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They Hate God, They Loathe Humanity – Femi Adesina

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Haters of God and humanity struck on Monday, bombing the Abuja-Kaduna train. They then proceeded to open fire on passengers of the immobilized coaches. It was premeditated murder from the very bottom of hell.

See the toll of the carnage. Promising lives, cut short. Destinies terminated. Hopes and plans, ruptured. People who committed no sin, no crime, except that they lived in the same space with people who hate God, who loathe humanity, and who despise themselves. Hell awaits them, indeed, the hottest part of that nether region, “where their worms do not die, and the fire is never quenched.”

May God rest the souls of the dead, console their loved ones, cause rescue to come for the kidnapped. And the evildoers? They have their comeuppance awaiting them. “Though hands join to hands, the wicked shall not go unpunished.”

Whoever or whatever they are, terrorists, bandits, it doesn’t matter. They sow evil, and they will reap it. They do not deserve to live. Not in this world, nor the next. They need to be sent to their master, the Devil, and speedily too. They are like the British satanist and occultist, Aleister Crowley, who after a lifetime of evil and repudiation of God, said to himself on his deathbed: “I am perplexed. Sometimes I hate myself.” Yes, they hate God, loathe humanity, and despise themselves.

The rail revolution in the country has been hailed for its safety, comfort, luxury. Now the evil people have come to show that they hate safety, comfort, luxury. They abhor any form of progress or development. They prefer to live in the Stone Age, out there in the wild, visiting sorrow, tears and blood on humanity.

The President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government has taken some right steps in response to the tragedy. The President has summoned the Service Chiefs, and the Inspector General of Police, giving the marching orders once again. You know what he once said at a security council meeting? “Wipe out these evil people. Kill them. Eliminate them. Nigerians love me, they trust me. That is why they keep voting for me. Wipe them out. Kill them. Eliminate them.”

Short of personally carrying a gun to confront the troublers of the country (he did that in his younger days), President Buhari has given the necessary support to the different security agencies. He has equipped them, trained them, boosted their morale in different ways. And they, too, have risen to the occasion. Daily, they are dispatching the evil people to meet their principal, the Devil. But those ones keep coming like locusts. You cut their fingers, they are even wearing rings.

However, there’s one thing we are sure of. Evil has never overcome good. Light has never conquered darkness. Nigeria will win. This country will be rid of terrorists, insurgents, bandits, ritual killers, all forms of criminals. As night inexorably follows the day, and dawn comes again, it will happen.

But the role of some Nigerians in perpetuating anomie in the country is worrisome. Through their tongues. They say evil about the country, utter negativity, thinking they are saying it against the government of the day. I mean even bishops, pastors, imams, commentators, talk show hosts, all sorts. They are engaged in war of tongues with Nigeria. They don’t know that the more they say it, the more evil happens. The cup fills up, and runs over. Let’s change our tongues. Change our hearts about our country. Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. Let’s begin to bless our country, rather than curse, and sow negatives in the hearts of people.

As horrendous as the train bombing is, do you know that some people are playing politics with it? See that statement from the failure called PDP, reducing the development to just leadership by the All Progressives Congress, APC. In such national tragedy? I’ve never seen a more silly, otiose, idiotic statement. All because of power, which if God wills, they may never smell again in their lifetimes? How imprudent, incautious, can some people be!

I remember an interview the then General Muhammadu Buhari granted to The News magazine in its maiden edition. Trying to defend some punishments considered draconian under his leadership as military head of state, he gave the illustration of people who vandalize electricity facilities supplying power to a major hospital. And in the process, all premature babies in the incubators died. He said, why don’t you shoot those kind of evildoers, so that those young babies could live?

I agree. Those who visit evil on society do not deserve to live, no matter what some activists may say. They should be sent to hell, and I join the President to plead with our security agencies: wipe them out. Kill them. Eliminate them. They have declared war against the country and its people. We are at war, yes we are.

They do not deserve to live. They have lost their humanity. Wipe them out. Kill. Eliminate.


Adesina is Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity

Terrorism: El-Rufai, Amaechi’s Confessions Confirm Complicity by APC Govt – PDP

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The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, says that it’s suspicion that Federal Government is aware of the whereabouts of the gangs terrorizing the country  and killing and kidnapping innocent citizens in their thousands, has been confirmed by both the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai and Minister for Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.

In the wake of the fatal bombing of an Abuja-Kaduna bound Train on Monday, March 28, 2022, an angry and frustrated El-Rufai said the Security Agencies knew exactly where the terrorists are, monitors their telephones and even talks with them, but are reluctant to storm their abode and take them out.

In the same vein, Amaechi disclosed that if he was not frustrated by approving authorities over his Ministry’s request for the sum of three billion Naira to install security equipment along the rail track, the tragedy which befell the Nation could have been avoided.

However, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP said the two have only confirmed  what the Party always suspected – complicity of the Federal Government.

PDP: “These revelations from high-ranking APC officials who are in the position to know, is troubling as they are unequivocal confirmation that APC leaders are in league with terrorists”

Following hereunder is the full text of the PDP statement.

“The public confession by the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai authenticates the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s position that the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration knows the whereabouts and plans of the terrorists ravaging our nation but deliberately refuse to act.

“Also, the revelation by the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, that some members of the APC-led Federal Executive Council frustrated his request to install security surveillance equipment to avert terrorist attack on the Kaduna-Abuja rail track confirms that the APC administration has been creating safety nets for terrorists to freely operate in our country.

“In exposing the APC government which he is part of, Mallam el-Rufai said, “we know where their camps are, we know where they are, the SSS has their phone numbers, they listen to them and they give me report…”

“In his own confession, the Minister of Transportation said ‘We knew what the problems will be. We knew we needed to have digital security equipment…I warned that lives will be lost and now lives are lost… When you come with sincerity to government and your colleagues are stopping you, it is annoying’.

“These revelations from high-ranking APC public officials who are in the position to know is troubling as they are unequivocal confirmation that APC leaders are in league with terrorists.

“It is therefore not surprising that President Muhammadu Buhari insists on retaining a self-confessed terrorist apologist, Dr. Isa Pantami to continue to head the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy which is indispensable in any meaningful fight against terrorism in the country.

“Nigerians will recall that the PDP has variously and consistently requested for a total overhaul and change of guard at the Ministry of Communications, which advice, like every other from Nigerians have been ignored, arising from the culture of arrogance in failure of the APC.

“The fact that the Buhari-led government atrociously refused to act despite having full intelligence on the whereabouts as well as the plans of the terrorists confirms grave complicity and conspiracy against our nation at the very top level of the APC government’s security command and control coordination structure.

“It also confirms that the APC government has conceded sovereignty over a part of our country to terrorists who, as a former APC leader confessed, were brought from neighboring countries by the APC as ‘political mercenaries’ to rig the 2019 general elections.

“That informs why the APC is deliberately suppressing information and exposing our brave and gallant armed forces to harm’s way while watching innocent Nigerians perish in the hands of terrorists.

“This is consistent with the character of the APC administration which places low or no premium on the lives of Nigerians as evidenced in the huge number of our compatriots killed since the APC took over governance in 2015. To the APC government; every Nigerian is a dot in circle which is considered inconsequential.

“This also apparently reveals why the APC administration has refused to adequately seek or accept assistance from foreign nations, even when offered, to track and plug sources of funding for terrorism in our country.

“In any case, Nigerians can recall how ahead of the 2019 elections, Governor el-Rufai declared that “those that are calling for anyone to come and intervene in Nigeria, we are waiting for the persons that will come and intervene, they will go back in body bags”. The question to ask is, who were those that el-Rufai had in mind will implement his body bag threat?

“It is clear that the APC is complicit in the many acts of terrorism in our country. Nigerians should therefore be united in ensuring that the APC is voted out of power in 2023 so that our nation can breathe a new lease of life.”

Train Attack: Government Officials Make Billions Of Naira From These Attacks – Shehu Sani

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By Uche Mbah

Former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani,  says some  Government officials are making money out of the incessant attacks by terrorists.  He says they make billions of  Naira out of the misfortune of others.

Reacting to the fatal  bomb on the Abuja-Kaduna bound Train by Terrorists, Sani said  some Government officials are already carrying calculators to know how much they would make.

The solution: Sani advocated that Nigerians carry firearms to protect themselves.

In a series of tweets Wednesday, Sani said that if the Government and Security Agencies cannot crush these terrorists and bandits “kidnapping and killing our people in Northern and Southern Kaduna, people should be officially allowed to carry same weapons, and let’s see who owns the land.”

According to him, Government should recruit locals along Abuja and Kaduna axis to protect the roads and rail tracks.

“There are 37 villages along Kaduna-Abuja road, if the Govt can recruit, arm, & engage the youths of this villages to protect the road & the rail track, it’ll be cheaper & more effective than blowing N71 Billion in the name of surveillance or whatever ‘solution systems’ they call it.

“Each time there is protest or terror attack, Government officials quickly pick up their customized calculators and come out with figures in Billions and trillions of Naira or Dollars.

“(For) The Bandits attack on Kubwa-Abuja; I’m sure one Government official will soon calculate the damage done in Billions”, he said.

COVID: FG Scraps Use Of Face Masks, To Relax All Restrictions After Easter

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FaceMask

By Uche Mbah

The use of face masks in public places is no longer compulsory, and is now a matter of choice, according to the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19.

The Committee,also, said the decision on when the final relaxation of measures will be taken will be the after the Easter festivities, when the current downward trend of infections will be monitored.

In an interview with The PUNCH monitored in Lagos, Secretary of the PSC on COVID-19, Muktar Muhammed, said Government has already suspended limits placed on public gatherings.

This follows the trend of other countries worldwide which are relaxing COVID restrictions.

Ghana was the first West African country to end the use of face masks in public places.

“We are easing up restrictions, but it’s important we do so responsibly”, he reportedly said.

“Last week, we suspended the limit placed on public gatherings, curfews and other social measures.

“The use of face masks in open spaces is now discretionary.

“We shall not hesitate to remove all mandates once the disease is no longer of public health consequence. We are aware that cases are rising in the Western Pacific and Eastern Europe. The US just mandated a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine for adults older than 50. We fear a reversal of the pandemic situation, where largely unvaccinated poor countries will be made to bear the burden, because the West has developed very high immunity through large scale vaccination.

“Our biggest fear now is the upcoming Easter holidays. If we are able to cross and the cases continue to go down with no significant increase in hospitalisation and death, then certainly, we will lower down our level of alertness and relax most of the measures.

“We are working with data and algorithms to determine our line of action. Everything depends on what happens next. We learn from other countries, but we don’t have to necessarily copy what they are doing. Every country should evaluate its risk and take responsibility.”

Defection: Ondo Assembly Member Loses Seat

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Ogundeji Iroju

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State House of Assembly, on Thursday, sacked its former Deputy Speaker, Iroju Ogundeji, following his defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and declared his seat vacant.

The Assembly, presided over by the Speaker, Bamidele Oleyelogun, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a bye- election in Odigbo Constituency 1, within 90 days.

Clerk of the Assembly, Jayeola Benjamin, had read a letter written by the APC Chairman in the State, Ade Adetimehin, requesting the House to declare Ogundeji’s seat vacant.

Adetimehin said that the request was sequel to the letter written to the party by Ogundeji on March 19, notifying it of its resignation from the party.

Ogundeji, who was elected on the platform of the APC to represent Odigbo Constituency 1 in the Assembly in 2019, had said that he had registered as a member of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The APC Chairman quoted Section 109 of 1999 Constitution as stating that any lawmaker who became a member of any political party other than the one under whose platform he was elected into the assembly must vacate his seat.

Majority Leader of the Assembly, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi (APC-Owo II), therefore, moved a motion that Ogundeji’s seat should be declared vacant and was seconded by Deputy Speaker, Samuel Aderoboye (Odigbo II).

The Speaker then declared the former Deputy Speaker’s seat vacant, based on APC’s letter, and in accordance with the constitution.

He directed that a letter be written to INEC to conduct a bye election in the constituency within 90 days.

Oleyelogun also directed that Ogundeji’s benefits and entitlements be stopped forthwith and that all the government property in his possession be returned to the assembly immediately.

In his reaction to the development, Ogundeji, however, said that the Assembly had acted contrary to the order of the Court.

Ogundeji, confirmed that he was no longer a member of the APC saying he decided to join PDP, due to what he called division in the ruling party.

“APC deregistered me during its registration exercise sometime last year and I have to belong to a political party. That was why I join PDP.

“It is no longer news that the matter is already before a court of competent jurisdiction, that is, a Federal High Court.

“The court had served the speaker, through the clerk of the house, notice against declaring my seat vacant and that no action should be taken in respect of the matter.

“So, if it is true that they have declared my seat vacant, then they have acted in contravention of the court order, which is tantamount to contempt of court.”

Ondo Community Vows To Disrupt 2023 General Election Over Govt Neglect

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Irele Local Government Ondo State

By Ayodele Oni

The youths of Akotogbo in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State took to the streets on Thursday to protest against the alleged neglect of the community by the State Government .

Report from the area indicated that the protesters vowed to disrupt all political meetings, rallies and campaigns towards 2023 General Elections in the community, except Government pay urgent attention in terms of social amenities to the town.

They alleged that the 12 kilometers Akotogbo -Ajagba Road, linking the area with other parts of Ondo State has been cut off for long time and government has done nothing about it.

The people stated that the community lacked good roads, electricity and many other infrastructure as a result of neglect of the Government.

They carried placards with various inscriptions such as “Ondo Government pay Attention to Akotogbo, Our roads are the worst in Ondo State, no light,  no teachers in schools at Akotogbo, no good road, no election at Akotogbo,’among others.

According to them , Akotogbo was the only big community at the border between Edo and Ondo states which has no road and electricity supply.

Speaking during the protest , the Chairman, Youth Group, Mr Nenuwa Ayodele expressed disappoinment on all the politicians voted for in the area in the past.

He added that “kidnappers  have turned the only road linking the town with other parts of Ondo state to death traps as they usually strike daily.”

In a reaction , the Regent of Akotogbo, High Chief Iwalewa Emoruwa appealed to the government to urgently respond to the plights of the people of the community.

US Builds Largest Consulate In The World At Eko Atlantic City, Nigeria

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US Lagos Consulate

By Uche Mbah

The United States Thursday made history when they officially did the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a new, modern consulate building in Lagos, the largest Consulate ever to be conceived by the US in the World.

In a statement signed by Embassy Spokesperson Temitayo Famutimi, the US said the groundbreaking showcases the long-lasting bilateral relationship between the US and Nigeria.

The new Consulate is    estimated to cost $537 million.

The project, sited on12.2-acres of land within the Eko Atlantic City, is expected to be completed in 2027.

“Throughout the project, an estimated $95 million will be invested in the local economy, and the project will employ approximately 2,500 Nigerian citizens, including engineers, architects, artisans, construction workers, and administrative staff,” the US Consulate statement said.

“These workers will have the opportunity to learn new technical skills and safety awareness that will help distinguish them in the local market.”

According to the statement, when completed, the new consulate will“support diplomatic and commercial relations between the United States and Nigeria and will provide American and Nigerian Consulate employees with a safe, secure, sustainable, and modern workplace.”

Present at the ceremony were Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, U.S. Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard and U.S. Consul General Claire Pierangelo.

In her remarks at the ceremony, Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard said:

“Our vision for this remarkable Consulate campus is to create a facility that both honors the vibrant relationship between the United States and Nigeria and communicates the spirit of American democracy, transparency and openness. ”

“Nigeria and the United States have a long-standing history of people-to-people engagement fostering bridges between our two nations. We look forward to the many accomplishments we will continue to achieve together in the future,” Consul General Claire Pierangelo said.

The project is designed by Ennead Architects LLP of New York, while Pernix Federal, LLC of Lombard, Illinois, is the design/building contractor, and EYP, Inc. of Albany, New York, is the architect of record.

People Are Angry And Bitter And Are Just Looking For Triggers – RMD

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Richard Mofe Damijo RMD

By Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD)

My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their lives, the wounded and those who will be traumatised by this incident for a long time. At this time last year I was on this same train to kaduna and we talked about how unsafe life is and the risks we were taking. We are the lucky ones.

Again a month ago I was on the Lagos /Ibadan train and it was the same spectre of death and attacks that plagued our minds. This is not to disregard the comfort and timeliness of the train ride and how desirable it is.

A few weeks later we heard reports of the same train breaking down on the tracks due to lack of Diesel. Again I was lucky that this didn’t happen to me. Point is, it could be anyone any day. On the road, at the airport, train station, no where is safe anymore.

This is the extent of our brokenness.

If anything is an indication of how broken we are today, then the shameful storming of the pitch and destruction of the MKO national stadium abuja, is a clear indication. People are angry and bitter and are just looking for triggers. And boy! they are plenty.

See the initial reactions to the quite clear tweet of the young doctor who died from gunshot wounds from the train and you will see that we’ve also lost our humanity.

Nothing surprises and shocks us anymore. We’ve seen and heard it all. Ridiculousness has been enthroned by our leaders at every level.

There is an urgent need to declare a state of emergency in this country. We are heading for the precipice and it doesn’t seem like we are interested in pulling the breaks. After now it’s a free fall.

The government needs to do more than just promises to apprehend the perpetrators and truly save the lives of WE THE PEOPLE.

Qatar 2022 Fallout: Eguavoen Resigns As Super Eagles Technical Director

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Augustine Eguavoen

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the Super Eagles abysmal and shambolic display that saw it bundled out of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup by perennial rivals, the Black Stars of Ghana on away goal rule at the Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola Stadium, Abuja, after a 1-1 aggregate score line, the Technical Director and Adviser of the team, Augustine Eguavoen has resigned his position.

It was gathered that the former Super Eagles player rendered his resignation letter following the footsteps of Egyptian Coach, Carlos Queiroz and Algerian Coach, Djamel Belmadi who both resigned after failing to lead their team to qualify for the World Soccer showpiece.

Sources within the Nigeria Football Federation NFF, said Eguavoen decided to throw in the towel after the Nigerian senior team failed to qualify for 2022 FIFA World Cup scheduled for Qatar between November and December, 2022.

There have been calls from different quarters calling for the sack of Eguavoen but NFF boss, Amaju Pinnick had remained defiant, not until Eguavoen tendered his resignation letter.

In another development, the Super Eagles of Nigeria  maintained its position as the Third Best Team in Africa despite failing to qualify for the World Cup.

In the FIFA Ranking for March 2022 released Thursday, March 31, 2022, Nigeria was rated 30th Best Team in the World.

Ghana, meanwhile, is the 60th best team in the world, while the Teranga Lions of Senegal are number one in Africa and now the 20th best team in the world.

Behind Senegal are Morocco, the second-best team in Africa..

Behind Nigeria are Egypt, Tunisia and Cameroon in fourth, fifth and sixth place, respectively.

However, Brazil is the number one best team in the world, followed by Belgium, France, Argentina, England, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Netherlands, making the top 10.

Others that made the list from 11-20 positions are Denmark, Germany, Uruguay, Switzerland, USA, Croatia, Colombia, Wales, Sweden, and Senegal.

Qatar 2022 Fallout: FIFA Sanctions Nigeria, Bans MKO Abiola Stadium Indefinitely

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MKO Abiola Stadium

By Akinwale Kasali

As expected, World Soccer Governing Body, FIFA, has wielded the big stick on Nigeria following the pitch invasion by angry fans at the Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola Stadium, Abuja, by indefinitely suspending the usage of the Stadium from hosting international matches.

The irate fans had invaded the pitch wreaking havoc and destroying the newly refurbished stadium following the failure of the Super Eagles of Nigeria to defeat their Ghanaian counterpart to qualify for  the Qatar 2022 World Cup party. Ghana bundled Nigeria out of the World Cup to be hosted by Qatar.

The pitch invasion also, allegedly, led to the death of Zambian CAF/FIFA Doping official, Joseph Kabango who collapsed and died of Cardiac Arrest.

Though FIFA had indefinitely suspended the usage of the Stadium, but there are insinuations that Nigeria will still suffer further sanctions as FIFA and CAF are yet to meet to ascertain further sanctions to be meted out to the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF for failing to provide adequate security for the game.

It would be recalled that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Committee, in May 2006, sanctioned Nigeria with a $5,000 for poor crowd control at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna, where the Super Eagles hosted Egypt in a Gabon 2017 African Nations Cup qualifier in March.

The organisers of the match allowed a crowd of over 40,000 inside the stadium designed to hold 25,000 spectators.

The Super Eagles and the Pharaohs drew 1-1 in that encounter, with the Egyptians subsequently defeating Nigeria 1-0 in the return fixture to stop the Eagles from qualifying for the competition.

At the 2000 African Cup Of Nations tournament co-hosted by Nigeria and Ghana, Nigeria was sanctioned by CAF following crowd encroachment on the pitch in the Quarter Final match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Teranga Lions of Senegal at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

The game had gone on extra time with Julius Aghahowa scoring a goal which fans had thought was a Golden goal. In wild jubilation, they invaded the pitch before security operatives restored calm for the resumption of the match.

Nigeria was heavily fined for that breach of security.