“It’s Not Only Mosque That Was Demolished In Rivers But Churches And Other Structures – Muslim Cleric

August 29, 2019

A Muslim cleric in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Ustaz Yahaya Imam Abdullahi has said that it was not only a Mosque that was demolished in Portharcourt but also churches, houses and other structures.

Speaking on the controversy over the demolition of a Mosque by the government of Nyeson Wike, the Cleric said: “there was an area called Rainbow Community along Trans Amadi area. Five to seven years or so ago the government of Rivers state gave a notice that they needed the land. The issue went to court, there was a legal tussle and the state government won.

“The state government demolished everything there; churches, mosque, houses and shops.

“After some years again, the Muslim community resident in the area got another land from a local chief for over N11.5 million. They built a mosque there – that was after the demolition of the first mosque, which affected all the residents, not only the Muslim community.

“Sometimes again, another demolition took place and they lost this mosque- that was about five years ago. They didn’t leave the place, but are praying there every day and every week. It was when the state government went to clear there again that started this.”

The Imam assured that Muslims in the State are living in peace and going about their normal businesses without fear of molestation in the state.

Imam Abdulahi, who is the leader of Bori Central Mosque in Khana Local Government Area of the state, recalled that Governor Wike addressed his supporters on aborted federal government Ruga project where he declared that Rivers is a Christian state. “That is what people are relating to and saying Muslims are under attack or threat. I see the video in circulation which is not connected with the latest matter.

“I am calling the Executive Governor of Rivers state that he should continue to be the leader he his who does things accordingly. If there is a land bought for mosque and the government has interest in it they should replace it with another one.”

Kidnapping, Crimes: Police Deploys Helicopters To Kaduna, Other Flash Points

Editorial staff

August 29, 2019

Nigeria police has announced the deployment of aerial surveillance helicopters to Abuja-Kaduna road and other parts of the country.

In a statement today, August 29, the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mmba said that the deployment of helicopters was part of efforts aimed at effectively curtailing crimes in the country.

He said that the directive for the deployment of helicopters came from the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, adding that the aerial surveillance helicopters will operate in major cities in the South-West and North-West of the country.

“While the Police Air-Wing Operational Base in Abuja caters for Abuja – Kaduna highways as well as the adjoining States in the North-West and North-Central, the new base in Ondo State will cater for the adjoining states and highways straddling the South-West.”

The statement asked citizens not to panic but to go about their lawful businesses as the aerial surveillance is geared towards improving the security of lives and property in the affected areas.

Buhari Hails Diasporas’ Positive Impact On Economy, Asks Criminally Minded To Change

Editorial staff

August 29, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari has commended many Nigerians in other nations that have been positively impacting Nigerian economy in many ways, even as he advised those of them who are criminally minded to change for their own good and the good of their fatherland.

The President, who addressed members of the Nigerian Community living in Japan on the sidelines of the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7) today, August 29, expressed satisfaction with Nigerians who, in other countries, have been contributing to the development of the Nigerian economy through financial home remittances, promoting international trade in Nigerian commodities, music, culture, tourism, sports, and education, “while also helping to establish industries in Nigeria.”

President Buhari who said that the few Nigerians abroad indulging in criminal activities do not represent the values of majority of the people of the country, described majority of the over 17 million Nigerians in Diaspora as “the face of Nigeria globally and our ambassadors for good.”

According to the President: “many of our Diasporas, like your good selves here today, have excelled in varying fields of endeavor, both professionally and individually; you have also made significant and overwhelmingly positive contributions to your Nigerian and international host communities. You have continually been a positive bridge between Nigeria and the world. It is not an easy feat and we commend you, salute your courage and efforts.

“Let me also say that there are few Nigerians in the Diaspora that are giving us a bad name by engaging in criminal activities. These Nigerians are a minority, they do not represent the values of our country, and I plead with them to change their ways.

“We will not condone any crime whether at home or abroad, and we will also not allow these Nigerians define us as a people with reputation for criminality.”

He called on Nigerians in Japan to be good ambassadors of their fatherland.

“I am personally very happy that there are millions of Nigerians all over the world, like you here, who are truly making us proud.

“Japan is at the cutting edge of technology and efficiency, two very important attributes that can play a role in Nigeria and improve our capacity for development,” President Buhari urged members of his audience to continue to contribute their quota by helping to develop their host country and Nigeria as well. I look forward to your inborn gift, ability, and capacity in taking up this challenge.”

The President advised them to encourage legitimate Japanese entrepreneurs to come and invest in Nigeria.

Buhari told Nigerians resident in Japan that his government has been working hard to create the necessary enabling environment for investors to thrive, through improvements in our Ease of Doing Business practices, providing security, diversification of the economy, infrastructure and fighting corruption.

He assured them that his government had put in place the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERPG) to put Nigeria on a path of sustained recovery and growth.

On the rationale for his regular meetings with Nigerians abroad and the establishment of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, President Buhari said: “as you are aware, I have regularly held town hall meetings with Nigerians in the Diaspora on all my foreign engagements be they in Europe, Asia, America and Africa.

“At these fora, I have always, appealed to our citizens to be our good ambassadors, observe the laws of your host countries, excel in whatever you do legitimately, and also remember us at home (Nigeria). I have established the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission specifically to engage with you, signifying a coordinated attempt by our administration to increase the involvement of our Diaspora in our national development.

“Collectively, your resources, skills, and talents will be a positive force for our country which can help accelerate our national growth and development.”

The President, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Asia (NIDOASIA) and an energy expert, Professor Ejiogu Emenike, commended President Buhari for efficient leadership, and disclosed that his members have “comparative advantages in human capital development, which we are trying to bring back to Nigeria.”

“Any problem that science and technology can solve, we are able to, and we can help Nigeria in areas of need.”

Engineer Ochade Osakwe, Chairman, Nigeria/Japan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, recounted businesses that have been attracted to Nigeria in recent times, promising to do more, as the security and investment climates back home improved further.

The President, Nigerian Union in Japan, Nnaji Fintan, asked for more exploits in the areas of education, quality infrastructure and security, which incidentally, are focal points of the current administration.

President Buhari’s meeting with Nigerians in Diaspora, coordinated by the Chairman of Diaspora Commission, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, witnessed a parade of the brightest and best of our citizens, plying their trade in Japan. They included academics, industrialists, top businessmen, scientists, economists, and many others.

We’ve Commenced Investigation Into 3 Bank Accounts Of Ex Nigerian Navy Boss – FIB

Editorial staff

August 29, 2019

The Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) Unit of the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that it has opened investigation into alleged proxy ownership of three bank accounts by a former Chief of Naval Staff, retired Vice-Admiral Jubril Usman.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ben Okolo made this known today, August 29, in response to a petition filed by the Executive Secretary of Anti-Corruption and Research Based Data Initiative (ARDI). The reply to the petition, dated August 20, with number: CR:3000/FIB/TE/FHQ/ABJ/VOl.22/933, was addressed to the Executive Secretary of the ARDI.

The FIB letter was titled: “Investigation Activities: Re: Petition Against Former Chief of Naval Staff, retired Vice Admiral Jubril Usman , For Suspected Illegal Ownership and Control by Proxy Of At Least Three (3) Zenith Bank Accounts Containing Funds Suspected To Be Proceeds Of Corruption.’’

The letter reads in part: “I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your petition, dated July 29, on the above subject matter and to inform you that investigation into the case has commenced.

“Accept the warm regards of the Assistant Inspector General of Police (FIB) please.’’

Usman is currently standing trial on allegation of N600 million fraud before Justice A.S. Umar at the Federal Capital Territory High Court.

Usman, a member of the All Progressive Congress was disqualified from contesting the Governorship ticket of the party in the forthcoming Kogi governorship election.

Source: NAN

Japan Donates $300,000 To Nigeria Defence Academy, 12 Million Yen For Health Sector

Editorial staff

August 29, 2019

The government of Japan has pledged a $300,000 support for Nigeria’s Defence College as well as 12 million Yen for the country’s public health sector.

This was announced today, August 29 by the Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, at a bilateral meeting with the Nigerian delegation led by President Muhammadu Buhari on the margins of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7).

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also pledged his country’s support for Nigeria’s Presidency of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, while seeking Nigeria’s support for Japan’s bid to occupy some global positions.

This was even as Nigeria and the European Union, in Yokohama, signed a €50 million Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support humanitarian and development efforts in the country’s North East region.

The cooperation agreement which was signed by Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama and EU Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Mr Neven Mimica, would bring the total EU support to the country to €562million for 2014-2020.

President Buhari thanked the EU member states for their support, especially for the North East, the Nigeria’s region that is battling with “pathetic situation in internally displaced camps.”

He called for further assistance to improve youth education in the region to take them out of poverty.

Plateau Governor Sacks Secretary To State Govt

Editorial staff

August 29, 2019

Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, has sacked the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Richard Tokma. He had been in acting capacity since September 2018.

A statement today, August 29 by the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Makut Macham, said Danladi Atu would replace Tokma as new SSG. No reason was given for the sack.

Governor Lalong also appointed Noel Donjur as his new chief of staff.

The statement said: “Plateau State Governor Rt.Hon. Simon Bako Lalong has announced the appointment of Prof. Danladi Abok Atu as the Secretary to the Government of Plateau State. Prof. Atu until now is the Director, Institute for Peace and Social Rehabilitation, University of Abuja.

“Similarly, the Governor has appointed Noel K. Donjur as his Chief of Staff. Until his appointment, Mr. Donjur was a former Commissioner for Works and Current Member of the Plateau State Economic Council.”

EFCC Commences Probe Of Obasanjo’s $16 Billion Power Projects, Arrests Top Players

Editorial staff

August 29, 2019

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced the probe of regime of ex President Olusegun Obasanjo’s $16 billion power projects with the arrest of two top officials of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).

NDPHC supervised the execution of the power projects.

The two officials, Head of Finance, Marvel Emefiele; and Head of Compensation, Eze Odigbo; were detained yesterday, August 28.

They are facing questions over N850 million earmarked as compensation to communities where components of the power project were sited.

Those who were also detained yesterday include the Managing Director of Pivot Engineering, Richard Ayibiowu; and the Managing Director of Chris Ejik Nigeria Limited, Christain Imoka.

About about 15 more companies are also on the EFCC radar.

Also, about 18 more suspects including two former governors, a former chairman of a bank and a former chairman of an airline, are being trailed in connection to the projects.

President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered probe into the $16 billion earmarked for power projects which has not improved power challenges in the country.

Re-Open Closed Border, My People Are Suffering, Benin President Pleads With Buhari

Editorial staff

August 28, 2019

President of the Republic of Benin, Patrice Talon has ran to President Buhari of Nigeria, pleading that Nigerian leader should consider reopening the Nigeria-Benin border that was closed recently following massive smuggling of rice into Nigeria.

The Republic of Benin President took time off on the margins of the Seventh Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD7), in Yokohama, Japan today, August 28 to plead with President Buhari to act fast before his people begin to die of hunger.

President Talon narrated the magnitude of suffering caused by the closure of the border, saying that the closure is having “severe impact on his people.”

President Buhari, who promised to reconsider reopening the border in the not too distant future, said that it was closed as a result of massive smuggling activities, especially of rice, taking place on that corridor.

President Buhari, who expressed great concern over the smuggling of rice, said it threatened the self-sufficiency already attained due to his administration’s agricultural policies.

“Now that our people in the rural areas are going back to their farms, and the country has saved huge sums of money which would otherwise have been expended on importing rice using our scarce foreign reserves, we cannot allow smuggling of the product at such alarming proportions to continue.”

The Nigerian leader said that the limited closure of the country’s western border was to allow Nigeria’s security forces develop a strategy on how to stem the dangerous trend and its wider ramifications.

He said that a meeting with his counterparts from Benin and Niger Republics would soon be called to determine strict and comprehensive measures to curtail the level of smuggling across their borders.

South African President Meets Buhari, Regrets Killing Of Nigerians In His Country

Editorial staff

August 28, 2019

The President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, today, August 28 met with President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria in Yokohama, Japan,during which time he expressed regrets ver the frequent killing of Nigerians in that country.

President Ramaphosa, who spoke to news men shortly after a bilateral talk with President Buhari on the sidelines of the ongoing seventh Tokyo International Conference for Africa Development (TICAD7) in Yokohama, said that the killing had necessitated the call for a meeting of the leaders of both countries on how to promptly nip the matter in the bud.

The South African leader assured that his country’s justice system had already taken up the matter, pointing out that he was not in support of the killings, and insisted that there was no justifiable reason for anybody to be killed.

He described the meeting he had with Buhari as a good forum for both South Africa and Nigeria to renew the bond of unity between them and simultaneously share together issues of common interest in the overall interest of the African continent.

“Well, we are going to be discussing all that because we have very good relations. We ‘ll talk about the issue of Nigerians who are dying in South Africa. We feel very upset about that.

“Obviously, our criminal justice system is working on it. We don’t support killings. Nobody should ever be killed, but it’s also good to use this opportunity here in Japan to renew the bond between us, to talk about common things between South Africa and Nigeria. We know we have to play key roles in the overall development of the continent,”

Nigerians in South Africa have over the years, become victims of xenophobic killings by citizens of their host country who often unjustifiably accuse them of robbing them of job opportunities in their own countries.

These protracted killings prompted some Nigerian students to recently stage a range of protests in the corporate offices of South African companies in Nigeria, threatening to shut them down if the killings of their fellow citizens in South Africa do not stop.

Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, Donates N10 Million To Flood Victims In Yobe

Editorial staff

August 28, 2019

President of the Senate, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, has donated the sum of N10 million to the victims of the flood incident in his Local Government Area of Bade, Yobe State.

He announced the donation at a town-hall meeting with people of his native home, Gasua, to round off a thank you visit to his constituents in Yobe State.

According to Ola Awoniyi, his media aide in a statement today, August 28, Senator Ahmed Lawan told the flood victims that he had donated his widow’s might pending the intervention by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

The Senate President assured his constituents in Yobe North that he would strengthen his efforts to meet their expectations, and in this regard announced his decision to double his intervention in the area of education for the poorest of the families by paying the tuition of anyone who secure admission into tertiary institution.

The Senate President called on his people to be patient, adding: “Where we haven’t performed well, I encourage you all to draw our attention to it, and as your representatives, we will work with the President to meet your expectations.”

He assured that the ninth National Assembly will give its maximum support to the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to achieve a better, prosperous and secured Nigeria for the good of the citizens.

“We will make sure the ninth National Assembly gives him (Buhari) the full support needed to achieve the Next Level agenda in the interest of our people and the country,” Lawan said in his native home, Gashua, late Tuesday at a Town Hall meeting to round off

“Though there are pockets of opposition from other sides, I assure you all that we won’t fail the President,” Lawan told a mammoth crowd that welcomed him.

He assured the people that his colleagues at the National Assembly will endeavour to give good representation to achieve the set agenda.

“I solicit your prayers for all members of the National Assembly. I recall that I got 79 votes out of 107 Senators who voted during the Senate presidency election. This is above the All Progressive Congress votes.

“This shows that there is a cordial relationship along party lines, and that Senators are ready to work for the progress of Nigerians and Nigeria.

“In the current Senate, I have the full cooperation of the senators from the opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party, because of the tremendous love and trust shown to us by President Buhari.”

The Senate President, for two days and for the first time since his assumption of the leadership of the National Assembly in June, traversed the six Local Government Areas that make up his Yobe North Senatorial District.

1...974975976...2,498 Page 975 of 2,498