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Psychiatrists Lament Criminalisation Of Suicid€, Calls For Amendment Of Law, Says It Cripples Prevention Effort

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

The rise is suicid€ has led to the call by Mental Health Experts on Government, both at the Local and Federal Level, to amend the Law which criminalised suicide in the country.

The Psychiatrists said that the criminalisation of suicide attempts has blocked  prevention efforts and created a blind spot for data collection. It has, also, they said, made it difficult to understand the scope of the problem as well as develop effective solutions.

Prof. Taiwo Lateef Sheikh, immediate past President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, APN, said that 90 per cent of suicide deaths are related to mental health conditions and substance use disorders while over 70 per cent of such suicide-related deaths due to mental health conditions are attributable to depressive disorders.

Giving reasons why Nigeria should decriminalise suicide, he said: “Nigeria is among 22 or more countries in the world where suicide remains a crime. This law is a colonial law. We inherited it from our colonial masters. They have gone back to their countries and changed their laws into some more compassionate approach to dealing with suicide, which we were known for before this law came to our whole country.”

He explained that the law attempts to stop the acts of suicide, but it does not stop the thoughts and it doesn’t address the social determinants of suicide.

“Suicide doesn’t just drop like that. It starts with thinking. But the law doesn’t go to your brain and stop the thoughts.

“The law does not recognise that suicide is a preventable condition, that we can have an intervention that will prevent it from happening and very importantly, the law is a barrier to help-seeking from people who have the problem because they cannot come out. It’s also a barrier to support people who have the problem because you are afraid that if you try anything and you don’t tell the Police, you will stand the risk of going to jail for one month. The law is a barrier to data generation.”

He said the aim of the working group is to develop a comprehensive strategy for suicide prevention and identify barriers to suicide prevention in Nigeria.

Sheikh who spoke at the maiden virtual meeting of Nigeria Suicide Prevention Advocacy Working Group, where he modified the definition of suicide from intentional self-inflicted death to a ‘compulsive urge for one to kill self’, noted that people who end their own lives do not want to die.

He said: “This may sound paradoxical, but that is the truth. But they feel there is no other option to relieve them of their pain. They want to exit their pain. They want to end the pain, they want to end the suffering,  and sometimes they believe it will also end the pains of their caregivers or close relatives, especially when they believe that they have become a burden on them.”

He added that most obvious barrier known besides cultural and religious barriers and stigma, is the barrier of criminalising attempted suicide, which has roped into the country’s culture and also increased the stigma towards those who attempt to take their own lives.

Noting that globally, one in 100 deaths in the world is due to suicide and about 700,000 people die annually due to suicide, he said for each of these cases, there are about 25 many more attempted but unsuccessful and each suicide death affects at least five family members and leaves approximately 135 other people exposed to suicide.

He regretted that “suicide has reached a crisis point in Nigeria, unfortunately, the availability and quality of data collected for suicide and attempted suicide leaves a lot to be desired.

“There may be gross underreporting of these cases and current statistics notwithstanding, in fact, we don’t have statistics in Nigeria because of this law that criminalised suicide, people are not coming out, deaths are not reported as suicide death because the family would be investigated.”

He argued that suicide is related to multiple intricate and intersecting social cultural and economic factors and challenges, which include denial of basic human rights, lack of access to resources, discrimination, stressful life events such as job loss, pressure from work or school, breakups in relationships, unmet aspiration of youth, forced and economic migration.

Sheikh, however, said research indicates that mental health conditions and alcohol substance use disorders are associated with increased risk of suicide.

Crisis In PDP, As North Central Bent On Completing Ayu’s Tenure; Urge Damagum To Revert To Deputy Chairman

By
Akinwale Kasali
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PDP Secretariat - Wadata Plaza

By Akinwale Kasali

The crisis rocking opposition Party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is yet to abate as the North Central Caucus of the Party has insisted that it would complete the tenure of Iyorchia Ayu, the former National Chairman of the Party who was unceremoniously removed from office after the Party’s loss at the 2023 Presidential Election.

Consultations are, however, ongoing in the camp of the North Central Caucus who are bent on taking over the saddle as the National Chairman of the Party.

The North Central Caucus reached this decision sequel to the announcement of dates for the Party’s National Caucus/ National Executive Committee Meetings scheduled to hold on April 17 and 18, 2024.

Speculations are however rife that the North Central Caucus could consider one of the following persons as its Candidate. They include former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, from Kwara State and Senator Gabriel Suswam from Ayu’s native Benue State.

It was also gathered that the Party leaders from the zone met in Abuja last week to finetune strategies to present a common front to avoid acrimony.

Those at the crucial meeting included party executives from across the six states, including the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, that make up the North Central Zone, as well as selected elected representatives.

As a fallout of the meeting, it was reliably gathered that those in attendance agreed that the North Central should serve out what is left of Ayu’s term, while Damagum whom most of them agreed, “has done well in acting capacity,” should revert to his original position as Deputy National Chairman.

Sources within Plateau State disclosed that Plateau State Governor, Caleb Muftwang is expected to convene a meeting of the zonal caucus to put final touches to the strategy on how this can be achieved.

According to the source, “With the litigations over the 2023 elections now over, we expect the party leadership to do the needful to reposition our party for better performance.

Ayu’s time as Chairman has not effectively ended and we in the North Central have put our heads together and agreed that his replacement should come from among us because the position which was zoned to us in 2023 still subsists. The Constitution of our great party makes it so.

“We have been holding meetings on this issue. If you will recall, our state Chairmen met here in Abuja, after a meeting with the NWC last Wednesday.’’

When asked about names being considered for the job, the source said: “We are still consulting but I assure you they are people whose names and pedigree are known nationwide.

“Sooner than later His Excellency, the Plateau State governor, Caleb Muftwang, will convene a meeting where final decisions will be taken”.

It was also gathered that the North Central Caucus is  insisting that the Acting National Chairman of the Party, Illiya Damagum and his National Working Committee, NWC, had performed well calling that Damagum be reverted  as Deputy National Chairman of the Party.

The Caucus is also demanding that the Zoning Arrangement should be respected as contained in the Party’s constitution so that Ayu’s replacement should come from their Zone.

It would be recalled that prior to the 2023 National Election, the Chairmanship Position of the Party was zoned to North Central in which Ayu won unopposed, after the removal of Uche Secondus as National Chairman.

There has,  however, been renewed pressure on the Damagum-led National Working Committee, NWC, to convene a NEC meeting to, among other things, “receive the nomination from the north central and approve a substantive national chairman from the zone.”

Nigeria Army Says Refuse Burning Triggered Explosion At Ikeja Cantonment

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Nigerian Army Cantonment Ikeja

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the pandemonium that erupted at the Ikeja Military Cantonment on Easter Monday as a result of an Explosion, the Nigeria Army has disclosed that the minor incident was as a result of refuse burning.

A statement signed by the Director of Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu revealed that no casualty was recorded in the incident.

According to  Onyema, the “minor explosion’ occurred on a farmland near the mammy market within the Cantonment.

“This is to notify the general public that today Monday 1 April 2024, a minor explosion occurred within the Nigerian Army (NA) Cantonment in Ikeja, Lagos. The incident occurred on a farmland near the Mammy Market within the Cantonment,” the statement reads.

“The explosion is suspected to have been triggered by the burning of refuse and other inflammable debris by a farmer who cultivated the farmland.

“Fortunately, no casualty was recorded in the incident. However, given that the Cantonment was recently cleared and certified free of unexploded ordnances, we understand that there could be concerns among the general public as a result of the historical antecedent of explosion within the Cantonment.

“The NA, therefore, wishes to assure the public that the situation is under control as the NA Engineers Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team has cordoned off the area of the farmland to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion. We urge residents in the general area not to panic and assure them of their safety.”

It would be recalled that on January 27, 2002, there was an explosion at the Ikeja Cantonment leading to the death of hundreds of people, with several casualties recorded.

“DMO Lied, Zamfara Under My Watch Has Not Collected Any Loan Facility Domestic Or Foreign – Gov Lawal

By
The Source
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Dauda Lawal - Zamfra State Governor
Governor Dauda Lawal

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has distanced his State from the list of about 13 new State Chief Executives purported to have accessed a cumulative N226 billion debts within their first nine months in office on behalf of their states.

The Source reports that the Debt Management Office ,DMO had a few days ago revealed that 13 newly elected state Governors have within their first  9 months in the saddle added to the debt profiles of their respective states to the tune of N226 billion. Zamfara state made the list by the reckoning of the DMO.

But in a statement issued  on Monday March 1, 2024, by  Suleiman Bala ,the Zamfara state Governor disputed the DMO record ,insisting that his administration since its inception has neither requested for, nor received any loan facilities, both domestic and or foreign..

Governor Lawal said what the DMO is misconstruing to be a new loan facility was a N20 billion bond floated by the immediate past administration, for the  purpose of constructing  the now rested Zamfara Airport.

He noted that out of the #20 billion bond the past regime could only access N4 billion before leaving office ,adding that the supposed balance of about  N16 billion which has now being reduced to N14 billion due to the state of the economy is what DMO is recording as a new loan .

The Zamfara state Governor ,nevertheless noted that certain conditionalities attached to the remaining part of the bond (N14 billion) has not  allowed the state to draw from it .

He therefore stated that it was inaccurate to list the state among others in the country that have jointly secured the purported fresh N226 billion loan facilities.

Tinubu, Beware Of Nyesom Wike

By
The Source
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Richard Akintola and Nyesom Wike and Peter Odili

By Richard Akinnola

“Here was a man who publicly said that Odili saved his political career as Chairman of Obio Akpor local government, leading to his rise in political ascendancy and he used every opportunity to praise and honour Odili and his wife. He followed this up with a  public declaration where he was almost swearing thus: “I don’t know the day l would die but l know l would die one day but the truth must be told,  any day that l would make Dr Odili and his family cry, may God allow me to go…I would never be alive to make you cry. I will never abandon you and your wife. Where would l have been but for you and your wife? Who am l? From where? My wife would not have been a Magistrate, talk less a Judge but for Mrs Odili. Nobody in this country can make me abandon you and your family. Never. …My wife and l are forever grateful to you for the roles you played in my life”.

This was shown live on CHANNELS. Today, what is Wike doing to the same Odili? Publicly dissing and ridiculing him on same CHANNELS just because Dr Odili refused to queue behind him to decapitate Governor Sim Fubara. As an elder statesman, Odili rather preferred to settle the differences between the duo, which Wike refused. That is Odili’s sin to attract Wike’s “Fatwa”.He would do same thing to President Tinubu tomorrow if the president does not align with his interest”

Impetuous, garrulous, flippant, compulsively and deliriously narcissistic, that succinctly encapsulates the Nyesom Wike persona. A study of the political trajectory of the FCT Minister shows that he is only loyal to himself and nobody else, irrespective of his feigned allegiance. He may kowtow and genuflect before a political leader, as he is currently doing in Abuja but once he can no longer use you, he goes into a fit of  incoherent vituperative verbal assault, denigrating his benefactors.

I watched his recent drama on Channels where he was reeling out his achievements as Governor, he said he built a Cancer Centre and named it after “one man”. He also built a Judicial institute and named it after “one woman”. (Pejoratively referring to Dr Peter Odili and his wife, Justice Mary Odili). His former political leader who he had praised to high heavens is now “one man”. How come his long time political associates suddenly turn enemies? -Rotimi Amaechi, Abiye Sekibo, Celestine Omehia, Austin Opara, Lee Meeba, and now, Dr Peter Odili, among others.

Almost everything that Wike had said in public have been repudiated by him. From the PDP primaries where he vowed to support whosoever emerged as candidate, to his vow not to be minister, to his scathing excoriation of the APC which he likened to a cancerous party, everything Wike supposedly stood for have been repudiated by his fickle mindedness.

Now, he is dancing around PBAT, like an urchin singing nursery rhyme, in his guttural and hoarse voice:“President Tinubu, on your mandate l shall stand”. President Tinubu, Wike is not standing on any mandate. He is standing on his opportunistic position as a minister. Remove him as minister and see if he would still be standing on your mandate.Tomorrow, before the cock crows at night, he would deny you if he is removed as minister and would start lamenting how he supposedly helped you but was used and discarded.

Here was a man who publicly said that Odili saved his political career as Chairman of Obio Akpor local government, leading to his rise in political ascendancy and he used every opportunity to praise and honour Odili and his wife. He followed this up with a  public declaration where he was almost swearing thus: “I don’t know the day l would die but l know l would die one day but the truth must be told,  any day that l would make Dr Odili and his family cry, may God allow me to go…I would never be alive to make you cry. I will never abandon you and your wife. Where would l have been but for you and your wife? Who am l? From where? My wife would not have been a Magistrate, talk less a Judge but for Mrs Odili. Nobody in this country can make me abandon you and your family. Never. …My wife and l are forever grateful to you for the roles you played in my life”.

This was shown live on CHANNELS. Today, what is Wike doing to the same Odili? Publicly dissing and ridiculing him on same CHANNELS just because Dr Odili refused to queue behind him to decapitate Governor Sim Fubara. As an elder statesman, Odili rather preferred to settle the differences between the duo, which Wike refused. That is Odili’s sin to attract Wike’s “Fatwa”.

He would do same thing to President Tinubu tomorrow if the president does not align with his interest. He doesn’t even understand the dynamics of larger politics to the fact that Odili and PBAT have a long-standing relationship being in the same class of 1999 Governors and that Odili doesn’t even have issues with PBAT. You cannot praise a man to high heavens for eight years in your fit of sycophancy, only to start publicly disrobing him just because he refused to be led by the nose in your ill-conceived political fight with your successor. What that means is that tomorrow, he’ll do same thing to president Tinubu if he doesn’t do his political bidding in Rivers state. That would amount to political self-immolation.

So, if everyone who has assisted you in your political ascendancy are bad, then, something definitely must be wrong with you.

Despite his accomplishments as Governor in terms of project execution which l acknowledge, there is no doubt, Wike has a serious character flaw that only him can cure. But trust me, despite his wealth and “power”, it’s a matter of time, this young man is on his way to political perdition. I pray he doesn’t end that way. Minister Wike, you are an achiever in terms of performance but l pray God grants you wisdom on how to navigate and relate with people who differ from you politically.

Akinnola is a Lawyer, Journalist, Writer, Human Rights Activist

Economic Hardship:  Kebbi NUJ Donates Food, Cash To Families Of 18 Departed Professional  Colleagues

By
The Source
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0
Kebbi NUJ Donates Food

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In a rare,but commendable display of the spirit of  camaraderie, the Kebbi State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists has feted  the families of about 18  of its fallen colleagues with food items and cash gifts to ameliorate the prevailing harsh economic situation in the country.

At the official presentation of the relief  materials comprising a 25kg bag of rice and #15 000 each to the beneficiaries, in Birnin Kebbi on Monday March 1 2024 ,Kebbi State NUJ council Acting Chairman Alhaji Garba Muhammad – Yelda noted that though a yearly ritual for some time now,this year’s intervention remains unique and auspicious going by the hard economic situation in the country.

He emphasized that it is the NUJ’s modest way of showing commitment to the welfare of the families of departed working journalists in the state .

“We are here to once again observe an annual ritual by the Kebbi State council of the NUJ, to show love to those who lost their loved ones in the course of serving humanity” the Acting Chairman stated

Alhaji Muhammad- Yelda while calling on journalists and other public spirited individuals  in the society to assist the families of departed professional colleagues,through visits and donations to their families particularly during trying periods ,said that the decision to donate the items was informed by the need to support the beneficiaries at this critical moment in the life of most Nigerians.

The Kebbi NUJ Acting Chairman announced that the gesture was secured from some corporate entities and individuals,.

He particularly appreciated Gaanou Farms LTD ,Rilwanu Usman Zagga,the Engineer In-Charge of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency FERMA in Kebbi State ,as well as Labana Rice Mill and others .

Alhaji Ahmed Idris ,the Media aide to the Kebbi state Governor ,while describing the NUJ gesture as a Godly deed ,particularly at this period of Ramadan ,noted that it will go a long way in cushioning the hardship being faced by the families of the deceased journalists in the state .

” This gesture is not only highly commendable ,but also encouraging .We have nothing to say ,but to thank you for this initiative.” Ahmed Idris said.

God Told Me Tinubu Will Rule For Eight Years – Umahi

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has showered encomium on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, and said Nigerians made no mistake in electing him as their President.

He added that his emergence as President was divine, and revealed: “God told me Tinubu will be in the saddle as President for Two Terms.”

Umahi added that the Tinubu-led government is on the right path to restoring the country’s dignity.

Umahi who spoke in an interview on Channels Television, said: “ You must know that the coming onboard of Mr President is divine. When God starts a thing, He completes it.

“So, I strongly believe and I am persuaded to let you know that God told me that this administration will last eight years because this administration is born of God.

“ “You can see the miracle that Mr President is doing through the inspiration of God Almighty who brought him to right all the wrongs.

“So, we are taking back this country and giving back this country to Nigerians and that’s what Mr President has come to do and we are just there to give him support.”

As regards the ongoing repair work on the Third Mainland Bridge, Umahi disclosed that it is 99 per cent done.

According to him, once the major work is completed, the bridge will be open in the coming days.

He said, “When you talk about the total rehabilitation of the bridge, you talk about the deck. Mr President has released the money and I can say that 99 per cent of the project is done.

“But what is to be done is additional work: we are putting up solar lights; we are replacing the generator lights with solar lights. The top of the deck is completed, but the main markings are still in progress.

“We are putting up CCTV both on top of the bridge and under the bridge because the president told me that part of the problem we are having is people who are illegally mining the sand. And I agree with him. I have seen it. They even go as far as destroying the concrete to anchor their small boats.”

Why Wike Is Insulting The Odilis – Rivers State PDP Presidential Campaign Council

By
The Source
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Peter Odili-Mary Odili and Nyesom Wike

By Gideon Njoku

A number of people,  especially those who know how strong the relationship between the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, now, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and former Governor of Rivers State, Dr Peter Odili and his wife, The Honourable Justice Mary Peter-Odili, JSC, rtd, are genuinely shocked to hear and/or read that it has gone sour.

It has, according to stories emanating from Port Harcourt, gone so bad they allege that Wike now insults the Odilis publicly.

Those shocked by the allegation are in order. For, Wike, for years, especially, from the couple of years which led to his election as the Governor of Rivers State, let everybody know that the Odilis made him what he is today. He told the story of his life and his relationship with the former Rivers State first couple. He cursed any of them, (Odili boys, Odili political family) who would have the guts to disrespect the Odilis. In appreciation, of the many roles the Odilis played in his life, which he publicly acknowledged, Wike also honoured the them. He was there for them as they were there for him.

But according to emerging reports from Rivers State, Wike has started to talk down on the Odilis.

The rumours were strong that it was over the sour relationship between Wike and his estranged political godson, Governor Siminalayi  Fubara of Rivers State.

This magazine gathered that playing his role as a Statesman and father to all, and in pursuit of peace in the State, Dr Odili tried to intervene in the crisis. His intervention came in the form of looking for peace and standing by the truth. Odili was reported to have advised Wike to calm down, take things easy and give the Governor a breathing space. But it was an advice Wike was not prepared to take. He turned a deaf ear to Odili’s advice, and, according to sources, Odili decided not to intervene anymore. But, he made sure he stood by the truth, by fairness and justice. So, each time Fubara invited the Odilis to a function, they kept faith with him. “It is something that annoyed Wike to the bones, especially, when Odili’s daughter, Dr Adaeze Oreh, who is the State’s Commissioner for Health, did not resign when some State Commissioners, loyal to Wike resigned in the heat of his disagreement with Governor Fubara.

On March 26, 2024, any doubt that Wike’s relationship with the Odilis has gone awry, for now, was wiped away by a group of Rivers State PDP Stakeholders.

At a Press Conference addressed by them, they expressed shock that Wike has started to insult the Odilis because they refused to support him in his humiliation of Governor Fubara.

Those at the Press Conference included a former Minister for Transportation, Dr. Abiye Sekibo, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, The Rt. Honourable Austin Opara, Senator Lee Maeba and former Governor Celestine Omehia among others.

While berating Wike over his activities in the State which they find disruptive, they pointed out Wike’s resort to insulting the Odilis.

In the statement signed by Sekibo and Maeba, they said of Wike as regards the Odilis: “Lately, he has resorted to insulting our revered leader, and former Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Peter Odili, Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), and his wife, Her Excellency Honourable Justice Mary Peter-Odili  CFR, JSC, DSSRS because they refused to support him in his failed attempt to impeach the duly elected Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, Grand Service Star of Rivers State (GSSRS)”

For the records, this is not the first time Wike would have something against the Odilis. The first time it happened, he apologised to the Odilis who, in turn, forgave and welcomed him like a long lost son.

Kano Fires Three Health Workers, Suspends Another Three Over Extortion Of Patients

By
The Source
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0
Kano Hospital Management Board

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The authorities of the Kano state Hospitals Management Board, KHMB, on Monday, April 1, 2024, announced the dismissal from service of  three staff members of the State – owned Kabo General Hospital. They, also, placed three others on indefinite suspended.

The Executive Secretary of the KHMB, Dr Mansur, who sanctioned the disciplinary actions against the staff, cited alleged extortionist tendencies and exploitation of patients and  the vulnerable as a major reason.

A statement issued by the Board’s Spokesperson, Samira Suleiman, and made available to the Media noted that the Executive Secretary approved the dismissal and suspension of the affected staff ,after his unscheduled visit to the hospital ,revealed that they were charging patients as much as N12,000 as against the approved N2000 for X-ray services .

“The Executive Secretary of the Board approved the immediate dismissal of the three staff on grounds of extortion of patients .

Also, he approved the suspension of the Accountant ,Auditor,and Head of the laboratory unit for selling free HIV test kits given to the hospital by the state Government.. They have been asked to report the KHMB Headquarters for further disciplinary. actions” the statement noted

According to the statement, the Executive Secretary has vowed not to spare any staff found to be engaged in acts inimical to the interests of the people and the commitment of the state Government to discharge its social responsibilities to the citizenry.

Dr Nagoda who also frowned  at the untidy,  unhealthy condition and poor service delivery system in the Labour Ward of the hospital, expressed displeasure with the misuse of vital equipment, and COVID-19 Items donated to the  hospital only four years ago .

“We took an oath, and so we must stick to that oath and sanitize the system. It is sad that after the Government have made sure that each and every health worker is on the CONHESS salary scale, they are still exploiting innocent patients” Dr Nagoda lamented.

Obi Takes His One Nigeria Message To Onitsha Mosque On Easter Day

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The Source
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0
Peter Obi at Onitsha Mosque on Easter Day

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election,  Peter Obi on Easter Sunday visited Onitsha Central Mosque in Anambra state to pray with them for a united Nigeria.

Obi said the visit became necessary to show the commitment of all religions to the oneness and growth of Nigeria.

Writing on his X handle,  Obi said “In continuation of my Easter activities today, after sharing the Easter joys with the inmates of Onitsha Correctional Centre, earlier in the day, I was also at the Central Mosque, Onitsha to pray with the Muslim Community in the City who are in the last ten days of the Ramadan fasting.

“It was heartwarming to see how they were able to judiciously deploy the little resources I gave them last year for the renovation of their mosque.

‘I took time to remind them, and indeed every Nigerian, of the need to transcend above religion and tribe, but in unity and brotherly love, continue to work hard for the development of our dear nation.

‘Our many challenges in our nation can be conquered by our unity of efforts, collaboration, and mutual respect. As I have always maintained, no religion, tribe, or political party buys food cheaper anywhere in Nigeria. We must, therefore, join hands in moving our nation from consumption to production, for the good of society.

‘I shared my little Easter gifts with the community and appreciated them for their kind words, encouragement, and prayers.  Together as one, we will build the New Nigeria.

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