The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Peace

  • Journalists call for peace in Esan land

    The Esan Journalists Forum (EJF), an umbrella body for journalists from Esan speaking area of Edo State, has appealed to leaders and citizens to work for the peace, unity and progress of the area.

    The forum, which has its national headquarters in Lagos, made the appeal in a statement signed by its National President, Mr. Timothy Okojie-Ave.

    He called on the leaders of the zone which is politically known as Edo Central Senatorial Zone, to begin to speak with one voice if Esan land must attain a better position in Edo state and the country as a whole.

    He said: “Esan land is one that is seriously yearning for progress and development; and it is time for well-meaning sons and daughters of the area to roll up their sleeves and be ready to join hands together to build a zone that would become the pride of Edo state and Nigeria in no distant time.”

    The forum noted that the zone had remained challenged and neglected in spite of the many contributions of her sons and daughters to the development of the country.

    “For example, we all know that it was Chief Anthony Enahoro, a son of the zone,  that moved the much celebrated motion for Nigeria’s independence.

    “We are also conversant with the political sophistication and contributions of Esan people to the overall development of the state and the nation as a whole. We are hardworking, lovers of  peaceful co-existence and very rich in culture and tradition.

    “Beyond this, Esan land is blessed with various resources that can be effectively tapped to make the zone become a major destination point for people across the various states of the country and even the world at large,” the statement added.

     

  • As Nigeria’s Peace Committee resurrects

    SIR: The 2015 general elections peace committee headed by former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar must be commended for the roles they played towards the successful or peaceful conduct of the hotly contested 2015 presidential elections. They worked both on and behind the scenes to trigger and influence events that later culminated in the historic handing over from the ruling PDP to the opposition APC. We give kudos to them for that!

    With the achievement of their primary objective therefore, one had thought the committee would naturally disband and give the newly elected government space to do for Nigerians what it has promised them at the campaign trail. Alas, that appeared not be the case; as the committee on Tuesday August 11  suddenly resurrected and abruptly paid President Muhammadu Buhari a visit many Nigerians found unusual and unexpected.

    Speaking after ‘the closed door’ meeting, Mathew Hassan Kukah while responding to a question about their mission which appeared to be on Buhari’s anti-corruption crusade, said:  ’I think what we are concerned about is process. It is no longer a military regime, and under our existing laws, everybody is innocent until proven guilty.’ Connecting the dots of events occurring prior to the peace committee’s meeting with Buhari such as the visit to Villa by two former heads of state, it won’t require any political expert to decipher the code and conclude that the peace committee met with the President purposely to intercede on behalf of certain interests or individuals likely to come under the loop of President Buhari’s anti-corruption or loot recovery crusade.

    Unless we, ordinary Nigerians, were kept in the dark about the entire terms of what was called Abuja Accord signed on January 14,  which the peace committee mid-wifed, I do not think that allowing officials who stole from public treasury to escape justice was part of the agreement signed in the event of Buhari defeating the then incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan. But I stand to be corrected though! Thus, for the peace committee’s spokesperson to make the scathing innuendo and remark that Nigeria was ‘no longer a military regime’ is un-called for as it all sounded like someone was wailing on behalf of the bereaved. For goodness’ sake, since when has it become the peace committee’s responsibility to hold forte for those suspected of looting our commonwealth in billions? Which is the import of the entire message of Kukah and his committee!

    The last time I checked Nigeria was not operating a caste system; we are all said to be equal before the law irrespective of class and status. And, as an enthusiastic follower of events and happenings in Nigeria, I have heard and read of how some ordinary folks involved in or suspected of theft of items not worth a million Naira were set on fire by angry mobs. And that is still the unofficial penalty for theft in many places in Nigeria! While I am not a subscriber to or a believer in jungle justice, the import of this is that majority of Nigerians are seriously averse to anything to do with theft or corruption. And, so far, I have never heard of a committee set up either by Kukah or any of his peace committee members purposely to fight  such jungle justice meted out on ordinary oles or barawos! So what PMB’s anti-corruption fight style or ‘process’ typical of ‘military regime’ is Kukah and his committee ‘concerned about’ that is worse than setting suspects ablaze?!

    , President Muhammadu Buhari was voted into power by Nigerians to specifically fight the cancer of corruption. In fact it has been said by someone that should Buhari fail in all areas but succeed in killing official corruption, Nigerians will ultimately be happy for it and with him. I agree with this. In essence, the whole pedestal upon which the charismatic stature of PMB rests is his anti-corruption credential; hence any individual or group who arm-twists, cajoles, intimidates or blackmails PMB into soft-pedalling or jettisoning entirely his anti-corruption campaign does PMB and Nigerians a great disservice and disfavour. And, history and posterity will not forgive that individual or group for setting corruption free from the hands of Nigerians after it was chased, caught, wrestled to the ground, tamed and handed over to the only alpha/Malam Nigerians believe knows how to slaughter it – That is President Muhammadu Buhari!

     

    • Hamisu Salihu,

    Department of Economics,

    University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom

  • Medical college prays for peace

    Academic activities were put on hold for over two hours last Wednesday at the College of Medical Sciences of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) when members of the staff and students converged on Lecture Theatre 1 to pray for the school.

    The Provost, Prof Vincent Iyawe, said the event was an opportunity for staff and students to thank God for achievements in the college.

    He said: “We are gathered here today to return all praises to God for successes and improvement of infrastructure in the college. We also glorify God for preserving the lives of staff and students. At the end of this event, everyone should leave as a changed person. While we engage in a prayer, I will enjoin you to use the opportunity to ask God for directions in your personal lives and pour your heart desire before Him.”

    In his exhortation titled: Bearers of His Name, Mrs V.A. Joseph, a professor of Medicine, called on members of the congregation to be mindful of their lifestyles within the college and elsewhere.

    According to her, bearers of God’s name must live their lives according to the dictates of the scripture.

    She said: “If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior, I want you to know that you now bear the name of Christ. Do not soil that name. Remember that your life might be the only Bible some persons will read all through their life.”

    The sermon was followed by a prayer session, where staff and students prayed for peace and smooth administration of the college and the entire university. They also prayed for peace in the Northeast, calling on God to rid the country of corruption.

    Other highlights of the event included hymn rendition, worship and music sessions. Dignitaries at the event include: Prof W.E Sadoh of Child Health Department, Dr Andrew Edo of Internal Medicine Department, Dr C.S. Sakpa of Anatomy Department, Dr Stanly Okugbo, a Consultant Cardiothoric Surgeon, and Dr O.M. Uhumwangho, a Consultant Opthalmologist, among others.

     

  • Peace returns in Plateau?

    Peace returns in Plateau?

    In Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, renowned for ethnic volatility, the Fulani found a herd of cattle abandoned by armed rustlers in Tafan village and returned the animals to their Berom owner. Also, in Kamam, another community in the council, the Berom chanced upon some wandering cows presumed left behind by thieves and handed them over to their Angas owner.

    Such gestures are rare in the council where suspected Fulani often raided Berom communities often on allegations of stealing cows.

    The new show of love between the tribes has been described as a significant departure from the past when cow rustling could never be traced and what normally followed were violent attacks by so-called unknown gunmen.

    Is the new fond feeling a sign that the bitter rivalry is over?

    The Special Task Force (STF) on Jos crisis code-named ‘Operation Safe Haven’ coordinated the recovery of the rustled cows and their handover to the owners. Commander of the Sector 7 of the STF in charge of Barkin Ladi, Col. Charles Ekulide handed over the stolen animals to their owner.

    Col. Ekulide said, “When the owner of the cows alerted us that his cows had been rustled, we immediately informed the various Fulani community leaders to help look out for such cows. The cows were later discovered by the Fulani people and they contacted us. We then went there to recover the cows.

    “No suspect has been arrested so far; the criminals just abandoned the cows at Tafan village between Barkin Ladi and Riyom. But recovering the cows does not mean we will allow the criminals to go free.”

    The Secretary of Miyeti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Barkin Ladi chapter, Muhammed Adamu said, “Our people just saw some cows wondering without anybody with them; we immediately alerted the STF and they came to discover that they were rustled cows. We had to ensure these cows were returned to the owners because it is the kind of criminal activities that bring about conflicts, and we want peace in the local government.”

    The proprietor of Ndang Farms, Joshua Ndang said, “I have only 59 cows and over 40 rams. The criminals came to the farms to remove all the cows and rams. I reported the incident to the STF, and…I am really overwhelmed they have solved my problems.”

    In Kamam village, where a herd of 53 cows was also recovered by the Berom people, head of the community, Da Pam Dusu said, “I was at home when some children ran to me to inform me that they saw some cows roaming about without the owner, so I came out to see the cows and I asked the youths to ensure they gather the cattle in one place. Then we contacted the STF.

    “We decided to cooperate with the STF to recover the stolen cows because we have been enjoying a fine relationship with the Fulani in this village.

    “We used to hear of attacks in some places, so we have warned our children and our youths not to create problems for us by going after Fulani cows.”

    Owner of the recovered cows, Kawu Muss said, “My 23 cows were stolen by armed men…but because of the cordial relationship between us and the communities, the boy informed the [community] and they mobilised themselves and followed the boy to the direction of the gunmen. So, when the gunmen noticed that the vigilance group was coming after them, they abandoned the cows and fled into the bush.

    “I have discovered that our resolve as a community to live in peace with the Berom as we used to be is yielding results, because since the Berom people can rise up to help the Fulani recover our stolen cows, I can see that the renewed peaceful coexistence is working well, and I hope it shall remain so.”

    The newfound love between the Berom and the Fulani could be traced to the peace initiative of the Simon Lalong administration, which has made peace in Berom a priority. The governor has also been personally coordinating reconciliatory meetings between Berom and Fulani leaders.

    In one of those meetings, Lalong admonished both tribes to embrace peace, pleading with them to cease hostilities forthwith.

    Governor Lalong also directed the immediate composition of a 14-member committee made up of seven representatives from each community. The committee was to receive the recommendations of other bodies set up to proffer a solution to the violence which has claimed no fewer than 300 people in the last two years.

    Lalong equally directed the Police Commissioner, Special Task Force and the state security outfit, Operation Rainbow, to ensure the enforcement of law and order in the communities.

    The government is committed to peace. Are the Berom and Fulani?

     

  • Alaafin brokers peace in warring Oyo community

    Alaafin brokers peace in warring Oyo community

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, has warned traditional chiefs against neglect of their communities’ heritage in the name of orthodox religion, especially on the selection of new kings.

    He said any attempt to circumvent the age-long traditions and consign the legacies of their forefathers to the dustbin of history rather than preserving and recognising such would lead to crises and disharmony.

    The monarch gave the warning in his palace when members of Edu Royal family from Ago-Are community in the Atisbo local government area of Oyo State paid him a courtesy visit.

    For some time now, the community had been engulfed in crises following what members of the royal family, youths and other interest groups described as “neglect of age-long tradition for orthodox religion by the kingmakers in the selection of successor to the vacant stool.”

    The late community head, Aare of Ago Are, Oba Jubril Oyesiji Oladoke, joined his ancestors in May this year after about 39 years on the stool.

    The paramount ruler, who is the consenting authority to the choice of traditional head in the community, noted that whatever steps to be taken by both the ruling Edu house and the kingmakers to select a new monarch should not only be made public as required by the law, all candidates must also be treated equally, while the process must strictly conform with the age-long tradition of the community.

    Oba Adeyemi commended the royal family for their maturity in handling the dispute and the decision to call for a new selection process based on the age-long tradition of Ifa divination.

     

  • The politics of war, peace and terrorism

    It  was shocking  to read in the news media   this week that  Nigeria’s top  military  chief  said at the pull  out ceremony of his retirement  that he led an army during his tenure  that  lacked funding and  equipment. If  you  remember that our President Muhammadu  Buhari, [and  not Ribadu as the printers devil  made out last week ]was  reported to have said on his  last trip to the US that the  US in not  selling arms to  Nigeria to fight terrorism  was inadvertently aiding and   abetting terrorism,  then  you wonder  about  the saying that there  can  be no smoke  without fire. Surely  the  two  statements compliment  each  other even though they  were said  at  different places.  More  ominously    though they  are as disturbing as they are credible  given the  political  stature and office  of the two  speakers.

    To  stop  any  doubts  on the authenticity  of the two  observations the former National  Security  Adviser  was  reported  to have  said  that Western  powers  sabotaged  the efforts  of the Jonathan Administration  to buy arms  to  fight  Boko  Haram and  terrorism. Surely  the jigsaw puzzle  is  unraveling on why  Boko  Haram has  become an unsolvable military  and  security conundrum  for the  Nigerian  nation, people  and their leaders.  A  clear case  of treachery  in high places  and  amongst  so called nations  that Nigeria  has come to rely on is  slowly  but  surely  emerging. That  is the problem  we shall  deal with today as we identify  the contents  of this betrayal  of our people  and nation.  We  shall   discuss  the  global politics  of war, peace, insurgency and terrorism that has claimed so many innocent Nigerian  lives  and does not seem  to be abating in spite  of assurances to  contain it by our leaders, both military  and elected.

    We  have  to confront  the problem war  and peace by thinking of what to do to those we call friends  but   who block  our capacity to defend ourselves when terrorists kill our people and such people show concern and sympathy  but refuse to sell arms to us to redress the situation and stop the killing of fellow  Nigerians. What  could be the motive  for such reluctance or outright denial and what is the grouse  of the so  called  Western powers against  Nigeria? That is a question  begging  for an answer. Could  it be that the Western powers  have started  to exact  their  pound of flesh from  Nigeria over the gay rights  issue and was  that why they  did not sell arms  to the Jonathan Administration?  If the  answer is positive then the action or decision is wicked  and  hostile  and the present Nigerian  government  must make inquiries and  seek  the appropriate  redress at  least  diplomatically as  soon  as  possible.

    This  becomes  imperative given the pledges  of western  nations  to  support Nigeria  against the terror  of  Boko  Haram. Really   of  what use  is such a pledge if the same nations or people refuse to sell  arms to us to fight what  they claim is a threat to their civilization – just as it is to our collective security  in the global  village that the world has become?  Surely  something is amiss on this development and  Nigeria  must demand  and deserves  an urgent explanation from  those  friends,  who  as things stand,    seem  tohave been shedding crocodile  tears on our bloody ordeal and  predicament in the hands of the perfidious   terrorism  of  Boko  Haram.

    Nothing illustrates  our befuddlement and consternation on this matter  more than the argument  of the US President Barak  Obama to woo the American  public on the newly signed Nuclear Deal with Iran. In  a one  off speech  delivered at the American University in the US  the US president  was appealing to the American people to talk to their lawmakers in the US Congress not to jettison the Deal because to do so will lead to war  and dent the credibility  of the US in the Comity  of nations. He  assured his audience  that Iran will never have nuclear bomb on his watch as he promised. He  acknowledged the fears of Israel’s PM Benjamin  Netanyahu  on the deal and his campaign  against  it but noted  strongly  that the Israeli PM was wrong on all counts and  that again  brings in another Gordian Knot  to unravel. Is  an American  President  more capable than an Israeli PM to determine the Security  of the state  of Israel? Must  Israel  abide by such  reasoning and conclusion because it depends on US largesse  for its security  and peace in a hostile environment?  Again  answers  need  to be found to these burning questions.

    Indeed the US President rested his case on the issue of credibility  and rightly so except  that in this instance credibility has become  a two  way street and not a presidential close. As  a law professor the US president  should  know that he who comes  to equity must come with clean hands and   that  trust  is an essential ingredient of human cooperation  and progress and the Iran Nuclear  Deal is no exception. At one extreme the Iranians don’t trust either the US or  Israel  but would go ahead  with the deal anyway to make sanctions stop  and ease the economic hardship in the Iranian nation, to reduce pressure on the Ayatollahs ruling the theocracy. On the other hand Israel under its present PM mistrusts  this sitting US president and would risk even its security  to say  it loud and clear as its PM  has  been doing in the life of the Obama presidency. The fact that the two are slugging it out to buy the acceptability or otherwise   of  the deal in the media showed the failure  of diplomacy and bilateral relations between two  traditional and ancestral friends  and neighbors. Either  side has said the alternative  to its stand on the deal is war and  that its view  assures global peace. But  then the nagging question is whose definition of war is correct and whose categorization of peace is wrong?

    Obama quoted   Reagan to the effect that the peace is not the absence of  conflict    but the capability to   control  conflict. However  the issue  seemed  to have drawn attention to the issue of trust   outside  diplomacy and that is the  disturbing fact that the Israeli  leader has  confused distrust of Obama as a person with that of a diplomatic mistrust  and that is a   fallacy. He  may  not like Obama  as a  person  but he cannot make that personal as Obama is the US  and  is not representing himself but the  great US which  has guaranteed  the security  of Israel  since 1948 when the state  of Israel  was established;   and  the  US is in a position to do so under Obama  as  he has promised, an act  which  should have credibility  with any  Israeli  PM who  should normally  be trusting of any US President,  except this Benjamin  Netanyahu.

    In  this particular  instance  the issue  may not be simply that of separation  of morals amongst individuals from that of morals  or  values  amongst  nations. In  personal relations great store is placed  on loyalty and consistency. In  international relations  however  there  are  no permanent  enemies  but  permanent  interests.  On  both scores US – Israeli  relations seem  to have nose dived steadily  on this Iran Nuclear  Deal and  both nations should  take a good look at the strategies being used to sell or jettison the Iranian Nuclear  Deal both in the US and globally  because credibility  is taking a hiding on the international stage as both sellers and buyers  of the deal are exhausting their  goodwill and trust  capital without showing a clear path to  peace. And  at the end of it all  that is really  the light at the end  of the tunnel.  Similarly  such  a debate  is necessary  in Nigeria too.  In  our  own case   it will  be to  find out why those we call friends have not been willing to sell arms to us to fight those killing our people with impunity.  Again  long live the Federal  Republic of Nigeria.

  • Peace returns to Oyo community after chieftaincy crisis

    Peace returns to Oyo community after chieftaincy crisis

    Peace has returned to Ago-Are community in the Atisbo Local Government Area of Oyo State, after weeks of protests by youths and other interest groups over a chieftaincy dispute.

    The crisis started following the approach adopted by the town’s kingmakers, to choose a new king after the demise of Aare of Ago-Are, Oba Jubril Oyesiji Oladoke, who reigned for about 39 years.

    Barely a month after the ruler’s demise, a family meeting of the next ruling house, known as Edu, was convened, where 15 candidates came out to contest for the vacant stool.

    Names of interested candidates were later presented to the community’s kingmakers for thorough screening through Ifa divination and in line with the town’s age-long customs and tradition.

    It was gathered that rather than allowing the usual process of selecting a new monarch, the kingmakers opted for orthodox religious method.

    The community has eight kingmakers through a declaration made under Section 4(2) of the Chiefs Law of 1957.

    Two of the kingmakers had died; remaining six.

    Four of the kingmakers, who are Christians, voted for a Christian. The remaining two, who are Muslims, voted for a Muslim candidate.

    A Christian candidate emerged victorious through the strange selection process.

    The approach of the kingmakers elicited anger and uproar from cross-section of indigenes, including the remaining 14 candidates, who contested for the throne.

    Also, five princes from the same ruling house complained about what they referred to as “unlawful exclusion of their vested rights’’.

    They denied any knowledge about the steps taken by both the ruling house and the kingmakers to select a new monarch and noted that such steps were not make public as required by the law.

    But, at peace meeting of the ruling house, a resolution for an outright cancellation of the nomination and selection of candidates by the kingmakers for the vacant stool was passed.

    The resolution was contained in a joint letter by chairman and secretary of Edu Ruling House, Princes Olalekan Olaniyonu and Salam Kazeem.

    It said the resolution became necessary following observations by the community that the kingmakers did not follow the due process laid down in Ago-Are’s tradition and customs for the selection of candidate for the vacant stool.

    The letter reads in parts: ‘’Not only had this led to rancour in the community and dispute among candidates that were nominated, failure to follow the due process in selecting the new Are of Ago-Are, which had been our pride, the community is being seriously threatened.

    “It is also a dangerous precedent that must be stopped immediately in order to retain oneness, love and unity of our family and the entire community.’’

    The letter was addressed to Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Alaafin of Oyo, Permanent Chairman, State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Permanent Secretaries, Ministries of Justice, Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Head of Administration, Atisbo Local Government, as well as chairman, community’s kingmakers, Chief Kehinde Adetoro.

     

  • ‘Why there’s peace in Sagamu’

    The Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Adeniyi Sonariwo, has ascribed the peace in Sagamu in the past five years to his success in ridding the town of “cultism and other vices among some carpenters and bricklayers.”

    Sonariwo said business operators in Sagamu and surrounding communities also go about their businesses without fear of harm to their lives and investments while residents also sleep with their two eyes closed.

    The monarch, who spoke through the Asiwaju of Remoland and Chairman, 25th Coronation Anniversary Committee, Solomon Onafowokan, added that banks now open on week days without disruption by bandits.

    He recalled that prior to 2011, the town experienced a situation where, aside the students, some bricklayers and carpenters were dabbling into cultism and causing security breaches in Sagamu until they were checked.

    The Paramount Ruler said the menace of cultists and other criminals were addressed when the town’s Security Council met and re-invigorated the Vigilance security system; making them more proactive and effective at restoring peace and sanity in the town.

    According to him, cultists and miscreants have since been driven away to places such as Ikorodu and other regions of Ogun State; hence the relative peace being savoured in Remoland.

    Onafowokan, who revealed this while answering questions from some reporters ahead of the coronation anniversary of the Akarigbo, said the grand finale of the event and award ceremony slated for July 25 at the Akarigbo Complex Sagamu, would be chaired by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.

    He also revealed that the feat would not have been possible for him and his people without the determination of Governor Ibikunle Amosun who, upon assumption of office in 2011, pledged adequate security in the state and followed it up with practical steps.

     

  • Ikpeazu’s ’ll restore peace in Abia

    Ikpeazu’s ’ll restore peace in Abia

    Ben Onyechere is a former Special Assistant to former Vice President Alex Ekwueme. In this interview with MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE, he speaks about the agitation for power shift to Abia North and what the Ikpeazu Administration portends for Abia State. 

    How is Abia State coping with the shortfall in revenue allocation?

    Abia State is one of the few states in the federation that is not encumbered by a huge debt profile. This was because the immediate past administration entrenched some prudent financial management mechanism and this has been imbibed by the current administration. However, this is not to say  that the state’s revenue position is perfect, particularly with the slump in the price oil crude oil globally. This is the major reason why most states cannot meet their obligations, particularly with regards to payment of workers’ salaries. This governor is not unaware of the expectations of Abia people for a quick turn around of the revenue position. This is why on assumption of office he embarked on immediate reconstruction of roads in Aba as a platform to assess and enhance the status of revenue generation in the state. He is trying to devise  ways to maximise the state’s revenue generation potential at the moment. All efforts are geared towards ensuring that the Aba Integrated Power Project being carried out by Geometric Power Limited comes on stream soon. The project is intended to provide electricity to the commercial hub of Aba.

    How is the governor tackling crime, which the state is noted for?

    The problem with Abia State really is challenges of interest articulation and aggregation. The major agitation was  centered around the clamour for power shift, and with the effective achievement of that ambition, the state has been united more than ever before. The level cohesiveness that transpired across all social or political divide in reaching this goal was instructive. Prior to the election the generality of the elites had formed an understanding to remain together and speak with one voice. This was what added impetus to the quick resolution of the power shift; it was agreed that the core Ngwa or Abia South should produce the governor. This has brought unparralled peace in the state because the governor became a natural selection among  the lot who came out.  This was based  on factors such the fact that he is a full-blooded Ngwa man. This is in addition to the fact that Abia is a PDP state. Besides, he is a grassroots politician who has learned the ropes because of his service  to the state in an official capacity. In contrast, his opponents were all living  outside the state and have little or no idea of the nitty gritty of home politics. The case of Alex Otto is peculiar because he had never been involved in politics at any level before he was drafted to come and run for the primaries. But, when he could no longer cope with the rigours, he decamped to APGA, in spite of the fact that the party had an existing candidate. The crisis that engulfed the party afterwards was a result of his entry into the race on the party’s platform. It is, however, preposterous that the same man is claiming that he was rigged out. APGA members voted in protest for the PDP because of the way and manner the existenting candidate was displaced. The people of Abia had through their choice of Ikpeazu, who lives in Aba, rejected the plan of the other candidate to colaterize the state apparatus which could have resulted in the mortgaging of future generations of the state. The problem with the opposition really is that they underestimated  the political consciousness and enlightenment of Abia people, otherwise you could not hastily resign your appointment from diaspora and expect to arm twist every body including the incumbent whom he had lobbied previously.

    What will the new government do differently?

    As you know, governance is a continuum and you cannot completely break from the past. But, that notwithstanding, he intends to improve on the achievements of his predecessor, by focusing on improving revenue generation. This will be used to revive ailing industries, so as create more jobs for the teeming unemployed youths. The upgrade of infrastructure, particularly roads, is uppermost in his mind.

    What is the guarantee that he will not fall out with his predecessor?

    As you know, respect is reciprocal; what normally brews problem is when a former governor starts demanding too much cash from his successor. But, luckily, ochendo is a good man and he may not indulge in such.

     

  • Emerhor urges Muslims, Christians to promote peace

    •APC chieftain greets Sultan Abubakar

    Delta State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the April 11 election, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, has urged Muslims and Christians to respect one another’s religion and avoid insulting people’s beliefs in the guise of freedom of speech.

    The APC chieftain said this was necessary for the nation to avoid the spread of hate.

    In a statement by his Media and Political communication Adviser, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, the APC chieftain said Muslims and Christians are created by God/Allah with divine primary assignment to be agents of peace.

    He said the two books of Islam – The Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah – promote love, peace, tolerance, freedom of belief and mutual understanding.

    Emerhor noted that terrorism and killing of innocent people are condemned in Surah Al-Anaam (Chapter Six), Verse 151.

    He posited that the Hadith of Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) is full of examples of where he showed love and affection, even to the strangers, non-believers and enemies of Islam.

    The APC chieftain said Jesus Christ also preached love, peace and tolerance.

    According to him, freedom of belief and mutual understanding remain the remedies to cure terrorism and promote global peaceful coexistence to secure a progressive future.

    Emerhor, in his Eid-El-Fitr message, congratulated the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA),  Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III and Muslims all over the world on the  auspicious occasion.

    He described the Sultan as a royal father with vast knowledge, wisdom and virtue.

    The APC chieftain urged Muslims to emulate the Sultan’s detribalised and patriotic virtues to take Nigeria to a higher level of socio-economic development.

    He assured that President Muhammadu Buhari would  end Boko Haram’s insurgency and effectively  manage the nation’s human, material and financial resources for  positive socio-economic transformation.