2023: Ex Speaker Dogara Asks Christians Not To Vote For Tinubu/Shettima

September 21, 2022

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has called on Christians not to “waste” their votes for the Presidential candidate of his All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and his running mate, Kashim Shettima in the 2023 election.

Dogara, who spoke yesterday, September 20 in Abuja at a Summit tagged: “Meet the Church,” insisted that the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the APC is “antithetical” to nation building.

The event was organized by the Nigerian National Christian Coalition (NNCC), with the theme: ‘The role of the Church in nation building.’

Dogara, who cited Matthew 25:14-30, said, ‘according to one of Jesus’ most significant parables, Christians must “invest everything God gives us, not waste it.”

He noted that APC had ignored warnings by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Catholic Secretariat, ECWA Church and many other church bodies, and adopted the ticket in a manner that negated the fundamentals of nation building, such as shared identity, values and vision.

“The APC adopted a same-faith ticket in a country that has never attained nationhood. These warnings were not only ignored but also dismissed in one fell swoop by the APC presidential candidate, who strangely believes that he can build a strong, secure and viable nation-state without first forging a shared identity, vision and value for our people, thereby enabling us transit from citizens of a country into a nation of people with strong shared identity and values

“In their convoluted posturing, they have placed state building ahead of nation building; a task never before achieved in history. And we need no seer to tell us that such endeavour is guaranteed to end in spectacular failure. No divided people have ever built any civilization.

“To demonstrate that the Church is right, it is not alone in condemning the same faith ticket. Other prominent Islamic clerics and Muslim leaders have also spoken in the same light. It is a good omen that both Christian and Muslim elites are not complacent over this matter.

“To this end, it will be easy to generate the needed elite consensus that is key to nation building. All nations are built by elite consensus, while all countries that failed at nation-building were destroyed by elite complacency.

“Granted that the Christians and Muslims will always disagree on some issues, there are, however, many things over which we are agreeable.

“It is enough to forge ahead with the task of nation building, based on those common issues we agree on. It must be noted that just as Muslims alone cannot build a nation out of Nigeria, so also Christians alone cannot.”

Dogara and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, as well as other Christian politicians from the north have publicly expressed opposition to the APC’s same-faith ticket.

Don’t Try It, Kaduna Govt Warns Those Planning To Block Kaduna-Abuja Highway

Editorial staff

September 20, 2022

The Kaduna State Government has warned that it would not condone any attempt by any person or group to block the Kaduna-Abuja highway in the name of protest.

The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, in a statement today, September 20, said that the move by some people in the state to block the highway is unacceptable and a prelude to the breakdown of law and order.

“By this notice, individuals or groups planning to restrict citizens’ movements are advised to desist in the interest of public peace.

“While the Kaduna state government is not depriving citizens of the right to express discontent, public security and safety must always be the foremost consideration.

“The danger of barricading a strategic route like the Kaduna-Abuja road is better appreciated within the context of ongoing security operations covering the route and other areas of interest.

“Keen attention must also be given to the possibility of certain gatherings degenerating into violence.

“Citizens are therefore strongly advised against participating in such processions, particularly those which will impact the normal socio-economic activities of other citizens, or expose lives to unnecessary danger.

“Citizens may kindly be reminded that collective security should remain the first and most important consideration at all times.”

The commissioner advised individuals, unions and other groups to take note of the advisory and keep off the road.

Ohanaeze Regrets Supporting Atiku In 2019, Says It’s The Cause Of Southeast Travails

Editorial staff

September 20, 2022

File photo of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, campaigning in south-east

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has expressed regrets the support it gave to the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, in the 2019 general elections. The group identified such support as the cause of the current travails being faced by Igbos.

The National Publicity Secretary of the group, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, in a statement denying a social media video clip making the rounds, claiming that the group demanded payments from one Comrade Kennedy Iyere as a condition to support a Nigerian Presidential candidate from the South East, dismissed the claim as the most “fallacious, mendacious and callous of all the falsehoods aimed at tarnishing the image of the Igbo as the Judas category that values money more than human conscience.

Dr. Ogbonnia said that the Ohanaeze Ndigbo took the advocacy for a president from the South East of Nigeria to all parts of Nigeria, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Muhammadu Sa’adu Abubakar III; Chief E K Clarke, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the British High Commission and so many other places.

He said that the delegations comprised the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Ambassador Professor George Obiozor; the former President General, Chief Nnia Nwodo, former President General, Chief Gary Igariweh, the Secretary General, Ambassador Okey Emuchay; National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia.

Others included Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, HRH Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, Professor Anya O Anya, Chief Simon Okeke, Professor Charles Nwekeaku, among others.

He insisted that the next president should be of South East extraction, saying that he wrote to Atiku to remind him that their support for him in 2019 was the cause of the current travails of the Igbos.

“I also wrote Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, reminding him that the current Igbo travails are as a result of our support to his candidacy in 2019.

“A simple search on the internet will reveal that Ohanaeze had made numerous press releases urging Nigerians and the international community to lend support to the quest by the South East for presidency.

“Several other Igbo activists and interest groups such as Nzuko Umunna led by Senator Chris Anyanwu, Arc Ferdinand Agu, etc were also at the forefront in the advocacy.

“On December 13, 2021, I personally addressed an Open Letter to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, reminding him that it is the turn of the South East to produce a president for Nigeria and urging him not to contest the 2023 presidency on the grounds of equity, justice and fairness.

“The Ohanaeze Ndigbo further propagated the advocacy to the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders (SMBLF) led by Chief E K Clarke, and Chief Nnia Nwodo as the Coordinator General. Other leaders of the SMBLF include Chief Ayo Adebanjo, the Leader of the Afenifere; Dr Pogu Bitrus, Leader, Middle Belt Forum, among others. Our gratitude goes to the SMBLF for their irrevocable position to support an Igbo of the South East for presidency in 2023. Similarly, we thank Chief Olusegun Obasanjo for receiving us in his Abeokuta residence about three times.

“I am inwardly delighted that the unwavering position of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has gained a global momentum and unprecedented volcanic eruptions of human passions across the country. Above all, the Ohanaeze message has found expression, resonance and traction in the irrepressible power that is inherent in the Nigerian masses.

“In the social media clip making the rounds, orchestrated by one Comrade Kennedy Iyere, he alleged that the Ohanaeze Ndigbo led by Chief Nnia Nwodo demanded payments from him to attend a meeting at Awka for a Nigerian president from the South East.

“The truth of the matter: In October 2020, Chief Damian Okeke Ogene, former President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Anambra State chapter was contacted by Chief Iyere to invite the seven state presidents from the seven Ohanaeze states.”

Ogene explained to Iyere that members would be coming to Awka from distant places such as Port Harcourt, Owerri, Aba, Ebonyi and that it would not be possible for them to go back to their locations on thes same day. Iyere promised to secure hotel accommodation for the seven persons, and that he would also pay for their transport costs.

“At the meeting in one hotel at Awka, Iyere was seated with White men and he highlighted the unbearable injustice to the Igbo by the past Nigerian leaders and the equity in a South Easterner to become the president of Nigeria come 2023.

“Paradoxically, we were very delighted and also curious that a non-Igbo and White men were championing an Igbo cause. At the end of the meeting, he pleaded with us to manage seventy thousand naira (N70, 000.00); that is, ten thousand naira each, as transport costs.

“Some of us refused the money while some others reasoned that it could be misinterpreted if we rejected the N10,000 each. I am rather shocked by the depravity and a kindergarten shenanigan with which Iyere painted his encounter with the Ohanaeze Ndigbo; that Ohanaeze Ndigbo demanded payment from him in order to support an Igbo for presidency.”

18 Presidential Candidates For 2023 Poll Emerged

Editorial staff

September 20, 2022

Names, ages and qualifications of 18 Presidential candidates of various political parties for the 2023 elections have been formally released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Also released are the names, ages and qualifications of their running mates.

According to the record of the INEC, apart from Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 70, who is running for the Presidency under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) with his running mate, Kashim Shettima, 55, there is also Atiku Abubakar, 75, running on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with Ifeanyi Okowa, 63, as his running mate.

Also on the INEC list is Peter Obi, 61, running under the Labour Party (LP) and his running mate, Datti Ahmed, 53, as well as Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, 66, for the New Nigeria Peoples Part (NNPP) with Isaac Idahosa, 57, as his running mate.

On the list too are the Presidential candidate of APGA, 67 years old Umeadi Chukwudi Nnanna and his running mate, 65 year old Mohammed Abdullahi Koli; 60 year old Kolawole Abiola of the PRP and his running mate, 49 year old Haruna Zego as well as 58 year Abdulmali Ado Ibrahim for the YPP with 44 year old Kasarachi Michael Enyinna.

INEC also released the names, ages and qualifications of those vying for the Senate and House of Representatives across the country.

Abuja Nurses Stage Carnival, Beauty Pageant

Greenbarge Reporters

September 20, 2022

Nurses in the services of hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, today, September 20, staged a carnival and beauty competition as part of Nurses’ Week, during which various activities, including Friday special prayer and Sunday services are held.

President Buhari Rolls Out Talking Drums To Celebrate Sunny Ade At 76

Greenbarge Reporters

September 20, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered talking drums to be deployed for the celebration of juju music maestro and multi-instrumentalist, Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, better known as King Sunny Ade, who turns 76 on Thursday, September 22.
A statement by Femi Adesina, special adviser to the President on media and publicity, said the President described Sunny Ade as an internationally renowned artiste, who is the first Nigerian to be nominated for Grammy in the 80’s.
The President recalled that the maestro played a significant role in the huge success of the country’s music industry, with influence across genres, including Hollywood, “where his songs were featured in many movies.”
The President savoured the height which “the talented guitarist” has attained at 76, saying that he is a gifted songwriter, producer and visiting professor of music at the Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife.
He thanked King Sunny Ade for taking Nigeria’s local beats to the world, exporting the rich culture and placing instruments like the “talking drum’’ on global spotlight for research and adaption.”
President Buhari said that the recognitions and awards received by the multi-talented entertainer over the years, including the national award, MFR, are well deserved, praying for his good health, strength and grace of more creativity.

Economic Realities: Federal Govt Promises Salary Increment For Nigerian Workers

Editorial staff

September 20, 2022

The Federal Government has promised to adjust workers salaries upwardly as a way of meeting the current realities in the economy of the country.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, who dropped this hint today, September 19, at the public presentation of the NLC of 40 publication titled, “Contemporary History of Working Class Struggles,” said that the Federal Government is very much aware that the N30,000 National Minimum Wage had depreciated.

“Yes the inflation has increased worldwide and it is not confined to Nigeria. That is why in many jurisdictions, it is an adjustment of wages right now.

“We as the Nigerian government, we shall adjust in conformity with what is happening in wages.

“More importantly, the 2019 National Minimum Wage Act, right now has a clause for the review, which we started then, I do not know whether it is due next year or 2024.

“But before then, the adjustment of wages will reflect what is happening in the economy,just as government has started the adjustment with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).”

The minister said that the Federal Government did not take ASUU to court over the prolonged strike of the union as some people claimed, adding that he would have failed in his duties if he did not refer the matter to the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) after seven months of protracted discussions and negotiations with the union.

He recalled that ASUU was at the stage of Collective Bargaining negotiation with their employers, the Federal Ministry of Education when they embarked on strike.

He regretted that the ASUU leadership did not even understand the import of Collective Bargaining negotiation because they lacked the nutrients of labour unionism.

“We have to counsel our brothers on negotiation. No negotiation is forced. You cannot say it is either you give me 200 per cent or I will continue my strike.

“There are laws guiding strike. There are ILO principles on right to strike. Nobody can take it away.

”But, there are things that follow it when you embark on strike as a worker and they are enshrined in the laws of our land.

“It is written in Trade Dispute Act. The ILO principles of strike talks about the right of a worker to withdraw services. There is also right to picket. These are things that are done.

”Nigeria is respected in ILO. Some people said Federal Government took ASUU to court. No. I referred the matter after seven months of protracted discussions and negotiations that failed, ’’he said.

Ngige recalled that he conciliated the dispute twice, first on Feb. 22, one week after the commencement of the strike and some agreements were reached, and he brought everybody back on March 1 for another conciliation.

He added that the only thing left was going back to the Federal Ministry of Education for the renegotiation of the 2013 agreement.

“Some people are saying 2009 agreement. The 2009 agreement has been renegotiated in 2013/2014 with the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. It is an anathema to use 2009 agreement.

“What is left is the renegotiation of their conditions of service, which is their right. It should be done but they are negotiating it under the principle of offer and acceptance and it broke down irretrievably there at the Federal Ministry of Education.

“That kick-started Section 17 of the Trade Dispute Act whereby the Minister of Labour and Employment, whoever it is, if you don’t transmit according to the dictates of Section 17, TDA, 2004, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

“This means you would have failed in your function. Therefore, I had to transmit, ’’he said.

Ngige, however, said the transmission did not mean that the matter could not be settled out of court.

He said either of the parties involved; the Federal Ministry of Education and ASUU could approach the NICN for out of court settlement.

He maintained that Nigeria must be guided by laws and nobody should use the dispute to harass anybody.

“The pro-chancellors said they want to do counter offer. I told them to do it as quickly as possible. Those are ingredients of labour relations.

“It is not enough if you misinform your membership. That should be a disservice. We should read through things as it is and interpret same way. If I leave them in education, they will stay there two years.”

On the 40 years of NLC, Ngige said: “A fool at 40 is a fool forever. A wise man at 40 is a wise man forever. NLC is a wise man forever.”

Source: NAN.

The World Expects Wonderful Reign Of King Charles, Better Than His Mother – Osinbajo

Editorial staff

September 19, 2022

Nigeria’s Vice President has said that the world is looking forward to a wonderful reign of King Charles III better than his mother, late Queen Elizabeth II.
“We are all looking forward to a wonderful reign, a reign that will bring prosperity, peace, not just to England, but to the Commonwealth and to all of us.”
Professor Osinbajo, who spoke to media men today, September 19, in London after attending the State Funeral Service of the late Queen of England at Westminster Abbey, said: “One wishes King Charles very well indeed, and I think we are all anxious that he succeeds.
“And that he perhaps does even better than his mother, which is the hope of his mum. I am sure that the Queen will really hope that all her successors, and in this case, King Charles, will do better than she did.”
Osinbajo said that the gathering of leaders from different parts of the globe to celebrate the live of late Queen Elizabeth II and attend her funeral is a show of solidarity and goodwill by people from around the world.
He said that it is also a testament to the brotherhood of nations, saying: “for countries like ours, for Nigeria and for the Commonwealth, this has been very ennobling, very strengthening.
“I am sure that King Charles felt not just the honour of having so many people come by, but also the reassurance that there is a brotherhood across the world and that the Commonwealth remains strong, a Commonwealth of free nations who willingly subscribe to coming together, to work together to achieve sometimes disparate political objectives but clear economic objectives.”
Professor Osinbajo stressed that the event is historic and that it is unlikely to happen, perhaps in another lifetime: “just the sheer enormity of all that has happened and the gathering of leaders from everywhere, the good will, the good wishes, and all of that from practically everywhere around the world.
“So, I think that this has truly been a testament to the sort of person the Queen was – in life and death, brought people together and perhaps even more so in death.”

The Nigerian Vice President said that the late British monarch, whom he earlier described as a Monarch for all seasons, had, in the 70 years that she has been Queen, witnessed practically every cycle – war, peace, economic decline and apartheid.

He said that the late Queen held her own and was always able to bring a certain degree of understanding in all the various cycles in all the major things that were going on.
“And just the gravity of someone who doesn’t hold political office is so well respected and well regarded. In so many ways, she was a factor in practically all of the various cycles that we have experienced, not just in the Commonwealth, but in the world itself.
“I think she was a stabilizing force, that was why I thought the description (borrowed from “the man for all seasons”) that she was the Queen for all seasons.”
After the Funeral Service at Westminster Abbey, the Vice President and about 500 foreign dignitaries were hosted to a reception by the UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, James Cleverly.
The Queen’s funeral procession then proceeded to Windsor Castle where she would be laid to rest, passing through selected streets in London.

I Paid N30 Million To Kidnappers For Release Of Priests, Bishop Kukah Opens Up

Editorial staff

September 19, 2022

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Kukah has said that is not ashamed to say that he paid about N30 million as a ransom to kidnappers for the release of his church priests.

Bishop Kukah, who spoke today, September 19 in a one-day programme tagged: “High-level forum on political communication and issue-based campaign in the 2023 general elections,” said: “I am the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese. I have spent about N30m; the money I don’t have because my priests were kidnapped and I have nowhere to turn to.

“I am not ashamed to say it because these are essential realities. Anyone who wants to become president of Nigeria cannot pretend to stand before me without giving me empirical evidence from his or her record about how they intend to deal with these issues because there is a collective feeling of alienation.

“Two days ago, my nephew, his mother, and the driver were on their way to Abuja when they ran into the hands of kidnappers. My brother’s wife had an amputation some three months ago and they were bringing her to Abuja, so when the kidnappers saw the stomp on her leg, they had mercy on her and let her go.

“Right now, as we speak, my nephew and the driver of the vehicle are currently in the hands of the kidnappers. How it is going to end; I don’t know. Then they said they wanted N50m, they then said they wanted N20m, now they are staying on N30m.

“Here in Abuja, just about a month or so, when the threats came that the bandits will enter into Abuja, everybody went undercover.”

Bishop Kukah therefore warned Nigerians not to queue behind those displaying themselves as messiah, but rather vote for political leaders who truly understand the situation of things.

The Cleric said that campaigns henceforth must be identity-based, getting the right identity for the country and not emphasizing the things that really do matter.

“When we talk about 2023 elections, we need to talk about how we will get ourselves out of all of these.

“The questions that the ordinary Nigerians are asking are legitimate and it is the responsibility of those who govern to deal frontally with the issue. We need to re-image and re-imagine Nigeria because the Nigeria that we have today is not the Nigeria that many of us can recognize.”

Kukah also advised the politicians to develop the skill to manage diversity that will make every citizen be relevant.

“I want to commend the National Assembly for the action it has taken and the speed with which the Electoral Acts was passed.

“But that’s just the beginning, but there’s a challenge to convince Nigerians that they are voting and electing and choosing their leaders. There’s a crippling fear and the people do not really believe that the laws are changing.

“I have always tried to explain to young people that a wedding is not a marriage; marriage starts after the wedding. What that means in essence is that a campaign is not an election and an election is not good governance.

“There is always a difference between a person who is campaigning and when they become a president, governors, senators, and the rest.

“A campaigner seeks to capture the attention, so he can do everything he has to do to get your trust.

“I tell people that it’s not like politicians are bad people, as those who have won elections will tell you, what they were seeing outside is usually different from when they get in.”

The event which, was organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, with the collaboration of The Kukah Centre, was aimed at preparing the politicians for the election campaigns.

Lecturers At Imo University Pull Out From ASUU, Return To Classroom

Editorial staff

September 19, 2022

Lecturers at the Imo state university (IMSU), have pulled out from the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and announced the opening of the university for academic activities.

The Public Relations Officer of the University, Ralph Njoku, who spoke to news men today, September 19 in Owerri, the Imo State capital, said that the Institution’s management has approved the opening of the university, saying that continued delay in opening the Institution would lead to losing so many students, who are desirous of education, especially applicants who were yet to be matriculated.

He said however that the University has no problem with ASUU and that the decision to open its doors for academic activities was to prevent any action to shortchange the next generation.

“The management has decided to open the university for academic activities. We don’t have any issue with ASSU we just open the school for academic activities. Lecturers who are willing will now come to start lecturing.

“We decided that we don’t want to shortchange our next generation. Just like the 2022 applicants, we have not even matriculated them and we are coming up with 2022/2023 if we keep delaying we will lose so many people who are desirous of University education. So, we felt it is time to hold the bull by the horn.”

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