Presidency Accuses Benue Gov Of Only Seeing Problems Of Others But Not His Own

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April 29, 2021

The Presidency has accused Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom of only seeing the problems of others and can’t see his own.

In a statement today, April 29, reacting to Governor’s attack on the President, the senior special assistant to the President on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu said that the Presidency is disappointed and sad over Governor Ortom’s litany of accusations against the person of the President and his government, following the recent unfortunate incidents in the state.

Garba Shehu quoted Governor Ortom as saying that the rising levels of incidents, especially the killings and violence in various parts of the country calls for further collaboration with security agencies to curb its recurrence.

“No responsible government takes pleasure in such events as the killing of the military and that of innocent citizens taking refuge in an Internally Displaced People’s camp. President Buhari is deeply pained by the terrible acts of violence happening not only in Benue State but also in other parts of the country and expects that the law enforcement agencies will go to every possible extent to catch the perpetrators of these heinous acts and bring them to justice.

“The lives of fellow citizens should not be desecrated by deploying them in political diatribe which unfortunately appeared to be the intent of the string of emotional attacks and blame laid at the doors of the President for those killings by Governor Ortom. President Buhari took an oath to defend the life and property of every citizen, a duty he takes seriously and is committed to ensuring.

“Those citizens regardless of their affiliations, who either incite, sponsor or are proven to be abettors of these atrocities will face the law squarely and be answerable for their crimes against our fellow citizens and nation.”

He President Buhari had always insisted that the strength of the country should derive from the people’s diversity in faith, culture, and traditions “and attempts to sharpen the divide between northern and southern Nigeria, between Muslims and Christians, and between communities that have coexisted for centuries should be frowned upon and resisted.

“As Nigerians, we accuse colonial rulers of the policy of divide and rule. Today, it is our own leaders who put region against region, religion against religion, ethnic group against ethnic group and community against community.

“The future of Benue State and indeed that of the entire country lies in harmony and the respect for law, order, and the constitution. It is the only way to achieve progress and development.”

Garba Shehu said that while the President will continue to keep security, police and the armed forces on their toes to be on top of their act in troubled parts of the country, the situation in the states will greatly be helped by everyone working together because that is the foundation on which progress and prosperity can be achieved.

“Benue under the Ortom administration ought to cooperate with the Federal Government in the implementation of a number of national strategies programs in addressing underlying issues militating against peace, progress and development.

“This can still get done when the interest of the people is placed above all other interests. A government voted into office by the people, should treat the people as its masters and not as its servants.”

MTN Nigeria Enhances Post-Paid Transactions With Remota

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Editorial staff

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April 29, 2021

MTN Nigeria has announced the introduction of Remita, a leading electronic payment platform, for the management of all its post-paid invoicing, payment as well as service-and-expense reconciliation needs.

In a statement today, April 29 by its spokeperson, MTN said that with this development, enterprises and individuals on MTN’s post-paid billing system will now be able choose an invoice and amount to pay through any of the multiple payment channels available on Remita, receive a payment notification and an automatically updated transactions record with Nigeria’s largest mobile company.

The statement said that the new project was announced after integrating its system with Remita’s invoicing and payments solutions suite.

It said that the partnership will holistically transform the experience of post-paid customers of MTN Nigeria, enabling them consummate transactions in the most convenient way, achieve payment flexibility and maintain a record that is up-to-date and truly reflective of their payment status.

“With post-paid payments now to be made on Remita, customers can centrally view, pay and manage all their bills. They can also retrieve their invoices and complete payments for their total outstanding bills or selected invoices. They would also be able to enter a custom amount to be settled through a wide array of payment options available on Remita including card, internet banking, electronic wallet, USSD, bank transfer, phone number and registered Remita profile. Remita transactions can also be completed at any bank branch and agent locations nationwide.

“To enjoy Remita’s fast and reliable service for MTN post-paid bills, customers are to visit Remita website, remita.net, select ‘Bills and Purchases’, click ‘Pay MTN Bills’, enter their identification type (Invoice ID, Account ID or Service ID), and then proceed to pay through the option most seamless for them.”

In its announcement to customers, MTN confirmed that it had partnered with Remita for an easier payment experience and encouraged customers to call 216 or email ES.Service@mtn.com for more details on how to enjoy the service which would guarantee them a stress-free payment experience.”

Remita billing and payment system is the first and only one of its kind within Nigeria which offers such an impressive level of transparency, ease of use and instant service consummation for post-paid customers.

Speaking on the collaboration, David Okeme, Divisional Head, Vertical Markets and Payment Applications at SystemSpecs, providers of Remita, said: “with the increasing competition in every sector of the economy today, we at SystemSpecs are always exploring opportunities for collaboration, with the objective of improving customer experience across various levels of existence.

“Partnering to power the payment needs of MTN Nigeria’s post-paid customers is yet another step in this direction which aligns with our insatiable longing to add value through the provision of innovative payment technology.

Remita thrives on partnerships with other players within Africa’s financial ecosystem and has emerged a provider of robust payment infrastructure and solutions to telcos, fintechs, financial institutions as well as individuals, other organisations and governments.

MTN Nigeria provides wireless telecommunication services and offers roaming, Internet, bills payment, device financing, data management, SIM registration and other related services to individuals and corporate customers all over Nigeria.

After My Second Tenure, I May Become A Pastor, – Gov Abiodun Of Ogun

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Editorial staff

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April 28, 2021

Dapo Abiodun | Photo credit: Premium Times

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has indicated interest in becoming a pastor after serving his second term in office as governor. Governor Abiodun’s first term in office will end in 2023.

Governor Abiodun, speaking at the 108th Nigeria Baptist Convention held at the Baptist International Conference Centre, Lufuwape Town, along Lagos-Ibadan highway, said that he loves reading, studying and sharing the the Bible.

“I may end up on the pulpit after I have served as governor for eight years.”

Governor Abiodun said that if Nigerians could follow the instructions of God in their daily activities, the country would not find itself in its current predicaments.

He however asked Nigerians not to lose hope, saying: “all we need is the fear of God.”

Imo Varsity Shut As 2 “Elephants,” Okorocha, Uzodinma Fight over It’s Ownership

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Editorial staff

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April 28, 2021

The management of Eastern Palm University, Ogboko has announced the closure of the institution with immediate effect.

The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Tola Badejo, who briefed journalists today, April 28 in Owerri, said that the management took the decision following the ownership tussle between former governor Rochas Okorocha and the state government.

The state government seized the university from the ex-governor in February. In a public announcement, the government said the state’s fund was used to build the institution.

But Okorocha had continued to deny any wrongdoing during his tenure as governor of the state.

The vice-chancellor said the decision to close the university was taken to safeguard the lives of the students and staff of the institution.

“The recent visit by the Imo State Commissioner for Education ordering the students to leave the premises was unsettling for the institution. The recent removal of the university’s entrance billboard by the Imo State Government and its replacement with the proposed renamed K. O Mbadiwe university by the government-aided armed policemen is simply one action too many.

“Antics and actions by the Imo State government have disrupted the academic activities of the institution and have stirred an air of panic and discomfort in a place that is designed to bring a sense of purpose to the young bright minds within its walls.

“The decision to shut down was made upon the heels of the recent and incessant harassment by the Imo State Government and its total disregard for the court judgment of the state High court on this matter.

“All students and parents are urged to contact the registrar’s office in order to gain better insight and support during this period. Creating a healthy and conducive environment for learning is key to our operations at Eastern Palm University and as such a parameter we cannot trade.”

Security Challenges Won’t Consume Nigeria – Ex President Obasanjo

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Editorial staff

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April 28, 2021

Former Nigeria President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed optimism that insecurity challenges facing Nigeria won’t consume the country.

The former President, who spoke today, April 28, at the 108th Nigeria Baptist Convention, held at the Baptist International Conference Centre, Lufuwape Town, along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, said that he remained an “incurable optimist” about a better Nigeria, despite the rising security challenges.

He said that there would be light at the end of the tunnel despite the spate of killings and abductions,

“You know, I’m an incurable optimist about a number of things, but particularly about Nigeria. “Epon agbo wa n fi ni, koni ja (the situation may be threatening, we won’t be consumed). There will be light at the end of the tunnel).”

Source: Daily Trust

Nigeria May Be Heading To Worse Situation Than what It Is Now If – Osinbajo

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Editorial staff

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April 28, 2021

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has warned that Nigeria may be heading to worse situation than what it is going through now if the elites don’t speak out against the evil in the land.

“If we keep quiet, if we say nothing and hope that things will just normalize, we may be wrong. And we may find ourselves heading for something much worse than we are seeing today.
“If the political elite does not speak up, if we don’t see anything wrong in what is going on, if we allow it to continue to slide, we will endanger ourselves and endanger the future of our country.”
Professor Osinbajo, who spoke today with All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders from the Southeast, particularly chieftains and members from Anambra State, insisted: “we cannot afford a war in this country…it is the political elite that will determine what will take place.”

The Vice President stressed that every conflict is a result of elite failure, “the elite failure to speak up and tell the truth to their communities. That is the cause of every one of these civil conflicts.
“So, I would urge that we speak up. I would urge that we stand for something. Sometimes it’s dangerous to stand for something. But the greater danger of course, is to keep quiet.”
Professor Osinbajo cautioned that “the thing about the kinds of conflicts in these parts of the world is that it is usually a war without end. Everyone who thinks that they have some money stored up somewhere is wrong, you will eventually run out.
he recalled a personal experience in Somalia in the 90s when he went there to work with the United Nations, saying that he saw a Supreme Court Justice whom he had known before queuing up for food in the aftermath of civil conflicts in the country.
“Everyone who thinks they can go and hide somewhere, you won’t even find a place. In the end, everyone will suffer. Parents, children, young people, old people, will suffer.”
On the forthcoming primaries for the governorship election in Anambra State, the Vice President said that a fair process or fairness of justice will be fundamental in ensuring victory for the party at the polls.
Professor Osinbajo said that to be fair and just is not the responsibility for spirits, but the responsibility for men and women of the party, especially the leadership.
Party chieftains present at the meeting included former Senate President, Ken Nnamani; Minister of State for Mines & Steel Development, Uche Ogah, Minister of State for Labour & Productivity, other party leaders and members from the Southeast, and the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, among others.

The Making And Makers Of Ebira Translated Holy Qur’an

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Greenbarge Reporters

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April 28, 2021

History was made on Sunday, April 25, 2021 when the first ever Ebira translated Glorious Qur’an was publicly presented in Okene, Kogi State, in the palatial palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, a first class King, Dr. Ado Ibrahim.
In deed, Ebira language is the fourth in Nigeria in which the Holy Qur’an is translated. The first three languages are Hausa, Yoruba and Kanuri. And this is what makes the Ebira translated Qur’an unique and historic.

Yusuf Ozi Usman

It all began in 2003 by Yusuf Ozi Usman, a journalist and author, who had earlier in 1998, completed and launched the first published Ebira English Dictionary in Kano, Nigeria. (The review standard edition is ready and waiting for financier to publish).
On relocating to Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital in 2001, he began to scribble down words, translating the Qur’an in Ebira language. After compiling the opening chapter of the Qur’an as well as the chapter of Baqara, approached Alhaji Isa Ovurevu Ademoh (of blessed memory) to chair the production committee, to which he gladly accepted. Alhaji Ademoh was a Director in the agricultural department of the Federal Capital Development Authority. He died on retirement in May 2017.

Late Alhaji Isa Ovurevu Ademoh
From Alhaji Isa Ovurevu Ademoh, Yusuf Ozi Usman approached a dynamic Islamic scholar and Imam of a neighborhood Mosque, Ustaz Murtada Abd-Al-Rahman to join the Committee being formed. Ustaz Murtada was once secretary of Abuja Muslim Forum.

Ustaz Murtada Abd-Al-Rahman
The chairman also suggested that we bring in a renowned and respected preacher and retired lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Sheikh Mousa Yousoufu Onogu, who incidentally is the spiritual guidance to the family of Alhaji Isa Ademoh. Sheikh Onogu is an accomplished public preacher in Ebira language.

Sheikh Mousa Yousoufu Onogu
Before the coming of Sheikh Onogu into the Committee, the trio of Alhaji Isa Ovurevu Ademoh, Ustaz Murtada and Yusuf Ozi Usman had visited and got the blessings of Sayeedah Bilkisu, Chief Imam of Ebiraland, Sheikh Musa Galadima, Alhaji Badamasiyu and the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, Dr. Ado Ibrahim. The trio also visited the son of late Sheikh Mahmoud Gumi of Kaduna, Ustaz Usman for the purpose of getting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia interested in publishing the final product.

Ustaz Musa Salihu Ogaminana
And after accepting to serve in the committee, Sheikh Onogu drew attention to another Islamic scholar and preacher, Ustaz Musa Salihu Ogaminana who was already doing similar project and suggested that he should be convinced to join the Committee and collapse his work into the existing one by the new committee.
At a later time when the formed committee had gone far in the compilation of the works and the need to get it properly edited, the name of Ustaz Ismail Nuhu Abarigi, a lecturer in Arabic at the University of Abuja came in. He subsequently joined the Committee.

Ustaz Ismail Nuhu Abarigi
As a matter of fact, at a point, especially after the death of the chairman, the committee went comatose, except Sheikh Onogu that kept on struggling to see that the work on the translation was completed.
In the process, a Director in the Nigeria Deposit and Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Alhaji AbdulGaniyu Ahmed and in-law to late chairman, agreed to the call of Sheikh Onogu to step in as chairman, while the son of the late chairman, Kabiru Isa Ovurevu Ademoh was coopted to represent his father.

Alhaji AbdulGaniyu Ahmed
The new chairman became both a source of inspiration to move ahead with the project and as a financial supporter. He singlehandedly financed a three month retreat for the authors and editors to provide quiet atmosphere for proper attention to be given to the work. Sheikh Onogu and Ustaz Musa Ogaminana stayed in Abuja, from Okene in Kogi for three months, joined other authors and editors, to dot the i’s, cross the t’s and join the x’s.
The committee sourced for funds, printed the first five chapters of the work and presented to the public in 2019. The presentation was witnessed by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, Adnan Mahmoud Bostaji. In fact, Ambassador Adnan Bostaji was so impressed that he promised, and had actually started the process of mass production of the Ebira translated Qur’an through his country, when it’s fully completed. The Ambassador died in the early 2020.
With the push by Sheikh Onogu, the work on the project kept trotting on, even as the chairman supported with all the financial needs. The wife of the late chairman, Hajiya Maimunat Okibayi Isa Ademoh was always on hand to host and feed members of the committee.

Kabiru Muhammad Isa Ademoh
Having completed the work, the need to publish it became very pressing without money enough to do so. Since it was obvious that the new Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria was not in a hurry to fast-track the production in line with his late predecessor, members decided to go aborrowing.
The committee got quotation from some printers, and settled for not only the cheapest but who would do quality job.
The chairman went round to his friends, colleagues in Banking industry to borrow over N2 Million. Hajiya Maimunat contributed substantial amount to augment the production cost. The final product, was ready for presentation just five days to the public presentation on April 25. Having been so close to the day of presentation, it became too late to correct some detected typographic errors and “printer’s devil”
However, the need to return the glory to Almighty Allah Subhannahu Wata Allah became strong and inevitable. The wisdom, good health and foresight He graciously granted the committee members to face the challenges, complete the project and witness it’s final outing into the public domain are exceptional.
May Allah grant Alhaji Isa Ovurevu Ademoh Aljanatu Firdausi.

A cross section of women Qur’anic students at the presentation.

Chad Boils As Army, Ex President’s Son, Takes Over Govt

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Editorial staff

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April 28, 2021

The Republic of Chad is up in confusion with some people publicly protesting against the military takeover of the government following the sudden death of President Idriss Deby Itno last week.

Local media reported today, April 27 that two persons have been killed in the protest, as in most parts of the Chadian capital Ndjamena, the air was filled with teargas and smoke. The protesters burned tyres in several neighbourhoods and the military responded by lobbing teargas and firing the guns.
The African Union had earlier expressed deep concern over the increasing spate of violence, insurrection, rebellion, heightened insecurity and political tensions throughout the Sahel region as well as the neighbouring countries, “all of which are consequences of the conflict in Libya, the increasing operational tempo of rebels, foreign terrorist fighters and mercenaries, as well as the proliferation of illicit weapons.”
The president of the Transitional Military Council, Mahamat Idriss Deby, was billed to address the nation later, following the protests in the country.

Buhari Calls For Relocation Of US Africa Command To Africa To Stem Insecurity Spillover

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Editorial staff

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April 27, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari has called on the United States to reconsider relocating US Africa Command (AFRICOM) from Stuttgart, Germany, to Africa, nearer the Theatre of Operation to stem spillover of security challenges.

President Buhari, in a virtual meeting with the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, said that AFRICOM, which partners with countries to counter transnational threats, should be relocated to Africa to strengthen ongoing efforts to check the security situation, with likely effect on other nations.

“The security challenges in Nigeria remain of great concern to us and impacted more negatively, by existing complex negative pressures in the Sahel, Central and West Africa, as well as the Lake Chad Region.

“Compounded as the situation remains, Nigeria and her security forces remain resolutely committed to containing them and addressing their root causes. The support of important and strategic partners like United States cannot be overstated as the consequences of insecurity will affect all nations hence the imperative for concerted cooperation and collaboration of all nations to overcome these challenges.

“In this connection, and considering the growing security challenges in West and Central Africa, Gulf of Guinea, Lake Chad region and the Sahel, weighing heavily on Africa, it underscores the need for the United States to consider re-locating AFRICOM Headquarters from Stuttgart, Germany to Africa and near the Theatre of Operation.”

The President said that Nigeria will enhance collaborations in all forms, with friends and strategic partners, to work together for greater security for all, which remain the most significant condition for overcoming the existential challenges.

Buhari congratulated Blinken on his appointment by President Joe Biden, and commended the United States for the decision to repeal the immigration restriction known as the “Muslim ban’’, re-joining the World Health Organization (WHO) and Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

“Nigeria attaches great importance to its relations with the United States. Let me in this connection express appreciation to President Joe Biden for his welcome and reaching decision to repeal the Immigration restriction known as the ‘Muslim ban’ on travel and visas for citizens predominantly from Muslim Nations and African Countries, including Nigeria.

“I also wish to congratulate the United States for re-joining the World Health Organization (WHO) and Paris Agreement on Climate Change. The leadership of the United States in these two organizations is crucial for international community.

“This action is a demonstration of the United States commitment in championing and supporting international organizations with the aim to build a better world for all,’’ he added.

President Buhari noted that Nigeria remains resolute in her commitment to supporting global efforts as enshrined in the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, which seeks to limit global warming and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

According to the President, the convening of the Climate Change Summit last week by President Biden was a strong indication of the renewed interest of the United States to the Paris Agreement.

“I would like to extend our goodwill message to President Joe Biden and his Administration. May I also thank you for initiating this meeting, which I am confident, given your background and current position, you will use to promote the existing bilateral relations between our two countries,’’ the President said.

The Secretary of State said he was pleased to make Nigeria part of his “first virtual visit to Africa,” noting that Nigeria and the United States of America, share a lot in bilateral issues.

He added that he would be delighted to build on the foundation that was laid between the two countries over 60 years ago, disclosing that areas of discussion with Nigeria would include “how to build our economies back after the COVID-19 pandemic, security for vulnerable communities, and climate issues.”

Rivers Gov Cuts Off Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Imo, Imposes Curfew

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Editorial staff

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April 27, 2021

Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike has imposed night curfew at all entry and exit points with neighboiring States of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Imo.

In a statewide broadcast today, April 27, Governor Wike said the curfew will take effect from Wednesday night.

According to him, it is necessitated by the recent security breaches and deadly attacks on security personnel by yet to be identified gunmen.

“The Government of Rivers State has decided to restrict night movements into and out of the state from the land borders of the state.

“Consequently, a night curfew is hereby imposed and no person or vehicle is allowed into and out of Rivers State from 8.00 pm to 6.00 am from tomorrow (Wednesday) 28 April 2021 until further notice.

“We wish to advise that those who have any legitimate need or reason to come into or go out of the State must do so before 8.00 pm when the curfew shall come into force daily.”

The governor stated that security agencies have been posted to monitor and enforce strict compliance with the curfew at all borders and or entry and exit points with Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Imo states.

He explained that on Saturday some innocent officers of the Customs, police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps on their duty posts along the Port Harcourt – Owerri Expressway were ambushed and gruesomely murdered in cold blood by armed attackers.

And similarly, on Sunday, the state witnessed another deadly attack and killing of officers and men of the Nigerian Army right in their duty post at Abua town in the Abua Odual Local Government Area of the state.

The governor said although the security agencies were investigating these attacks with a view to bringing the perpetrators to justice, nobody knew where and when the next attack would take place.

“Neither do we also know the motives of the deranged characters or group behind these senseless assault on our state and the lives of security operatives working to keep us safe and secure.

“However, what is obvious is that the attackers and their sponsors are people who came from outside Rivers State, and as a government, we are determined to do everything within our powers to prevent the re-occurrence of such senseless and murderous acts aimed at creating an atmosphere of gross insecurity and panic among the citizens.

“In view of what is going on therefore and its implications to the security of the state and citizens, and in discharge of our constitutional responsibility in that regard, the government of Rivers State has decided to restrict night movements into and out of the state from the land borders of the state.”