Atiku’s Unrelenting Appeal To Emotion Is Gambit Doomed To Fail – Presidency

August 2, 2019

The Presidency is angry with the defeated Presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar over his recent comment on the reported secret burial of Nigerian soldiers fighting Boko Haram in the Northeast.

In a statement today, August 2, the special adviser to the President on media and publicity, Femi Adesina described constant appeal to emotion by Atiku as not only laughable but “progressively pitiable.”

Adesina recalled that when the Supreme Court recently pronounced the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate as due winner of Osun State gubernatorial contest, Atiku chided the court, saying it should have considered “the pulse of the nation,” and reflected it in the judgment.

“That was when the jigsaw puzzle began to fall in place. Were most of the challenges in the country being orchestrated by hidden hostile hands, who think such would influence the judiciary, which would consider the so-called “pulse of the nation” in arriving at judgment on the presidential poll?

“Before and after the Osun State judgement, the PDP candidate had always been quick to play up negative developments in the country, the latest of which is the tendentious story by Wall Street Journal, alleging that about one thousand Nigerian soldiers had been recently killed by Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa terrorists, and secretly buried by Nigerian military authorities.

“The military has duly countered the story, educating the Wall Street Journal on the hollowness of its publication. But Alhaji Abubakar has quickly weighed in on the matter, as part of his gambit to whip up emotions, and perhaps get the judiciary to reflect the “pulse of the nation” in its judgment.

“According to the PDP candidate, who lost the last February poll by nearly four million votes, as released by the electoral umpire, he could “not fathom that in the space of a year, scores of great patriots were killed and buried secretly without their families being told.”

“In an apparent afterthought and doublespeak, he added that he was hesitant to believe that “such grand scale of deceit is even possible under a democracy, such as Nigeria is expected to be.”

“The above, rather than mitigate Alhaji Abubakar’s position, gives him out as someone who denigrates the country’s democracy, which he was part of building, in his heyday, before unbridled ambition blinded.

“Yes, soldiers fighting insurgency and terrorism are great patriots. But the same can’t be said of anyone quick to believe any negative story about his country, however fictive and lacking in verity as the story could be. Well, except such person had the motive of whipping up negative sentiments and emotions, so that the judiciary could respond to the “pulse of the nation and reflect it.”

The Presidential spokesman made it clear to Atiku “and his co-travelers” that the judiciary would always come to conclusions, drawing from matters of the law placed before it, and not sentiments or so-called “pulse of the nation.”

“Therefore, in vain does anybody labour to devalue the government and its military, thinking it would fall into a grand plan to get into office through artifice. The campaigns and elections for 2019 are long over. The country has moved on. And those who know it actually know it.”

Gov Yahaya Bello Blows Grammar On His Deputy, Describes Him As Angry Suckling Man

Greenbarge Reporters

August 1, 2019

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has virtually unleashed the most virulent words on his deputy, Simon Achuba whose allegation of attempt on his life as bogus and an exhibition of a blind rage by an angry suckling with a long-term pattern of abnormal behavior characterized by exaggerated feelings of self-importance.

In a statement today, August 1^st, by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Mohammed, Yahaya Bello said that he and the state government were “appalled that a Deputy Governor, who should epitomize leadership and good example in all senses, could descend so low to employ smear campaign against the person of His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello and we state without equivocation that Mr. Achuba has no shred of evidence for his reckless surmising which is nothing but a scripted venture in ruinous adventure.

“We do not train assassins, (and) as such, the state government or her personnel cannot be involved in sending assassins to murder any human soul let alone a Deputy Governor of our dear state.

“Despite these unsubstantiated ramblings, however, we deemed it fit to clear the air by letting the general public know that the Kogi State Government would not be dragged into any form of political gerrymandering concocted for the furtherance of any person’s political interest or notoriety.

“The state government challenged Mr Achuba to bring evidence of his claims or desist from making further spurious allegations.

“We warn Mr. Simon Achuba who is known to history as a man whose affinity for violence is unparalleled not to judge us by his own standards. The report of the Kogi State Government Commission of Enquiry on the Iyaño Ethnic crises in 2017 is still fresh in our memories.

“The Kogi State government led by Alhaji Yahaya Bello, therefore, rejects the futile attempt at seeking to link it to any assassination attempt on the Deputy Governor and we advise that people desist from seeking political capital from scenarios they imagine would advance their parochial cause, no matter how banal such causes may seem.”

“Nigerians and Kogites, in particular, are aware that it is not in the character of the administration to persecute perceived opponents let alone the second in command of New Direction team. We have remained a model for peaceful engagement and political dialogue. Any inclination at portraying us otherwise will not be acceptable.”

Clerics Warn Muslims Against Borrowing To Buy Rams For Sallah

Editorial staff

August 1, 2019

Islamic clerics in Omu-Aran, Kwara State have warned Muslims to refrain from incurring unnecessary debts to buy ram for the Sallah celebration.

The clerics, who gave the warning in their separate interviews with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Omu-Aran, said that ram slaughtering, like pilgrimage to Mecca, is for those with the financial wherewithal.
The clerics observed that such development often resulted in unwarranted frictions and quarreling among concerned parties after the Sallah celebration.
The Chief Imam of Omu-Aran Central mosque, Alhaji Sodiq Afolayan, said that it is not allowed in Islam to be extravagant as the religion forbids such ignoble act.

“Muslims should not go the extra mile of borrowing money just to buy and slaughter rams for Eid-el-Kabir (Sallah) celebration.

“Both acts of slaughtering rams and pilgrimage to the holy land are for genuine worship of God for those who have the financial capacity.

“As we warm up for the Sallah celebration in few days’ time, Muslims are advised to spend within their limit not only on rams but in every daily activities.”

Also the Missioner of Omu-Aran branch of the Nasirullahi-L-Fathi (NASFAT) in Kwara State, Alhaji Mustapha Abdulsalam, advised Muslims to shun buying unhealthy rams for Sallah celebration.

“Some Muslims are fond of buying unhealthy or infected rams for Sallah celebration just because of their low costs. ‘‘Buying rams for Sallah is not mandatory or compulsory if you don’t have the financial means.

“So, buying unhealthy rams due to lower cost does not arise at all. ‘‘If you don’t have the opportunity this year certainly you might be in the best position at other times,’’ he said. Alhaji Abdulrazak Aduagba, the Chief Imam of Rahamatul Adabiyyah Muslim Association, said buying of rams should not be at the expense of other compulsory household obligations.

“Education of children, especially school fees, providing food for the family and other essential domestic obligations must not be affected as a good Muslim. ‘‘It’s better to spend the little you have wisely on pressing family needs than incurring unnecessary debt or borrowing to slaughter rams.”

Aduagba, who quoted from the Quran said: “Allah does not place a burden heavier than any soul can bear on him or her. ‘‘We must distance ourselves from the culture of waste and wastage.”

NAN reports that the slaughtering of rams signifies the end of Zul-Hijjah, (Pilgrimage to Makkah). Muslims who are not privileged to embark on the journey are to kill their rams at home.

You’re Doing Great Job In Corruption Fighting, Saudi Ambassador Tells EFCC Boss

Greenbarge Reporters

August 1, 2019

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, Adnan bin Mahmood Bustaji has commended the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu for the great job he has been doing in the area of fighting corruption in the country.

The Ambassador, who received the EFCC boss today, August 1^st in his office in Abuja, gave assurance of mutual cooperation between his country and Nigeria in the area of combating corruption and mal practices.

Ambassador Adnan Bostaji wished Ibrahim Magu success in the onerous task he has accepted to carry out, by cleansing the system of the Augean stable.

This was even as Ibrahim Magu hailed the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in combating corruption through the establishment of the similar Anti Corruption Agency.

He expressed the hope that Nigeria will benefit from the wide experience of the Kingdom in this regard.

Ministry Posts 80 Information Officers To MDAs As Spokespersons To Stem Redundancy

Editorial staff

August 1, 2019

The Federal Ministry of Information and Culture has posted 80 trained information officers to various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as spokesperson to stem redundancy in the government system.
A source in the Office of the Head of Civil Service of Federation said that the posting will checkmate incessant appointment of media aides by some chief executive officers against the service rules and management service circular PSRU/C16.1.17.1/11/430 which makes provisions for spokespersons. It is also aimed at saving for the government over N2.8 billion which had been spent annually on maintaining media aides whose expenditures are not captured in the budget.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Deaconess Grace Isu Gekpe recently introduced three-year tenure for Press Secretaries posted to Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government.
According to the new criteria, Press Secretaries in the Federal Civil Service on posting should not overstay in particular agencies but to move around to garner and deploy their experiences in various agencies.
The spokespersons are deployed to Permanent Secretaries and Chief Executive officers of MDAs who should handle their deployment to the press unit. The Press and Public Relations Unit of the MDAs in the federal public service operate within the framework of guidelines provided by the federal government through the supervisory of Federal Ministry of Information.
According to the provisions of the circular, a Resident Information Officer is a professional on posting to an MDA to work in the Press and Public Relations Unit as the Image Maker of the establishment
“He/she is mandated to professionally project the policies, programmes and activities of the MDAs vis-à-vis that of Federal Government of Nigeria.
“The Federal Ministry of Information is the ministry that has the mandates to lead the management of the image and reputation of the people and government of Nigeria through a professional and dynamic public information system that facilitate access by citizens and the global community to credible and timely information about our nation.”

Group MD Charges Media Editors To Expose Corruption In NNPC

Editorial staff

August 1, 2019

The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Malam Mele Kyari, has urged members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) to expose whatever corruption they see in the corporation thereby ensuring transparency and accountability.

Mele Kyari, who received a delegation of the Guild, led by its President, Ms Funke Egbemode, in Abuja today, August 1, said that the major focus of his administration was to ensure transparency and accountability in the operations of the corporation.

According to him, ensuring accountability and transparency is not only the work of the corporation.

“As journalists, you help in shaping policies, we are honoured that you have come to visit us and that is why all our management staff are here to welcome you”.

“You are all aware of the challenges with the operation of the corporation, but we have promised to be transparent. Already NNPC is seen not to be accountable; you have the duty to make us to be accountable”.

“You must make sure that we do the work the way it should be, because all of us are stakeholders in the nation’s oil company. Hold us accountable by your work and support us in the effort of ensuring accountability and transparency.”

Mele Kyari also charged the Guild to always contact the corporation to get appropriate and correct information for factual reportage even as he called on the Guild to help to ensure the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) which had lingered since 1999.

He added that appropriate legislation was imperatives to achieve accountability and transparency for economic growth and development in the country.

He noted that concerted efforts were being made to ensure that the nation’s refineries were up and running.

“We are also focusing on gas-to-power to help tackle power challenge in the country. We will look beyond our role to make sure that things work.

“Our doors are open and we are ready to work with you to achieve all our targets and goals,” he said.

Earlier, Egbemode congratulated Kyari on his appointment and described it as well deserved one being a thorough professional.

She said that major aim of the visit was to partner the corporation as the biggest enabler of the nation’s economy.

“Being an organisation that has major effect on the economy, we are willing to partner you and be the ones you can call to disclose what you are doing”.

“We are ready to work with NNPC to help Nigerians see the corporation in better light; we have our member in Print, Broadcast and online media”.

“We believe that when we work together, we will understand each other, this will foster accountability and transparency.”

Source: NAN.

As Big Brother, We Couldn’t Have Turned Our Back On Zimbabwe – Buhari

Editorial staff

August 1, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that Nigeria could not have afforded the luxury of looking the other way, and had to offer a helping hand when the country was recently struck by Cyclone Idai that devastated the country

The President, who spoke today, August 1, when he received the outgoing Ambassador of Zimbabwe to Nigeria, Lovemore Mazemo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said: “it was a major disaster, and it caused damage in billions of dollars. Nigeria, despite our own challenges, had to provide aid to ameliorate the situation.”

Expressing happiness that the outgoing Ambassador and his country appreciated Nigeria’s hand of fellowship in their hours of need, Buhari also recalled the role Nigeria played to secure the Independence of Zimbabwe from apartheid minority rule.

“We remain proud of what Nigeria did in those days.”

Responding, Ambassador Mazemo, who spent four-and-a-half years in Nigeria, said that he found a home here, “and a family among your wonderful people.”

He said that the assistance given by Nigeria after the cyclone “went a long way to relieve our people.”

He said that the relationship between the two countries had improved tremendously in recent years even as he congratulated President Buhari on the confidence reposed in him by his people who elect him twice. He commended the leadership he has provided for Africa in the war against corruption.

Earlier in the year, Cyclone Idai ravaged Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Malawi, and is believed to be the costliest natural disaster in South-West Indian Ocean basin. Goods and properties estimated at two billion dollars were lost.

Also today, President Buhari commiserated with the Bayonga family, government and people of Taraba State over the transition of the Gara Donga, a traditional ruler, Danjuma Stephen Bayonga.

The President, who described the late 81-year-old first class traditional ruler and retired policeman as a person devoted to the improvement of the welfare of people in his domain, lamented that Nigeria has also “lost an advocate of peace.”

According to President Buhari, the Gara Donga as a businessman, founding member of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and one of the respected leaders in old Gongola State before he went home following the creation of Taraba State, was “committed not only to the peace, unity and development of his domain and State, but also the entire country.”

The President enjoined the family of the royal father, friends, associates and the people of Taraba State to take solace in the knowledge that the monarch lived an exemplary life which deserved to be emulated.

Ministry Warns: Marriages Conducted In Places Of Unlicensed Have No Legal Backing

Editorial staff

August 1, 2019

The Federal Ministry of Interior has warned Nigerians that marriages which are conducted in places that are not licensed have no legal backing in the country.

The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Georgina Ehuriah, who spoke at the Stakeholders’ Conference on Conduct of Statutory Marriage in Lagos, stressed that the implication of marriages that are not in line with the Marriage Act cannot serve legal purposes when the need arises.

The permanent secretary said that Nigerian law recognizes three types of marriages Traditional/Customary marriage; Church/Islamic marriage and statutory marriage.

“The Marriage Act Cap M6 of the Law of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 as amended, is the Principal Act upon which statutory marriages are conducted, legalized and adjudicated in Nigeria”.

“Sections 24, 30 (3) and 31 specify the duties of the Principal Registrar of Marriages as the printer of the several Books of Marriage and Certificate of Marriage for distribution to all registries and recognized licenced places of worship throughout Nigeria.

“As well as the custodian of the counterfeit, i.e the 3rd copy of the marriage certificate. The implication of this is that any certificate not printed and delivered by the Principal Registrar of Marriages is illegal and cannot serve the desired purposes,” she added.

“The ministry is currently building a data base of all statutory marriages conducted in Nigeria. It has also developed a data base of all places of worship licenced for celebration of marriages”.

“Let me at this point stress the need for strict compliance with the requirements as specified in the Act, as applications that do not satisfy the Law will not be approved. Administrators of places of worship are urged to meet these requirements in order to better serve their members”.

“It is very important at this point to emphasise that the conduct of statutory marriages in accordance with the law is of great interest to the government. It is the responsibility of government at all levels to ensure the sanctity of marriage by supporting any initiative aimed at promoting compliance with the Act”.

“It behooves on us as critical stakeholders in the conduct of statutory marriage to clearly understand the requirements of the law and comply accordingly,” she said.

Ehuriah said that marriage, being an important and sacred institution, plays a major role in social stability and sustainability of humanity.

“Most people are products and beneficiaries of the institution of marriage. Indeed, a very large industry worth billions of naira is built around the celebration of marriage and the sector generates a lot of employment and entrepreneurship”.

”It also generates revenue for government at all tiers.

“However, our eyes should not stray from God’s original purpose for the institution as a divine way of sustaining creation through procreation amongst other objectives,” she said.

The Director, Citizenship and Business in the Ministry, Stephen Okon, said that the conference was to educate the public and create awareness on the key requirements of the Marriage Act.

“Nigerians, like most Africans, contract Traditional/Customary Marriage first before contracting Church or Statutory marriage or both; yet, many do not bother to contract Statutory Marriage in spite of its growing popularity”.

“The Department of Citizenship and Business in the Ministry of Interior often come across situations where citizens are denied some services or are unable to fully enforce their rights. According to him, this is due to the way their certificates of marriage were documented.”

Source: NAN.

My Life In Danger, Kogi Deputy Governor Cries Out To Police

Editorial staff

August 1, 2019

I want the police, DSS, IGP to know that if anything should happen to me, my family and aides, the governor should be held responsible

The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Simon Achuba, has said that his life is in danger, alleging that Governor Yahaya Bello is after his life.

The deputy governor, who asked the police to save him from the danger, added that Governor Yahaya Bello had sent gunmen to terminate his life.

Speaking to news men at his residence in Lokoja, the State capital today, August 1, Achuba appealed to the Inspector General of Police, Department of State Services and the army to come to his aid.

He said that from the information at his disposal, the governor had mobilized gunmen to attack him.

“I want the police, DSS, IGP to know that if anything should happen to me, my family and aides, the governor should be held responsible.”

Achuba also wants President Muhammadu Buhari to beam his searchlight on the state.

Governor Yahaya Bello has been at loggerheads with his deputy since the beginning of this year. The conflict reportedly led to the seizure of some of Achuba’s benefits.

Source: Vanguard.

Saudi Arabia Announces August 10 As Arafat Day, 11 As Eid-El-Kabir

Editorial staff

August 1, 2019

The Saudi Arabia has announced that August 10, 2019 will be the Arafat Day while the following day, August 11 will be Eid-el-Kabir, otherwise known as big Sallah.

In a statement today, August 1^st, the Saudi authorites said that the first day of Zul-Hijja, the Islamic month, begins tomorrow, August 2^nd.

Arafat Day falls on the 9th day of Zul-Hijja of the lunar Islamic Calendar. It is the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage and the day after is the first day of the major Islamic holiday of Eid-el-Kabir of Eid-el-Adha. At dawn of this day, Muslim pilgrims will make their way from Mina to a nearby hillside and plain called Mount Arafat and the Plain of Arafah. It was from this site that Prophet Muhammad gave one of his last famous sermons in the final year of his life. Muslims hold that part of the Qur’anic verse announcing that the religion of Islam had been perfected was revealed on this day.

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