opposition to start bombarding him the President with unnecessary and distractive comments just so that PDP would continue to maintain some relevance. “I believe the president should be allowed to determine his own pace of speed and also determine his own cruising level. As an opposition party, we should be monitoring him with a lot of maturity, and a lot of respects for him. “He is the president of the country whether you voted him or not, he is the President of Nigeria. The institution of presidency must be respected, and I am among one of those who always appeal that everybody should respect the position of the presidency.” Gabam said said that the fact that differ with the President on operational issues, policies and programmes should not be taken to mean that he has no capacity to move the country forward. “Even then, PDP leadership should learn to take him (President Buhari) up on any issues on which thy differed in a sense of decency “and not to be rascals in our approach. “As for me, nobody should insult the president, nobody should insult the institution of the presidency.” The PDP chieftain however called on President Buhari not to run a government that is purely investigative, but a government that will alleviate the suffering of the people. According to him, there are too many issues this country is looking forward to for his proper attention. “The President should, therefore, be sensitive to the needs and aspirations of the people.” [myad]
At the tail end of his two-term tenure, which terminates sometime next year, whether by design or otherwise, American President, Barak Obama has been out trying to be nice to everyone both at home and abroad. It is a plus for Obama however, or for that matter, any outgoing leader to want to leave a good legacy, of friendliness between him and the rest of the humanity for posterity. Indeed, in his second term, President Obama has been very soft with most regions of the world, particularly, the African continent. Besides his ancestral Kenya which he has been pampering, with his recent visit, the American President has also developed soft spot for Nigeria, especially with the coming of President Muhammadu Buhari, who he personally referred to as an apostle of anti-corruption. In recent time also, Obama has been campaigning for the right of the black Americans to vote, with his call for the US Congress to restore the Voting Rights Act. The Act is a historic 1965 law that removed legal barriers that prevented African-Americans from exercising their right to vote.
Obama said: “Our state leaders and legislatures must make it easier — not harder — for more Americans to have their voices heard. The Voting Rights Act put an end to literacy tests and other forms of discrimination, helping to close the gap between our promise that all of us are created equal and our long history of denying some of us the right to vote. “The impact was immediate, and profound — the percentage of African-Americans registered to vote skyrocketed in the years after the Voting Rights Act was passed. But as Rutenberg chronicles, from the moment the ink was dry on the Voting Rights Act, there has been a concentrated effort to undermine this historic law and turn back the clock on its progress. “These efforts are not a sign that we have moved past the shameful history that led to the Voting Rights Act. They are rooted in that history. They remind us that progress does not come easy, but that it must be vigorously defended and built upon for ourselves and future generations.” And just today, Friday, August 14, for the first time in over 54 years, America, under the leadership of Obama, ended a Cold War-era of diplomatic freeze. The two countries, to be sure, are only 90 miles apart.
The American Secretary of State, Mr. John Kerry presided over the ceremonial hoisting of American flag in the American Embassy in Cuba.
Kerry, the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit the communist island since World War II declared: “We are gathered here because our leaders made a courageous decision to stop being prisoners of history.
“My friends, it doesn’t take a GPS to realize that the road of mutual isolation and estrangement that the United States and Cuba were traveling is not the right one and that the time has come for us to move in a more promising direction,” Kerry said. “In the United States, that means recognizing that U.S. policy is not the anvil on which Cuba’s future will be forged.”
Even in the Middle East, especially, the Israeli and Palestinian unending conflict, America, under Obama has been able to shift ground away from the hard stand it had been well known for in the previous years. But, after all the good moves by Obama to curry world’s respect and recognition long after he would have left the White House, one bad coin, as an African proverb says, that has been threatening to spoil all the friends he has been gathering at home and abroad is the issue of carrying the tenets of democracy and therefore, freedom of association far beyond the religious tenets across the world. It is the soft spot his country has developed for homo sexuality, where gay marriage has been given recognition under his leadership.
In a landmark opinion, a divided US Supreme Court in June this year, ruled that same-sex couples can marry nationwide, thereby establishing a new civil right and handing gay rights advocates a historic victory.
In the 5-4 ruling, Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote for the majority with the four liberal justices. Each of the four conservative justices wrote their own dissent.
Nearly 46 years to the day after a riot at New York’s Stonewall Inn ushered in the modern gay rights movement, the decision could settle one of the major civil rights fights of this era. The language of Kennedy’s opinion spoke eloquently of the most fundamental values of family, love and liberty.
“No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice and family,” Kennedy wrote. “In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than they once were.”
This was happening in Obama’s America and presided over by him. As a matter of fact, America has been looking for allies, by either trying to convince other nations to follow suit, or even outrightly trying to force other countries to do so.
Now, what kind of friend is Obama making even with God, the creator, from this situation that outrightly changed His arrangement?
For Obama, trying to make friend with nearly everyone across the world before he leaves office, the same sex marriage is a black spot. Yes, of course, the gay couple will also remember him as a great pal, but at what cost to the saner part of the world? [myad]
The ancient city of Ile-Ife, Osun State, was agog today as the remains of the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, were laid to rest amid various funeral rites by Christians, Muslims and traditionalists.
Before the 10.00 am official time for the funeral rites described by the organisers as inter religious farewell service, eminent Nigerians from different walks of life across the world, government officials, diverse classes of traditional rulers, high chiefs, religious leaders from different denominations, traditionalists, community leaders among other guests had filled the highly revered Oba’s palace to the brim to be parts of the glamorous event.
As eminent dignitaries, guests and the people of the town continued to surge to the event, security was beefed as a huge number of security personnel such as the Civil Defence, the Police, State Security Service (SSS) among others were heavily armed and controlling the huge crowd with decorum.
When the event revved up, there was an interplay of burial rites as the three major religions – Christianity, Islam and tradition – represented by their various leaders offered prayers for the repose of the soul of the monarch.
The Christian segment of the programme was held with a scriptural reading, homily and special prayers and moderated by the Chaplain of the Royal Chapel, Ooni’s Palace, Venerable Bukola Oyedeji.
Pastor Olusola Akanbi, the Dean of Ife Diocese of Anglican Communion, who preached the sermon on the theme: “How Are the Mighty Falling” with a reading from II Samuel 1:19 said:
“Whatever has a beginning must have an end. When the time was ripe, Ooni joined his ancestors. There is time for everything. He lived in affluence and achieved a lot.”
He, therefore, urged the guests to remember the days of death and subsequent judgement and always do the right thing while they are still on earth and should also draw closer to God.
The Chief Imam of Ife, Muftar Yusuf, also prayed for the family of the late monarch and his soul to rest in peace, enthusing that he lived a fulfilled life.
The traditional worshippers, under the leadership of Obadio, equally commended the late Ooni for respecting the culture and tradition of the land till his death and also prayed for his soul to rest in peace.
And Nigeria Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who arrived the sprawling arena in company of a huge entourage of government officials, extolled the virtues of the departed monarch, describing him as a symbol of unity among the Yoruba and custodian of Yoruba culture.
According to him, the late oba lived a fulfilled life and urged anybody that would come on board as his successor to emulate him.
“Our highly revered monarch, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, was a symbol of unity among the Yoruba people. He was able to unite the Yoruba as a formidable race during his life time. In fact, he was a custodian of Yoruba culture and equally lived a fulfilled life. I urge anybody that will replace him to also emulate him,” Osinbajo said glowingly.
Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Moshood Olalekan Adeoti, after commiserating with the family, also described the late monarch as a pace setter, adding that he led the Osun State Council of Obas with sincerity.
Also speaking about the achievements of the late monarch, the governor stressed that he would be celebrated continually even at death.
“Ooni was a pace setter. He led the Osun Council of Obas with sincerity. He also lived an exemplary life. He will be celebrated continually even at death,” Aregbesola enthused.
It would be recalled that the first class monarch died on July 28 in a London Hospital of undisclosed illness, was brought to Lagos yesterday morning on a chartered flight and later taken to Ile-Ife where the ancient city and his palace had been agog with burial rites which climaxed in the final burial ceremonies today. [myad]
The American flag was, today, hoisted over the U.S. Embassy in Cuba for the first time since 1961, marking the end of a Cold War-era diplomatic freeze between two countries 90 miles apart.
“We are gathered here because our leaders made a courageous decision to stop being prisoners of history,” Secretary of State John Kerry declared. He is the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit the communist island since World War II.
“My friends, it doesn’t take a GPS to realize that the road of mutual isolation and estrangement that the United States and Cuba were traveling is not the right one and that the time has come for us to move in a more promising direction,” Kerry said. “In the United States, that means recognizing that U.S. policy is not the anvil on which Cuba’s future will be forged.”
The ceremony was rich with history: Three of the very Marines who lowered the flag at the Embassy in 1961 were on hand to watch it fly again, Larry Morris, Mike East, and Jim Tracy. Back then, the three men were confronted by a large crowd which parted as the Marines lowered the flag.
“Larry, Mike and Jim had done their jobs, but they also made a bold promise – that one day they would return to Havana and raise the flag again,” Kerry said.
Years later, the men returned to fulfill their promise.
“Larry, Jim, Mike. This is your cue to deliver on words that would make any diplomat proud, just as they would any member of the United States Marine Corps: ‘Promise made, promise kept’,” Kerry told the men as moments later the flag was raised.
Kerry praised both nations’ leaders for working to repair the relationship between the two countries.
“I applaud President Obama and President Castro for having the courage to bring us together in the face of considerable opposition,” Kerry said.
Celebrated poet Richard Blanco, who read a composition at Obama’s second inauguration, recited a poem entitled “Matters of the Sea.” [myad]
Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong has appointed Professor Attahiru Jega as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the Plateau State University (PLASU), in Bokkos. Jega will head the reconstituted Governing Council of the institution.
A statement by the Governor’s director of press affairs, Nanle Emmauel said that the appointment, which takes effect from the 14th of August, was aimed at “repositioning the institution for effective educational training and research in line with international best practices.”
Lalong has also approved the immediate reinstatement of former Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Danjuma Sheni, who was disengaged by his predecessor, Senator Jonah Jang as the substantive Vice Chancellor of the university.
The statement quoted the governor as having reaffirmed the appointment of the pioneer and current Chancellor of the university, The Soun of Ogbomosho Land, Oba Jimoh Oladunni Oyewumi Ajegundade.
Others in the list of appointments for the university council, include Chief Samuel G. Mafuyai, Professor Rahila Gowon, Chief James Barry, Chief Musa G. Izam (Northern Zone), Professor Seddi Sebastine Maimako, Barr. Zingfa D. Galam (Southern Zone), and a representative of the National Universities Commission (NUC) [myad]
A Baptist church in the United States of America has banned a 92-year-old woman, Josephine King, from worshiping with them for not giving enough donation and for failing to pay her tithe.
Reports have it that Josephine King who has been a member of Bainbridge’s First African Baptist Church for over 50 years was the first person to be expelled from the congregation for not paying her tithe.
The report quoted King’s nephew, Gerald Simmons as saying the 92-year-old was sick and was indoors for several months, which was why she could not attend church for a long period. Simmons added that King had contributed to the church financially in the past.
A letter signed by the Senior Pastor of the First African Baptist Church, Derrick Mike said: “Josephine King is no longer considered a member of the First African Baptist Church of Bainbridge, Georgia.” The letter went on to explain that she “has shown non-support” by not providing “constant and consistent financial and physical participation.”
But the nephew of the woman blew out when the letter was delivered: “She was stunned. She was disappointed. She was shocked.
“You shouldn’t chase the individuals down, you shouldn’t do that. If that’s the case, you’re money hungry. You have to have money to make these churches run, but it’s not about money. It’s about God. You have to put God first.” [myad]
The Ebonyi State government has moved to rescue the state’s education sector by setting up and inaugurating a committee to prepare a working plan for making the learning convenient for students in the state.
The decision followed the presentation of a preliminary report on the state of public schools in the state by a consultant, hired by the State’s Universal Basic Education Board (UBE) to the state Executive Council at the Government House in Abakaliki.
The committee, headed by the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious and Welfare Matters, Rev. Father Abraham Nwali, is expected to submit its preliminary report on September 15 and final report on October 15.
Among its terms of reference are:
Ø Implementation of teacher –student ratio of 35 to 40 in near compliance with UNICEF standard;
Ø Conduct of examinations for all teachers in the state’s public schools;
Ø Return of some schools to missions;
Ø Preparation of a practicable three-year rolling plan for the education sector. Part of the plan is to ensure that every pupil has a seat in his school;
Ø Introduction of sports as a core component of school curricula;
Ø Introduction of school farms;
Ø Designation of some schools as Science, Arts and Science/Arts schools;
Ø Develop a model for effective supervision of schools in the state;
Ø Develop strategies for interventionary measures in the public schools every year;
Ø develop a system whereby the performance of students would be tied to that of their teachers
Ø Develop a model of schools to be built in each of the 13 local government areas of the state to serve as a benchmark for what all public schools should be in a no distant future.
While inaugurating the committee, made up of stakeholders in the education sector, Governor Umahi said: what is happening today is the basis for the take-off of our state,
“If these assignments are done well, we will know where we are going. I want you as members of the committee to know that you are about to midwife a new era not just in our education sector but in our development as a state.”
Engr. Umahi had before inaugurating the committee said that he was concerned more about the state of schools, the health sector in the state and the number of teachers in public schools than just paying salaries of people working in the schools.
Describing the interim report as an eye opener, the governor directed the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Daniel Umezurike, to carry out a similar survey on both primary and secondary health institutions in the state. [myad]
Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), Thursday in Abuja, held a dinner for the two Presidential spokesmen: Femi Adesina who is Special Adviser on media and publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari and Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant on media and publicity to the President. The dinner was held in Abuja with over 30 Online Publishers from across the world in attendance.
Standing is President of GOCOP, Malachi Adgbo addressing the Presidential spokesmen: Femi Adesina in the middle and Garba Shehu left. [myad]
Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on media and publicity, Femi Adesina has disclosed that the President will have no cause to want any story about his official assignment to be “killed.” Speaking at a dinner with executives and members of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) in Abuja on Thursday night, Adesina said that the first thing the President told him when he assumed office was ‘always tell me the truth.’ The dinner was put together by the Guild for Adesina who is its Trustee, and the senior special assistant to the President on media and publicity, Mallam Garba, as a way of solidarity for the two Presidential spokesmen. Adesina said that President Buhari had vowed to run an open and transparent government so much that he would have nothing to hide and would have no cause to want to ask for any story to be with-held. He said that the only thing he asked is that for any news item, the Presidency should be allowed opportunity to state its side before being put in the public domain. Adesina commended online publishers for coming together to form a group, even as he advised them to look out for spoilers, gate-crashers and those who might hide under the canopy of online publishing to damage the reputation of innocent public officers. “There is a saying that one bad coin can spoil hundreds of other coins. My advice is that you should not allow any of your members to use the platform to malign innocent people. You should also find a way of sanitizing the social media practitioners who just sit in their bedrooms to churn out news without professional touch.” Also speaking, Garba Shehu thanked members of the Guild for the support they gave him when he handled the media and publicity department of All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Council as Director. According to him, APC Presidential campaign was the poorest in terms of resources, “but the richest in terms of people’s goodwill. And the online publishers were the greater part of that process.” Earlier, the President of the Guild, Malachi Agbo assured the two Presidential spokesmen of the support and cooperation of the members, even as he appealed to them to always make themselves available for any news item that requires clarification. He assured them that members of the Guild, who are veterans in journalism profession, would continue to support them with prayer to achieve success in their assignment. [myad]
As part of its effort to revolutionize agriculture, the Ebonyi state government has rolled out plans for the training of farmers on the use of modern mechanized agricultural equipment. The state Commissioner for Agriculture, Barrister Uchenna Orji, who spoke to newsmen in Abakaliki, said that the government had engaged the services of some expatriates to train the farmers on the use of the mechanized agricultural equipment procured by the government. At the news briefing which was attended by the state commissioner of Information and Orientation, Dr. Emmanuel Onwe, Orji said that five hectres of land has been acquired and cleared at the permanent site of the state University for the exercise. According to him, registered farmers and farmers’ cooperative societies would benefit from the training. The commissioner said that parboiling machines would soon be installed at the three modern rice mills owned by state government to get them fully utilized. He announced the readiness of the government to enhance the ecstatic beauty of Abakaliki to make it a standard state capital to reckon, saying that the Executive Council had directed the State Ministry of Environment to ensure that illegal structures were removed. [myad]
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