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Anambra: Pa Soludo Was A Unifier, Will Be Missed- Miyetti Allah

By
James Orji
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Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, has described the death of Pa Soludo as a great loss.

The South East branch of the Association disclosed this yesterday in a statement.

The Cattle breeders association in their tribute to the late Soludo described him as someone who left an imprint in the sand of time.

Pa Soludo, the father of Governor Soludo of Anambra state, died on November 6 at the age of 92.

According to a statement made available to journalists in Awka, the state’s capital on Tuesday, MACBAN Deputy National Director, Alhaji Gidado Siddikki, said the deceased was a great promoter of peace during his lifetime.

He spent his lifetime unifying people of various religions, tribe and ethnic, the group said.

Miyetti Allah said, “Pa Simon Soludo was an exemplary leader who will be greatly missed by many.

“He was a very kind, Social and accommodating person to the core by some of us who knew him.

“The late deceased had set standards for the great Kingdom of Isuofia land.

“On behalf of MACBAN South East region, while we commiserate with Governor Soludo and his siblings over the unfortunate incident, we pray to Allah to give the governor’s family the fortune to bear the irreplaceable loss.

“The news of the passing of Pa Simon Soludo was received with sadness by the entire Fulani community in the State and will be greatly missed.”

Tribune Online had earlier reported that Pa Soludo passed on Monday November 6th 2023 at the age of 92 and was laid to rest at his country home, Isuofia community in Aguata Local Government Area of the State, on Saturday, December 23th, 2023

Nigeria’s Ex-House Of Reps Speaker, Na’Abbah, is Dead

By
James Orji
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Former Speaker, Ghali Umar Na'Abba,

Ghali Umar Na’Abba, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, is dead. The former Speaker of Nigeria’s lower chamber of the National Assembly died on Wednesday, according to family sources who spoke with journalists.

Na’Abba died at the age of 65.

The sources did say whether the former lawmaker died of sickness, but Na’Abba has been battling with undisclosed ailment for year before he finally gave up the ghost early this morning.

In May 2020, the former Speaker was rumoured to have died. He later denied the rumour, saying such rumour was the work of his enemies.

He said the: “Fellow Nigerians; I am Ghali Na’Abba, Speaker of the National Assembly from 1999 to 2003. I have been hearing rumours in recent days that I was dead.

“I am doing this video in order to prove to Nigerians and the world that I am alive, hale and hearty.

“I am a proud Nigerian and saddened that rumours spread about me in such an evil manner.

“However, this is not a time to reprimand anybody, I have been a friend to the press and I believe we should do whatever it is to ensure that we live well among ourselves.

“I am alive and healthy in London, I am here in the past four weeks and finished my engagements, if not for the lack of flight, I will have flown back to Nigeria.

“I am missing home and sad about what is going on in my country; about the COVID-19 pandemic, poverty and deaths ravaging my community in Kano.

“A lot of people have died recently in Kano including some of my relations and let me seize this opportunity to condole every family that lost their love ones,” he said.

The demised politician was born on September 27, 1958.

Tinubu Gives 5,000 Persons N20,000 Grant

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

The Federal Government  has given 5,000 Persons with disabilities the sum of N20,000 Grant in Cross River State.

The Vulnerable PWDs received N20,000 grants each from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

Beta Edu, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation said the one-off grant was part of President Bola Tinubu’s determination to lift vulnerable Nigerians out of poverty across the country.

“Here in Cross River, we are flagging off the grant for vulnerable groups in Cross River. So far, we’ve been able to reach 5,000 very poor and vulnerable persons at the grassroots in this state with plans to expand in the coming year.

“We have checked and confirmed that these people are very poor and they deserve to benefit from the scheme in line with President Tinubu’s commitment to lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty in 2024 through the various social protection programmes,” the minister said in a statement.

The event which was held at the Millennium Park in Calabar, Cross River State saw beneficiaries savouring the moment with smiles on their faces.

Edu urged the beneficiaries to invest the grants into profitable economic ventures.

“These monies are not given to you for you to spend on drinks or do whatever that is out of place, but to start a petty trade or boost your petty trade and make better profits to sustain your families.

“These monies can be used to start up little businesses. You can use these grants to boost your trade, and that will help with sustainability. These grants are deliberate acts by the federal government to pull people out of poverty,” she added.

She assured all that qualified Cross River people will be beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s social intervention programmes being implemented through her ministry and agencies within the sector.

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, who presented  dummy cheques to beneficiaries, commended Tinubu for championing the cause of the poor and prioritising the welfare of the citizens.

The Governor, who said the State under his watch had been pushing a people-first government, implored the beneficiaries to put the grants into proper use.

“On behalf of the people of Cross River State, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency, the President of this great nation, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for truly making a difference in people’s lives daily and championing this cause of prioritizing the welfare of our citizens, it is easy to know a transparent government that means well for its people,” he said.

Inmates Scale Wall At Ogun Correctional Center, Escape

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Three Inmates escaped from Ijebu Ode Correctional Center in Ijebu Ode Local Government Area, Ogun by scaling the wall of the facility during a jail break.

The Public Relations Officer of the  Correctional Service, Ogun State Command, Victor Oyeleke on Tuesday, confirmed the jailbreak, and disclosed that the incident happened early Saturday morning around 3 am.

He said, “Yes, it is confirmed, it happened in the early hours of Saturday morning around 3 am. A search party to bring the three of them back has been raised. We have their biometrics and we have contacts of their families.

“ We are working together with other sister agencies and in good time they will be brought back”.

The statement reads “The report reaching us now is that three prisoners escaped from the Ijebu-Ode Correctional Center whose names are, Hammed Adeboyejo who was convicted of Murder/Armed Robbery; Fatai Taiwo Akande from Ijebu-Igbo was sentenced on Murder Casez while the third man, Oguntona Aliu was convicted of Sexual Offence, should in case you see any of them, quickly contact the office of So-Safe Corps Command closer to you, The Nigerian Police and any other Security Agency.”

Governor Muftwang Says Terrorists Have Been Occupying Schools In Barkin Ladi For Over Five Years

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Caleb Mutfwang - Plateau state Governor

By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Caleb Muftwang of Plateau State has lamented the menace of Terrorists in the State who have been wreaking havoc, killing, maiming and destroying properties.

Muftwang disclosed on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily that the Terrorists have been occupying schools in the Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area of the state for five years.

The governor expressed disappointment over the incident, saying there is “lack of political will” by the Federal Government to  dislodge terrorists on the Plateau.

According to Muftwang, the crisis on the Plateau has continued to escalate because no arrest has been made so far by security agents.

Mutfwang described the Christmas Eve simultaneous attacks by assailants on over 15 communities in the Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of the state as unfortunate.

According to reports, the latest attacks have so far claimed over 300 lives with scores of others injured and hundreds of houses torched.

“We must stop this carnage,” the governor said matter-of-factly, adding that security agents “cannot continue with this reactionary strategy but be proactive.

“As I am talking to you today, in Barkin-Ladi Local Government, schools have been occupied by these terrorists for some years now. Not less than 64 communities have been displaced and the lands have been taken over by these marauding terrorists,” he added.

The Governor noted that he would approach President Bola Tinubu to give clear instructions to security agents to protect the people on the Plateau against their land-grabbing attackers.

He said, “I will be talking to Mr President on this. We need to summon the political will to give instructions to security agencies to protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria and even the internal integrity of our land boundaries.

“There are ways of acquiring lands, not through violence and we must be able to resort to constitutionalism in dealing with these issues.

“People who want land on the Plateau are free to approach the communities, negotiate and settle in those communities.

“I don’t think people will refuse but where they resort to violence to take over those lands, you will be sure that this is a time bomb because it will reach a time when people react, and we are going to have a large-scale conflict. I pray we don’t get to that point.”

Mutfwang lamented that part of the problem on the Plateau is because no arrest or prosecution had been made in connection with the dastard attacks over the years.

He said, “Part of the problem we have is that so far, there have been no arrests, no prosecution, and as far as we do not confront this issue headline, some people feel their attackers are being protected.

“Under the last regime, the feeling of the people in Plateau State, particularly the victims of these terrorist attacks, is that, it looks as if the terrorists were given official government backing to be able to terrorise them because little or nothing was done to repel these attacks.

“I can tell you, that these schools that are being occupied didn’t start now; some of those schools have been occupied for the last three to five years. Children in those schools have had to relocate, and primary healthcare centres have been abandoned.”

Plateau: CAN Condemns Horrifying Killings

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

The Archbishop Daniel Okoh led Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has condemned the killings and violence in Plateau State that led to the killings of over 300 people.

CAN expressed its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and the Plateau State Government, saying that violence must not be allowed to prevail.

The horrifying incidents, which took place in the villages of Ruku, Hurum, Darwat, Mai Yanga Sabo, NTV, and Lisham Kwahasnat community in Wase LGA, led to the loss of numerous lives and the destruction of properties worth millions of Naira.

In a statement on Tuesday, Archbishop Okoh,  condemned the killings and urged citizens to shun all forms of violence.

He said, “Violence has no place in our society; it’s a direct assault on our shared values of peace, unity, and mutual respect and must not be allowed to prevail.

“The burning down of houses, worship centres, and the destruction of properties is not only a criminal act but also undermines our collective peace and unity.”

The CAN President expressed solidarity with the families, friends, and communities who tragically lost their loved ones.

“We mourn with you at this time of grief, and our prayers go out to you for comfort and strength,” he said, specifically mentioning the loss of brethren in the Baptist Church in Chirang village.

The national leadership of CAN commended the swift intervention of the military and the deployment of a joint police and military task force to restore peace and prevent further lawlessness in the affected communities.

Okoh also lauded the efforts of State Governor Caleb Mutfwang in calling for peace and unity amid such adversity.

The CAN urged security agencies to intensify their efforts in intelligence gathering and proactive interventions to pre-empt and forestall these type of dastardly acts in the future.

“Our people deserve to live in peace, and it is high time we moved from reactive to preventive measures,” Okoh emphasised.

Despite these tragic incidents, CAN reiterated its belief in the unity and strength of the nation.

“We acknowledge the resilience of the people of Plateau State and the nation at large. We must reinforce this unity and resilience in the face of such adversity,” Okoh said.

In this season of love and giving, CAN encouraged everyone to remember the victims and their families, not only in prayers but also by reaching out with relief materials.

“ Let us extend our empathy and support and commit to building a peaceful and prosperous Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole,” Okoh advocated.

Okoh also prayed for peace in the hearts and homes of Nigerians, saying, “May the peace of the season dwell in our hearts and homes, and may God bless Plateau State and our dear nation, Nigeria.”

Plateau Killings: How 300+ Were Massacred, Tinubu Orders Security To Move In As Police Confirms Casualties

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to immediately move in, scour every stretch of the zone, and apprehend the culprits linked to a mass killing in Plateau state.

The Christmas Eve attacks in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State,  resulted in the tragic loss of many lives, estimated at over 300.

President Tinubu, who gave the directive on Tuesday, while condemning the genocide in very strong terms, also directed the immediate mobilization of relief resources for surviving victims of what he described as “primitive and cruel attacks” as well as medical treatment for the wounded.

While condoling with the government and the people of Plateau State, Tinubu assured Nigerians that the envoys of death, pain, and sorrow would not escape justice.

Meanwhile, Plateau state Police command has disclosed that 96 persons were confirmed dead and over 200 houses destroyed by the assailants. Also destroyed were eight vehicles and 27 motorcycles. However, unofficial reports put it at over 300 deaths.

Police spokesman in the state, DSP Alfred Alabo,  who  stated this on Tuesday in Jos, said “On Dec. 24, at about 10 p.m., gunmen attacked 15 villages in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas simultaneously.

“Findings from the assessment of the incident in Bokkos revealed that the 12 villages were attacked; more than 79 persons killed and 221 houses were set ablaze. Twenty-seven motorcycles and eight vehicles were equally burnt down.

“Three communities were attacked in Barkin-Ladi where 17 persons were killed.

“Investigation and monitoring are still on and further development will be communicated soon.”

He listed communities attacked in Bokkos Local Government Area as Ndun, Ngyong, Murfet, Makundary, Tamiso, Chiang, Tahore, Gawarba, Dares, Meyenga, Darwat and Butura Kampani.

Alabo stated also that communities attacked in Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area were NTV, Hurum and Darawat.

Obi: Security Forces Are Protectors, Guardians Of Our Freedom

By
James Orji
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Peter Obi in Gombe
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has paid glowing tributes to security forces, particularly those who paid the supreme price while on duty.
Obi praised the nation’s gallant security operatives who recently lost their lives in Plateau state. Over 70 security men were believed to have lost their lives during terrorists attacks on the state.
In his Christmas message to Nigerians, Obi expressed his condolences to the families of the fallen heroes, adding that security agencies are ” the guardians and protectors of our freedom as a people.”
He said those who give up their lives must be assured that their heroic duty would not be forgotten.
Obi said, “The men and women of our armed and security services come to mind. The soldiers in various battlefronts of insecurity, the policemen and women in patrol in our cities and highways, the Civil Defense Corps, and Department of State Security operatives.
“These illustrious citizens are often lost in our thoughts and prayers both as leaders and fellow citizens yet they remain the guardians and protectors of our freedom as a people.
“I am thinking of those who in the call of duty have to spend this festive season away from the comfort of home and the embrace of loved ones. I am referring to those who face the risk of the supreme sacrifice to protect and defend the freedom of our dear nation and the liberties that come with our democracy.
“Let us spare them our thoughts and prayers this season. Let them be reassured that their labors are appreciated by a grateful nation.”

Plateau Christmas Eve Attack: Gov Solicits Communities Support Against Gunmen

By
James Orji
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Caleb Mutfwang - Plateau state Governor

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau state has called on the people of the state to report any suspicious movement to security agencies.

The state helmsman spoke following the violent attack on some communities in the state on Saturday and Sunday.

The attack by those yet to be identified by security agencies, led to the death of many people.

Many properties were said to have been razed and looted by the gunmen who raided two communities, Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local governments Areas, LGAs on Christmas Eve.

In a statement by Gyang Bere, the chief press secretary to the governor, he urged the people of the state to remain calm while security agencies fished out those responsible for the attack.

The governor said collaborative effort by communities and security agent is what is required to stem the tide of communal violence, adding that the state government is poised to end the protracted violence.

The statement said, “Highlighting the importance of collective collaboration among rural communities, the Governor assured that proactive measures will be taken by government to curb the ongoing attacks on innocent citizens.

“Wishing swift recovery to those injured, Governor Mutfwang emphasized his administration’s unwavering commitment to pursuing peace and unity.

“He reassured the public that these goals remain top priorities, with continuous efforts until the desired results are achieved.”

The state has been the centre piece of communal attacks lately.

Uzodimma: Nigeria Will Recover From Socio-economic Challenges

By
The Source
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The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has expressed confidence that soon, Nigeria will recover from her current socioeconomic difficulties.

He said the reforms being put in place by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government reinforces his confidence that the country’s tomorrow will be better for the citizens.

The Governor spoke Monday at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Ozuh Omuma in Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State where he was joined by family, friends and associates to worship on Christmas Day.

In his remarks after the Church Service, Governor Uzodimma said he was delighted that we are celebrating another Christmas season – a period of rebirth and time to show love to each other, to families, communities, Local Government, State and the Nation at large.

He reiterated his earlier message to Imo people to show love to State, Nation and humanity on Christmas, expressing optimism that the current economic challenges in the Country,  occasioned by the reforms and policies of President Tinubu will in a couple of months be a thing of the past.

Urging Nigerians to exercise patience with the government, the Governor noted that with the Port Harcourt Refinery coming back on stream and the exchange rate also showing signs of stability “Nigerians will soon smile.”

He, however, used the opportunity to solicit total support for the President whom he said “is determined to deliver on his electoral promises and mandate.”

Regardless, Governor Uzodimma reminded Nigerians that the period of Christmas should be a season we ought to use to examine our consciences with regard to how far we have fared in our attitude, make amends in areas of our failure as well as continue to improve on the areas of our successes.

“It is a period of showing love to the family, and even to our wives and children. It is a season that should provoke a new attitude,  and I think, of collectively building our State and not to destroy it.”

He advised those who have penchant for destructions and killings of innocent citizens to desist from such “because God sees all we do in life, being omnipresence.”

He also prayed that as 2023 is fading away, “it shall be well with us while the New Year will usher in new things in our lives.”

On (in)security, the Governor assured that there will be no more insecurity in Imo State, emphasising that anybody who continues to troubleshoot in the State in the name of insecurity, given what had happened in the past four years as regards his  efforts to reposition the State, should consider being foolish.

“The good days are ahead.”

In his homily, the Rev. Fr. Alexander Ihenebo from Ahiara Mbaise Diocese said Nigerians should, at this time, ask themselves “what they are bringing to the table and not what they are taking away from the table,” in a message he captioned “Ukwuoma ihe onye ji bia” (Good legs what one comes with).

The clergy challenged the congregation to continue to be positive about Nigeria, saying that with the birth of Jesus Christ all things have been made new.

The Church Service was marked by various gift presentations to the Governor and his wife, Barr. (Mrs.) Chioma Uzodimma, by the St. Rose Lima Parish for their contribution in elevating the status of their area in different ways.

The Church was attended by important personalities from Imo State and outside.

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