NEWS
IPOB FG Faceoff: Southeast Govs, politicians to explore political solution
By Edozie Obasi-Eze
Eminent political personalities in the southeastern part of Nigeria, including elected governors and other gladiators have resolved to explore political solutions in the bid to resolve the festering security challenges confronting the area.
Governor of Ebonyi State, HE Dave Umahi of Ebonyi, in his capacity as chairman of the South-East Governors Forum disclosed this in a press statement issued in Abakaliki, on Friday, as a prelude to the peaceful conduct of the gubernatorial elections in Anambra State, scheduled for November 6, 2021.
We gathered from the statement that the Forum and leaders said they had had identified some spokespersons allegedly holding brief for the proscribed Peoples of Biafra (IPOB). The group of influential politicians said they were strategically engaging some of the spokespersons.
According to the statement, “We as Southeast governors are committed to political solutions over the present situation and this will be achieved faster if all the illegal “sit-at-home’’ orders and violence by the various state agitators are stopped.’’
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Umahi assured that the Governors’ Forum, the socio-cultural group, Ohaneze Nd’igbo and the Conference of Southeast Bishops and Traditional Rulers were working hard to ensure adequate security in all parts of the zone.
“We thank Ohaneze Nd’igbo for a good job it did through its various committees in raising various solutions towards addressing all issues raised by our young children.
“South-East governors are studying their reports with the elders and leaders of the various Southeast states and very soon we will be meeting with the Federal Government on these issues.
“We are also looking at deploying political solutions in the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB leader, which we have already initiated,’’ the statement added.
On the Anambra gubernatorial elections and sit-at-home orders, the statement noted, “We are aware of the various illegal orders of “sit-at-home’’ by different groups of state agitators for our people of Southeast to sit at home every Monday and from Nov. 5 to Nov. 10.
“We have identified some of the spokespersons of some of these groups and we have been engaging them to stop all forms of violence and illegalities in the Southeast and allow our leaders to address all issues raised by them.
“We are working with security agencies, our local security outfits and our leaders to protect the lives of our people and to address all issues raised.’’
The Ebonyi State Governor commended religious leaders, the Conference of Bishops and Archbishops as well as the Christian Association of Nigeria for their interventions and mediations on the matter.
“We thank them for the good work. We will work with them to achieve the desired result for our people and for Nigeria,’’ the statement also read.
He also pleaded with all security agencies deployed for the Nov.6 Anambra governorship election to secure the lives of the people in Anambra while operating within the rules of their engagements.
“We are aware that the insecurity in the Southeast has gone beyond IPOB. Cultists, armed robbers and kidnappers have recruited themselves and are using the name of IPOB to be killing innocent citizens. We will not allow this to continue,’’ the statement stressed.
He applauded the Federal Government and INEC for their determination to hold the Anambra election on November 6.
“We will give them every support and shall help them to ensure a free, fair and violence-free election.
“We, therefore, ask our people to go out and vote for candidates of their choice as we have been assured of adequate security measures to secure their lives and property.
“We are confident that through our mediation, that of religious leaders, the Ohaneze Nd’igbo and traditional rulers, IPOB will see reasons to call off all “sit-at-home’’ orders including the one ordered for Nov. 5 to Nov. 10,’’ the statement read.
NEWS
Christmas: Shettima Assures Of FG’s Commitment To Citizens’ Welfare
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians of the federal government’s dedication to national security, economic transformation, and welfare of the citizens.
This was detailed in a Christmas message on Wednesday afternoon in Abuja under the signature of the Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha.
According to the Vice President, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains unwavering in its focus on these critical areas, as the country looks forward to the dawn of a new year.
ALSO READ: Tinubu Sends Hearty Christmas Greetings To Christians Worldwide
He said, “In these times of economic transformation, I want to assure you that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration remains steadfast in its commitment to improving the lives of all Nigerians.”
Vice President Shettima particularly urged the citizens to imbibe the virtues of national unity during the yuletide season.
“Nigeria’s diversity remains our greatest strength. Let us avail ourselves of the time provided by the holiday season to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood that unite us across all faiths and regions,” he said.
Senator Shettima assured Nigerians of the continued vigilance of the nation’s security forces, noting that “our brave security personnel will continue to work round the clock during this festive period to keep us safe.”
He said enhanced security measures have been put in place to protect the citizens during the holiday period.
“The relevant agencies have been mobilized to ensure your safety and comfort on all major routes,” he stated, urging travelers to remain vigilant.
VP Shettima expressed optimism about the nation’s trajectory in the coming year, saying, “I am filled with hope and optimism about Nigeria’s future. Together, we will build a more prosperous and united nation.
“To our young people, you are the backbone of our nation. The Renewed Hope administration is implementing various initiatives to create opportunities for you to thrive and contribute to Nigeria’s development,” he added.
NEWS
Yuletide: Adeleke Rejoices With Christians
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has felicitated Christians in Osun State and beyond on the occasion of the 2024 Christmas celebration, urging them to follow Jesus Christ’s example of compassion and tolerance.
Biztellers reports that Gov Adeleke described the birth of Jesus Christ as a defining moment for mankind, in a statement in Osogbo on Tuesday.
He described the festive season as a solemn reminder of the power of love and how it can save humanity.
ALSO READ: Archbishop Martins Champions Clamour For Better Life For Nigerians
While recognising unity and togetherness as an important message that Jesus Christ’s life resonates, Gov Adeleke charged Osun people, particularly Christians, to draw from the spiritual import of the celebration by sharing love and fostering harmony in communities.
In his words, “I extend my warm wishes to Christian faithful in Osun state and beyond as we mark this year’s Christmas. The birth of Jesus Christ is a manifestation of the power of love and remind us of the essence of compassion,” the Governor noted in his message.
“In the mood of celebration, I urge us to take a moment to reflect on the message of renewal that the birth of Jesus Christ signifies, promoting activities that will unite not divide, build not destroy, and bring peace not conflict.
“It is also my sincere appeal that we extend hands of kindness to the needy and the weak in the society, spreading love and generosity beyond borders. That is the essence of Christmas and it is most essential that at a time like this, no one is left to their fate.”
NEWS
Archbishop Martins Champions Clamour For Better Life For Nigerians
Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins, of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, has enjoined all Nigerian leaders to be more sensitive to the yearnings of the people for a better life.
This was contained in a 2024 Christmas Message to Nigerians issued in Lagos under the signature of the Director of Social Communications, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu.
According to the Archbishop there is an urgent need for a better enabling environment to allow businesses thrive in a bid to reduce the high rate of unemployment and the grinding poverty in the land.
He urged leaders to prioritise the welfare of citizens over personal needs in addressing the widespread hunger, poverty, joblessness, and insecurity ravaging the nation.
ALSO READ: Tinubu Sends Hearty Christmas Greetings To Christians Worldwide
In his words, “Even in the face of policies that are deemed to have positive results in the long-term, such as the removal of fuel subsidies, floating of the naira and the new tax reforms initiative, governments must ensure that the immediate welfare of people is not neglected but factored into the planning and execution of such policies. This is necessary, if the people for whom the policies are being made are not to die before the positive results begin to manifest.
“At the same time, government spending must be prudent and compassionate. In addition, it is necessary to pay more attention to the agricultural sector so that food security can be ensured for overall benefit.”
The Prelate described as very sad and depressing the recent loss of several lives of innocent Nigerians in Ibadan, Abuja, and Anambra in their quest to access food palliatives owing to pervading hunger across the country.
He considered it worrisome that many Nigerians now find it difficult to purchase necessities of life, especially during this festive season that should be a period of merriment, sharing of love, food, and other essentials, which are the hallmarks of the Christmas season.
To forestall a reoccurrence of such ugly incidents, the prelate urged governments, at both federal and state levels, as well as the legislative assemblies, to identify and quickly fix the loopholes in the polity that are responsible for the massive poverty and hardship which Nigerians are facing.
He advocated the appraisal of the nation’s existing laws and enactment and enforcement of only proactive policies that would open the business environment, attract investors, and create more jobs so that the citizens can afford their basic needs; rather than depend on palliatives that offer only temporary relief.
The prelate urged substantial investments in the agricultural sector of the economy to ensure the availability of basic foodstuffs; thereby reducing the high cost of essential food items like rice, beans, onions and grains.
“If citizens have food in their homes, people will not endanger their lives while scrambling for palliatives in the way it happened,” he noted with sadness.
While praying for the souls of those who died in the recent stampedes in parts of the country, he also commiserated with those who lost their loved ones, praying that Jesus, the Prince of Peace would bring solace to the afflicted, comfort to the grieving, and hope to the despairing.
“This special season reminds us of the profound love of God, who sent His only Son to redeem humanity. May the light of Christ illuminate our lives, dispel darkness, and fill our hearts with love, compassion, and kindness. As we gather with family and friends, let us not forget those who are less fortunate, the vulnerable and the marginalised. May our celebration be a catalyst for acts of charity, generosity, and solidarity,” he stated.