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Celebration

By Sunday John

Keana (Nasarawa State). Dec. 25, 2018 (NAN) Sen. Suleiman Adokwe, has called on Christians to celebrate Christmas according to its purpose.

Adokwe,who is the Senate Committee Chairman on Information and the Senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the call on Tuesday in Keana.

The lawmaker made the call immediately after Church service in Keana, keana Local Government Area of the state.

According to him, Christians should celebrate Christmas with practical demonstration of love by sharing gifts and food with others, just like Christ loved all.

The Senator also urged the people to eschew revenge and embrace each other, irrespective of their differences, as the only precondition for peace and development of the country.

Adokwe, therefore, wished Nigerians happy Christmas.

Earlier during the Church service, Rev. Moses Osakede, In-charge of Evangelical Reformed Church of Christ (ERCC), Keana, advised Christians to live exemplary life during and after Christmas.

He said that celebration of the birth of Christ was supposed to be done in love, unity, peace and togetherness by living an exemplary life.

“Instead of people, particularly Christians, exhibiting good virtues that will please God, a lot of them have chosen the birth of Christ to perpetrate evil.

“We are supposed to do things that will glorify God on the occasion of his birth and not things that will glorify the devil.

“Some people indulge in formication, drunkenness, consumption of illicit drugs among others instead of doing things that will glorify God,” the Cleric said.

He, therefore, called on Nigerians, especially leaders, to rise up to their responsibility by speaking against vices in private and in public. SDJ/DUA

Edited by Dada Ahmed

NiMet predicts dust haze weather for Wednesday
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Weather
Abuja, Dec. 25, 2018 (NAN) The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted dust haze to thick dust haze weather conditions with reduced visibility over most parts of the country on Wednesday.
NiMet’s Weather Outlook on Tuesday in Abuja predicted dust haze condition with visibility range of two to five kilometres over the central states during the forecast period.
It added that localised visibility of less than or equal to 1000m was anticipated over the region during the forecast period with day and night temperatures of 27 to 34 and 10 to 19 degrees Celsius, respectively.
The agency predicted that the Northern States would experience thick dust haze conditions over most parts throughout the forecast period with day and night temperatures of 25 to 30 and 11 to 16 degrees Celsius, respectively.
According to NiMet, Southern States will experience dust haze condition with visibility range of two to five kilometres over the entire region during the forecast period.
“Localised visibility of less than or equal to 1000m is anticipated over the region during the forecast period with day and night temperatures of 32 to 36 and 20 to 24 degrees Celsius, respectively.
“Dust haze conditions are expected to continue over the entire country in the next 24 hours,” NiMet predicted. (NAN)
OYS/CHOM/MST
Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Aide to ex-Nissan chief Ghosn released after month in Japanese jail

Detainee
Tokyo, Dec. 25, 2018 (dpa/NAN) – The former right-hand man of detained ex-Nissan Motor Co chairman Carlos Ghosn was released on bail by a Japanese court on Tuesday, after spending more than a month in detention.

Greg Kelly, a Tokyo-based U.S. citizen who was an executive at Nissan, was arrested along his boss on Nov. 19.

Ghosn, his aide Kelly, and the carmaker itself have been indicted over an alleged understating of Ghosn’s pay package by about 5 billion yen (44 million dollars) over five years.

In a statement, Kelly had rejected the charges and demanded to be released, saying he was ill and required medical treatment.

A Tokyo court had granted Kelly’s release on 70 million yen (635,000 dollars). An appeal submitted by prosecutors challenging the bail approval was rejected, paving the way for Kelly to walk free.

Ghosn has been in pre-trial detention since Nov.19, while a trial date has not been set yet.

He is expected to remain in custody until at least Jan. 1.(dpa/NAN)
DCU
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Edited by Donald Ugwu

Abia Speaker advocates renewed measures to end nation’s security challenges

Security
By Leonard Okachie
Umuahia, Dec. 25, 2018 (NAN) Mr Chikwendu Kalu, the Speaker, Abia House of Assembly, has called on the Federal Government to evolve more pragmatic measures in dealing with the nation’s security challenges.
Kalu made the call in a statement signed by Mr Henry Madubuike, the Chief Information Officer to the house, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Umuahia.
The speaker expressed regrets that the nation’s security situation had continued to degenerate. He therefore advocated more drastic measures to guarantee the safety of lives and property of Nigerians.
He cited the activities of the Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast and recent murder of the Chief of Defense Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Alex Badeh, as some instances of major security breaches in the country.
He therefore called for an overhaul of the country’s security apparatus to forestall further wanton destruction of lives and property of Nigerians.
Meanwhile, the Speaker has expressed doubts about the prospect of President Muhammadu Buhari handing over power to the Southeast in 2023.
He said that contradictions in the recent pronouncements by two top Federal Government’s functionaries on the issue informed his doubts.
Kalu said that the contradictions “were enough to show Ndigbo that they are not in the political calculation of the All Progressives Congress.”
He therefore called on the people to continue to support the Peoples Democratic Party and vote massively for its candidates at all levels in the 2019 polls.
He further urged Nigerians to vote according to their consciences and resist financial or material inducements by any political party. (NAN)
LEO/USO
Edited by Sam Oditah

Peace
By Tukur Muntari
Kano, Dec. 25, 2018 (NAN) Rev. Adeolu Adeyemo, the chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Kano state chapter, has expressed optimism that the forthcoming general elections would be peaceful.

He disclosed this in his Christmas message issued to newsmen on Tuesday in Kano .

According to him, Nigerians will continue to enjoy peace and tranquillity during and after the general elections.

“God will intervene in Nigeria’s multifaceted problems and shall assuredly deliver her from all her problems. Nigeria shall enjoy peace and tranquillity before, during and after the forthcoming elections.”

He noted that Christmas is an indication that God does not forget His covenant and abandon his people in their predicament.

“God has not forgotten you. He will attend to you and your matters as your Lord and saviour.

“May all the fullness of the blessings God has poured upon christmas be your portion. Christmas assures us that Nigeria’s problem is not out of God’s knowledge and God will not abandon her in them.”

He used the occasion to condole with families who lost their loved ones in the course of the year, adding the God shall comfort their hearts with His peace.

He said: “We specially remembered our gallant soldiers who had been defending the nation from the evil of various terrorist groups attacking the North East. We pray God to defend them and give them victory over this evil people.

“God will comfort the families of these gallant soldiers that lost their lives in the course of serving and defending their fatherland.

“Jesus is the Prince of peace. May the country continue to witness great peace and unity,“ he said. (NAN)
MTM/IS
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Choir
By Justina Auta
Kaduna, Dec. 25, 2018 (NAN) Covenant Voice Choir of the Garden of Faith, Living Faith Church, Barnawa Kaduna dazzled members of the congregation with beautiful inspirational songs about Christmas.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the songs, centered around the yuletide season, drew a lot of applause and different emotional response from members of the Church.

The choir sang various Christmas songs including, “ Noel,’’ “Silver Bells,’’ “ Oh, come all ye faithful,’’ “ Obani oh, Oh bani,’’ “Ebube Dike,’’ and “Imela,’’.

In his sermon, the resident Pastor, Mr Abel Dingamaji urged members of the Church to understand and reflect on the reason for the season, which is the coming of Jesus Christ.

Dingamaji stressed the need for Christians to emulate the exemplary life of Jesus, adding that it would further reconcile them with God, as well as ensure peaceful coexistence in the Church.

“Peace has only one source, which is Jesus Christ the prince of peace. If we all live the way He has directed us, we will enjoy peace, love, understanding, tolerance in our lives and the society at large.’’

He also encouraged Christians to continue to pray for the nation and its leaders, as well as live a holy life that would convert the minds of unbelievers.

Meanwhile, some members of the Church expressed optimism that the yuletide season and the coming year would be better than the previous ones.

Mrs Jumoke Sunday said the songs ministered by the choir was a wake-up call for her to reflect on the reason for the season and not merely on the things she lacks.

“As I was listening to the songs, tears were flowing down my cheeks because the words and tune is a reminder about Jesus’ coming and the reason, which is for our salvation.

“It made me forget that even though I am yet to accomplish all that I set to achieve early this year, Jesus Christ has got my back, which is everything I need.’’

Also, Jerry Bonat, another worshiper said he has been enriched by the message from the Holy Bible, which has left him better and lighter.

“I feel so happy and at peace because of the message the pastor preached, which made me realize that even though I am not where I want to be, I will get there someday with prayers, dedication and holy life.’’

Bonat, also encouraged the unemployed youth to work hard, channel their energy positively, rather than wallow in self pity or becoming instrument of disunity in the society. (NAN)
JAD/IS
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U.S.-led coalition reports recent air strikes on ISIS in Syria

Strikes
Washington, Dec. 25, 2018 (Reuters/NAN)  The U.S.-led coalition in Syria conducted air strikes last week that destroyed facilities used by Islamic State, the coalition said on Tuesday.

The incident happened less than a week after President Donald Trump declared victory over the militant group and said he would withdraw U.S. troops from the war-torn country.

The coalition said its attacks during the week of Dec. 16, to Dec. 22, including air strikes and “coordinated fires,” had destroyed logistics facilities and staging areas used by Islamic State.

It stated that the strikes damaged the terrorist group’s ability to finance its activities and “removed several hundred ISIS fighters from the battlefield.”

“ISIS presents a very real threat to the long-term stability in this region and our mission remains the same, the enduring defeat of ISIS,” said UK Maj.-Gen. Christopher Ghika, the deputy commander of the coalition.

ISIS is a commonly used acronym referring to Islamic State.

That statement presents a contrast to Trump’s declaration last week that U.S. troops had succeeded in their mission to defeat Islamic State and were no longer needed in the country.

News of the withdrawal drew immediate criticism from some of Trump’s fellow Republicans, who said that leaving would strengthen the hand of Russia and Iran, which both support Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

In response to Trump, Britain’s Foreign Office said last week that Islamic State remained a threat even though it held no territory.

The withdrawal may also leave exposed an alliance of Kurdish and Arab militants known as the Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF, which has been among the most effective against Islamic State, but is now seen under threat as Turkey weighs a new offensive in Syria.(Reuters/NAN)
DCU
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Edited by Donald Ugwu

5 die in suicide attack on Libyan foreign ministry

Suicide
Tripoli, Dec. 25, 2018 (Reuters/NAN) Three suicide bombers attacked Libya’s foreign ministry in Tripoli on Tuesday, killing at least two other people as well as themselves, authorities said.

The three attackers began their assault with a car bomb, damaging vehicles and buildings, and then opened fire on the ministry, a security source said.

Two managed to get inside and blow themselves up. The other was killed by ministry guards.

Heavy smoke rose from the building, which was surrounded by security forces, as people were rushed to hospital. The health ministry said that apart from the attackers, three people had been killed and at least 21 injured.

Interior Minister Fathi Ali Bashagha said however that apart from the attackers only two people were killed, adding that investigations were continuing into the identity of the assailants.

“Security chaos in Libya offers propitious conditions for IS (Islamic State) and other terrorist groups,” Bashagha said at a joint news conference in Tripoli with Foreign Minister Mohamed Taher Siala.

IS has been active in Libya in the turmoil since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

The group took control of the coastal city of Sirte in 2015 but lost it late in 2016 to local forces backed by U.S. air strikes.

Siala called for a partial lifting of the UN arms embargo on Libya to help authorities counter militant groups.

He said the foreign ministry had been targeted because “it is a symbol of sovereignty”.

“All important documents have been saved,” he said, adding that he deplored the death of one ministry employee in the attack.

The foreign ministry earlier issued a statement saying: “The Libyan people are waging a war on terrorism on behalf of the world.”

The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) condemned the attack, stressing the need to “prevent terrorist groups from turning Libya into a haven or an arena for their crimes”.

Siala said security arrangements agreed between Libya’s Government of National Accord and the UN after a month of clashes in the South of Tripoli had yet to be implemented.(Reuters/NAN)
DCU
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Edited by Donald Ugwu

Peace

By Ayinde Olaide Abdulsaheed

Bauchi, Dec. 25, 2018 (NAN) The founder, Faith Revival Chapel, Bauchi chapter, Archbishop Charles Yohanna, has said that Nigeria could not realise good and hitch free election in 2019 in the absence of peace.

Yohanna added that the government must do everything possible to ensure peaceful co-existence among the people.

Yohanna gave this charge in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bauchi on Tuesday while responding to questions on Christmas.

“We will be at the polls by February 2019 where Nigerians will have to decide again.

“It is wisdom on our side to ensure that we live in peace because you never can realise good election and democracy in a situation of chaos or violence.

“In this regard, the government should ensure that they bring us to live together in peace. Governments should not do anything that can threaten the unity of the country.

“Also, government must bring people together in order to ensure that peaceful election come 2019 so as to rebuild the nation,” the archbishop said.

Yohanna, however, thanked the security agents in the state for ensuring a peaceful Christmas in the state.

“There has been peaceful celebration since I left home this morning and everywhere is calm.

“We are happy because as at now, security reports from my people in other parts of the state, show that there is peace and no attack has been recorded anywhere in the state.

“I must say that we are happy that the government and the security agents ensure that everybody celebrates Christmas in peace,” Yohanna said.

The clergyman, therefore, called on all Christians to move closer to God and live in peace with the people of other religious faith. (NAN)

EED/YEMI