Rivers Peace Deal: Fubara Sitting On Keg Of Gunpowder

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December 19, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Things seem to have tilted in favour of Nyesome Wike, former Rivers State Governor, going by terms of agreement reached after meeting brokered by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja on Monday.

From the agreement reached, the position of Sim Fubara as the sitting governor is still unstable going by the terms.

Among the eight points terms are that “All matters instituted in the courts by the Governor of Rivers

State, Sir Fubara, and his team, in respect of the political crisis in Rivers State, shall be withdrawn immediately.

“All impeachment proceedings initiated against the Governor of Rivers State by the Rivers State House of Assembly should be dropped immediately.

“The leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly as led by the Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule shall be recognized alongside the 27 members who resigned from the PDP.

“The remunerations and benefits of all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and their staff must be reinstated

immediately and the Governor of Rivers State shall henceforth not interfere with the full funding of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“The Rivers State House of Assembly shall choose where they want to sit and conduct their legislative business without interference and/or hindrance from the Executive arm of government.

“The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Fubara, shall re-present the state budget to a properly constituted Rivers State House of Assembly.

“The names of all commissioners in the Rivers State Executive Council who resigned their appointments because of the political crisis in the state should be resubmitted to the House of Assembly for approval.

“There should not be a caretaker committee for the local governments in Rivers State. The dissolution of the Local Government administration is null and void and shall not be recognized.”

Foreign: Vatican Makes U-turn On Gay Couples, Approves Blessings

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James Orji

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December 18, 2023

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A landmark ruling approved by Pope Francis says priests can bless same-sex couples under some circumstances.

The papacy had in its reaction to same same marriage three years ago, described it as ‘sin’ against God.

Newly-wed couples meet with Pope Francis during the weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, on Oct. 11, 2023.

Newly-wed couples meet with Pope Francis during the weekly general audience in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican, on October 11, 2023.

The Vatican has approved a landmark ruling to allow Roman Catholic priests to administer blessings to same-sex couples as long as they are not part of regular Church rituals or liturgies, nor given in contexts related to civil unions or weddings.

A document from the Vatican’s doctrinal office approved by Pope Francis on Monday said such blessings would not legitimise irregular situations but be a sign that God welcomes all.

The document backed “the possibility of blessings for couples in irregular situations and for couples of the same sex” but “this blessing should never be imparted in concurrence with the ceremonies of a civil union, and not even in connection with them”.

It said priests should decide on a case-by-case basis and “should not prevent or prohibit the Church’s closeness to people in every situation in which they might seek God’s help through a simple blessing”.

The document elaborates on a letter Francis sent to two conservative cardinals that was published in October. In that preliminary response, Francis suggested such blessings could be offered under some circumstances if they didn’t confuse the ritual with the sacrament of marriage.

The new document repeats that rationale and elaborates on it, reaffirming that marriage is a lifelong sacrament between a man and a woman. It stresses that blessings should not be conferred at the same time as a civil union, using set rituals or even with the clothing and gestures that belong in a wedding.

But it says requests for such blessings should not be denied full stop. It offers an extensive definition of the term “blessing” in Scripture to insist that people seeking a transcendent relationship with God and looking for his love and mercy should not be subject to “an exhaustive moral analysis” as a precondition for receiving it.

“Ultimately, a blessing offers people a means to increase their trust in God,” the document said. “The request for a blessing, thus, expresses and nurtures openness to the transcendence, mercy, and closeness to God in a thousand concrete circumstances of life, which is no small thing in the world in which we live.”

The Vatican holds that marriage is an indissoluble union between man and woman. As a result, it has long opposed same-sex marriage.

And in 2021, the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith said flat-out that the church couldn’t bless the unions of two men or two women because “God cannot bless sin”.

That document created an outcry, one it appeared even Francis was blindsided by, even though he had technically approved its publication. Soon after it was published, he removed the official responsible for it and set about laying the groundwork for a reversal.

It stressed that people in “irregular” unions – gay or straight – are in a state of sin. But it said that shouldn’t deprive them of God’s love or mercy.

Pope Francis has recently criticised laws that criminalise homosexuality as “unjust”, saying God loves all his children just as they are and calling on Catholic bishops who support the laws to welcome LGBTQ people into the church.

The Vatican in 2008 declined to sign onto a UN declaration that called for the decriminalisation of homosexuality, complaining the text went beyond the original scope and also included language about “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” it found problematic.

Aljazeera

Gulf of Guinea: FG Backs UN’s Decision To Expands Nigeria’s Continental Shelf

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James Orji

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December 18, 2023

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The Federal Government has welcomed the decision by the United Nations to extend Nigeria’s continental shelf from 200 Nautical Miles to 220 Nautical Miles. This coincides with the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which will give a boost to the Nigerian maritime sector.

The Chairman, United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, CLCS, Adnan Rashid Nasser Al-Azri, disclosed the development in a statement regarding Nigeria’s submission. This approval allows Nigeria to redraw the territorial map of its sovereignty in the Gulf of Guinea, thereby granting the right to exploit the abundant carbon and marine resources believed to be present in the area.

On his part, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency’s, NIMASA, Bashir Jamoh OFR applauded the decision by the United Nations to approve a request for the extension of Nigeria’s maritime territory beyond the standard 200 nautical miles from the country’s cBashiroast.

Jamoh, while reacting to the development disclosed that this extension of the nation’s maritime area has the potential to bring economic benefits to the country. According to him, “To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time the United Nations has ever approved additional maritime territory for Nigeria. We welcome this development, as it would boost our economic fortunes considerably. It is a plus for the Bola Ahmed Tinubu led Administration and I extend my congratulations to our Honorable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola CON.

According to the UN, the Continental Shelf of a coastal State comprises the seabed and subsoil of the submarine areas that extend beyond its territorial sea throughout the natural prolongation of its land territory to the outer edge of the continental margin. Also, a distance of 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured, where the outer edge of the continental margin does not extend up to that distance.

TRCN Registrar, Prof Ajiboye Laments Mass Failure In Teacher’s Professional Qualifying Examination

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Akinwale Kasali

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December 18, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Prof. Josiah Ajiboye, Registrar, Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, TRCN, has called for massive improvement in the Teaching Professional following the mass failure recorded at its November 2023 diet of the Professional Qualifying Examination for teachers across the country.

TRCN disclosed that no fewer than 3,963 teachers who sat for the examination failed woefully, Prof Ajiboye said, “A total of 15,753 sat the examination in 38 Centres across the country, out of this, we have 10,636 that passed which is about 72.9 per cent and those that failed are 3,963.”

Ajiboye also noted that other candidates were absent while others had results cancelled due to examination malpractices.

Fashola Says President Tinubu Has No Constitutional Right To Wade Into Crisis Rocking Ondo, Rivers State

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Akinwale Kasali

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December 18, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola has faulted those urging President Bola Tinubu to Wade into the House of Assembly Crisis rocking Rivers State, as a result of the face off between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike and the crisis rocking Ondo State, saying the President has no constitutional right to Wade into the matter.

The immediate past Minister for Power, Housing and Works said that President Tinubu’s intervention is not needed in these States, stressing that rather than calling for the amendment of the constitution, there is urgent need for us as Nigerians to amend our ways.

He further stated that the Constitution is clear on what should be done when situations and the roles to be played by individuals involved.

He made this assertions at the Nigerian Air Force Officers Mess Honorary Members Forum (HMF) 2023 Annual Lecture in Lagos. The topic was “Leadership – Leading the Change.”

Speaking further, Fashola said, “We have amended the Constitution, so what is left to amend, except ourselves? Is this a matter that required presidential intervention when some people were calling for the President to intervene? Does the Constitution assign a role to the President in this matter?

“Are those inviting the President to act in Ondo and in Rivers states not aware that the President has no constitutional role in these matters?

“Are they not also those who argue that the Federal Government and, by extension, the President are too powerful and encroaching on the powers of state governments? Is this a case of passing the buck when tough leadership calls are requested to be made?

“Happily, in our Ondo case, some blue blood Ondo indigenes have stood up to be counted. But they are in an obvious minority.

“(They intervened) in the pursuit of law and constitutionality before the governor’s letter restored calm. And we want for leadership in Rivers state to do the needful,” he stated.

INEC Set To Conduct Bye Election, Fixes February

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Ayodele Oni

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December 18, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), Prof Mahmoud Yakubu, has announced a tentative date to conduct re-run and bye- elections to fill the vacant positions in both the National Assembly and the State Houses of Assembly.

Yakubu, in a consultative meeting with leaders of political parties on Monday, revealed that elections will hold in the first week of February 2024.

The INEC Boss, while providing further details of the Elections, said the rerun elections is in compliance with the ruling of the various tribunals that mandated them to conduct the elections within 90 days while the bye-election is as result of death or resignation adding that the two types of elections will be held on the same day.

“First, as the Election Petition Appeal Tribunals set up in the aftermath of the 2023 General Election gradually wind up their proceedings, the Commission is required to conduct re-run elections in some constituencies by court order.

“Secondly, the Commission is also required to conduct bye-elections to fill vacancies arising from the death or resignation of members of the National and State Houses of Assembly.

“The Commission intends to combine and conduct the two categories of elections on the same day, the details of which will be discussed at this meeting.

“As you are aware, re-run elections only involve the parties and candidates that participated in the general election unless a party wishes to replace a deceased candidate.

“However, bye-elections are fresh elections. Consequently, political parties must conduct fresh primaries within the limited period of time provided by law.

Prof. Yakubu said further details will be provided after supreme court verdict on the petitions before them, the Governorship election.

Access Bank Loses Media Relations Guru

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James Orji

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December 18, 2023

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Access Holdings Plc has lost Abdul-Imoyo, the banks’ head of Media Relations.

A statement by Tunde Imoyo, on behalf of the family, said the well-respected public relations expert died on Sunday after a brief illness.

He died at the First Cardiology, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The statement read: “It is with deepest sorrow that we inform you of the death of our beloved Husband, Father, Brother and Uncle, Abdul Kolawole Imoyo, who went to be with the Lord in the early hours of 17th December 2023, after a brief illness.

“We are taking some time as a family to grieve over our loss at this time.

“We thank you for your prayers and support. Further announcements will be communicated in due course.”

Imoyo joined Access Bank in 2014 as a corporate communications manager.

He was one of the most responsive media relations managers in Nigeria’s financial sector.

Kaduna: Era Of Religious Crisis Gone-Gov Sani

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James Orji

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December 18, 2023

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The Kaduna state governor, Uba Sani has promised to unite the people of the state despite its multi-religious and political status.

The state has been a flashpoint of ethno-religious clashes for years due to its plurality and the quest by contending groups to assert control.

The state almost erupted in another violence last week after the Nigeria Army drone mistakenly killed over 100 persons during while trailing some terrorists.

Those killed in the attack were all Muslims, and some Islamic leaders tried to use the incident to incite violence.

For instance, controversial Islamic cleric, Sheik Ahmad Gumi claimed that Muslims were intentionally by security forces, even though the military said it was unintentional.

Speaking on Sunday while attending the Kaduna Unity Carol of nine lessons organized by the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Kaduna State chapter at the ECWA English Service church in Sabo, Chikun Local Government Area, the governor asserts his commitment to ensure that peace continues to reign in the state.

Addressing Christians at the Carol service, Governor Uba stated that his government is prepared to end the era of divisions and religious crises in the state.

He will also ensure that infrastructure are evenly distributed across the state, Sani said.

According to him, “As a Governor, I am here today because I was raised to embrace the spirit of Christmas. I am committed to serving all Kaduna residents, regardless of their religious beliefs. The era of religious division is behind us.”

Christmas: IPOB Deploys ESN For Security In South-east

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James Orji

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December 18, 2023

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Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has warned Igbo coming home for Christmas to take extra security measures for the protection of their family members.

The Nnamdi Kanu-led group disclosed this in a statement yesterday, saying it has uncovered plans by some criminal elements to cause problems in some parts of Imo and Anambra state.

The advisory comes on the back of Imo state Government’s assurance to travelers coming to the state during the yuletide of security

The group in its travel advisory to Igbo in Diaspora and across the country wishing to travel home during the yuletide, cited Nnewi South, Ihiala-Igboukwu-Orlu road, among other places as flashpoints for security breaches during the period.

Apart from these areas, IPOB mentioned some roads in the two states which it said have become death zones.

They include; Nnewi-Ukpor-Isseke Road, Orsumoghu-Mbosi Road, Azia junction road to Orsumoghu Junction, Isseke to Ubuluihejiofo Road, Isseke to Orsumoghu Road and Orsumoghu to Orsuihiteukwa, Ihitenansa link road to Eke ututu, all in Imo and Anambra States.

The secessionist group however said it has taken extra security measures to ensure hitch-free celebrations by deploying the Eastern Security Network, ESN, its armed security wing to ensure the protection of returnees.

“Biafrans should not be intimidated by sponsored criminals from not returning home for Christmas. However, we advise our people to take the following travel advice seriously and be on their guard.

IPOB said, “People should inform their families and friends when they are travelling and what routes they may be taking.

“Anybody coming to Nnewi South, Ihiala – Igboukwu – Orlu road should be very careful. Also, be very careful at the Total filling station at Ihiala junction.”

The Governor Hope Uzodinma-led government had three days ago allayed the fears about the security situation in the state.

“I use this opportunity to once again call on our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora, and other tourists to feel safe and free to come home for Christmas and New Year festivities without any fear. His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Odidika Uzodimma through the help of God has restored peace and security of life and property in Imo State,” said the state Commissioner for Tourism, Rev Jerry Egbule Egemba

Rivers Crisis: PDP Wades In; Wike Vows Not To Be ‘Dragged’ Down By Fubara

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James Orji

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December 18, 2023

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Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has disclosed that the party is trying to resolve the problem between Governor Simi Fubara and Nyesom Wike, his predecessor.

The party’s spokesman said “there are undercurrent movements in terms of reaching out to parties,” as the governor and Wike, his former political godfather move to strengthen their positions in their quest for the control of the soul of the state.

Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, said at the weekend he’s opened to peace with Governor Fubara, saying the governor is the cause of the feud by trying to pull down the ladder he climbed to power.

Wike helped the state’s helmsman to power in May this year.

Not a few insist that the crisis of confidence between the two former allies is now beyond reconciliation, considering the steps they are taking to consolidate their positions.

Speaking on Sunday, Ologunagba stated it’s not impossible to reconcile the former political allies turned foes, noting that this is necessary for peace to reign in the oil rich state.

According to him, “Rivers people have supported us over the years. What is required is peace and tranquility so that they can begin to enjoy the benefits of the dividends of democracy. This has been our thinking and there are undercurrent movements in terms of reaching out to parties.

“We can prioritize our consideration, our interest in the people because that is the whole essence of why we are here and that is why they voted for us. That’s our focus for now as a party, to ensure that peace, understanding come in, and we are doing well in that regard.”

The FCT Minister while addressing traditional rulers of Ogba land who visited him at his Port Harcourt residence, accused Governor Fubara of trying to rubbish him, saying the governor wants to destroy the structure he used to get to power.

He said, “I and my team would accept peace but we won’t allow ourselves to be dragged down because when we go down, who will protect our people? Who will talk about our own interest?”

“Don’t pull the ladder that you used in climbing. When you are coming down, the ladder may not be there. Also leave the ladder so that other people can also climb the ladder.”