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“We Have A Country We Don’t Believe In” – Jonathan; Urges Obi To Make Unity Of Nigeria Top Priority

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The Source
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Peter Obi and Goodluck Jonathan

The Presidential Candidate of the  Labour Party has received a special request from former President Goodluck Jonathan, to make unity of Nigeria his top priority if Nigerians give him the mandate in 2023.

Former President Jonathan’s request came when the LP flag bearer paid him a courtesy call in his country home in Bayelsa on Friday.

He commended Obi for conducting his campaign well with a cultured utterances and encouraged him to continue the good work.

“I want to thank you that you are the first presidential candidate to pay a courtesy visit to me. I want to use this opportunity to encourage you in what you are doing.

According to the former President “For Nigeria to move forward we need unity. There were predictions in the late 50s and early 60s that Nigeria and some other countries will be at par, and we normally ask ourselves why are we where we are now. This was predicted by intellectuals, people who study the world and predicted that Nigeria, India, Brazil etc but all those countries left us but we are still where we are. We Nigerians must ask ourselves one question, why are we not able to move with others”

The Immediate past Nigeria leader bemoaned the level of ethnic sentiments in the country noting that “In terms of tribal and religious sentiments, they are almost in every nation but the degree we have in Nigeria is very debilitating. It is what is pushing us backwards.

“We have a country that we do not believe in. Most of our leaders would say Nigeria is not a nation. We have different nationalities, geographical expression but I believe that the young people, especially if we must move forward must put those sentiments aside. Every nation, every country have their own history.”

Jonathan said that the country will be great only  if every  Nigerian see himself as a Nigerian. “We must see ourself as one. And if I am the President, if the best person to hold a particular office is from Enugu, Ibadan,  Sokoto, it doesn’t matter. And until we get to that point as a nation, we cannot move anywhere. We have been putting square pegs in round holes because of religious, tongues and tribal sentiments”

He then charged the former Anambra state governor, “if by divine providence you win the election, your first responsibility is to unite Nigeria. Without unity we cannot solve our security problems. Without unity we cannot solve our economic problems. If you unite Nigeria, that is the beginning of a new Nigeria, and the revolution and the development that will take place.

“I have been listening to comments from political leadership and sometimes our supporters do more damage on our behalf. And I must commend you because your utterances so far have not shown any division. Just keep doing what is right. If you win, you will be a president for the whole nation, you won’t be a President for any group of people.

In his own remarks, the LP standard bearer praised Jonathan for what he represents in the country.

“Nobody can talk about peace, unity today without reference to you, all we have been preaching throughput our campaign is that we want to unite

“Our goal if elected is to ensure that Nigeria moves back where its per-capital was a few years before. All these are in reference to you. So I am here personally as your own junior brother to pay respect and show loyalty.”

Governor Lalong Urges Christians To Join Politics, Says It Is Not A Dirty Game

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Governor Lalong

By Akinwale Kasali

Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, has urged Christians to quash the mindset not to participate in Politics because it is believed to be a dirty game.

He said the Christian Community has this impression which shouldn’t be, stressing that as Christians, it is their franchise to seek political offices if they have what it requires to vie for that position.

Governor Lalong in a statement signed by his spokesman, Macham Makut, on Saturday, said this when he hosted Northern Christian leaders in Jos, the State capital.

According to the Governor, Christian leaders must galvanise the Church and make demands from candidates vying for political offices.

Lalong said this was necessary because anyone whom God gave power, must work for the interest of all Nigerians including the Christian community.

The Governor said: “This is why we must work harder towards mobilising our brothers and sisters to actively participate in the political process so as to not only decide who leads them, but also have a say on the table when decisions are being taken. We can no longer afford to treat politics as a dirty game thereby leaving it to some few people, and yet complain of marginalisation and poor governance. It is the Church that has the solution to the world since Jesus Christ called us the Salt of the Earth and Light of the World.”

Governor Lalong said as a Governor and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum, he had enjoyed tremendous support and collaboration from the Christian leaders within the state and the entire northern region who had to engage him and other leaders over policies and programmes of government as well as other national issues, particularly as they affected the Christian community.

He disclosed that he was aware of the expectation of Christians especially as it related to issues affecting their rights and privileges as well as security and safety within the political system.

Therefore, as we approach 2023 when Nigerians will be making crucial decisions, I challenge you as leaders to guide your members to first be part of the process and also ensure that they do not make decisions based on emotions and other factors that will not add value to their aspirations.

We should be strategic and look at the bigger picture and how it affects our interests,” he said.

The Governor assured them that as a Christian and a Knight of the Catholic Church, he would continue to do his best to protect the interest of the Body of Christ in any position God gave him to serve the people.

In 22 Weeks Time, I Will Be Out Of Office

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The Source
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By Muhammadu Buhari

I heartily rejoice with our Christian brothers and sisters on the occasion of this year’s Christmas.

Many of us look forward to this festive season as a time to travel, share gifts, spend quality time with family and friends, attend special carols and events, and generally relive the good moments of the year.

In whatever circumstances we find ourselves, Christmas is a period when we come together to rejoice and set aside our differences.

For me and my family, this year’s celebration is unique. It is my last as your elected President. Twenty-two weeks from now, this administration will hand over to another.

In the last seven years, I have had the privilege of receiving members of the Federal Capital Territory community on Christmas homage, except the year the COVID-19 pandemic denied us that opportunity. I will fondly remember them as my benevolent landlords and friendly neighbours.

It is crucial that I remember this about my closest neighbours because there is no better way for us to celebrate Christmas as a people than showing genuine love, care, compassion and empathy for one another.

We must never lose sight of the symbiotic relationship between Christmas and hope; Jesus Christ and humility, and Christianity and grace.

In this season of love, joy and peace, let us not fail to remember those who really wish to celebrate but are constrained in one way or the other by reaching out to them.

Together we can make this celebration a spectacular one by renewing our pledge and common resolve to work for the unity and prosperity of our dear country.

Until my last day in office, I will continue to provide political and material support to sub-national governments, the Armed Forces, institutions and individuals working wholeheartedly for the peace, unity, stability and progress of Nigeria.

The advances we have made so far on the economic front, especially in infrastructure; food security, anti-corruption, security, and energy sufficiency, among others, will need to be built on.

This joyous season has coincided with the period of campaigns to usher in a new administration. I urge you to be circumspect and vote for those that will maintain the momentum we have created for the greater good of the country.

It is another opportunity to show the rest of the world that Nigeria is indeed ready to consolidate its democratic credentials as has been noted in international circles. Let the peace and joy that pervade this period continue well into the new year up to the elections in February and beyond.

I want to assure Nigerians that those who violently seek to disrupt the peace of our nation have lost the battle.

Our country is blessed with a wealth of human and material resources.

Let’s celebrate our blessings this season with the trust that a better dawn awaits Nigeria.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas.

President Buhari presented this address as his last Christmas message to Nigerians on December 24, 2022

December 24, 2022.

Rivers: Rage Over Sealed Atiku Campaign Office By  Wike; They Did Not Present Title Documents – Government

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Wike sealed Atiku Campaign office in Porthacourt

By Akinwale Kasali

Rage has continued to trail the sealing of Atiku Abubakar’s Presidential Campaign Office by the Rivers State Government.

Citing Order 22 signed by Governor  Nyesom Wike which prohibits the location of Political Offices at Residential areas without permission, the Government sealed the office located at

No. 32, Onne Road, new GRA in Port Harcourt.

Leloonu Nwibubassa,  spokesperson for the Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign Council in the State put the sealing at the feet of Governor Wike. He said it is the administration’s way to stifle perceived political opponents, and noted that the irony is that both Atiku and Wike belong to the same Party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

He added that it is unfortunate that Wike could descend to this low level which brazenly shows how he has misused his powers as Governor of the state.

He said: “It is very unfortunate, and I think that all Civil Society Groups, the International Community, all lovers of democracy all over the world must understand that Governor Wike has misused his powers not just to suppress and oppress, but to intimidate the people of Rivers State from expressing their free will to support any candidate of their choice or to be a member of any party of their choice, as expressly guaranteed in the grand norms of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We have condemned it as an act of lawlessness by the Governor.”

Nwibubassa added that  “it is sad that Wike by his actions does not appreciate what he benefited from  democracy and PDP,  having been a two time Chairman of a Local Government, and also became a Chief of Staff. He was Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and completing his second tenure as Governor.

“By closing down the political space in Rivers State, by intimidating and suppressing voices that are in opposition to his own bidding, Governor Wike is exalting himself to become the leader of all anti-democratic forces in Nigeria militating against the grand norms of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that guarantees freedom of association, freedom of lawful and peaceful assembly.

“Everything about that secretariat and campaign office, every requirement has been made.

“So the Governor is left with no excuse. The action he has taken is completely outside the law. It is vindictive. It is against the right of the people.

“So, for us, it is unfortunate and we think that all well- meaning lovers of democracy should speak out against Governor Wike’s intent on his actions so far.

“Is it simply that Governor Wike lost the primary election to clinch the ticket of the PDP or there are other motives behind Governor Wike to try to truncate the democracy of Nigeria, using Rivers State as his experimental space?

“We are also aware that there are other Governors trying to do similar thing.

So if people like Governor Wike are allowed freely to disregard the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by his actions, by the things he is doing today and if people will copy from his example, before you know, Nigeria will become a theatre of anarchy, and this is exactly what everyone must come and condemn and to avoid.”

However, the Rivers State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development in a letter addressed to the Director-General of the PCC, gave an insight to the development and why the Secretariat was sealed.

The letter  was signed by the Director, Physical Planning and Transport, Stella Enyadike, on behalf of the Commissioner was titled, ‘Re-application for change in use.’

The letter dated December 19, 2022 reads: “We write in reference to your application for change in use/purpose dated November 28, 2022, for your campaign office at No. 32 Onne Road G.R.A phase 2 Port Harcourt.

“In your response letter to our notice served, no title document was attached. Also, your contact phone number cannot be reached.

“We have sent text messages to this effect to you on the subject matter for you to furnish this office with your title documents.

“However, we are aware that the area, G.R.A 1and 2, is designated for residential purpose.

“Therefore, the use of the property as a campaign office (semi-public) is contrary to the designated use.

“In the light of the above, your application for change in use/purpose cannot be approved.

“Please accept the assurance of the Hon. Commissioner.”

Jos: Female Air Force Officer, Godos, Murdered In Her Home, Son Kidnapped

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The Source
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Flight Officer Godos

By Gideon Njoku

For the family of a female Air Force Officer, Squadron Leader HE Godos, Friday, 23rd December, will forever remain a day of lamentation, sorrow and tears.

The Rtd Officer, was gruesomely murdered in her home in the Bassa area, near  Rukuba, Jos. She was macheted to death, And, as an added heartbreak, her assassins kidnapped her son.

As if to pour petrol on a raging wild fire, the cruel assassins are asking for the sum of N100m to release the kidnapped young man.

Reacting to Godos gruesome murder, a colleague of hers lamented: “She crossed oceans and seas, and drowned in a flood.

He is correct.

Godos was one of the officers who went for a United Nations Peace Keeping Tour of Duty. Known for her dedication to her job, even though she was from Nasarawa State, she opted to settle in

Plateau State,on retirement.

She had separated from her husband, and so wanted a quiet life, and especially, to enjoy her retirement.

Colleagues say it was one of the reasons she chose to build her house in the Bassa Area, near Rukuba, Jos, a sparsely, quiet built-up area.

Sadly, instead of peace, she suffered a violent death.

According to witnesses, her body was taken to NAF Hospital, Jos, by officers and men of the Operation Safe Heaven, who met her in the pool of her blood.

The NAF authorities in Jos are said to be working round the clock to unravel Godos murder, and are on the trail of her assassins.

At the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from either the NAF or the Plateau State Police Command.

Wike Seals Atiku’s Campaign Office In Porthacourt

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The Source
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Wike sealed Atiku Campaign office in Porthacourt

By Charles Igbo

Rivers State Government has sealed the Presidential Campaign Office of Atiku Abubakar, the Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the February 25, 2023 General elections.

The Office, located at the Government Reserved Area, Porthacourt, was sealed by Government officials in the early hours of Friday, 23rd December, 2022.

To seal the office, the Government cited Executive Order 22, signed by the Governor, Nyesom Wike. which prohibits Political Parties from siting their offices at residential areas without Government permission.

However, PDP Presidential Campaign Council in Rivers State said it had, for weeks, applied to the Government for permission, but received no response till date.

It said the Government’s action, “rubs off on its fundamental rights to free expression of interest.”

It added that: “This egregious move by the Rivers State Government, seen in the prism of politics, tends to militarise our democracy, and renders our dear State politically recessive when juxtaposed with other States in the Country.”

For the records, Rivers State is a PDP State. But Governor  Wike has been at loggerheads with the Party Leadership, represented by the National Chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, and the Presidential candidate, Atiku.

Trouble started when Atiku defeated Wike at the Presidential Primary to clinch the Presidential ticket, and also by-passed him and picked Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, as his running mate.

Since then, Wike has remained inconsolable. He is the leader of four other PDP Governors – Samuel Ortom, Benue, Okezie Ikpeazu, Abia, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Enugu, Seye Makinde, Oyo – and a few other Stakeholders, who are insisting that Ayu steps down as National Chairman of the Party.

They argue that it is unfair for both the Chairman and the Candidate to come from the same area – North. They want Ayu to step down for a Southerner, preferably, from the South-west. However the    question to Wike from not a few people is: if he would asked Ayu to step down if he, Wike, had been chosen as Atiku’s running mate.

For months, Wike and his group, formerly known as G-5, but now, Integrity Group, have refused to participate in all PDP activities, including the Presidential Campaign. They have also made it clear, almost, that they would neither vote for Atiku, nor encourage their subjects to do so.

For Wike, any supporter of Atiku is an enemy. Not a few people see the sealing of Atiku’s Presidential Office in Port Harcourt as an extension of the fight against Atiku’s Presidential bid by Wike.

A few days ago, Wike said he would tell Nigerians the Presidential candidate of his choice and direct his people what to do. For good measure, he added: “I will campaign for him nationwide, and nothing will happen.”

Obi To Niger Delta Stakeholders: Nigeria Has Been Unfair To The Region

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The Source
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Peter Obi

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi  took his national campaign tour to Bayelsa State on Friday declaring to Niger Deltans that Nigeria has been unfair to them.

He, however, made a concrete promise that if elected President on February 25, 2023, he will use oil money to rebuild the region.

“Going round the  entire Niger Delta and Bayelsa state in particularly, I stand here to say that Nigeria has not been  fair to the Niger Delta region”

Obi’s position came when he addressed Niger Delta critical stakeholders that comprised traditional  Obidient youths in the area, Christian Association of Nigeria CAN, Pan Niger Delta Forum PANDEF, among others in Yenogoa, Bayeslsa state capital.

On the increasing case of crude oil theft in the region, the LP Presidential flag bearer said, “The oil theft in the Niger Delta is done by government people and their collaborators. Common people don’t own  vessels, you don’t put oil in your pocket. But all these things will stop when you put the right people, people with competence and commitment in government.

The former Anambra State Governor also spoke on the East/ West Road saying, “The East- West  road was flagged of since 1970 by the Federal Government and after 52 years they can’t complete it. I am coming to rebuild Bayelsa and the entire Niger Delta.

Obi who lamented the level of needless poverty in the country said, “We have a population of over 200 million and we have the highest poverty in the world, highest youth unemployment in the world, highest out of school children and so on”

He promised Nigerians that he and his vice presidential candidate, Datti Ahmed if elected will do nothing but to secure and protect Nigeria.

“We must unite this country because we are too divided. We want to ensure that there is a rule of law. We will fight corruption because it is destroying our society. We want to ensure that we remove the country from consumption to production because the country is not producing anything. What they do is sharing.

“Bayelsa state is a riverine area, Bayelsa including all the waters is about 10.7million square meters of land. Borno state is 70.9. So it is 7 times size of Bayelsa state. So is Niger state,  which has more fertile land. But they depend on resources from Bayelsa state.

Obi said his Presidency will make states contribute to the federal purse, because when they contribute we can make more money for the Nigerian state than we make from oil.

According to the LP candidate in a way of illustration, “Land in Niger state is more than the land in Belgium and Netherlands  combined. This 2 countries last year exported agricultural products that is over 10 billion dollars. Niger state can’t feed itself, it can’t export anything. If they will only do they have zero percent of what these two countries did. They will earn 15 billion dollars. And that is more than the money they would have gotten from oil.

“The same in Borno state and so many other states in the North. But they are not doing anything, they are waiting to share from the oil. In Taraba, you can grow flower, coffee and tea. Kenya grow over half a bilion from flower. Ethiopia did over a billion from coffee.  Taraba is waiting to share money from Bayelsa.

“The Federal Government does not know that by cleaning the waters of Bayelsa, putting money in infrastructure in Bayelsa, we can get money out of them, because we would have been making money out of oil and from fish. It is a win-win. We want to change the country. We want to make it productive.

Obi reiterated his earlier statement since the campaign that, “This election shouldn’t be by turn. It is nobody’s  turn. It is the turn of Nigerians to take back our country. If anybody wants to talk about turn, I have the right to talk about turn, but I am not running on turn. I am an Igbo man. I am proud to be an Igbo man but am in this race as a Nigerian carrying a pan-Nigeria ticket.

Fake Caesarean Doctor Arrested In Ondo

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Court
The Law

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Police Command has arrested a fake medical doctor running a clinic in Odigbo local government area of the state.

Public Relations Officer of the command, Funmilayo Odulami – Omissnya, disclosed on Friday that the suspect was nabbed after carrying out surgery on a pregnant woman at his clinic in Orita Ojo.

The police spokesperson explained that “On 20th December, 2022, one Mr. Rabiu Olalekan ‘m’ who has been parading himself as a Medical Doctor and CMD of Iremide Private Hospital, Orita Ojo, in Odigbo Local Government Area was arrested by team of Special Intervention Squad when a report of unprofessionalism was reported against him.

“The suspect carried out a caesarean surgery on a pregnant woman (name withheld) who was later rushed to Mother and Child Hospital due to excessive bleeding from her private part.

“It was discovered that the self-acclaimed Doctor stitched the womb and the urinary tract together.

“During investigation, it was discovered that the suspect is not a Medical Doctor but attended School of Health Technology, Ijebu-Ode where he studied Community Health Extension Worker and has been deceiving the people with being a Medical Doctor.

“He also claimed he invited one Dr. Bayo to help him carryout the caesarean section on the victim, but he does not know the address or contact of the said Doctor as he has lost his phone which was the only means of communicating with the Doctor. He will soon be arraigned in court.”

The Command also arrested other suspects, as explained by the image maker : “On 10th December, 2022, a case of Murder was reported against one Ebine Adeleke ‘m’ Aged 40, at the Police Station.

“Information has it that the suspect and one Surulere Ajayi ‘m’ Aged 32, now deceased ensued in an argument and the suspect became agitated, brought out a knife and stabbed the victim to death.

“On the same vein, on 18th December, 2022, one Abegunde Sarah ‘f’ Aged 50, and Agartha Dare ‘f’ Aged 86 both of the same compound were involved in a fight, the suspect Abegunde Sarah pressed throat of Agartha and pushed her, immediately the deceased became unconscious and died on the spot.

“On 18th December, 2022, at 1100hrs, the Police got an information that vandals were at the Power Station at Omotosho, Ore, who were trying to remove cables from an electric transformer.

“Immediately Policemen attached to the Power Station engaged the vandals and one Aderemi Okiki ‘m’ Aged 21 was arrested.

“During interrogation he confessed that they were three (3) who came for the operation but the others escaped. He also mentioned one Alhaji Magari ‘m’ Aged 57 as the receiver of their stolen goods.

“Items recovered are:  a sack containing cable wires and two cutlasses.

Effort is ongoing to arrest others suspect who are on the run.

The suspect will soon be charged to Court.”

Ondo Gets Third University As State Polytechnic Upgraded

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State government has resolved to upgrade its only polytechnic to a university status.

The institution, named after the late business mogul, Rufus Giwa is located in Owo.

Already the State Government has set up a seven-member committee to facilitate the upgrade of the Polytechnic, to University of Management Sciences and Technology.

Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Pastor Femi Agagu disclosed in Akure that the state executive council took the decision to convert Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo to a University in line with the Federal Government’s directive that all Polytechnic should either be converted into a University or be affiliated to an existing University.

According to Pastor Agagu, the seven-member committee is chaired by Professor Micheal Favorite, while Mr. Gani Ogundahunsi will serve as the Secretary.

Other members of the committee include: Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim; Pastor Olufemi Agagu; Dr. Olawunmi Ilawole; and Prof Christy Ijagbemi.

With the upgrade, the institution will be the third university owned by Ondo state government. The other two are Adekunle Ajasin University, (AAU) Akungba,  Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology,  Okitipupa.

In another development, the state executive council at its last meeting approved monarchs for five communities.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Akinwumi Sowore disclosed that the council approved warrant chiefs for Igbesi Oloto in Okitipupa local government and Ojuala in Ese Odo local government areas.

The council also approved the appointment of new Alaaye of Aye.

“The council approved the stool of Akunu in Akoko, the Chieftaincy title is Oluwade. All these approvals were given by the council transmission to the ministry for appointments of both the Obas and warrant chiefs.

“It is a landmark achievement for us at the ministry after proper endorsement and clearance from the ministry of Justice.

“The Government is committed to further approval of the chieftaincy in the state as we have massive installation already going on.”

Oodua Nation Agitators Are Day Dreaming, Southwest Believes In Presidency –  Gov Akeredolu

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Despite rising hope on possible creation of Oodua Nation, Ondo state Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has declared that Oodua nation is dead on arrival.

Akeredolu, who is Chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum on Friday warned those agitating for Oodua Nation to perish the thought.

Governor Akeredolu said many lives have been laid down for the unity of the country, vowing that states in the Southwest will not allow any agitation that will scuttle the sacrifices of the Nation’s heros.

The Governor spoke at the Launching of Emblem Appeal to flag off the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebrations in Akure.

The event also had in attendance the  Acting Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola; members of the State Executive Council led by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu; heads of security agencies; representative of the Deji of Akure, legions and widows of the fallen heroes among others.

Akeredolu, who stressed that the country is too important to him and his administration, said no sit-at-home order will be tolerated in any state in the Southwest.

“Those clamouring for Oodua nation will not succeed. People have not laid down their lives for this country for unscrupulous individuals to scuttle it. This country is very important to some of us.

“We recognize the right of the people to protest or agitate. But if the police feel your actions are treasonable, they will arrest and prosecute you.

“It is not at this stage in the history of this country that we will repeat IPOB in Yoruba land. Opportunity beacons at us. We cannot afford to throw away that opportunity.

“We must work to ensure that there is power shift. The opportunity for presidency to come to the south, especially the Southwest, is around the corner.

“We will not sit down and support anyone clamouring for Oodua nation. We will not support it. We have fought for this with everything we had. Nigeria will be good.

“The security agencies will checkmate these unscrupulous enemies embarking on such frivolous activities.

“We have responsibilities now to soberly reflect on the plight of those who have laid down their lives and those who are still laying down their lives for the unity and peace of this country.”

At the ceremony, Governor Akeredolu particularly saluted the selfless and sacrificial services of the fallen heroes who had laid down their lives in wars and peacekeeping missions around the world, and those currently serving, day and night, to guarantee the peace and unity of the country.

Governor Akeredolu also expressed his belief that special recognition and appreciation must be accorded the gallant military men who had been involved in the war against Boko Haram, other forms of terrorists activities, banditry and insurgencies in the Northeast, Northwest and other parts of the country and who had in the process, paid the supreme sacrifice.

He reassured that his administration will continue to work with governmental, Non-Governmental Organisations, officers and men of the Armed Forces and the Legion to ensure an improved welfare for Legionnaires, widows and dependants of departed ones in the State.

The Governor equally used the opportunity to appreciate the Nigerian Legion for their steadfastness, perseverance and exemplary conducts as they continue to make meaningful contributions to the growth and development of the country, particularly in the area of security.

Governor Akeredolu disclosed that the current daring posture of the enemies of the country, which has cost the nation the lives of many of our gallant soldiers, is highly condemnable, stressing that the sustained effort of the officers and men has greatly checkmated the threat by the unscrupulous elements.

“Without the sacrifice and commitment of these officers and men of the Armed Forces, it would have been a matter of time before the whole country is overrun.

“The month-long Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration is, therefore, a golden opportunity for government and the society at large to empathize and associate with widows and relations of our fallen heroes, especially those that were cut down in their prime.

“The onus is on us to soberly reflect on the plight of these categories of people and resolve to ensure that they live socially acceptable lives.

“It should be noted that the major reason for the Emblem Appeal Fund is to provide financial and material support to families of the fallen heroes as well as veterans who survived various military operations with some sustaining varying degrees of injuries that had rendered them incapacitated.

“There is nothing too good or too much that we can offer that could replace the precious lives lost or remedy the deprivations and untold hardship suffered by the dependants of these heroes.

“We must, however, at all times and at every opportunity, give our financial and moral support so that those still alive and serving will be encouraged to give their best in the service of our dear fatherland,” he added.

Governor Akeredolu enjoined Local Government Councils to celebrate the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day by purchasing and selling the emblems and equally donate generously to the cause.

He also urged government functionaries, corporate organisations, good spirited individuals and Non-Governmental Organisations in the State to donate generously towards this noble cause and purchase the remembrance emblem.

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