Catholic Church Shocked As Top Church Members Plan, Abduct Two Parish Priests, Ask For N25m

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February 7, 2024

By Adesina Soyooye

Christians in Nigeria, and especially, Roman Catholics, are reeling in shock over the report that two young Priests abducted from the Parish House recently, were kidnapped by top ranking members of their Church.

The victims were two Claretian Missionaries, Reverend Fathers Kenneth Kanwa, CMF and Jude Nwachukwu.

They were abducted, according to the initial reports, by “terrorists” from the Parish Rectory in St Vincent De Paul Parish, Fier, Pankshin Diocese, Plateau State.

Nigerians were asked to “In your charity, kindly pray for the safe and speedy release of these Priests and other abducted persons in Nigeria.”

The strong suspicion was that the Priests were kidnapped by “rogue Fulani herdsmen.”

However, the shock came when it turned out that the Priests were abducted by four of their own Parishioners who they work with, and pray with everyday.

The four suspected, and now arrested kidnappers, were Church members, allegedly, led by the Financial Secretary of the Church.

It is not known how, or why the devilish thoughts became their lot. What is obvious, however, is that they kidnapped the young Priests for money.

While the Priests were in their custody, they demanded for the sum of N25m in ransom money.

Said a devastated Parishioner who pleaded anonymity: “That the Financial Secretary of the Church led the criminal gang gives out the why. In his position, he has an idea how much the Parish has, which is why they asked for N25m. This shakes the faith.”

Professor Emezue, Abia University DVC Released

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The Source

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February 7, 2024

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Professor Godwin Emezue DVC Abia State University

By Daniel Maduka

N25m Paid

Eleven days after Professor Godwin Emezue, Deputy Vice Chancellor, DVC, (Academics), Abia State University, was kidnapped, he finally regained his freedom.

His freedom cost his family and friends the sum of N25 million. The initial offer of five million Naira made to his abductors was flatly rejected by them.

The University Don was kidnapped on 26th January 2024, at a fuel filling station, Umuopara, Umuahia, where he stopped to fill his car tank.

At the time of his abduction, he was with his wife who, mercifully, was spared by the hoodlums.

Inspite of the assurances given by the Abia State Police Command that Emezue would be rescued, it never happened. The abductors had threatened to kill him if their demand was not met.

Friends and relations were forced to rally round to provide the money to stop the kidnappers from making good their threat to kill him.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, had lamented Professor Emezue’s abduction, especially, as he was kidnapped within the State capital. He assured of his rescue, and revealed that the DVC was whisked to outside Abia State by his abductors.

Professor Emezue is said to be in bad health condition and, presently, receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital.

Pakistan’s Premier Meets Jonathan-led Commonwealth Observers, Promises Peaceful Elections

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The Source

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February 7, 2024

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Pakistan’s Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has assured former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and other members of the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) that the best possible arrangements have been made to ensure peaceful and transparent conduct of the scheduled February 8 general elections, despite numerous challenges ahead of the polls.

Mr. Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar who stated this on Tuesday while receiving Dr. Jonathan and other members the COG in the State House in Islamabad Pakistan stated that Pakistan proud to honour its commitment as a Commonwealth member, stressing that the country had invited independent international observers to witness the general elections.

The Caretaker Prime Minister also stated that his administration had fulfilled its responsibilities to run the day-to-day affairs of the state and create a conducive environment ahead of the elections. He further urged the people of Pakistan to reciprocate by exercising their democratic right to vote.

Speaking earlier in his capacity as the Chairman of the Commonwealth Observers Group, Dr. Jonathan expressed appreciation for the warm reception since arriving in Islamabad. He told his host that they were in Pakistan to observe the elections in line with the Commonwealth’s guidelines for such exercise, following an invitation from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

The former president noted that in conducting their duties and undertaking an assessment of the elections, the COG will be neutral, impartial, objective, and independent.

Dr. Jonathan and other members of the group made up of experts from across the Commonwealth arrived in Pakistan last week and will be present in the country throughout the electoral process.

In the group’s arrival statement, Dr Goodluck Jonathan said: “It is my honour and privilege to have been asked by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, to lead the Commonwealth Observer Group to Pakistan’s General Elections 2024, and to be here in the country for this election.”

“I am grateful to be joined by twelve experts selected from across the Commonwealth. They bring together a diversity of experience, in the fields of elections, law, civil society, politics, human rights, and the media, amongst others. The group’s presence reaffirms the Commonwealth’s solidarity with Pakistan and its democratic processes.”

Since their arrival, the observers have been conducting stakeholder briefings, including meeting with political parties, the police, the army, civil society groups, citizen observer and monitor groups, the media, as well as the Election Commission of Pakistan.

On Election Day, members of the COG will observe the opening, voting, closing, counting and results management processes across the country, before issuing an interim statement on its preliminary findings on 10 February 2024.

Speak Truth To Power, Delta Gov Oborevwori Charges The Church

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Ayodele Oni

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February 6, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has said power of prayer made him survive 38 court cases in his quest to be governor.

He noted that Nigeria is facing challenges and called on the Church, to fervently pray for its enduring peace, security and development.

The governor also charged the Church, as the conscience of the nation to speak truth to the power.

Governor Oborevwori made the call on Tuesday, when the Standing Committee of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, led by the Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, paid him a courtesy call in Asaba.

The Governor thanked the delegation for the visit and commended the Anglican Church for praying for him during the electioneering campaign.

He said: “I want to sincerely thank you for coming to pay this courtesy call on the government and people of Delta State. We are happy to receive you.

“I know you brought blessings to this state. This state is a praying state and we believe in God. Its only God that has helped me survive 38 court cases.

“I want to use this opportunity to thank you for allowing the fathers of faith, led by the Archbishop of the Bendel Province, Most Rev’d Cyril Odutemu, to pray for me during the elections.

“As a government, we believe in the role of the Church as the conscience of the nation and it is only the Church that can speak truth to power. I urge you to continue to fervently pray for this nation for unity, peace and security.

“It is your duty to continue to pray for the government for us to govern very well. We are also very happy that Delta State is hosting this programme because all the prayers that will be said here will remain with us.

“You have also stated that you will partner us in the areas of health, education and social development. If the church continues like this, this state will continue to prosper.

“This government is God-centered and people-oriented. We will continue to do things for our people, irrespective of party affiliations. By the grace of God, we are determined to improve the living conditions of our people.”

Earlier, Archbishop Ndukuba who commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for being a practical Christian in office, charged leaders across board to rule with the fear of God.

The Primate said the leadership of the Anglican Church in Nigeria were in Delta for a spiritual programme where the challenges of the nation would be tabled before God and gave assurance that it would positively enrich the state.

He said the Anglican Church in Nigeria would continue to stand against any doctrine that would promote gay, homosexuality, lesbianism and other unholy doctrine to undermine God’s ordained plans for His children.

Most Reverend Ndukuba assured the Governor of the synergy and prayers of the church in advancing his MORE agenda.

Abia Government To Give LGA’s N100m Monthly, Denies Allegations Of Financial Recklessness

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The Source

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February 6, 2024

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By Daniel Maduka

The Abia State Government has promised to make available ,at least, the sum of N100m monthly to each of the 17 Local Council of the State for the purpose of some developmental projects.

Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media, Ferdinand Ekeoma, who made this known while reacting to scathing criticisms by the opposition in a session of the media on alleged reckless spendings by Governor Alex Otti’s Government, on Tuesday February 6 2024, called on well-meaning people to disregard the distracting antics of a section of the opposition, and described them as unfounded.

According to the Governor’s media Adviser, the said N100m which will be drawn from the Monthly Federal allocation, is to enable the Local Councils embark on grassroots and people oriented projects ,in line with the overall development mantra of the present administration.

He, therefore, called on the people to hold the Mayors/ Transition Chairmen of the Councils accountable, with a view to ensuring that the funds are judiciously applied for the benefits of the people.

He noted that the decision to adequately empower the Councils represents a clear departure from the past where funds meant for Local Council Developmental projects were shared to croninies and puppets of top government officials.

He expressed satisfaction that under the current dispensation, Local Councils will be encouraged to meet most of their statutory responsibilities to the people just like it used to be in the glorious days of Council Administration in the country.

While appealing for more support for the Government in its determination to take the state to the next level, Mr Ekeoma noted that Governor Otti, as a renowned Economist and Banker highly appreciates the imperatives of proper planning and strategic implementation of visioned objectives and prudent management of public resources.

Plateau: Gov Mutfwang Sacks Five Heads Of State Owned Tertiary Institutions

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Ayodele Oni

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February 6, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Five heads of tertiary institutions in Plateau state have been relieved of their appointments with immediate effect.

Those affected include the Vice Chancellor of the Plateau State University, Prof Bernard Matau.

Matau was appointed as the Vice Chancellor of the state university while serving as the state Commissioner for Higher Education in the last administration led by former Governor Simon Lalong.

Others are the Rector of the State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi; Provost, College of Health Technology, Pankshin; Provost, College of Health Technology, Zawan, as well as the Provost, College of Education, Gindiri.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau, on Tuesday.

The statement read in part “His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Plateau state, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of the Plateau State University, Bokkos with immediate effect.

“Similarly, the governor has also approved the removal of the following heads of tertiary institutions: Plateau State University, Bokkos; Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi; College of Education, Gindiri; College of Health Technology, Zawan and College of Health Technology, Pankshin.”

The statement, which offered no reason for their removal explai affected heads should take note and hand over any government property in their possession to the next most senior officers in the institutions immediately.

It added “The governor has also approved the cancellation of recruitment earlier conducted by tertiary institutions in 2022 and early 2023 that have been under suspension.

“Consequently, applications for an all-inclusive recruitment for all tertiary institutions would be advertised.”

The statement quoted the Governor as thanking the Chairman and Members of the Governing Council for the services rendered in the state and wished them success in their future endeavours.

Ondo: Amotekun Arrests 149 Armed Suspected Criminals

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The Source

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February 6, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

As the Western Nigeria Security Network, code-named Amotekun continues with ridding Ondo state of miscreants in the wake of increase in criminal activities, no fewer than 149 suspected criminals have been rounded up at different black spots within three local government areas of Ondo State.

Ondo state commander of the corps,Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this on Tuesday while parading the suspects before newsmen.

He said that the majority of the suspects claimed that they came into the state as hunters.

Adeleye said that the suspects were arrested with guns, bags of Indian hemp and cutlasses and dogs.

According to him, the suspects were arrested where robbery and kidnappings are rampant in the local governments.

“They surprisingly and carefully concealed and kept their weapons, bags of Indian hemp and cutlasses under their vehicles, and they claimed that they were coming from the various parts of the country

“The pertinent question we are asking is: “Why are they hiding their guns?” If they are genuine hunters, why not come out openly?

“One begins to wonder why they would come from the extreme parts of the country to hunt in a village, in a forest they had never been to.

“We have very strong reasons to believe that they are the people that turn, at night, to kidnappers and armed robbers and commit various crimes, especially on the bad portions of the roads and in the forest reserves of the state.”

The commander maintained that every Nigerian has the right to go anywhere in the country, but does not have the right to go with weapons.

Adeleye said that after conclusion of investigations, the suspects would be taken to relevant government agencies for detailed profiling.

“The government is very clear that if you are a hunter and want to go into the forest, you have to register so that the government, the kings and the hunters will know that you are there.”

MOUAU Boils, Closed Down By University Management

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The Source

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February 6, 2024

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By Daniel Maduka

The Management of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Umuahia, Abia State, on Tuesday announced an indefinite closure of the institution ..

The Vice Chancellor Prof. Maduebibisi Iwe , in a statement said ,the decision to close the institution and suspend all academic activities is to prevent hoodlums from hiding under students protests to destroy lives and property of innocent people.

Spates of students protest which kick-started on Monday February 5, 2024, continued unabated on Tuesday February 6. The students were protesting against the “No – fees- no exams policy” put in place by the university authorities.

The protest march, which was on Monday restricted to the University Campus, however, saw the students block the ever busy Ikot Ekpene/ Umuahia road on Tuesday, and resulted in a heavy traffic grid lock.

The students who began their semester examination on Monday, were also protesting an increase in school fees , as well as the general harsh economic situation in the country.

However, the immediate cause of the protests, which entered its second day on Tuesday ,is the Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe led management’s insistence on implementing its earlier no fees- no exams policy, despite students appeal for a period of grace .

Some students who volunteered comments said that owing to the current difficult situation, they (students) had appealed to the University authorities to allow them sit for examination, while continuing to make efforts to pay ,before the end of the examination period.

According to them ,they decided to take to the streets following the decision of the university Vice Chancellor to personally supervise the eviction of students from examination halls for non- payments of school fees.

Some of the protesting students, also said students are equally not happy with an increase in the school fees, adding that the students were not consulted by the authorities before effecting the increase.

The students were protesting against the “No – fees- no exams policy” put in place by the university authorities.

“Mr President, You Have Broken Our Hearts, Reduced Us To A State Of Hopelessness ” – Fr. Mbaka To Tinubu

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Akinwale Kasali

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February 6, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

Rev Fr. Ejike Mbaka, Catholic Priest, and Founder of Adoration Ministry, Enugu, has urged President Bola Tinubu to fulfill his electoral promises to Nigerians.

The controversial Clergyman said Nigerians are heartbroken and hopeless over the deplorable state of the nation’s economy that has further impoverished them.

He urged President Tinubu to sit up and tackle the insecurity challenges bedeviling the Nation.

Mbaka, who said this during a sermon he delivered at the Adoration Ground in Emene, Enugu, said the President Tinubu-led administration has not lived up to the expectations of Nigerians following the escalating level of insecurity and hardship in Nigeria.

Mbaka said since coming into office in May last year, the President has yet to exhibit political will towards solving the country’s problems.

He also acknowledged that there were obstacles on Tinubu’s path to becoming the President as well as tackling the myriads of problems facing the country, and urged him to step on toes and wipe out the hopeless situation.

Mbaka: “Mr President, you can do it; to fix Nigeria is not difficult if the leader has the willpower. I know that this one will make national news but let it be. What is happening in the oil sector? How many barrels are being produced and how many dollars are in the Nigerian account?

“A country like Nigeria that exports millions of barrels of oil per month, how much are we saving?

“Why is it difficult up till now to fix other refineries? Who are the cabals? Can’t they be de-canibalized?

“Cabals can be de-cannibalized if the President has the willpower; hell will not fall, heaven will not fall.

“These people can go to jail; after all, many of them did not support you; so why are you protecting them? Mr President, wake up, God is watching you to see what you can do.

“Our hearts are broken; go to our schools, see how messy the government schools are; are we taking care of our teachers and our doctors? Look at how they are, when they travel abroad, they begin to make money in pounds and dollars.

“Heartbreak everywhere; look at our Police and Military, their hearts are also broken; what kind of guns are the policemen using? When the senior squad passes, they will kill the policemen on the watchpost, carry their guns and run away. What happens to their families when their husbands die on the duty post?

“No compensation; the next one minute, they chase them out of the barracks; those who are in Borno forest fighting Boko Haram, what is happening to their families at home? Who is taking care of them?

“The hearts of their family members are broken, shattered; they are fighting those with bombs with catapults; those people they are fighting are carrying launchers. How many young men have we buried and still burying; insecurity everywhere.

“We are asking people to go to the farm and produce; but if you enter the farm, herdsmen with AK-47s will enter the farm and kill the farmers, who will go to the farm anymore?

“Hunger, as I told you last two years, has not even started; I won’t tell you lies; everybody should be meaningfully engaged, start something.”

Kano: Governor Yusuf Moves To Douse Crisis Amidst High Cost Of Living

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The Source

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February 6, 2024

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Abba Kabir Yusuf - Governor of Kano State

In an apparent bid to stem a possible spill over of the unrest by irate Niger State youths over the escalating hard economic situation in the country to Kano, Governor Abba Yusuf Kabir has appealed to the State’s business community to show compassion and empathy to the plight of the masses in the conduct of their businesses.

The Governor who made the appeal during a meeting with some stakeholders within the business community expressed deep concern over the rising cost of living and its effects on the common people and its likely consequences, lamenting that many are finding it difficult to fend for themselves.

He decried the escalating inflationary trend in the country which in all, has negativity affected the living conditions of the ordinary man in the street.

Governor Yusuf blamed the high costs of prices of essential goods ,on monoplistic and exploitative tendencies , noting that the trend can be mitigated if the business community upholds moral and ethical values in the conduct of their businesses.

Notwithstanding the fall of the country’s currency against major currencies of the world, the Governor believes that corrective measures can significantly alleviate the situation.

In a release issued by his spokesperson Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Monday February 5 , Governor Yusuf ,said it is a compelling responsibility of the state to ensure that the people feel a sense of belonging ,while highlighting his commitment to appreciating the challenges that are being faced by the masses.

According to him, a comprehensive market survey of prices of basic commodities recently conducted ,have revealed a very distressing inflationary trend ,adding that his administration is determined to address the issue through collaborative efforts.

In this regard ,the Governor said a high powered Business Community Consultative Forum will be set up with a view to combating monopolistic and exploitative tendencies ,as well as create a conducive business environment.

He is also mulling an implementationof a price regulatory mechanism to stabiize inflationary trends ,aiming to provide relief to the people.

On their part, leaders of the kano business Community, blamed the harsh economic situation on the high inflationary trends in the country occasioned by high exchange rates, increase in cost of productions, unstable power supply and closure of some Nigerian border posts .

They, therefore, appealed for urgent interventions from the federal government to stabilize the exchange rates.

The biting economic situation in the country which on Monday February 5, forced Niger State youths to take to the streets, is being perceived by Northern states as a huge threat to the already fragile security situation in the Region.

N25m Paid