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Tag: peaceful

  • Abia APC holds peaceful ward congress

    Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday held peaceful ward congresses across the 17 local government areas of the state.

    Our reporter who monitored the exercise in Osisioma, Aba North and South local government areas of the state respectively reports that APC faithful came out in their numbers to participate in the exercise.

    Information coming from other parts of the state, including Umuahia North and South, Ugwunagbo, Ukwa East and West, Ikwuano and other wards in Bende Local Government Area has it that the exercise was also devoid of any violence and rancour.

     

  • APC chieftain calls for peaceful, participatory congresses

    The Leader of the Delta State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, has called on party faithful in the state to conduct themselves peacefully during the ward congresses today.

    In a statement released by his media aide, Aghogho Abraham Orotomah, in Evwreni yesterday, Emerhor urged party faithful to see the congress as a brotherly contest, saying there should be no need for violence in the contest for various ward positions.

    “We should try to build consensus where necessary and also try to embrace peace in the case of a full blown contest,” Emerhor said.

    “Let’s reserve our strength to fight our common enemy, the PDP, which has thrown our state into perpetual poverty than fight ourselves.

    “We should use the congress to distinguish ourselves from the PDP, in terms of internal party democracy and good conduct, which the APC as a party represents.”

    He charged aspirants, party leaders and all stakeholders to cooperate and assist those charged with the conduct of the congresses to ensure a hitch-free exercise.

  • Osun govt hails parties, OSIEC, others for peaceful council poll

    Osun govt hails parties, OSIEC, others for peaceful council poll

    The Osun State government has hailed political parties, the State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC), security agencies and the residents for allowing peace to reign before, during and after last Saturday’s local government election.

    The government expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the poll, saying it reflected the minds of the people.

    In a statement yesterday in Osogbo, the state capital, by his Media Adviser, Sola Fasure, Governor Rauf Aregbesola expressed gratitude to residents of the 71 wards where the election took place for electing leaders who will steer the ship of governance at the grassroots.

    The statement reads: “Governor Rauf Aregbesola, on behalf of the state government, will like to thank the good people of the state for the peaceful and successful conduct of parliamentary election into the local government areas, Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), area councils and administrative offices in the state, last Saturday.

    “Governor Aregbesola expresses profound gratitude to the people of the state for voting for all the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as they have always done in the past.

    “The pattern of the voting is a demonstration of their unflinching support for the progressive cause. It is a faith that served our fathers, beginning from Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the Action Group (AG) and Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in the First and Second Republic respectively.

    “This has served us also through Chief Bola Ige and Chief Bisi Akande to our present administration under which great and unprecedented developments came.”

  • Osun council poll peaceful, turn-out impressive

    Osun council poll peaceful, turn-out impressive

    The local government election in Osun State on Saturday was peaceful.

    Residents observed the vehicular restriction order of the Osun State Electoral Commission (OSIEC) as motorist kept away from major roads in the state.

    At the poll, 318 councillorship candidates were presented unopposed in 318 wards with71 out of 389 wards holding the election.

    Only six political  parties participated in the exercise, including the ruling All Progressives Congress, the Accord Party, meanwhile The People’s Democratic Party boycotted the election.

    The poll held in 6 wards of the Osun Central Senatorial District, 13 wards in the West Senatorial and 52 wards in the East Senatorial District of the state.

    Armed security operatives were stationed across the state to maintain law and order.

    Electoral materials had arrived polling booths across the state as early as 8.00 am except in few places in Ife like Akarabata ward 10 unit 2, where voting exercise did not start until after 9.30 am.

    The Presiding Officer at the polling unit, Mr. Isaac Adewole, who disclosed that the unit has 634 total registered voters, said there was an initial mix up in the materials supplied by the electoral body to the ward with 12 polling units.

    Meanwhile, there was  pandemonium at  Iremo road in Ile Ife,  as men of the Nigerian Police Force arrested an alleged cultist popularly known as Oluremo of Iremo.

    Former Commissioner for Home Affairs, Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sikiru Ayedun, who was at his More ward 1, unit 10 to cast his ballot, said nobody was disenfranchised in Ile-Ife.

    Meanwhile, the Chairman of Osun Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC), Mr Segun Oladitan, on Saturday said the low turnout at some polling units in the ongoing local government election was due to some mis-information.

    On the late arrival of election materials, he said logistics and human factor were responsible for the late arrival.

    “But the fact that election materials arrived at their scheduled destination by 9a.m. was a reasonable time,’’ he said.

  • Kashamu preaches love, peaceful co-existence

    Kashamu preaches love, peaceful co-existence

    As Christians join others around the world to celebrate Christmas, the Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Buruji Kashamu has called for love as a prelude to the entrenchment of sustainable peace in the country.

    In his goodwill message at Christmas, Kashamu  urged Nigerians to also see the season as an opportunity to reach out to fellow Nigerians irrespective of tribe, religion and other cleavages.

    The statement reads:  “The annual commemoration of the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ is a most auspicious time for us, as individuals and as a nation, to rededicate ourselves to the virtues and ideals which the Messiah preached and exemplified during his earthly ministry.

    “Christmas is not only about the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is also the celebration of the greatest gift to mankind. Therefore, let us seize this moment to reach out to fellow Nigerians. Let us promote the things that unite us as a people rather than those that divide The Us along ethnic, religious and party lines.

    “I enjoin us all to resolve this Christmas to make the ideals of peace, harmony, tolerance, love and goodwill to all even more manifest in our interactions with others. The season of Christmas is one that exemplifies the virtues of love and peaceful co-existence. We must continue to extend a hand of love, kindness and live as one big family irrespective of our  beliefs and leanings. We must also continue to respect one another; respect for one another is a key element for national peace and growth.”

  • Consortium lauds peaceful conduct

    A consortium of election observers in Anambra State has praised the smooth and peaceful conduct of the November 18 governorship election in the state.

    The observers – Independent Service Delivery Group (ISDMG) and the Nigeria Civil Society (NCS) – made the commendation yesterday at their separate media briefings in Awka, the state capital.

    They also hailed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for early distribution of materials and officials to the local government areas for the exercise.

    The Convener of Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, Mr Clement Nwankwo, noted that there was buying and selling of votes between political parties and the electorate during the election.

    He said: “Situation Room is also disappointed with political leaders in the state whose conduct, carriage and disposition encouraged blatant buying and selling of votes to their citizens. This emerging impunity of vote-buying appears to be a dangerous trend in our elections and needs to be addressed urgently.

  • Lagos Deputy Gov calls for love, compassion, peaceful co-existence

    •…as Fashola, Akiolu, Okunnu, others observe Eid prayers

    Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, yesterday called on Nigerians to uphold the significance of the Eid-El-Kabir, which is obedience to Allah, caring and sharing with others, showing mercy, compassion and neigbourly love.

    The deputy governor who gave the advice shortly after performing the Eid el Kabir prayer at the Dodan Barracks Praying Ground urged Nigerians to celebrate Sallah peacefully, show mercy and ensure peaceful co-existence.

    She urged Muslims to always remember the lesson embedded in the celebration which, according to her, is the celebration of God’s mercy on mankind as demonstrated with the replacement of a ram for a son by Allah.

    “This shows great love of the Almighty Allah for mankind. We ought to emulate this act and show kindness and love to our brothers and neighbours by ensuring peaceful co-existence and shunning all forms of divisive tendencies that threaten our national unity,” Adebule said.

    ‘’The message for us as Muslims is that we submit ourselves to the will of the Almighty God. We should not just be carried away by today’s celebration but reflect on the significance of today, which is total submission to God.

    ‘’As we also wine and dine, let us care and share with others, especially the underprivileged, irrespective of tribe or religion.

    ‘’This is why Governor Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration is organising Eid celebration in the 20 local government areas of the state to make the celebration an all inclusive one,’’ Adebule said.

    She urged Lagosians to continue to support and pray for the present administration in the state as it strives on a daily basis to bring new reforms that impact on the lives of the common man.

    On his part, the Acting Chief Imam of Lagos Central Mosque, Sheikh Olubodun Gbajabiamila, urged Muslims to be steadfast in remembrance of Allah, saying the essence of Eid-el-Kabir is to encourage selfless sacrifice in promoting societal peace and progress.

    In his sermon after the Eid Nawafil (Sallah prayer), Gbajabiamila enjoined Muslims to have unflinching faith in Allah and work for peace.

    He admonished them against promoting vices that could breach peace and cause suffering to their fellow human beings in their environments, noting that Islam and its prophets did not support any action inflicting pains and violence on humanity.

    Quoting from Qur’an Chapter 68 verse 51, the Imam urged people in leadership positions to be god-fearing and transparent in discharging their duties, reminding them that they would give account of their deeds before Allah on the day of reckoning.

    “As Muslims, we have another opportunity to check our actions and desist from vices that would breach peace in our communities. In line with teachings of Islam, we must support activities that will bring peace and progress in our society.

    “Anyone, whether Muslim or not, who is fomenting trouble, engaging in kidnapping and stealing from the poor must know that he would give accounts of all his deed on the day of recompense,” he said.

    Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, said the significance of the Eid celebration is to make sacrifice for peaceful co-existence and lift the downtrodden. He said the aim of slaughtering ram is to engender selflessness and unity.

    He said: “It is important we learn how to live together and foster peace in the country. I will enjoin the citizens to support and have faith in the government they elected. At the same time, government must reciprocate the gesture by listening to the yearnings of the people.”

    Obasa used the opportunity to lend his voice to the call for restructuring, saying the action was needed to bring down the tempo of agitations and mutual suspicion between ethnic nationalities that make up the country.

    Restructuring, he said, would bring solution to immediate challenges facing the country, including security and infrastructure.

    Other notable personalities at the Eid ground included the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu; Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola; former Minister for Works, Alhaji Femi Okunnu; former Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Musiliu Smith; outgoing Lagos Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, and Baba Adinni of Lagos, Sheikh Abdul Hafiz Abou, among others

  • Peaceful celebration in Kaduna

    Peaceful celebration in Kaduna

    …as El-Rufai, JNI call for prayers for Nigeria

    The celebration of the Eid-el-Kabir in Kaduna State yesterday was very peaceful, with the governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, reassuring that his government would deliver comprehensive development of the state.

    This was also as the apex Islamic body in the North, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI called on the Muslim faithful to intensify prayers for the nation against all manner of misfortunes as well as for the good health of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Governor El-Rufai, who attended the Eid prayers in Birnin-Gwari, addressed thousands of citizens, saying his administration was vigorously pursuing comprehensive development in the state.

    He also said there would be no going back on the administration’s resolve to achieve concrete development for the people.

    Accompanied by members of the House of Representatives and the Kaduna State House of Assembly, commissioners, executive members of the All Progressives Congress and his aides, El-Rufai was received by the Emir of Birnin Gwari, Alhaji Zubair Jibril Maigwari II, at the Birnin Gwari Eid Praying Ground.

    In his remarks at the palace, Governor El-Rufai said: “I am grateful for all your support for the administration, and there is no going back on pursuing cogent development for the betterment of our citizens. You gave us this mandate and we will not fail.

    “I heard your complaint regarding security. Like you know, we are working hard with the security agencies and by the special grace of God, we will see the end of this.

    “Aside the military and police action in Birnin Gwari, which we are collaborating with the security agencies, the state government supports the local government with funds to strengthen security of life and property.

    “I noted your complaints and we will continue to do all that is necessary to beef up security.

    “We are also going to establish a campus of Kaduna State University here in Birnin Gwari.

    “We are still waiting to hear from Federal Government over the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road. If we don’t hear from them at the end of the rainy season, we will do something tangible aside other ongoing road projects of the state in the local government.

    “I am assuring you once again that there is no going back on actualizing cogent development of our entire state. We are a focused and people-oriented government with clear developmental agenda.”

    In his address, the Emir, Alhaji Zubair Jibril Maigwari II thanked the Kaduna State Government for its commitment to addressing the security challenges and to promote development initiatives meant for the betterment of the citizenry.

    Meanwhile, the JNI, in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, said: “With ample gratitude to Allah (SWT) for His guidance and blessings, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), under the leadership of His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, JNI, felicitates with the Nigerian Muslim Ummah, for being among those privileged by Allah (SWT) to witness yet another Eid-el-Adha, a historic period of offering sacrifice and spiritual elevation.

    “Indeed, Muslims are urged to bear in mind the lessons entrenched therein, as they engage in offering the sacrifice which are summed up as follows: Muslims’ conviction in their Lord and the singular lesson in the act of sacrifice.

    “Furthermore, we are being reminded through this act of worship that trials are part of life. It doesn’t matter one’s position, prestige and/or affiliation. What is important is how Muslims react to such trials.

    “Thus we are here reminded to be positive by submitting to the will of Allah, the Most High, the way Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) reacted when asked to offer his child for sacrifice, and whom we are urged to emulate, as taught by our Noble Prophet (PBUH).

    “Our hope therefore, remains expiation of our sins in order to acquire the forgiveness of Allah (SWT).

    “Therefore JNI uses this medium to call on the Ummah to eschew rancour and bitterness, be forgiving, responsible in all undertakings and avoid anything capable of attracting Allah’s anger in the present circumstance we found ourselves.

    “We equally call on the Ummah to be steadfast in promoting the message and virtues of Islam in this celebrated period.”

  • Kwara APC holds peaceful congress

    Kwara APC holds peaceful congress

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State at the weekend held its congress. It was  peaceful and rancour-free.

    At the congress, which held at the party secretariat along Agba Road, Ilorin, three delegates emerged from each of the 16 Local Government Areas.

    The delegates emerged through affirmation by other delegates, who were elected from earlier ward and local government congresses.

    There was tight security at the entrance gate; delegates and officials were screened by security personnel before allowed entry.

    Head of National Secretariat delegation Mohammed Bigol said the event was well organised with an impressive turn out of supporters. He noted that the attendance was a testimony that the ruling party was doing well.

    State Chairman Ishola Balogun-Fulani noted that the conduct showed that the ruling party has 90 per cent of the voting population in the state.

  • NURTW chief hails members’ ‘peaceful conduct’

    Lagos State chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede has praised members for their peaceful conduct during Saturday’s local government election.

    Their conduct was a testimony that they have embraced peace, he said.

    The NURTW boss landed Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for the peaceful, free and fair election, adding that APC’s success in the 57 councils indicated that the people appreciated the projects being executed by the government.

    Agbede also congratulated APC stalwart Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the party’s success, noting that the Ambode Administration is building on the Tinubu foundation laid in 1999

    Congratulated the elected chairmen and councillors, he assured them of union’s continued support.

    He also hailed the police and other security agencies for the hitch-free election.