SENATE PASSES VOTE OF CONFIDENCE ON AKPABIO
Dons Eze
- October 17, 2024
- Spirituality
- April 29, 2024
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PREACH LOVE, STOP RECKLESS ATTACKS OF CATHOLIC CHURCH, ARCHBISHOP KAIGAMA TELLS PREACHERS
PREACH LOVE, STOP RECKLESS ATTACKS OF CATHOLIC CHURCH – ARCHBISHOP KAIGAMA The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama, on Sunday raised concern over the recklessness displayed by preachers in condemning Catholics aggressively. According to him, one would think their lives or salvation depend on how viciously they condemn the Catholic Church and its doctrine, traditions and worship. “We call on our brothers and sisters who spend hours of their church service attacking the Catholic Church to devote more time to preaching love, to seek ways of living out practical Christianity to counteract the trending secularism, inhuman and unnatural behaviors, lack of respect for life, etc”, he said. Kaigama in his Homily delivered at St. Elizabeth Pastoral Area, Kogo, Abuja, said the critics seem to be so angered by the presence of the Catholic Church in every nook and cranny of the world, spewing falsehood that Catholics worship Mary. He said, “Occasionally, I see some social media preachers condemning Catholics aggressively; you would think their lives or salvation depend on how viciously they condemn the Catholic Church and its doctrine, traditions, worship, etc. They seem to be so angered by the presence of the Catholic Church in every nook and cranny of the world. They know that the Catholic Church has organizational ability, hierarchical orderliness, uniformity of the sacraments, diplomatic finesse, etc. “Somebody must research why such pastors launch such violent verbal attacks on the Catholic Church. Instead of preaching about the word of God, heaven, salvation, and love beyond frontiers, they emit bile and heap unprintable vocabularies on Catholics. “They struggle so hard to portray Catholics as bad people, not even Christians, but satanic, cultists, etc. The Lord is good! According to the latest statistics, the number of baptized Catholics is on the rise, getting closer to 1.4 billion! Our Church continues to grow without much noise or fuss; no adverts, no promise of miracles, no material enticements, no pull him down (PHD) preaching; the grace of God is sufficient. “They attack us that we worship Mary. We don’t. We only honor her as God first honored her, followed by the Archangel. I tell Catholics that if they accuse you of “worshipping” Mary, without fear or shame, burst into “Hail Mary full of Grace….”They attack us for not knowing the Bible: in their fanatical interpretation of the Bible, they believe the Bible dropped from heaven. “We Catholics say it is the word of God written in the words of men. They say, “sola scriptura,” that it is only scripture that should guide us. Catholics say, that before the Bible was written, the Catholic Church was already flourishing. The Bible was a product of Catholic Church traditions. Perhaps they need to study the history of the Bible: the canonical books of the Christian Bible were approved by various Councils, Synods, and Popes of the Catholic Church, beginning with the Council of Rome in 382 A.D. “The New Testament was written over the course of almost a century after Jesus’ death. The first gospel was written 40 years after the death of Jesus. They need to know that the Bible’s origin is both human and divine—not just from God and not just from humans. When they say, “Is it in the Bible?” they forget John 21:25 which says, “Many other things that Jesus did, which, if each of these were written down, the world itself, I suppose, would not be able to contain the books that would be written.” “They do not know that John Chrysostom between 386 and 388 AD was the first to use the Greek phrase ta biblia (“the books”) to describe both the Old and New Testaments together. They may have not known that the first complete printed…
AGAIN, HERDSMEN ATTACK NIMBO, ENUGU STATE, MANY KILLED, OTHERS INJURED: PETER OBI MOURNS
AGAIN, HERDSMEN ATTACK NIMBO, MANY KILLED, OTHERS INJURED: PETER OBI MOURNS Nimbo community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State has again come under attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen. The attack which occurred late Sunday evening, claimed some lives, with many others critically injured. Sources disclosed that the herders attacked mourners at Ugwuijoro Nimbo community, leaving behind tears and sorrow. Some of those killed were identified as Okeh Simon Ugwu Oruku, Okeh Chukwuebuka, Julius Ogbonna Odiegwu and Gabriel Ugwor Ezea. A gruesome video Monday morning showed a deserted community. The voice in the video cried out that the invaders took the villagers by surprise and shot sporadically at the mourners. Tables and chairs could be seen scattered in the compound where the mourners had gathered, with lifeless villagers also seen in the pool of their blood. In 2016, herdsmen had attacked Nimbo, leading to the death of scores. The incident attracted a nationwide outrage. Meanwhile, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has condemned the killing of some persons in Nimbo. Obi, in a post via his X account on Monday, described the killings as senseless and called for an end to the incessant killings and attacks across various locations in the country. The former Anambra State Governor noted that the area has suffered from repeated attacks, and the government and security agents need to take urgent steps to prevent further killing of innocent and harmless Nigerians. While commiserating with the victims of the attack, Obi stressed the need to prevent future re-occurrences. He said: “I just read reports of yet another senseless killing of harmless and defenseless villagers in Uzo Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu state over the weekend. I find the report very disturbing especially recalling that these terror-mongers have continued to unleash terror on the people of Uzo-uwani over the years. “Uzo Uwani is one of the areas I have closely related with and remained supportive to. I am pained by how these attacks have made the people of the area to live in constant fear of terror and death. “I recall that in 2015, a hostel of one of the best secondary schools in that area, Mater Amabilis, Adani was completely razed by fire, and the students were without a hostel. “When I read the reports, I quickly intervened, rebuilt the hostel and handed it over to the School Management by March 2016. A month after that, the people of Nimbo Community in the same Uzo Uwani were senselessly murdered, and this attracted national attention. “I attended their funeral alongside the Former Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. I helped in consoling and rehabilitating the victims. My heart, again, goes out to the people of Uzo Uwani who have continued to experience these incessant attacks. “We must not allow further spilling of the blood of innocent Nigerians under any guise. Enough must now be enough. The government should show visible commitment to the security of lives and property of the Nigerian people. “Uzo Uwani local government area of Enugu state is the main agricultural bed of the state and the continued insecurity there will have far-reaching consequences on food production in the state. “Security agencies should be proactive especially as this area has become prone to these attacks and take necessary actions to avert future occurrences. “I sincerely commiserate with the people of Uzo-uwani who lost their loved ones to this cruel attack and indeed all the many victims of insecurity in our nation.“May God Almighty grant eternal rest to the dead, grant quick recovery to the wounded and heal our land bleeding profusely from insecurity.
NORTHERN GROUPS UNCOVER PLOT TO STOP TINUBU IN 2027
NORTHERN GROUPS UNCOVER PLOT TO STOP TINUBU IN 2027 Northern groups under the aegis of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) and the Northern Awareness Network (NAN) over the weekend expressed concerns over plots by self-seeking politicians to weaken President Bola Tinubu’s support base and his re-election bid in 2027 through interference in his cabinet. AYCF President, Yerima Shettima and NAN Chairman, Salifu Suleiman, commended President Tinubu’s administration for its achievements so far, attributing them to his dedicated team of ministers and officials. According to the groups, while some ministers and officials have achieved remarkable success in their respective roles, it was important for President Tinubu to remain vigilant and cautious against the machinations of self-seeking politicians. They specifically mentioned Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajamiala, who they said has been instrumental in coordinating the President’s agenda and ensuring smooth communication and collaboration within the administration. “His strategic leadership and organisational skills have streamlined decision-making processes and enhanced efficiency in governance. “The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike has been instrumental in the development and improvement of infrastructure in the Nigerian seat of power. “His innovative projects and policies have transformed the FCT into a modern and dynamic city, attracting investments and creating opportunities for its residents. “The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji Ojo has been leading efforts to improve security and law enforcement in the country. “His initiatives have led to a significant decrease in crime rates and enhanced the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens. “The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo has been driving reforms and modernization efforts in the aviation sector. “His initiatives have enhanced safety standards, improved infrastructure, and promoted efficiency in air travel. Keyamo’s vision for a world-class aviation industry in Nigeria has positioned the country as a regional hub for air transportation. “The Minister of Budget, Abubakar Bagudu has been instrumental in managing the nation’s finances and ensuring fiscal responsibility. “His strategic planning and budgeting skills have helped steer the country towards economic stability and growth. Bagudu’s prudent financial management has earned him respect and admiration within the administration. “The Minister of Defence State, Bello Matawalle has been pivotal in strengthening the nation’s security and military capabilities. “His leadership and proactive measures have led to significant gains in the fight against terrorism and insurgency. “The Minister of Art and Culture, Hannatu Musawa has been promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and artistic diversity on the global stage.“Her initiatives have brought recognition and acclaim to Nigerian artists and performers, showcasing the country’s creative talents to the world”, they added.
ENUGU GOVT AWARDS CONTRACT TO REVAMP HOTEL PRESIDENTIAL
ENUGU GOVT AWARDS CONTRACT TO REVAMP HOTEL PRESIDENTIAL Governor Peter Mbah Administration in Enugu State government has awarded a contract for the revamping of Hotel Presidential, a premier hotel in the heart of the state’s capital. The administration also said it was currently perfecting the terms of agreement for the resuscitation of the state-owned Nigergas Company Limited sequel to a memo by the Enugu State Investment Development Authority in line with Dr. Peter Mbah’s target to rehabilitate, refurbish, and commission all dormant state assets such as Nigergas. The government made these known after the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting presided over by the governor at the weekend. Briefing Government House correspondents, the commissioner for information and communication, Mr. Aka Eze Aka and his culture and tourism counterpart, Dame Ugochi Madueke, said the moves were in line with the governor’s promise to convert all dormant assets in the state to productive assets. Madueke said revamping of the Presidential Hotel would not only put Enugu State in the world map as the premier destination for investment, tourism and hospitality, but would also create jobs for the teeming youths in the state. “It is with great joy that I make this announcement because the hotel has been abandoned and has gone moribund over the past years. However, bringing it back to life will not only put our state on the world map again, it will equally create economic value-chain, market, tourism and employment for our youths,” the commissioner said. Hotel Presidential was built by the administration of the late premier of the defunct Eastern Region, Dr. Michael Okpara, and opened in 1963. It ran as a prestigious hotel until it became moribund decades after. Speaking on the Nigergas Company Limited, Mr. Aka observed that the present administration was focused on reviving all moribund industries to create an economy of scale for the state, and lead to the state selling its products beyond the East of the Niger. He said the approval for the revamp of the comatose company was based on a rigorous assessment of many commercial proposals and models presented to the state, establishing a compelling business case and profitability. On his part, the managing director and Chief Executive Officer of the Enugu State Investment Development Authority, Dr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, while throwing more light on the move, said the demand for medical oxygen and industrial gas in the country far outpace the supply, hence the need for the state government to partner a reliable private player with proven integrity and track record to revamp this Nigergas and take advantage of the huge inherent opportunities. “The “re-engineering, refurbishment, and subsequent commissioning of Nigergas is a deliberate step by the Governor Mbah Administration to provide the much-needed medical oxygen and industrial gas for the South East and the entire country because the country is hugely underserved. “The profitability profile, commercial and investment have been vetted with prospects of huge profit. “We have everything on ground, and our timeline to kick off is certain. What remains is the paperwork because we already have the approval of the governor and now that of the State Exco,” he added. Nwobodo said the Nigergas Company would employ over a thousand workers, when resuscitated.He said the move to revamp Nigergas was one in the series of projects aimed at reviving other moribund state-owned enterprises such as Niger Steel Ltd., Sunrise Flour Mills, and the aluminum smelting company at Ohebe Dim.
NNPP GOVT IN KANO BEHIND PROTESTS AGAINST ME – GANDUJE
NNPP GOVT IN KANO BEHIND PROTESTS AGAINST ME – GANDUJE The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has alleged that the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) administration in Kano State was behind the various protests against him in Abuja. He said in a statement by his special assistant on civil society and support groups, Comrade Okpokwu Ogenyi, that the state government had been hiring people from the streets, mostly Kwankwasiyya members, some of whom are from the North Central geo-political zone to protest and demand his resignation. “We are privy to credible information that Governor Yusuf is working with some persons from the North Central zone and has doled out huge sum of money to some persons to sustain campaign against the Ganduje’s led working committee in his desperate but fruitless mission to remove Ganduje as the national chairman of the APC. “They have now resorted to using some persons in the North Central geo-political zone to demand Ganduje’s removal after they failed woefully to achieve their satanic agenda in Kano State. What is of concern to us is the wastage of state resources badly in need in Kano State for the provision of basic amenities to our people. This is politics taken too far.”“While calling on security agents to be vigilant in order to ensure security of lives and property, the APC chieftain said, “Some of the hired protesters also forgot that they were dressed in Kwankwasiyya T-shirts and caps during the protest to the APC national secretariat, yet claimed to be members of the APC; what a dangerous move to scuttle peace of our party,” the statement said. The state government has however denied the allegation.
GALE OF DEFECTIONS THREATEN FATE OF PDP IN SOUTHEAST
GALE OF DEFECTIONS THREATEN FATE OF PDP IN SOUTH EAST The gale of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Southeast region and other disenchantments within its fold, might spell doom for the party in the zone in the coming days, writes LAWRENCE NJOKU Main opposition political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may not have bargained for what is currently playing out in the Southeast region. The party, which lost control of power at the national level after 16 years in 2015, has literally become a leper in the Southeast geopolitical zone as it is being avoided by politicians and people of the region, including those that had benefitted from it. The mass resignation from the PDP to other political platforms, which started last year, took another dimension last Tuesday when a former governor of Imo state, Emeka Ihedioha dumped the party. Ihedioha had been with the party since 1998. But he announced his resignation in a letter dated April 23, 2024, addressed to the PDP chairman in Mbutu ward, Aboh Mbaise Local Council of the state. The letter read in part: “Since 1998, I have contributed my quota to the development and transformation of PDP as one of the founding members. All these years, I have taken pride in the fact that the PDP is a party that will always look inward for internal reform and provide credible leadership for the people, whether in power or outside power. I have had the benefit of serving and benefitting from the party at various levels. “Regrettably, in recent times, the party has taken on a path that is at variance with my personal beliefs. Despite my attempt to offer counsel, the party is sadly no longer able to carry out internal reforms, enforce its own rules or offer credible opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress.” Operation Follow Your Leader IHEDIOHA did not leave alone. Twenty-five other members of the party, who had served in various capacities at the zonal and state levels, joined him to quit the same day. Those involved were BoT member, Chris Okewulonu; zonal officer, Stanley Ekezie; Zonal Publicity Secretary, Austin Okeke; former House of Reps member, Obinna Onwubuariri; State Legal Adviser, Kissinger Ikokwu; State Publicity Secretary, Emenike Nmeregini; Zonal Organising Secretary, Emeka Nwokeke; Aboh/Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency candidate in the 2023 elections, Chibuzo Agulana and Secretary, Imo PDP Elders Council, Prof. Obioma Iheduru. Others are state Assistant Treasurer, David Abanihi; Zonal Secretary, Mrs. Amarachi Owuamanam; Obowo Local Council Chairman, Sambazz Ihearureme; Zonal Woman Leader, Ruth Nkwocha; Ezenna Okoro, Mishael Ozoemena, Ajuluchkwu Eze, Chimezie Onuoha, Ezeagwula Emeka Sunday, Ikemba Columbus Akalonu, Johncee Nwaiwu, Modestus Ezekwe, Marcel Nwankwo, Ozioma Agu, Emma Nwaebo, among others. A day after the resignation of Ihedioha, the State Chairman of the party, Chief Charles Ugwu, also resigned. Aside from the state chairman, former Deputy Governor, Gerald Irona; former Vice Chancellor, Prof. Placid Njoku; former lawmaker, Ikenga Mayor Eze, former Chief of Staff, Vin Udokwu; Youth Leader, Anozie Udenwa; state Assembly candidates, Unachukwu John and Pius Omah also left the party. Others include former commissioner, Sly Enwerem; Nkiruka Ibekwe, Martin Opara, Ann Njoku, Angus Okorie, Edward Ezeh, Ben Mere, MacDonald Enwerem, Chibuike Maduike and Ike Uche. There were also Jonathan Onyeneke, Getrude Iloemeh, Chidi Ugochukwu, Goddy Nwabekee, Chisom Dominic, Anselm Ikwu, Emeka Amajirionwu, Patrick Okoro, Emeka Udeh and Okoronkwo Rex, among others. Resignation Foretold THE resignation of these members from the Imo State chapter of the party was the height of the power struggle and silent ‘war’ over the control of the soul of the party in the state that started in 2020. Sources stated that soon after he lost his office to the incumbent Governor, Hope Uzodimna, in January 2020 by the verdict…
MANY ROASTED, 100 VEHICLES BURNT IN RIVERS EXPLOSION
MANY ROASTED, 100 VEHICLES BURNT IN RIVERS EXPLOSION Multiple explosions from fuel tankers at the Eleme section of the East-West Road in Rivers State have resulted in the burning of not less than 100 vehicles and an unknown number of casualties. The incident, which occurred late Friday night, has left many travelers stranded. According to reports, a tanker loaded with petroleum products ignited and erupted into flames, engulfing other tankers and numerous vehicles caught in a traffic jam. While some estimates suggest over 300 vehicles were consumed by the fire, others count over 100. Although the exact number of casualties remains uncertain, sources indicate that many individuals trapped in their vehicles fell victim to the inferno. Blame for the incident has been attributed to reckless driving and the construction company responsible for the Eleme section of the road. The fire burned for several hours before being extinguished by multiple fire service trucks, aided by support from Indoroma Petrochemical. Witnesses reported hearing loud explosions and cries for help, indicating the severity of the situation. One resident recounted, “I heard a very loud sound about 20 minutes ago, and people were shouting. The sound came from the Petro-Chemical company area. So when I came out I saw a thick smoke with fire from a distance.” Another eyewitness, Segun Owolabi, described the aftermath of the tragedy, stating, “I saw four dead bodies burnt. Some may have been in the bushes because many ran away. I saw a whole stretch of vehicles burnt down, trailer burnt down. There seems to be a truck carrying substances and it was as if it had a collision with another vehicle that may have ignited the fire. Over 20 vehicles burnt down and several people trapped.”The incident has been a devastating blow to the community, with widespread destruction and loss of life.
RISING INFLATION: HOW LOW INCOME EARNERS BATTLE FOR SURVIVAL
RISING INFLATION: HOW LOW INCOME EARNERS BATTLE FOR SURVIVAL Low income earners are struggling to meet their basic needs amidst the high cost of commodities occasioned by rising inflation. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its consumer price index for March 2024 revealed that headline inflation rose to 33.20 per cent in the month from 31.70 per cent in February. The March headline inflation has shown an increase of 1.5 per cent points when compared to the previous month, a situation that has further compounded the economic hardship facing Nigerians. In Benúe State, low income earners have lamented the untold hardship ravaging their families following the current inflation in the country with the attendant skyrocketing cost of food. Some of the people in Makurdi, the Benúe State capital, said they could no longer feed themselves for at least twice in a day, just as they are unable to meet their basic needs. Tina Emmanuel, an office assistant who earns as low as N15,000 monthly, said she had long resorted to divine provision to get by on a daily basis. “Before now, I started surviving by God’s grace, and I’m still going on that strength. I have adjusted and readjusted such that I don’t go for quality anymore but for quantity. “I get only what’s affordable – it’s really rough and rough. It is also annoying that the prices of food and other essential commodities are steadily on the rise to the extent that what one buys in the morning might cost higher by the evening of same day. “For me, if I manage to get what we (my family of three) can eat, I will just thank God and relax for that day. I have never met my needs with the income I earn; I’m always pursuing my needs and yet to get them,” she said. Another low income earner, Blessing Orlu, who teaches in a private primary school, expressed worry that her N18,000 monthly salary could barely buy her food for four days. Orlu said she sometimes wondered how she would survive the next day because most times she goes to bed hungry. “Life is hard for me. I can barely feed, let alone buy any other need. My salary can’t fetch me food for four days; I trek most of the times to work. The suffering is too much,” Orlu added. In the same vein, Lucky Basil, a cleaner, opined that coping with his meager earnings had become a major setback for him and his family. Basil said, “We are suffering excessively. I can’t feed my family any longer. I pray that this government shows us mercy. Sometimes I cry, seeing my children go to bed hungry.” In Kano, the story of many Nigerians earning as low as N10,000 or N15,000 monthly amidst the living cost crisis triggered by rising inflation is that of agony and frustration. They complained that the income they earn is not enough to buy food that can last a week or two. To understand the ways and means low income earners device to survive and navigate through these turbulent times with such meagre salaries and still manage to keep their heads above the waters of inflation and hardship in the country, our reporter spoke to this category of people in Kano, a city bursting with commercial activities. A private school teacher, Mrs Amarachi Ogoemeka, who earns N18,000 monthly at Rayday International School Onitsha Road, Sabon Gari, Kano, said she managed to live within her income. Being a mother of four children who are all in primary school, she said her N18,000 salary was not enough to cater for the need of her family. She disclosed that on receiving her salary at the end of the…
APC CHIEFTAIN SLUMPS, DIES IN CHURCH
APC CHIEFTAIN SLUMPS, DIES IN CHURCH A top chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Chief Obinna Atuonwu has passed away. He died on Sunday, 21st April, 2024 during a church service at the age of 65. The late Atuonwu had attended a church service in Aba; the commercial capital of the state and was addressing the congregation when he collapsed. Narrating how the incident happened, the only brother of the deceased, Dr. Chiedozie Atuonu said that on that fateful day, he got a call to rush to Aba from Umuahia where he was. According to him, the caller told him that his late brother was feeling critically ill and needed urgent medical attention. According to him, upon arrival, he discovered that his brother’s condition was critical and he was rushed to hospital where he was confirmed dead.He added that his remains has been deposited at the morgue.
NAIRA CRASH: EFCC ARRESTS 34 CURRENCY SPECULATORS IN ABUJA
NAIRA CRASH: EFCC ARRESTS 34 CURRENCY SPECULATORS IN ABUJA As part of efforts to improve the value of the naira, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) attached to the Taskforce on Currency Mutilation, Dollarization of the Economy and Forex Malpractice, have arrested 34 suspected currency speculators over alleged foreign exchange fraud. They were arrested on Friday, April 26, in a sting operation following credible intelligence about illegal sale of dollars at the Wuse Zone 4 area of the FCT, Abuja. EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, listed the names of those arrested as: Usman Mohammed, Abdullahi Nasir, Abubakar Saleh, Mohammed Kabir Ibrahim, Abubakar Ghadafi, Muktar Usman, Umar Abubakar Abba, Yakubu Sani, Aminu Abubakar, Muhammed Suleman Abara, Yusuf Tahir, Usman Lawal, Usman Lawal, Usman Umar and Amina Garba Rola. Other suspects as: Muhammed Aliyu, Murtala Haruna, Sani Mohammed, Umar Farouk, Muhammed Sagiuru, Aminu Salisu, Lawal Bello, Munzali Hashim, Jamilu Suleiman, Mustapha Umar, Mubarak Tanimu, Adamu Garba, Mohammed Usman, Bello Musa, Saleh Mohammed Naseer, Zaharadeen Yau, Musa Umaru Adamu, Usman Machido and Abdulaziz Abubakar Abba. Oyewale said the arrests came on the heels of the EFCC’s consistent efforts to sanitise and stabilise the foreign exchange market. He said that the suspects would soon be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigations.