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Tag: Peace

  • Governors preach peace, national integration, love

    Governors preach peace, national integration, love

    Governors across the federation have felicitated with Nigerians on the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

    The urged the citizens to shun divisive tendencies, embrace national integration and love.

    The governors spoke in interviews with reporters, broadcasts as well as in separate statements issued yesterday to mark the end of Ramadan fasting.

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola implored citizens to put the country’s stability and progress at heart before taking decisions on matters of national interest.

    He stated this yesterday while addressing reporters after the Eid-el-Fitr prayers, at Osogbo Central Eid praying ground, Oke-Baale, Osogbo.

    He called on the political office holders to inculcate right attitude that would guarantee unification, peace and stability.

    From the Government House Oke Fia, Osogbo, where the governor took off to the praying ground, his convoy snaked through a thick crowd of residents, who expressed support for him.

    Many climbed rooftops and stand at vantage positions to catch glimpses of the governor as residents waved at him.

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi congratulated the state’s Muslim community on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.

    The governor, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy,Yomi Layinka, in Ibadan, called for spiritual rebirth among the Islamic faithful.

    He enjoined Muslims not to deviate from the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammed on the essence of Ramadan, even after the Sallah celebrations.

    Ajimobi said: “Since Ramadan fasting symbolises the period of spiritual rejuvenation, I urge our Muslim brothers and sisters to continue to put into practice the teachings of Prophet Muhammed.”

    Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal called on the citizenry to engage in acts that promote national integration and feeling of brotherhood.

    The governor noted that exemplary leadership cannot be achieved without the active and patriotic participation of the citizenry.

    He said: “We should, therefore, be ready to individually and collectively give our modest contributions.”

    Tambuwal spoke Saturday night in Sokoto in a special sallah broadcast to the people to mark the end of Ramadan and Eid Fitr celebration.

    “We must share our joys with the less-privileged among us and should be ready at all times to love for others what we love for ourselves.”

     

    ‘No to secession’

    Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello joined other leaders in condemning the call for secession and break up.

    He said the agitators should channel their energies towards other national issues that unite the country.

    Speaking after observing the two Rakat prayers to mark this year’s Eid-Il-Fitir celebration at Minna Eid praying ground, Minna, the state capital, the governor advised the promoters of secession to desist from their unpatriotic act.

    He added that the government was set to deal with anyone who plantothrow the nation into chaos.

    “Nigerians are better off together. We can together channel our useful energy to other more important national issues that unites the country rather than dwell on those little things that differentiate us.

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu rejoiced with Muslims faithful on the successful completion of the 2017 Ramadan.

    The governor, in a statement, urged them to put into practice all the lessons learnt from the annual religious exercise.

    Akeredolu,who hailed the unflinching support of the Muslim community to his administration,urged them to continue avoiding divisive tendencies and actions capable to cause mistrust among the citizenry.

    He pleaded with Muslims to embrace the virtues of love and sacrifice,as they join their fellow brothers and sisters worldwide in celebration.

     

    Nigeria’s strength lies in unity, says Amosun

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun urged Nigerians to live in peace and harmony with one another, saying the greatness and  strength of Nigeria  lies in its unity.

    Amosun urged Nigerians to identify things that bound people together and reinforce them and shun divisive tendencies.

    The governorspoke after observing the Eid-el-Fitri prayer at the Muslim Prayer Ground, Lantoro – Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

    He advised Muslims to imbibe the virtues of Ramadan during the month-long prayer and fasting by putting them to practice.

    Amosun said Nigerians should work towards cohesion and unity at this period of the nation’s history.

    He explained that one of the virtues of the holy Ramadan is love and harmony, urging Muslims in Nigeria practice those virtues.

    Also, the Chief Imam of Egbaland, Alhaji Liadi Orunsolu, in his sermon, urgedMuslims to persevere in doing good and helping the less-privileged in the society.

    Kogi Staate Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello called on the citizens, irrespective of religious faith, to imbibe the spirit of brotherhood in order to live harmoniously in the interest of peace and growth.

    Bello spoke after the observation of the Eid-el-Fitr prayer at the Old Stadium, Lokoja.

    The governor’s appearanceat the venue surprised Muslim faithful, who had in the past witnessed his predecessors observe the annual end of Ramadan prayer at the Felele Eid praying ground.

    Bello enjoined Nigerians not to relent in fervent prayer for President Muhammadu Buhari for quick recovery, and for the Acting President, Prof. YemiOsibajo, to succeed in the challenges of piloting the country’s affairs.

    Bayelsa State Governor Henry Seriake Dickson also joined others in felicitating with Muslims, especially in the state, on the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.

    In a statement in Yenagoa, the governor called for more tolerance, unity and peaceful coexistence as the citizens celebrate.

    He emphasised that no meaningful growth could take place without those conditions.

    The statement, which was signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworiso-Markson,  urged “Muslim faithful to love their brothers and sisters in other religions and see themselves as one at all times”.

     

    Ugwuanyi visits mosque

    Engu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who paid a surprise visit to the Muslims at their Central Mosque located in Owerri road, Enugu to felicitate with them, noted that Eid-el-Fitr offers an opportunity for both Muslim and Christian faithful to continue to live in harmony for the progress.

    He added that the country’s strength lies in its diversity and ability to overcome challenges despite socio-political differences.

    The excited Muslims, through their Leader, the Sarkin Hausawa, Alhaji Yusuf Sambo, hailedthe governor for the surprise visit, “even when you had earlier sent gift items to us through your Special Adviser on Security Matters, Gen. Fred Eze (rtd)”.

     

    El-Rufai: resist division

    Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai urged Nigerians to uphold national unity and jointly resist agents of division.

    El-Rufai, who spoke after Eid prayers in Kauru town, headquarters of Kauru Local Government Area, said Nigerians should not allow agents of doom to realise their sinister agenda.

    “We should use this celebration to reflect and pray hard for peace and unity of Nigeria. As citizens, we should stand together against those preaching division and violence. Our diversity is a source of strength, and our common humanity is a threat to those, who earn their living by manipulating differences.

    “Let us be uncompromising about maintaining peace and promoting harmony.”

    Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje called on the Muslim Ummah to continue to exhibit the strict spiritual teachings of the holy month of Ramadan in their daily affairs.

    In a statement signed by Commissioner for Information Malam Muhammad Garba, Ganduje said the lessons of tolerance, peace,fairness, justice, love and support for the needy and less-privileged learnt during the month-long fast should bepractised by all beyond the holy month to attain spiritual uplifting, peaceful coexistence and national unity.

  • ‘Niger Delta peace critical to delivering budget 2017’

    The sustenance of the relative peace in the oil-rich Niger Delta is critical to the achievement and delivery of the 2017 budget.

    The Federal Government must therefore, take the current peace in the restive region seriously by ensuring that the promises it made to the people are kept particularly with regards to fulfilling its side of the agreement on modular refineries.

    The Chairman, Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria and National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (PENGASSAN & NUPENG) Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) Committee, Comrade Hyginus Onuegbu, said this was necessary to avoid any disruption in oil and gas operations.

    Speaking with The Nation, at the weekend, he noted that there was nothing in the 2017 budget that inspired hope that Nigeria will pull out of recession, adding that what will pull the country out of recession are basically happenings in the oil and gas industry where there is need to sustain the current relative peace in the Niger Delta to ensure continued oil production.

    Acting President Osinbajo had on Monday last week, signed the N7.44 trillion 2017 budget, which he said was designed to bring the Nigerian economy out of recession onto a path of sustainable and inclusive growth.

    Osinbajo said the budget has a revenue projection of N5.08 trillion and an aggregate expenditure of N7.44 trillion, and that the projected fiscal deficit of N2.36 trillion is to be financed largely by borrowing.

    But Onuegbu said the budget was merely an estimate, and that its revenue targets are based on assumptions hence, “if there is crisis in the Niger Delta, the nation’s oil production target will not be met, and of course, its revenue target will not be met, forcing the nation to resort to borrowing.”

    Onuegbu, who was immediate past Chairman, Rivers State chapter, Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria, expressed regrets that Nigeria’s debt service obligation was too high.  “It’s a big challenge. One third of the budget is to be financed by borrowing.

    “And when you borrow, the reason for which you borrow the money must be economically viable to be able to repay the loan otherwise that loan will become a big burden on you,” he noted.

    The PIB Committee Chairman, therefore, said for Nigeria to avoid the debilitating effects of plunging into another debt trap, the government must take the current relative peace in the Niger Delta seriously by ensuring that promises it earlier made to the people of the region are honoured.

    He argued sustaining the peace in the region was necessary to wad off disruption in oil and gas operations.

    “Oil production is up now, getting to 1.8 million barrels per day; it was very low last year because of militant attacks. Besides, oil price is better this year than last year. The Federal Government should understand that critical to the achievement and delivery of the 2017 budget is the maintenance and sustenance of the peace in the Niger Delta so as to engender increase in oil & gas production that we are witnessing now,” he said.

    Onuegbu noted that a combination of the agreement signed on the December 16 last year between the oil companies and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources on existing cash call and funding of more oil and gas projects will lead to increased production, if there is continued peace in the Niger Delta.

    He also said there is need for oil price to rally round $60 per barrel before Nigeria’s hope of coming out of recession can materialise, not necessarily because of any special aspect of the 2017 budget.

    “As a matter of fact, the 2017 budget should not be celebrated. This is a budget that was signed in the middle of the year,” Onuegbu argued.

  • Is peace a mission impossible?

    A  throwback into history paints a dreadful picture of how past heroes across Africa sweated blood to make the continent autonomous—a celebrated achievement through which the dreams of their children were expected to be fulfilled. The poser as to whether the freedom is attained should rather be left out.

    The reality of enthroning peace in Nigeria has, like democracy in Africa, become a mere catchphrase. An apt description for the 16th item of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria is believed to be a mission impossible.

    To start with, peace is not just a word, it is an act. And “to act” means “to do” or “to work towards”. Paraphrasing Eleanor Roosevelt, it is not enough to talk about peace, one must believe in it. And it is not enough to believe in it, one must act for it. The important question at this point is: are we really working towards peace?

    As you know, Nigeria ranks top on the list of Africa’s most religious nations. While the existence of the Traditional Religion remains obvious, it is a known fact that more than 90 per cent of Nigerians identify with either Christianity or Islam. It wouldn’t then be a bad idea to refer to sources which the majority trust.

    Christians knew that “Nations shall rise against nations; and kingdoms against kingdoms… And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.” (Matthew 24:7-10). Qur’an 103:2 says: “Verily man is in loss”. And to be in loss implies being in a perilous state. Prophet Muhammad (Peace be unto Him) was quoted by Sahih Muslim in Hadith, which says there will be domination of one over the other when the end time comes, and killings without justifications.” So, where is peace coming from? Or will our holy books change?

    Happenings around the world are all clear indications that these ageless prophecies are being fulfilled. Let’s think about the unending insurgencies in the Middle East. Or the various uprisings in many parts of Europe, Asia and the Pacific. How about the never-ending crisis between United States and several nations?

    Is it not confounding that despite the efforts of the United Nations (UN) and Non-governmental Organisations to keep peace, no violent conflict has completely ended since 1922? And now, one wonders if world peace is achievable when the U.S. – the superpower –now becomes the threat to world peace itself. That was the view of John Pilger.

    The sporadic attacks by the Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast of Nigeria, the intermittent revolts by the Niger Delta militants alongside numerous inter-communal conflicts across the country are proofs that Nigeria is at war against itself. And as pathetic as this may sound, the government is yet to truly address the root causes of any of these conflicts.

    So, technically, what we have is negative peace, which unlike positive peace, implies sitting on gun powder. I am not prophesying doom but the truth must be told. After all, the powerful people benefiting from these instabilities have not repented. Have they?

    In theory, Nigeria is the giant of Africa. In practice, it is a dwarfed nation for which superpowers have little or no respect. The African giant can’t even guarantee the security of its own people anymore. Even, toddlers know Nigeria as a chaotic, unsafe, and filth-infested nation.

    There are sentiments and bigotry in the heart of the majority of people. What I call “entitlement mentality” has completely taken over our society. Nepotism is the new item of our national identity. There is corruption in every arm of the government. The masses have no trust in the judicial system. Where is justice in a country where poor civilians languish in detention for decades awaiting trial, while looters are celebrated?

    The people are angry. They are bitterly angry, not because they have chosen to, but because they are hungry. How can anyone explain the fact that hardworking people can’t afford regular meals? That explains why even educated people now engage in physical combat over mundane things on the streets. This is deep! How did we get here?

    Looters are suggesting solutions to corruption. When would these wonders end? Clerics have become opportunists in the holy temples. For how long would the oppressor be shielded against the consuming rage of the oppressed that daily wallow in tyranny? This is not limited to Nigeria alone, but it seems to have been our way of life here. How do we achieve peace?

    Well, more worrisome is the fact that a larger percentage of the people, most the youth, blame the government for all our predicaments. One can’t but wonder if those in government are robots and not humans. It is disappointing that many of those in power presently have once been among us. Let’s say, the reality of the hot seat is more threatening if compared with the enthusiasm of manifestoes.

    Are peace and development achievable when the Not-Too-Young-To-Run Bill gets finally passed? Will those students’ leaders that get into power by massive support from godfathers not pay back royalty at the detriment of the masses? Or how is a 25 year-old average Nigerian supposed to lawfully afford the millions of naira used in purchasing nomination forms of political parties? Shouldn’t we then be expecting fresh agitations in the future?

    Our government’s desire for peace has been made a mission impossible by festering injustice and corruption in the land. The word “peace” would not have been in our lexicon if peace were unrealistic. A peaceful Nigeria is possible if all Nigerians would work for it.

    Moreover, “peace” is mentioned 67 times and “war”, 36 times in the Qur’an. So why not peace? Peace is possible if all Muslims would act for it. After all, the holiness of Christians will (according to Hebrew 12:14) be fruitless if they fail to “Follow peace with all men…”

    The dream about a conflict-free Nigeria is not feasible, because conflict is part of the human nature and therefore, is inevitable. Peace is possible if we all would not only embrace tolerance, but also work together in love. Let us make peace possible in our lifetime. We will be happy to see our children celebrate us for making a mission impossible a reality.

  • Why peace will remain elusive

    SIR: Happenings around the world are all clear indications that millennia-old prophecies are being fulfilled. The sporadic attacks by the Boko Haram terrorists in the North-east, the intermittent revolts by the Niger-Delta militants alongside the numerous protracted inter-communal, interreligious and inter-tribal violent conflicts around the country are proofs that Nigeria is at war against itself. And as pathetic as this may sound, the nation is yet to truly address the root causes of these conflicts.

    Many things have gone awry in the Nigerian society. While the education sector remains crisis-ridden, our roads are still death traps even as electricity supply remains epileptic. Don’t even talk about water! Quality and affordable healthcare is a no go area. Is unemployment a problem to a government that’s downsizing? Citizens are more than competing for resources freely and abundantly endowed the nation by the Almighty. The giant of Africa, now a demeaned nation for which superpowers have little or no respect! The salvager of other African countries can’t even guarantee the security of its own people anymore. Toddlers now refer to Nigeria as a chaotic, unsafe, and filth-infested nation where the common belief is, “No one can succeed in anything without being dishonest or deficient of integrity”.

    Sentimental bigotry in the heart of a wider majority! Entitlement mentality has completely taken over our society. Nepotism, the new replacement for our national identity! Corruption in every arm of the government! Diversion and embezzlement of public funds, now legal! The executives noticeably care less about the people. The masses have no minutest of trust in either the legislature or the judiciary. Evidently noticed across every sector is shameless display of sheer incompetence.

    Where is justice in a system wherein poor civilians remain in detention (awaiting trial) for decades while those palpably looting billions of naira celebrate in perpetual acquittal! The microscopic few jubilate with zealous enthusiasm while the macroscopic millions who groan in extreme poverty, emaciate. What injustice! Yet, we want peace?

    The people are angry! They are bitterly angry, not because they have chosen to but because they are hungry. And a hungry nation is an angry one. What we grew up knowing is, “No food for a lazy man”. But how would one explain the fact that even hardworking men today, can’t afford regular meals? That explains why even corporately-dressed people now engage in physical combat over minor things on our streets.

    How on earth did we get here!? Old thieves attending book launches of young thieves! Looters suggesting solutions to corruption! When would these wonders end? For how long would the oppressor be shielded against the consuming rage of the oppressed who daily wallow under the shadow of depressive oppression? And we want peace! Peace?

    More worrisome however, is that a larger percentage of the people blame the government for these predicaments. One can’t but wonder if those in government are robots and not humans/foreigners and not Nigerians too. Meanwhile, it is crucial to postulate that most anti-government protesters today are either victims from the national eatery or the cravers of same. Their wailings stop once they are (re)invited for the eatery experience.

    And if I may ask, what’s the future of peace, and development when the #NotTooYoungToRun Bill (which has scaled second reading) finally gets passed? Will those unaccountable unprofessional student leaders who would get into power through massive support from godfathers not pay back royalty at the detriment of the masses? Or how on earth is a 25 year-old average Nigerian supposed to lawfully gather aside the millions cost of running an election, a 500,000 naira (APC) State House of Assembly nomination form fee!? Shouldn’t we then, rather be expecting fresh agitations from compounding disenchantments?

    Although dreaming a conflict-free Nigeria is a day-dream because conflict is part of the human nature and therefore, is inevitable; dreaming a violence-free Nigeria is however, realistic. Peace is possible in Nigeria if we all would not only embrace tolerance but also, work together in love. Meanwhile, justice is what love looks like in public. Let’s make peace possible in our lifetime! We will be happy to see our children celebrate us.

     

    • Paul Akingbola,

    University of Ilorin.

  • Long road to peace

    Long road to peace

    The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has deproscribed the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), 18 months after it was banned. The deproscription is seen by members as a special Ramadan gift, MIFTAUDEEN RAJI (300-Level Mass Communication) reports.

    It took time in coming, but when the step was taken, it was well received on campus. The University of Lagos (UNILAG) deproscribed the Muslim Students of Nigeria (MSSN) 18 months after it was banned. The society was proscribed because of internal wranglings.

    The Dean of Students’ Affairs (DSA), Prof Ademola Adeleke, announced MSSN’s deproscription. He said were plans to restructure the group to ensure harmony among  members.

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Rahamon Bello, and the DSA brokered  peace among the warring groups  to facilitate the deproscription.

    After reviewing the crisis, it was gathered that Bello moved to restore peace by meeting some key players, including the UNILAG Muslim Community (UMC). The VC, it was learnt, appealed to UMC to allow students control MSSN’s affairs.

    The crisis followed a petition by some aggrieved members to the VC, accusing the Abdur-Rasheed Adeoye-led MSSN leadership of corruption. They urged the management to dissolve it to allow for fresh election.

    Their demand contravened the MSSN by-laws, which prescribe selection of the association’s leaders through Shurah (consensus). The Shurah membership comprises representatives from all faculties.

    The VC constituted a panel chaired by Dr Luqman Adams of the Faculty of Science to investigate the matter.

    The panel did not find any of the MSSN leaders guilty of corruption. But, it abolished Shurah and recommended a review of the MSSN by-laws. Its recommendations stirred controversies, which led to MSSN’s proscription.

    At the peace meeting, CAMPISLIFE gathered that Bello appealed to Muslim academics involved in the matter to sheathe their swords and allow students to run the society.

    This was considered a major step towards  resolving the crisis. After he resumed office, the DSA, it was learnt, met with interest groups in the MSSN, including the society’s representatives, the Salafis and Tijaniyya Muslim Students’ Association of Nigeria (TIMSAN).

    According to a source, the warring groups agreed to sheathe their swords because of the DSA’s openness.

    The source said: “We salute the DSA because he took the time to study the issues in the by-laws and he resisted all pressures to deviate from due process. He heard from all sides.”

    The peace move was followed by a congress last Tuesday where the group’s new by-laws were ratified. At the congress attended by all interest groups and members of the teaching staff, Adeleke said the VC wanted the crisis resolved before Ramadan began.

    The by-laws were said to have been proposed in April. They comprised 24 sections,  including the general provisions, organisation of the branch, tenure of office, organs of the branch and electoral process.

    Adeleke, a professor of History and Strategic Studies, said the objective of the congress was for peace to reign in the group.

    He analysed the by-laws, while the students took turns to debate the provisions and ask questions.

    According to the DSA, the by-laws were drawn from the Quran, Sunnah of the Prophet Mohammad, constitution of the MSSN’s national body, and the university regulations. He told the students that the deproscrition would pave the way for the process of selecting the Shurah membership and election of the executive members.

    Adeleke said the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba branch of the MSSN must adopt the  by-laws for its operation.

    The DSA urged students not to tinker with the by-laws to prevent another crisis, saying: “To maintain peace, we have to exercise a lot of patience and sacrifice.”

    He said the Shurah would be supervised by three representatives to be appointed by the Office of the DSA. He added that staff advisers would be appointed by the VC in consultation with the UNILAG Muslim Community.

    After deliberations, Abdul-Hamid Sanusi, a Cell Biology and Genetics student, moved the motion for the adoption of the by-laws. Sulaiman Abdullah, a Geo-physics student, seconded the motion.

    Members of the academic staff in attendance included Prof Fatai Badru and Dr Ismail Ibraheem of Faculty of Social Sciences, Dr Abdul-Amid Sulaiman and Dr Musa Obalola of Faculty of Business Administration and Dr Hikmat Koleosho of the Department of Environmental Sciences.

    The MSSN congress held at Afe Babalola auditorium last year ended in stalemate. The congress was presided over by the then Staff Advisers, Dr Ismail Musa of the Department of Islamic Studies, and Dr Koleosho.

    While the crisis festered, students alleged that there were plans  to hijack the group’s activities by some academic staff at the Department of Islamic Studies.

    To ensure lasting peace, students said their views must be sought before new Staff Advisers for MSSN are appointed.

    They said Musa’s appointment as the MSSN’s Staff Adviser by former DSA, Prof Tunde Babawale, fuelled the crisis, because the majority of students opposed his choice.

    A student, who preferred not to be named, said: “The DSA needs to accomplish one more thing to ensure lasting peace. The majority of students don’t have confidence in Dr Musa as Staff Adviser. He was imposed by the management in 2015. He is from Islamic Studies Department that has been having problems with MSSN.”

    Badru urged students to abide by the decision.

  • When will peace return to PDP?

    When will peace return to PDP?

    There is no end in sight to the protracted crisis bedevilling the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The reconciliation brokered by former President Olusegun Obasanjo has proved abortive and the two factions now eagerly await the decision of the Supreme Court on the leadership squabble. But, can the judicial verdict restore harmony to the divided platform? Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU captures the agony of an opposition party avoiding a political solution to its self-inflicted problems.

    Two years after losing power to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is in disarray. The opposition party has not been able to put its house in order, following its rancorous convention in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. Owing to the lingering leadership crisis, the divided platform has been distracted from its role as the main opposition party. Now, the logjam is taking its toll on many troubled state chapters.
    The state chapters are polarised into two: the Ali Modu Sheriff and the Ahmed Makarfi factions. The factional gladiators do not see eye to eye. In a bid to gain an upper hand, the factions are locked in a game of blackmail, provocation, mutual accusations and prevarications. The regression to abusive language and disrespect for party elders who have brokered truce have undermined reconciliation. The National Executive Committee (NEC), led by Senator Modu Sheriff, and the National Caretaker Committee (NCC), chaired by Senator Ahmed Makarfi, are working at cross purposes as they eagerly await the decision of the Supreme Court on the protracted crisis. However, observers contend that the court pronouncement will neither halt the confusion nor restore peace. While few neutral party chieftains are of the view that only a political solution can herald peace, the two factions are adamant.
    The crisis is to the disadvantage of the troubled state chapters as they prepare for future elections. In many states, Sheriff’s loyalists are full of bravado. They flex muscles with their perceived foes as they rely on the Appeal Court judgment, which affirmed the former Borno State governor as the authentic national chairman. Although the faction is in the minority, it is recognised by the Independent national Electoral Commission (INEC). To avoid a collision, Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was said to have directed the candidate of the Makarfi faction for the House of Assembly by-election in Warri South Constituency to vie on the platform of the Accord Party (AP). She won the poll. There are fears that nomination crisis may take the central stage in Ekiti and Osun states as the factions begin parallel preparations for the governorship polls.
    The effect of the factionalisation will also be felt in Lagos State as the two sides warm up for the local government elections. Leaning on the Appeal Court judgment, Segun Adewale, has challenged Hon. Adegoke Salvador to a duel. Both are parading themselves as chairmen. Adewale belongs to the Sheriff’s group. Salvador is a member of the Makarfi camp. An aggrieved party chieftain, who pleaded anonymity, said: “Lagos PDP will again play into the hand of the APC because, instead of preparing for the grassroots elections, they will intensify the acrimony and mutual bitterness.”
    Although concerted efforts have been made by party elders to halt the crisis, the reconciliation has been abortive. The founding fathers of the party now take the back seat in lamentation. The former men of power agonise over the likely eclipse of a once dynamic, strong and promising party. Since they have been sidelined in the past, they have conceded their space to the young and latter-day joiners who are estranged from the vision behind the PDP’s evolution.
    The Reconciliation Committee headed by Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson made some recommendations out of sheer patriotism. While it appears that the Appeal Court had cleared the way for a new convention in December, Dickson recommended an early convention, which he said, should hold in June. Although the suggestion appears to be the only plausible solution, both factions have tactically rejected it. Dickson has urged the warring chieftains to acknowledge Sheriff as chairman, a position also shared by former President Goodluck Jonathan.
    The peace move by the former president has hit the rock. Dr. Jonathan’s stature could not wield the two tendencies together. He mustered the strength to unite the factions, but without success. Sheriff rejected the reconciliation, following what he described as disrespect for his position as the legally recognised chairman. During the reconciliation meeting presided over by Dr. Jonathan, he claimed that he was not allowed to vent his anger. “Jonathan is former president. But, today, as the chairman, I am the most senior member of the party,” said the embattled chairman, who stormed out of the meeting in protest.
    To Sheriff, the peace move initiated by the former party leader was deceptive. Thus, his camp has resolved to hold on to the court verdict, until the Supreme Court decides otherwise. A source said Sheriff is planning to strengthen his camp, ahead of the judgment, which will determine the next convention. According to the source, the faction is planning a fresh membership registration in its bid to control the party structures at the federal, state, local government and ward levels
    Former Presidential Political Adviser Ahmed Gulak defended Sheriff, saying that he was denied his right to address the meeting. He explained that, although Sheriff had accepted the report of the Dickson Committee, he could not act on it, owing to the lack of cooperation by the Makarfi faction. He maintained that Sheriff is the authentic chairman, advising the NCC to embrace the reality. “The Appeal Court said Sheriff is the chairman. We should follow the rule of law,” Gulak stressed.
    The ex-presidential adviser traced the genesis of the crisis to the Port Harcourt convention, which set up the NCC. But, he blamed Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose and his Rivers State counterpart, Nyesom Wike, for the recent botched reconciliation. Gulak said it was wrong for the two governors to insist that Sheriff should not address the peace meeting organised by the former president, despite the fact that he is the chairman. “The governors were not ready for peace. Fayose has said that Sheriff will never be the chairman of the party. The fact that you have immunity is not a license for impunity,” he fumed.
    However, a Lagos PDP chieftain, Segun Sowumi, disagreed, saying that Sheriff is a divisive and destabilising factor in the party. In his view, Sheriff has become an obstacle to reconciliation because he is not a good leader, adding that he sees other leaders, including Fayose and Wike, as enemies. He acknowledged that the court has affirmed the former governor as the chairman. But, he pointed out that the verdict cannot heal the wound. “The judgment said Sheriff is the chairman. But, the judgment will not go down well with the majority of party members,” he said.
    Sowumi also maintained that, although the two factions await the judgment of the apex court, it may not end the crisis. Noting that politics is dynamic, he added: “If the Supreme Court affirms Sheriff as the chairman and he continues to behave like this, nobody will remain in the party with him.”
    It is an understatement. Ambitious politicians who are interested in governorship elections in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun states have been defecting from the PDP to the APC in droves. They include National Assembly members and other big wigs. All of them cited the crisis in the party as the reason for jumping ship.
    What is the way forward for the distressed party? Lagos PDP leader Chief Bode George said Sheriff is the problem. He urged him to step aside for peace to reign. The former PDP National Deputy Chairman said the majority of party members has rejected his leadership, which he said, ended at Port Harcourt when the NCC was set up by delegates to the convention. Emphasising the importance of the convention, George said its decision was sacrosanct and it will take the decision of another convention to set it aside. He warned that the party will suffer, if Sheriff is retained as the chairman.
    But, Sheriff’s deputy, Dr. Cairo Ojougbo, said the chairman was legally and legitimately chosen as leader by the party, adding that he has been exercising the powers conferred on his office by the PDP constitution. In a breath, Ojougbo said the Sheriff camp is not opposed to reconciliation. In another dimension, he said the Supreme Court judgment will point to the way forward. “Let us wait for the Supreme Court to decide on the case before it. Then, the party will move forward from there,” he said.

  • Peace returns to Abia community

    Peace returns to Abia community

    ‘During this peace meeting, we expect the Ogurube to reverse the curse through pouring of libation to appease the gods of the land which will show that peace has returned to the land and the eating and drinking together by all present will show that we are one’

    ‘Anyone who said that there is no peace in our land such a person will have problem visiting his household as peace is in our land and with that we must move forward in all spheres of life’

    The peace that evaded the Ibeku kingdom in Umuahia North council area of Abia State for a long time may have returned, to the relief of the subjects and their king.

    The traditional ruler of the area, HRM Eze Samuel Onuoha Ogurube IV had placed a curse on some of his subjects, throwing the community into confusion, but the monarch has now walked back on the spell.

    The reversal was done during a peace meeting initiated by the member representing Umuahia East state constituency at the state House of Assembly, Hon Chukwudi Apugo who felt aggrieved that the problem of the kingdom polarised the people to the extent that there was profound acrimony among them.

    At the meeting held at the Ibeku Egu Asa Development Association (IEADA) hall, the chairman of the meeting and former commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Emma Nwabuko said that he is happy that all were at the hall for the peace meeting. Nwabuko said that their coming shows that they desire peace to return to their kingdom, adding that with peace, they are ready to attract even and faster development in their area.

    The former Abia State commissioner said, “The Ogurube was so maligned to the extent that things were written and credited to the king without his knowledge”.

    Nwabuko noted that all the members of the IEADA who were elected during their last meeting were all at the hall for the meeting.

    “We therefore expect the Ogurube to use this chance to reverse all that he may have said against any of the sons and daughters of the kingdom”.

    He said, “During this peace meeting, we expect the Ogurube to reverse the curse through pouring of libation to appease the gods of the land which will show that peace has returned to the land and the eating and drinking together by all present will show that we are one.”

    In his speech the initiator of the peace meeting, Hon Apugo said that he is happy as everyone has come for the peace meeting and with the presence of Ogurube shows that all Ibeku people are together and desire peace for the even development of their community.

    Apugo said that there is no problem in their community as the Present General (PG) of IEADA Chief Emeka Enyiazu, the one who the entire people came together to elect, is also at the meeting which shows that there is no problem.

    He said, “The sign of authority is that the PG holds his meeting at the association’s civic hall, all the traditional rulers of our community are here for the peace meeting including our women, so what else are we talking about, excepts those who are blind and do not want peace that will say there is no peace in Ibeku land”.

    “This shows that there is no problem between us in our community, however there are people who have refused to embrace peace for their selfish interest but we are ready to allow such group of people to come back whenever they are interested to come back as their are our people”.

    “There is a saying in Igboland that when a father beats his child with the right hand, he uses the left hand to cuddle the child, that is what we expect the Ogurube to do today by forgiving all those who may have erred against him one way or the other by reversing any curse placed on such people”.

    “All those our brethren who had earlier been ostracized for one reason or the other have all come back except those who have refused to come back, Ogurube did not beat any of us but just waved his hand which the accompanying breeze has made those he had intended to beat to keep turning around”.

    In his reaction the chairman Ibeku traditional rulers council, HRH Eze Hens Ezekwem said that he never knew what the meeting was all about and since it a peace meeting which that it is good one, adding that those who had gone astray are all back.

    Eze Ezekwem noted that since it is a peace meeting that it was the reason behind all the traditional rulers from Ibeku attending the meeting and are happy over the development which will help in developing their area.

    He said, “Whenever Ibeku people who are quarreling against themselves and another problem that concerns the kingdom arises, that concerns their community with a neighboring community they will sort it out first peacefully despite the problem between them and still continue with their quarrel”.

    “All Ibeku traditional rulers are solidly behind our Ogurube who is the head and leader of all traditional rulers. However, I want to call on politicians in our place to stop interfering in the affairs of our community and allow peace to reign and development to come in”.

    In his reaction the Ogurube said that anyone who said that there is no peace in Ibekuland should go to wherever he likes but that the main problem facing them is politics, “As our people who are in different political parties are causing our problem, everybody must not belong to the same political party”.

    The Ogurube said, “Anyone who said that there is no peace in our land such a person will have problem visiting his household as peace is in our land and with that we must move forward in all spheres of life”.

    “The problem started when I was suspended by the state government for doing nothing, as I did not deserve to be so suspended since my hands are very clean and l pour this libation to lift the curse I earlier placed on some of the people of my kingdom”.

    Following the statement by the Ogurube, Chief Charles Ogbonnaya who is the current commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs through whom the state government suspended the traditional ruler, later knelt down to plead with the traditional ruler.

    Ogbonnaya said that he has been in support of the traditional ruler right from the time he was not their king and that their relationship dates back to the time when his late father was alive until now he is the traditional ruler.

    He said, “Your suspension was an assignment given to me by the state government, I was merely doing my duty as assigned to me by government because they had the belief that there was going to be a breach of peace, but with the peace meeting, I will go back and tell [the authorities] we now have peace to enable them lift the suspension order”.

  • Promote peace, NYSC boss tells Corps members

    Promote peace, NYSC boss tells Corps members

    The Edo State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mallam Abdullahi Yusuf, has urged executive members of Muslim Corpers’ Association of Nigeria (MCAN) to exhibit good character and serve members with dedication.

    Yusuf said the advice was necessary to build confidence of members and promote peace in their host communities.

    The NYSC boss spoke during a courtesy visit by a team of former and the recently sworn-in executive members.

    He said: “I want you to take your assignments very seriously. Members repose confidence in you, that is why they nominated you to serve them and they do not expect anything less from you. Let your attitude be worthy of emulation to all and sundry. Anytime you experience difficulty, you need to come to us for advice. We will always be willing to assist you and solve the challenges. If you lead by good example, members would emulate you and there will be peace in your host communities.”

    Yusuf warned the Corps members not to interfere in internal affairs of their host communities, urging them respect people’s culture and custom.

    The association’s Staff Adviser, Mallam Sakariya Garba,who praised the outgone executive members for their achievements, told the MCAN leaders not to deviate from the aims and objectives of the association.

    Garba assured the new executive of his support, advising them to always consult before taking decisions.

    He said: “I appreciate the immediate past executive members for their contributions and achievements, particularly for generating encouraging income for the association. I urge the new executive members to build on the progress achieved by their predecessors.”

    MCAN’s former president, Sulieman Dauda, who led the delegation, noted that the visit was to  introduce the new executive members to the state coordinator and other patrons of the association.

    The new executive is led by AbdulGaniu Raji. Other members are General Secretary, AbdulJelil Seriki; Dawah Chairman, Lukman Julius; Assistant Dawah Chairman, AbdulRahaman Muhammed; Sisters’ Affairs Secretary, Hassanat Lawal;  Welfare Officer, Maryam Sanni, and Azeezah Ayinla, Asset Maintenance Officer II.

  • Senator Adeola preaches peace, love at Easter

    Senator Adeola preaches peace, love at Easter

    Senator Solomon Adeola (APC, Lagos West) has called on the people of Lagos West Senatorial district and Nigerians to remain peaceful and exhibit the Christian virtues of sacrifice, love and abiding faith in a better tomorrow as exemplified in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
    In his 2017 Easter message, Senator Adeola said the season symbolizes a new beginning of hope and redemption for all mankind adding that for all true Christians the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ means that all challenges confronting individuals and mankind are ultimately surmountable by a fervent believe in God Almighty.
    The senator said that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ give all mankind hope of a new beginning and a better future stressing that in spite of the enormous challenges confronting the nation, Nigeria is at the threshold of a better tomorrow.

  • Community leaders sue for peace in Ifako, Oworo

    Leaders of Ifako community have appealed to residents of the area to continue to live in peace with their neighbours in Oworonshoki.

    Their spokesman, Otunba Adeoye Ogundunmade, said the appeal became necessary because of violence in both communities.

    Ogundunmade, the Otun Baale of Ifako, said Ifako was not under Oworonshoki, adding that only five hectares of land were released by the Lagos State Government to the Oworo family by virtue of a 1994 consent judgment in suit ID /390/94 delivered by Justice Olayinka Adagun (rtd).

    The five hectares, he said, were carved out from the 5000 hectares of land in Oworoshoki/Oko-Cole compulsorily acquired by the defunct Western Region in 1958.

    Ogundunmade said the Saliu family, in an October 12, 1994 letter, accepted the five hectares “in full and final settlement of their claim to the land”.

    Ogundunmade said he has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to complain about the acts of thuggery by some people.

    He listed Waidi aka Obasanjo, Supol, Barrister, Sondoko and Nuru aka  Aremo as those fuelling the crisis.

    Baale of Ifako, Chief Sule Kadiri said Ifako was not under Oworo, stating: “There are four ruling houses in Ifako namely, Kadiri, Oso-Are, Okedeyi and Omotosho ruling houses.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, I want to emphasise that Ifako is not a town appendix to, or under Oworonshoki. The two towns are separate and distinct communities”.

    He traced Ifako history to 1765 when Pa Sanni Oso-Are, a descendant of the Oloto Royal family of Lagos, founded the community and became its first Baale.

    “His brother Okedeyi Oso-Are who had joined him became the second Baale . Asani  Oso-Are became the third Baale,” the Baale  said.