Bird caused Nigeria’s carrier, Arik Air, flight W3 408 to make a return from Yola back to Abuja today.
According to the airline, the bird strike affected the aircraft’s wind shield and the Captain (pilot in command) had to return to Abuja for safety reasons.
The airline said safety of its passengers came first at Arik Air, and so it would not compromise safety.
It also apologised for whatever inconvenience the air return might have caused its esteemed guests.
Alternative arrangement was made to fly the affected passengers to their destination with another aircraft, the statement said. [myad]
Minister of Finance, Mrs. Ngozi Okojo-Iweala has said that governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo state lied in his recent allegation that the federal government could not account for $30 Billion Excess Crude Account. A statement issued today in Abuja by the spokesman of the minister, Paul Nwabuikwu, Okonjo-Iweala said: “the widely published comment by Gov. Adams Oshiomhole alleging that 30 billion dollars is missing from the Excess Crude Account is shocking and totally untrue. “The comments reflect, once again, the unfortunate tendency of some political players to politicise the management of the economy on the basis of half-truths and sundry distortions. This is not good for the country.” The minister said that Oshiomhole’s comments gave the impression that the Federal Government doles out whatever it wished to the states from the Federation Account. “But anyone who is familiar with the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) process knows that this is simply not true. “The meetings are held every month and Commissioners of Finance and other officials represent their states and agreements are reached on issues including the distribution of proceeds from the Account. “There is no 30 billion dollars missing from the Excess Crude Account as alleged by Governor Oshiomhole.” [myad]
Former Nigerian Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, today, had a closed door meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan, whom he said means well for this country. Babangidan, who received President Jonathan in his Minna, Niger state country home today, told newsmen after the meeting: “what I will say is simple: the President means well for this country and he is working well for this country. “Anybody who means well for this country should support the President to make sure that Nigeria survives as a united country.” Accompanied by the National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd.); his Chief of Staff, General Jones Arogbofa (rtd.); Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Muhammed; former Governor Peter Obi and Senator Ahmadu Ali among others, President Jonathan also told news men that his visit was in the spirit of the Christmas and New Year festivities and also to commiserate with him on his recent return from overseas medical treatment. “First and foremost, I have to use this opportunity to appreciate our leader, President Babangida for his leadership. His commitment to ensuring that this country is united and we leave in peace. “Of course, you know that this is the end of the year. Within this period, people pay visits. So I have come to visit him. “You know he just came back from a hospital abroad, not too long ago. Since he came back, we have not seen. I need to see my father to know how he is feeling. I am quite pleased the way I have seen him.” President Jonathan linked his visit too to the security challenges facing Nigeria, which he said, is not only Boko Haram in the North but also the South that is not safe as a result of commercial kidnapping and robbery. “He (Babangida) is one of our experienced leaders. As somebody who is sitting where he was before, I need to see them from time to time to listen to their suggestions. That is one of the areas how we can collectively move the country forward and ensure that Nigerians live in peace. “That is the key thing and I am quite pleased that we had fruitful discussion.” [myad]
America’s First Lady, Michelle Obama has shared a throw-back photo with her husband, the President of United States, Barack Obama as she wishes the nation a happy festive period. The first lady tweeted the photograph on Thursday, December 25, 2014 showing her with President Obama in their younger years as they stand beside a Christmas tree. She accompanied the photo with the words: ‘Merry Christmas!’ The couple got married in 1992 and they are blessed with two kids, Malia and Sasha Obama. [myad]
The Chairman, Magistrates Association of Nigeria, Nasarawa State Chapter, Victor Manga has called on the state government to improve the salaries of Judicial workers in the state if the government should wean them out of bribery and gift collection.
The chairman, who made the call today in Lafia during the end of year meeting of the association, said that improved salaries would help in quick dispensation of justice, adding: “if judicial staff, especially judges, are well paid, it will go a long way in changing their orientation, especially, in accepting gift or bribe to influence judgment.”
Manga said that most criminal cases in the state were handled by magistrates hence the need to take care of their welfare for better service delivery.
He appealed to the state Chief Judge and the state government to urgently look into the request.
In a remark, the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Umaru Dikko commended the magistrates for their dedication to duty and promised to urgently address their complaint.
Dikko, however, warned them against any act capable of undermining their integrity in the course of their duties, saying that anyone caught would face the wrath of the law. [myad]
More than 200 Muslim youth volunteers were said to have gone out today to protect Christians during church services to celebrate this year’s Christmas in Kaduna.
Pastor Yohanna Buru of Christ Evangelical Church, Sabon Tasha, Kaduna South who made this known to newsmen today in Kaduna said that the Muslims were at his church to help protect the faithful from any attack during the church service.
According to him, the feat is the first of its kind after the series of crises that rocked the state in recent past. “I really appreciate their love and care,’’ said the cleric.
Buru said the essence of that was to protect the Christian worshippers as part of effort to strengthen peaceful co-existence between Muslims and Christians in the state.
The pastor expressed happiness over the protection given to them by the Muslim brothers.
He noted that the initiative was an indication that peace has come to stay in the state, saying the measure will strengthen a lasting peace between the two religions.
He also prayed to God to continue to bring peace in the country, praying that other citizens would emulate the gesture.
He urged Nigerians to learn to live in peace with one another irrespective of ethnic or religious differences. The cleric said that peace was a major panacea to the positive development of any nation. [myad]
The President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor has said that he has seen signs of hope for the progress of Nigeria from 2015. In his Christmas message issued in Abuja today, Pastor Oritsejafor said: “There are signs of hope, both in the Church and in our society. I remain confident that good will prevail over evil.” The CAN President emphasised that despite the challenges of fundamentalism, terrorism, natural disasters, disease, epidemics and other forms of societal challenges in the year, he is optimistic that better times are ahead He however cautioned that Nigerians should be vigilant and secure their environment, advisinf Nigerians not to lose sight of the challenge of securing their environment even as they rejoice during the celebrations. “We must all be security conscious and assist constituted authority in securing our property. Nigerians must realise the fact that the true essence of this celebration lies in the sacrifices that we make in the interest of a better and more prosperous Nigeria. This season is one that inspires sacrifice which gives hope to the down trodden in our midst. “The joy that Christ brought to the world many years ago through His birth and still brings to our hearts today at Christmas should be shared to all. I remain confident that good will prevail over evil, as we genuinely reflect on these issues and renew our vows to God through the celebration of Christ’s birth at Christmas.” He said 2014 has been a year of mixed fortunes – for individuals, for the Christian family, other faithful and the entire society but that “we have sailed through these trying times to the very moment we have found ourselves at present.” Oritsejafor added, “The greatest news in the midst of these challenges is that of hope and the promise of better times ahead of us, which is the message of Christmas. The great joy with which families all over the world, including Nigeria welcome the season of Christmas should be allowed to permeate through the fabrics of the society. “As we celebrate the solemnity of Christ’s birth, I urge all faithful to reflect on the happenings of the year, especially those moments that threatened the foundation and existence of our nation and work towards inspiring a positive change in our world. “Christmas comes with peace, love, sacrifice and hope for a better future and these should be the preoccupation of all faithful during the celebrations. Faithful should never spare a moment to reflect on the these virtues even as they eat, drink and make merry. “Eating chicken, Turkey and drinking wine often characterise this season but equally important at this time should be the virtues of peace, love, sacrifice and hope which should be the fulcrum of Nigeria’s progression into the New Year. Our actions, attitudes and entire body language in the coming year must reflect these three virtues. “With love, the less privileged are cared for; with peace, key actors of conflict will be inspired to lay down their arms; and hope brings on the spirit of a new Nigeria; so ultimately these virtues could together make the difference in 2015.” The cleric urged all faithful to use this auspicious occasion of Christmas to re-establish their relationship with God and mend broken ties with their fellow human beings, adding: “Christmas cannot be said to be truly celebrated if this commitment is not kept.” [myad]
The Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V, has warned against threats to Nigeria’s democracy due to what he called the do-or -die manner in which some politicians are conducting themselves towards the 2015 general elections. The monarch raised the alarm against the backdrop of the controversies and bitterness that trailed the recently held primary elections of political parties in the country. Abasi-Otu who spoke to journalists in his country home in Adiabo, Odukpani Local Government Area, Cross River State yesterday said that with his knowledge of what happened during the primary elections of political parties, politicians cannot convince him that the interest of the country and the ordinary citizens occupy any space in their agenda. “The ambition and interest of many politicians seem to have overridden the interest of the people they are supposed to serve. The political class has now made politics a do-or-die business. To them, once you sail through, you automatically become a millionaire. “If we can separate the political powers from the financial powers in the running of the country, Nigeria will be better for it. The Governor, for instance, controls the State’s finances and decides what to do with it. “All over the country, people are complaining over the just concluded party primaries. It was very shabby. It was a disgrace to the power of democracy. They virtually hand-picked their cronies, and tactically lock out others. “Our democracy has deteriorated to the level that it is those at the corridor of power who decides who should take over political power, not on the basis of quality of service to the people. It has become an avenue to settle political acolytes. The people’s voices are no more important. This is very bad for our body polity.“ [myad]
Fast rising Nollywood actress, Adesua Etomi has won the ‘best new actress award’ in the 2014 edition of Nollywood Reinvented awards. The actress is believed to be popular for her outstanding performance in the movie: ‘Knocking on Heaven’s door.’ The actress emerged the winner with 61% of the votes. Adesua plays Debby, a gospel singer and a victim of domestic abuse. Adesua is also popular for her short film: ‘Brave.’ [myad]
This is Khutbah (Friday sermon) that was prepared for delivery today By Imam Murtada Muhammad Gusau, the chief Imam of Nagazi Uvete Jumu’at Mosque Okene, Kogi state Nigeria
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Alhamdulillah.
Indeed, all praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and seek His help and forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allah from the evil within ourselves and from our wrongdoings. He whom Allah guides, no one can misguide; and he whom He misguides, no one can guide.
I bear witness that there is no (true) god except Allah alone without a partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad (SAW) is His ‘abd (servant) and messenger.
“O you who believe! Revere Allah the right reverence, and do not die except as Muslims.” (Al-Imran, 3:102)
“O people! Revere your Lord who has created you from a single soul, created from it its mate, and dispersed from both of them many men and women. Revere Allah through whom you demand things from one another; and (cherish the ties of) the wombs. Indeed, Allah is ever watchful over you.” (Al-Nisa’, 4:1)
“O you who believe! Revere Allah and say fair words. He will then rectify your deeds and forgive your sins. He who obeys Allah and His Messenger have certainly achieved a great victory.” (Al-Ahzaab, 33:70-71)
Indeed, the best speech is Allah’s (SWT) Book and the best guidance is Muhammad’s (SAW) guidance. The worst affairs (of religion) are those innovated (by people), for every such innovation is an act of misguidance leading to the Fire.
To proceed:
O servants of Allah! Allah the Most High said in His Noble Qur’an:
“Say! “Nothing shall ever happen to us except what Allah has ordained for us. He is our Maula (Lord, Helper and Protector).” And in Allah let the believers put their trust.” (At-Taubah, 9:51)
He the Most High also said:
“No calamity befalls on the earth or in yourselves but it is inscribed in the Book of Decrees (Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz) before we bring it into existence. Verily, that is easy for Allah.” (Al-Hadid, 57:22)
Narrated ibn ‘Abbas (Radiallahu Anhu) he said; “once I was behind the Prophet (SAW) and he said: “O boy, I will teach you a few words:
Be loyal and obedient to Allah [worship Him Alone], remember Him always, and obey His orders. He will save you from every evil and will take care of you in all the spheres of life.
Be loyal and obedient to Allah, you will find Him near (in front of you) i.e. He will respond to your requests.
If you ask, ask Allah.
If you seek help, seek help from Allah.
Know that if all the people get together in order to benefit you with something, they will not be able to benefit you in anything except what Allah has decreed for you. And if they all get together in order to harm you with something; they will not be able to harm you in anything except what Allah has decreed for you.
The pens have stopped writings {Divine (Allah’s) preordainments}. And (the ink over) the papers (Book of Decrees) have dried.” (Sahih at-Tirmidhi)
Allah the Most High also said:
“Those (i.e. believers) to whom the people (hypocrites) said, “verily, the people have gathered against you (a great army), therefore, fear them.” But it (only) increased them in faith, and they said: “Allah (Alone) is sufficient for us and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us) (i.e. Hasbunallahu Wani’mal Wakeel).” (Al-‘Imraan, 3:173)
Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas (Radiallahu Anhu) that: (the saying “Hasbunallahu Wani’mal Wakeel” “Allah (alone) is sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us)”, was said by prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) (A.S) When he was thrown into the fire; and it was said by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) when they (i.e. hypocrites) said, “verily, the people (enemies) have gathered against you (a great army), therefore, fear them, “but it (only) increased them in faith and they said: “Allah (Alone) is sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us).” (Sahih Al-Bukhaari)
He the All mighty and Majestic also said:
“… And whosoever puts his trust In Allah, and then He will suffice him…” (At-Talaaq, 65:3)
It is also reported on the authority of ‘Ubaadah ibn As-Saamit (Radiallahu anhu) that he said to his son: “Oh, son! You will never taste true faith until you know that whatever afflicts you would not have missed you, and whatever has missed you would never have come to you.”
My Respected people,
One of the main episodes which took place during his position as the minister of the interior was the occupation of the Al-Masjid Al-Haraam, Makkah. This is what happened as translated and reported in the Saudi Gazette from the daily newspaper, Al-watan (1979): “No one can open the file on Juhaiman bin saif Al-Otaibi and his Khawaarij group without mentioning the late Crown Prince Naif who was the interior minister at the time. When the group occupied the Grand Mosque, Prince Naif faced the challenge of liberating it. He insisted on overseeing the operation by himself without any outside help. When Juhaiman and Muhammad Al-Qahtani, who would later become his brother-in-law, joined hands, their collective ideologies began spreading poisonous ideas in small mosques in Madinah. In 1965, Juhaiman established a group called Al-Jamaa’a Al-Salafiyyah Al-Muhtasiba, which was an extension of the Ikhwaan ideology. Soon Juhaiman took control of the group and diverted its tasks to political activities. As the group expanded, he recruited youth from all over the kingdom. Prince Naif interfered at the time and called for the group’s activities to be supervised. As a result, Juhaiman isolated the group and himself from society. The Al-Watan newspaper carried the details of the operation in a report on Monday. In late 1978, Al-Qahtani told Juhaiman that he had had a dream in which he was the Mahdi, or redeemer of Islam, and said he wanted to liberate the Arabian Peninsula and the entire world from wrongdoing, injustice and tyranny. On November 20, 1979, 270 people from Juhaiman’s group entered the Grand Mosque under the pretext of attending the Fajr prayer. They were carrying several caskets with them and mosque guards were told they contained bodies. In reality, the caskets contained dozens of weapons that the group would later use to take over the Mosque.
Servants of Allah,
During the Fajr prayer, the group chained all of the Mosque’s doors and placed two guards at each door; several other militants stormed the microphone room and took control of the Mosque’s loudspeakers. Sheikh Muhammad Al-Subayyel, who was leading the prayer, said as soon as the prayer concluded, the group announced the appearance of the Mahdi. They said he had escaped from his enemies and was taking refuge inside the Grand Mosque. Juhaiman then introduced Al-Qahtani as “the awaited Mahdi and the redeemer of Islam.”
Juhaiman and his group then pledged allegiance of Al-Qahtani who asked the people to also do so while members of the group began firing gunshots in the air. The Mosque’s guards, who are not armed, tried to resist them but were shot and killed. A group of worshippers managed to escape from the Grand Mosque but others who tried to reason with the group and told them they were wrong were also shot dead.
Prince Naif immediately ordered the Grand Mosque to be surrounded and told officers not to engage in any contact with the group until the authorities had a clearer picture. Security forces began moving inside the Mosque complex and some of them managed to position themselves inside and waited for orders to attack. At the same time, Juhaiman’s group was trying to force all worshippers inside to pledge allegiance to the awaited Mahdi.
The then King of Makkah, Khalid met with Muslim scholars and briefed them on the situation. Scholars said surrender should be negotiated with the group and if they refused, then they should be forcibly evicted even if it meant killing them.
Meanwhile, Prince Naif had arrived in Makkah to personally supervise the operation and plans to liberate the Grand Mosque.
People and residents around the Grand Mosque complex were asked to clear the area due to the guns being fired by Juhaiman’s group from the Mosque’s minarets. Saudi security forces managed to identify their positions and the type of weapons they were using. Groups from the National Guard were brought in along with the armed forces in preparation to storm the besieged Mosque. King Khalid’s directives at that time were to give the group time to surrender and to ensure the safety of the innocent people stuck inside the Mosque. Saudi forces used microphones to ask the group to surrender and release the hostages but they refused. There were scattered clashes with the group and Saudi snipers were brought in to take out the snipers inside the mosque. The Saudi troops already positioned inside also began engaging Juhaiman’s group and forced them to release the hostages. Saudi troops forced the group to withdraw to the tunnels in the lower level beneath the mosque and they then took control of the roads leading to the tunnels.
Juhaiman and his group barricaded themselves in several rooms underneath the Grand mosque.
After five days of being surrounded, dozens of members in the group surrendered to the authorities. After the news of Al-Qahtani’s death began to spread, many other members laid down their arms and surrendered. On December 5, 1979, the Saudi Army and the National Guard laid out a plan to put an end to the siege. They started a final push and managed to isolate the group far away from the Ka’aba. Saudi forces then cut electricity and water to them. Some immediately surrendered while others continued to fight.
My Respected people, know that,
The report and the news about French, Jordanian and Egyptian forces participating in the operation to liberate the Grand mosque were not true. At the time, Saudi Arabia received many offers of help but they were all declined. King Khalid addressed the country’s security forces and the National Guard and thanked them for liberating the Grand mosque.
On January 10, 1980, 63 people who carried out the attacks were executed in several different cities while Juhaiman was executed in Makkah. The nationalities of the people that were executed are as follows: 34 Saudis, 9 Egyptians, 3 Kuwaitis, 6 Yemenis, 1 Sudanese and 1 Iraqi. Prince Naif said at a press conference after the incident that 19 people went to jail and 23 women and children were sent to juvenile centers.
Prince Naif also announced that 12 Saudi officers and 115 soldiers died during the operation. In addition, 402 officers and 49 soldiers were injured. Prince Naif said 75 members of Juhaiman’s group were killed during the siege. Fifteen bodies belonging to the group were later found in the tunnels underneath the mosque.”
My Respected Brothers and Sister,
Wallahil ‘Azeem this is one of the evils of khawaarij, the deceitful and foolish-minded people and dogs of hellfire. They attacked the grand Mosque in Makkah talk less of Masallacin Sarki (Emir’s Mosque) in Kano. The khawaarij, Terrorists and extremists are the people of misguidance, they make it Halaal to take the blood of people, and call them kuffaar (unbelievers). They perform takfeer (excommunication and declaring someone an apostate) upon ‘Uthman and ‘Ali and of a group from the pre-eminent companions and killed them – May Allah be pleased with all of them.
Verily, therein is indeed a reminder for him who has a heart or gives ear while he is heedful.
Allah is sufficient for us and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us). And in-shaa-Allah the days of evil-doers and their underground collaborators and sponsors are numbered. Just let’s keep praying sincerely, Allah the one that neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him is with us and He will surely not let the wrong-doers go unpunished.
Allah the Most High said:
“Consider not that Allah is unaware of that which the Zaalimuun (killers, murderers, mischief makers, wrong-doers, and evil-doers) do, but He gives them respite up to a Day when the eyes will stare in horror.” (Ibrahim, 14:42)
Servants of Allah,
We seek the ALLAH’S help and protection from their evil deeds. And may He SWT guide them and protect the Muslims and Islam from their misguidance. And we also seek refuge in Allah from the evil of what they are upon of ignorance, misguidance and scum.
All praise belong to Allah, may His peace and blessings be upon our final and beloved Prophet Muhammad, his family, his companions, and all those who follow his guidance.
O Allah! Guide us and protect us from the causes of ignorance and destruction! Save us O Allah, from the defects of our selves! Cause the last of our deeds to be the best and most righteous! And forgive all of us. I ask Allah (swt) to bless Nigeria with good leaders, peace, justice, stability, mercy and protectiveness, ameen, Yaa Ar-hamar-raahimina Yaa Rabbal ‘Aalameen.
And lastly, servants of Allah! Anything good I have said in my today’s khutbah (sermon) is from Allah the Al-Mighty, and any mistakes are my own and we seek refuge in Allah from giving wrong advice and from all forms of calamities and fitnah. And I ask Allah’s forgiveness if I stepped beyond bounds in anything I said or I do. With this, my beloved and respected people, I conclude my Khutbah (Sermon) and ask Allah again the Al-mighty and the Sublime to forgive all of our sins and failings. So seek his forgiveness, He is All-Forging, Most Merciful.
May the salutations and peace of Allah be upon our beloved Prophet, his family and his companions.
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