IT’S FAKE NEWS, THERE’S NO PLOT TO IMPEACH ME – AKPABIO
Dons Eze
- October 16, 2024
I’VE NO PLAN TO LEAVE LABOUR PARTY – PETER OBI, SAYS HE’S INTERESTED IN NIGERIA’S SUCCESS
I’VENO PLAN TO DUMP LABOUR PARTY – PETER OBI, SAYS HE’S INTERESTED IN NIGERIA’S SUCCESS Peter Obi, the candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election has denied that he was planning to leave the party. A former spokesperson for the Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organisation, Daniel Bwala, had said Obi was planning to leave the Labour Party and join a former Kaduna Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Bwala, who made the allegation in a post on his X handle, said Obi was planning to leave the Labour Party following the current crisis in the party with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) threatening to take over the party. Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State, joined the Labour Party in May 2023 in the buildup to the 2023 general elections following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Obi was absent at the party’s national convention during which Julius Abure was re-elected as the party’s national chairman. During an X Space session, Obi said that he didn’t attend the event because the party’s leadership failed to heed his appeal for wider consultation with relevant stakeholders before the exercise. He was reacting to media reports following his grouse with the leadership crisis and speculations that he might defect before the 2027 election. After donating a borehole to a ram market in Tike Pantami, on Sunday, Obi denied the allegation, saying, “No, there is no such thing.” The former Anambra governor urged the people to unite, saying he believed in peace. “Our concentration should be on peace and I believe that we will resolve all situations,” he said. Reacting to reports that he and former Kaduna governor, Nasir E-Rufai would soon be joining the Social Democratic Party, Obi said he was “more interested now in Nigeria’s success today than tomorrow”. He said, “We are always concentrating on the election rather than what Nigerians are going through. My commitment is about Nigerians living in a better society and given a better life.” Regarding the recent hike in electricity tariff for Band A customers, Obi called for the provision of remedy, especially in poor areas. He noted that “everywhere in the world those living in Band A areas pay more while those in rural areas are subsidised”. Meanwhile, Peter Obi, has said that he is more interested in Nigeria’s success today than in the future. This follows speculations on social media that he was looking to make former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, his running mate in the 2027 polls. But Obi, while speaking with journalists in Gombe State shortly after donating a borehole to the ram market in Tike Pantami on Sunday, insisted he was not looking far ahead. When asked about a possible collaboration with El-Rufai, he said: “Well, I’m more interested now in Nigeria’s success today than tomorrow. “We are always concentrating on the election rather than what Nigerians are going through. “My commitment is about Nigerians living in a better society, given a better life, and that’s my concern.” There have been several reactions from social media users after a large crowd welcomed the former governor of Anambra state and candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Gregory Obi in Bauchi state. In the video that was shared on the official X handle of Dr. Moses Paul, one of the team members who followed Obi to the state, the residents were seen expressing joy after seeing him. In the post that Dr. Moses Paul made on his page, he said after Peter Obi installed a borehole in the Sabon Layi area of Bauchi state, he also extended aid to approximately 100 individuals. He wrote on his page; “After the events in Gombe,…
- Spirituality
- April 7, 2024
- 44 views
CATHOLICS VERSUS OTHER CHRISTIANS, AGREEMENTS, DISAGREEMENTS
CATHOLICS VS OTHER CHRISTIANS: AGREEMENT’S, DISAGREEMENTS Vatican City is one of the most important places for devout Catholics, but it does not share the same meaning for all Christians. All squares are rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares; the same goes for the Catholic Church versus other Christian denominations. All Catholics are Christians, but not all Christians consider themselves Catholics. Although 1.3 billion Catholics make up the majority of the world’s nearly 2.4 billion Christian population, several other Christian denominations have unique personal beliefs, holidays and religious practices that differ slightly from the Catholic Church. These groups are called Christians because they all believe Christ (Jesus of Nazareth) was the promised Messiah. However, Catholics and other Christians are divided on various interpretations of the notated word of God found in the Holy Bible. This is how the Christian faith evolved into separate factions and how the Roman Catholics differs from other Christians. All Christian religions are based on the teachings of a Judean religious leader named Jesus Christ, who is believed to have lived in the first Century C.E. in what is now modern-day Israel and Palestine. Following Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, his followers formed early Christian communities that set out to spread the New Testament and their unique interpretations of the word of God. These personal beliefs evolved over time through varying historical, cultural and political climates as the religion spread worldwide. While Christianity was often met with derision or persecution when it was seen as a rebellious break from the status quo, growing numbers of converts from diverse communities forced any naysayers to accept the new major religion. However, even within the ranks of this relatively young belief system, there were some who had opposing views on how to best spread the word of God. Two defining moments explain today’s many Christian denominations: The first monumental event was the Great Schism of 1054, and the second was the Protestant Reformation, beginning in 1517. The Great Schism of 1054 In the 11th Century, Christianity was divided into two primary power hubs: Constantinople in the Greek-speaking East and Rome in the Latin-speaking West. Although 1054 marks the formal break between these two groups, they had been in contention for over six centuries following the collapse of the Roman Empire and the subsequent divying up of Christian lands. Apart from regional and political differences, these groups often argued about best practices for operating Christian churches. For example, Orthodox Christians allowed their clergy to marry, while Catholic Christian priests believed in holy orders of celibacy. Another major point of theological contention was that Eastern Orthodox Churches (not to be confused with Eastern Rite Catholics) strongly disagreed with the Nicene Creed practised in Catholic worship. This doctrine proposed that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father (God) and Son (Jesus Christ) instead of coming directly from God. Although these differences may seem superfluous, they sparked enough animosity for centuries of ex-communication and the eventual attack on Constantinople in 1204 during the Fourth Crusade. This battle left thousands of Orthodox Christians dead and set the stage for continued division between the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Church. The Reformation Sixteenth-century Europe witnessed the next pivotal moment in Christian history, now known as the Reformation. Instead of Orthodox Christians, this movement was started by leaders of future Protestant Churches like Martin Luther and John Calvin, who spoke against widespread corruption in Christian churches. Protestant beliefs sprang from this initial outspoken dissension against the Roman Catholic Church’s practices of indulgence sales and clerical celibacy, as well as the Catholic concept of purgatory and limbo. By openly opposing these accepted tenets of Catholic worship, this new Christian church sparked debates, wars and the formation of various Christian denominations with unique…
2027 PRESIDENCY: TINUBU, EL RUFAI ON WAR PATH, SET FOR POLITICAL SHOW-DOWN
2027 PRESIDENCY: TINUBU, EL-RUFAI ON WAR PATH, SET FOR POLITICAL SHOW-DOWN In an unfolding political drama, former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, is reportedly gearing up for a legal showdown with President Bola Tinubu. This battle, according to insiders, is set to take place in judicial courts over allegations labeling El-Rufai as a ‘security risk’, and in the broader court of public opinion, potentially shaping the political landscape ahead of the 2027 presidential elections. The roots of this confrontation trace back to El-Rufai’s rejection for a ministerial position by the Tinubu administration, citing security concerns—a move that has sparked widespread discussion and is seen by many as a public snub to the former governor. El-Rufai’s subsequent engagement with the political opposition, including meetings with Social Democratic Party (SDP) leaders and a visit to Senator Abdul Ningi, signals his pivot towards opposition ranks. Despite El-Rufai’s significant role in aiding Tinubu’s ascent to the presidency—mobilizing support among northern governors and facilitating electoral victories in key southwestern states—his sudden exclusion from ministerial appointment has caused a stir. The decision, based on a purported failure to pass a security clearance, has left political circles in shock, considering El-Rufai’s influential contributions to the APC’s success. El-Rufai, known for his strategic acumen and international connections, is not taking this setback lightly. A source deep within the Ex-Governor’s Camp, who pleaded anonymity, disclosed; “You think Mallam will allow this tag to abide on him? I can assure you that he is going to clear his name in court.” “El-Rufai is a man who has many contacts internationally and he is not one to allow his reputation to be smeared by the reason given by the Senate of being a security risk,”. Confidants of the former governor reveal his intentions to clear his name through legal action and to assert his influence in shaping public opinion against the current administration as the 2027 elections approach. His past criticisms of Tinubu and bold declarations about overcoming political godfathers add layers to their complex relationship. Having once dismissed Tinubu as not being his preferred leader, El-Rufai’s current stance could redefine his political trajectory and influence within Nigeria’s volatile political arena. It can be recalled that in a Webinar to commemorate the 60th Birthday of Rauf Aregbesola in May 2020, El-Rufai had said that Tinubu was not ‘his man’. Quoting the Petite Kaduna Politician: “I want to congratulate my brother, Ogbeni (Aregbesola), on his birthday. You know I’m your man any day. I’m not Asiwaju’s man and you are Asiwaju’s man, but I am your man any day. Asiwaju and I have differences but you and I have no differences.”It’s also a known fact that Tinubu’s relationship with Aregbesola is no longer what it used to be as both men are enstranged now following the latter’s criticism of the former during the build-up to the 2023 Presidential Election.
AGAIN, TRAGEDY HITS NIGERIAN ARMY AS SIX SOLDIERS DIE IN BOKO HARAM AMBUSH
AGAIN, TRAGEDY HITS NIGERIAN ARMY AS SIX SOLDIERS DIE IN BOKO HARAM AMBUSH At least six soldiers have lost their lives in an ambush along Biu-Buni Yadi road, Borno state. The soldiers died exactly a week after the military personnel who were murdered while on a peace mission in Delta State were laid to rest at National Military Cemetery in Abuja. Daily Trust gathered that Boko Haram insurgent ambushed the soldiers at Kamuya, a village close to Buratai, home town of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai (rtd). A security source said the soldiers paid a supreme price on their way to Damaturu to buy fuel. “It’s very sad; they were soldiers of 135 Special Force BN FOB in Buratai. They were ambushed on their way to Damaturu, Yobe state, to buy fuel.” “Unfortunately, we lost an officer, a driver, gunner and four other escorts, while the wounded are in the hospital responding to treatment,” he said. A local source, who escaped the incident by whiskers, said while on his way to the neighboring Yadi town, hometown of Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, he ran into the scene.“I can’t describe the kind of gun battle that ensued, the insurgents who were in large number overwhelmed the soldiers. It’s by God grace that I survived,” he said.
ABIMBOLA DAVIS, FORMER ABN CHIEFTAIN, IS DEAD
ABIMBOLA DAVIS, FORMER ABN CHIEFTAIN, IS DEAD A former chieftain of the Association for Better Nigeria, Abimbola Davis, is dead. The association, led by the late Arthur Nzeribe, set the stage for the decision of the military dictator, Ibrahim Babangida, to annul the June 12, 1993, presidential election won by Chief MKO Abiola of the Social Democratic Party despite being adjudged as the freest and fairest election in Nigeria’s history. The ABN, on June 10, 1993, two days before the election, got an injunction from the Abuja High Court of Justice Bassey Ikpeme restraining the electoral commission from conducting the election. Davis, a popular Ibadan-based golfer, died on Friday in his residence in the Jericho area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. Confirming his death to our correspondent, the deceased elder brother, Mr. Azeez Olalekan, popularly known as Energy, said the news of the Ibadan-based golfer came as a shock, adding that he was still up to his feet on Tuesday after he visited the Ibadan Golf Club to have fun. He maintained that Davis died after developing a medical issue. “The news of Davis came to us a shock. This is someone that still had fun with some of his friends on Tuesday after visiting the Ibadan Golf Club. “His children are abroad and would host an online conference with the family today to discuss his burial arrangements,” he added. Another source who spoke on condition of anonymity also confirmed his death, saying, “He has been embalmed in an hospital in Ring Road, Ibadan.” All attempts to get the newly elected President, Ibadan Golf Club, Seyi Alaba, to speak on his death proved abortive. Davis was born on September 29, 1957, in Ibadan into the family of Adebiyi of the Agboole Onilu (Drummer’s Compound) at Itutaba, Ibadan. He was the Chairman/CEO of Capital 3 Limited, a strategic and business consulting firm with a focus on retail market development. He was also the Chairman of Books & Sports Limited, a company with focus on film, documentary production and entertainment. He served as the Chairman of the Policy Commission on Solid Minerals set up by the Federal Government and the Nigeria Economic Summit Group in 2005 to chat ways for the progress and development of Solid Minerals in the country during the Nigeria Economic Summit, NES 10. Davis was an avid golfer and was also the President of the Pool Players Conference of Nigeria, a pool, snooker, and billiard game affiliated with the World Pool Players Association. He signed Nigeria to participate in the game at the Olympic Games in 2005, the year the game (pool) was registered to be part of the Olympic Games.He was married to Olayinka Apeeti Motunrayo with children.
- Entertainment
- April 6, 2024
- 72 views
I CHERISH MEMORY OF MY FATHER, CELESTINE UKWU’S DAUGHTER
I CHERISH MEMORY OF MY FATHER, CELESTINE UKWU’S DAUGHTER Barrister Cynthia Chikwado Ukwu, the only child of highlife music legend Celestine Ukwu, shares her experiences and plans regarding her father’s legacy in an interview with Fred Iwenjora. Born on December 27, 1977, Cynthia came to understand her identity as the daughter of Celestine Ukwu around the age of 11. She began hearing stories about her father’s renowned contributions to highlife music, often from various people, including family members and her father’s friends like Uncle Buzuzu Mogbo. Despite never having met her father, these stories and resemblances to him left a lasting impression on her. While she was initially very interested in music as she grew up, Cynthia eventually found other passions in life, although she still cherishes her father’s music deeply. She often sings her father’s songs, with “Ije Enu” being a favorite that resonates with her due to its philosophical depth. Cynthia expresses her fascination with her father’s wisdom, passion for music, and the moral values embedded in his songs. She feels his presence whenever his music plays and recognizes similarities in their character traits. Over time, her love and pride for her father have deepened as she matures and understands more about his legacy. Regarding the benefits of being Celestine Ukwu’s daughter, Cynthia considers it all as gain. His name has opened doors for her and endeared her to many. She proudly displays his photos as her phone screensaver and profile pictures, with his music as her ringtone, feeling a profound connection to him through these. Speaking about her mother, Mrs. Josephine Uzoyibo Ukwu, Cynthia describes her as managing her life well. After her father’s death, her mother remarried but later returned to Cynthia when that marriage ended. Cynthia acknowledges the strength of her mother, who often shares memories of Celestine Ukwu’s caring and family-oriented nature. To immortalize her father’s name, Cynthia founded the Celestine Ukwu Memorial Foundation after graduating from ESUT Faculty of Law. The foundation aims to promote everything related to Celestine Ukwu and celebrate his contributions to music. They plan to host the Celestine Ukwu Memorial Symposium 2024 on May 7, the 47th anniversary of his death. The symposium will feature an academic paper on Celestine Ukwu’s music and philosophy, delivered by a music scholar. Live music performances by his surviving musical associates are also planned. Cynthia hopes to secure the support or sponsorship of Governor Peter Mba of Enugu State for the event, as it would be an honor to have him host the occasion.The foundation is seeking support to make the event a memorable celebration of Celestine Ukwu’s enduring legacy.
FG UNVEILS NEW NATIONAL ID WITH PAYMENT, SOCIAL SERVICE FEATURES
FG UNVEILS NEW NATIONAL ID WITH PAYMENT, SOCIAL SERVICE FEATURES The Federal Government, through the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS), has launched an innovative identity solution with payment functionality for all types of social and financial services to be powered by AfriGO, a national domestic card scheme. A statement signed by the Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, Kayode Adegoke, said the National ID card, layered with verifiable National Identity features, is backed by the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, which mandates NIMC to enrol and issue a General Multipurpose Card (GMPC) to Nigerians and legal residents. The card, according to the statement, will address the demand for physical identification enabling cardholders to prove their identity, access government and private social services, facilitate financial inclusion for disenfranchised Nigerians, empower citizens, as well as encourage increased participation in nation-building. “Only registered citizens and legal residents with the National Identification Number (NIN) will be eligible to request the card. “The card, which will be produced according to ICAO standards, is positioned as the country’s default national identity card. In addition to this functionality, cardholders will also be able to use the cards as debit or prepaid cards by linking same to bank accounts of their choice. “The card shall enable eligible persons especially those financially excluded from social and financial services have access to multiple government intervention programs. “In line with data protection regulation and public interest, NIMC remains committed to protecting cardholders’ personal data and will ensure compliance with international standards on data security protocols as security features that protect the confidentiality and safety of users’ information,” it said. The key features of the card will include Machine-readable Zone (MRZ) in conformity with ICAO for e-passport information, identity card Issue Date and document number in line with ICAO standards. The card will also have additional features, including travel, health insurance information, microloans, agriculture, food stamps, transport, and energy subsidies, etc. Nigeria’s quick response code (NQR) contains the national identification number.Other features are biometric authentication, such as fingerprint and pictures, as the primary medium for identity verification through the data on the card chip, an offline capability that allows transactions in areas with limited network coverage or zero infrastructure connectivity.
HIKE IN ELECTRICITY TARIFF INSENSITIVE, INHUMAN – REPS MINORITY CAUCUS
HIKE IN ELECTRICITY TARIFF INSENSITIVE, INHUMAN – REPS MINORITY CAUCUS The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives says the hike in electricity tariffs across the country by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is insensitive, inhuman, and uncalled for. Representative Kingsley Chinda, the minority leader of the House of Representatives, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja. He said such an abrupt hike placed an unbearable burden on the already strained populace, exacerbating economic hardships and widening the chasm of inequality among the citizenry. “Such a hike, which is over 200 percent above the rate of inflation, utterly disregards the plight of ordinary citizens, who are grappling with the adverse effects of the removal of oil subsidies. He said that the citizenry had been faced with galloping inflation, unemployment, and inadequate access to basic amenities. *We note that in the immediate aftermath of the announcement of the tariff hike, NERC claimed that the hike affects only 12 percent of electricity consumers who enjoy a minimum of 20 hours of electricity a day. “The truth has become so stark that this is a stark lie. The hike, according to data put out by the DISCOS, affects all electricity consumers.” He added that this habitual resort to deceit and outright lies clearly puts the government in a bad light and erodes the trust and confidence of the populace in the government. He said the timing of the tariff hike, amidst prevailing economic challenges, was not only insensitive but also detrimental to the well-being of Nigerians. He added that it further highlights the disconnect between policymakers and the realities faced by the masses of people. He urged President Bola Tinubu to prevail on NERC, to rescind its decision, and to prioritize the welfare of the people. He said that transparent dialogue and inclusive decision-making processes were imperative to address the root causes of the energy sector’s inefficiencies and ensure sustainable solutions. This, according to him, is such that it would benefit all stakeholders and not result in a result in a consistent and persistent increase in tariff. He further called for increased accountability and transparency in the management of resources within the electricity sector. “Citizens have the right to demand efficient service delivery and fair pricing mechanisms that align with their economic realities.“In solidarity with the Nigerian people, we stand firm in our condemnation of this unjustifiable increase in electricity tariffs and call for immediate action to alleviate the burdens imposed on the populace,” he said.
NIGERIANS REACT AS TINUBU GOVT AWARDS ABIA BEST PERFORMING STATE IN SOUTH EAST
NIGERIANS REACT AS TINUBU GOVT AWARDS ABIA BEST PERFORMING STATE IN SOUTH EAST Social media users are reacting to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s decision to award Abia state with the best-performing state in the South East award. Nedu Eleke, the deputy chief of staff for Alex Otti, the governor of Abia state, shared a photo of the prize on his official Twitter page. Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, the honorable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, presented the award to Abia state. After sharing the photo, Nedu Eleke simply wrote, “Abia.” The post has sparked numerous reactions and comments from Twitter users, with many expressing the belief that Abia State and its governor deserve the award. Many users lauded the efforts of Abia state and its leadership, praising their achievements and dedication to development. Some users shared personal experiences and anecdotes about the positive impact of the state’s initiatives on their lives and communities.Overall, the response to the award announcement reflects a mix of appreciation, support, and acknowledgment of Abia state’s progress and contributions to the region.
SETBACK FOR ENUGU WATER PROJECT AS HOODLUMS INVADE INSTALLATION SITE, DESTROY FACILITIES
SETBACK FOR ENUGU WATER PROJECT AS HOODLUMS INVADE INSTALLATION SITE, DESTROY FACILITIES The Enugu State Government has alleged that some hoodlums, on Friday, destroyed several machines and other equipment being installed to ensure water supply in the state. The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Chidiebere Onyia, disclosed this during a press briefing in Enugu on Friday afternoon. “In the wee hours of today, at about 2:00 a.m., hoodlums in astonishingly large numbers invaded the site of the ongoing installation of new ductile water pipes near the Holy Ghost Cathedral in Enugu, where they unleashed havoc and destruction on machines and other equipment,” Mr Onyia, a professor, said. “The vandals were however successfully repelled by security operatives deployed to the site before reinforcement came from the Ogui Police Station,” he added. The Enugu State government has been installing water pipes and other equipment in many parts of the state as part of the efforts to reticulate water across parts of the state. The government, in late March, threatened to prosecute those who vandalise water facilities in the state. Speaking during the press briefing, Mr Onyia regretted that the acts of vandalism of water facilities and other infrastructure by some “unpatriotic” individuals in the state appear to have worsened. “The incessant attacks on public infrastructure such as water galleries, electrical fittings on solar lights attached to water facilities, damage of both high pressure and distribution pipes by hoodlums, have delayed the reticulation of water to the good people and residents of the state and in some cases denied innocent citizens access to potable water with a huge cost on the government for replacement,” he said. The SSG said apart from water facilities, some “reckless truck drivers” have been destroying kerbs on newly reconstructed roads in the state. “The government hereby states that such acts of vandalism will henceforth be treated not only as economic sabotage but also as acts of terrorism for which the offenders will be made to face the full wrath of the law. “For the avoidance of doubt, the actions of these saboteurs constitute various serious offences under the Criminal Code Cap 30 Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria 2004. These offences include stealing, malicious damage, amongst others which are punishable by various terms of imprisonment and fine. The State Government will not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law on the perpetrators of these acts,” he stated. Onyia restated the resolve of the government to protect all public facilities by reinforcing security surveillance around them as well as prosecuting those who engage in their destruction. The SSG appealed to residents of the state “to take ownership of the facilities” by protecting them and reporting acts of vandalism to the state government for “immediate action.” He announced that the state government has constituted a task force on surveillance and protection of public assets in the state. “The committee will be led by officers and men of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and supported by other security agencies. They are to commence their assignment immediately,” he said.Before he was elected governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah repeatedly promised to end water scarcity in the state within 180 days.