Blog

NAN-H-43
Tolerance
Omu-Aran (Kwara) Sept. 12, 2016 (NAN) The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed on Monday urged Nigerians, especially Muslims, to reflect on the significant of the Eid el-Kabir and imbibe religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence.

Mohammed made the call in his Sallah message after observing the two obligatory (rakaats) prayers to mark the Eid el-Kabir at the Oro praying ground in Irepodun Local Government Area, Kwara.

He charged religious leaders in the country to close ranks and be a role model to their followers in order achieve the desired socio-economic development envisioned for the country.

The minister, who saluted the citizens’ high level of perseverance in the face of the nation’s economy, urged them to remain supportive of governments’ developmental initiatives.

He noted that the much desired positive change could only be achieved in an atmosphere devoid of rancour and acrimony.

The minister said that the country was in dire need of unity, peace in the leadership quest to find workable solution to its numerous challenges.

“We have to be our brothers’ keeper, irrespective of our diverse ethno-religion, culture and political back ground.

“It is, therefore, a significant part of the Sallah celebration for Muslims and other Nigerians to be tolerance, honest and peaceful,” he said.

The Chief Imam of Oro Central Mosque, Alhaji Mikail Jamiu in a message, urged Muslims to imbibe good deeds and shun anti-social vices.

He enjoined the leaders to be more committed to ensuring good governance for the overall benefit of the citizenry.

“Your appointments into position of authority should be a clarion call and a service toward impacting on the less privilege and the needy,” Jamiu said.

The Oloro of Oro kingdom, Oba Abdulrofiu Oyelaran, urged wealthy individuals to extend their hand of assistance to the less privileged for them to have a comfortable living.

He said such move would go a long to ameliorate the impact of the nation’s economic challenges on the citizens.

The Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, in his Sallah message urged Nigerians to imbibe, honesty and transparency in their day to day activities.

According to him, it is only the act of righteousness that will assist our collective efforts to transform the country socially and economically. (NAN)
ISHO/FNO/AFA
Edited Franca Ofili/Felix Ajide
======================

NAN-H-42
Promises
By Temitope Salami
Ijebu-Ode (Ogun), Sept. 12, 2016 (NAN) The Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, has urged political office holders in all tiers of government not to renege on their promises to Nigerians.

He made the plea in his goodwill message to Muslim faithful during the Eid-el-Kabir prayer held on Monday in Ijebu-Ode.

According to the monarch, political office holders should endeavour to redeem their electoral promises to the electorate to build trust and foster unity.

He advised leaders to remain accountable, especially in the use of public funds, and to also create solutions to youth unemployment.

“Education, employment and infrastructural development remain key toward enabling the rapid development of our economy.

“Politicians, who serve uprightly and diligently, should expect that their services would bring them rewards both on earth and afterlife.

“I pray God to continue to be with our leaders and guide them in making the right decisions while discharging their duties,” Adetona said.

The monarch further appealed to the Ogun government to speed up completion of road projects in Ijebu-Ode and promptly pick-up of refuse to minimise the risks of health hazards.

Similarly, the Chief Imam of Ijebu-Ode, Alhaji Abdulrasak Salaudeen, in his message, urged Nigerian leaders to serve with the fear of God and be sensitive to the plight of the people.

Salaudeen also urged the Federal Government not to relent in its efforts to rid the nation of terrorism, stem the tide of corruption and tackle the recession facing the country. (NAN)
TDS/OJO
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(Edited and controlled by Mufutau Ojo)

Multiple earth tremors rock Jaba community, Kaduna State Govt. urges calm

NAN-AE-3
Tremor
Kafanchan (Kaduna) Sept. 12, 2016 (NAN) Several earth tremors recorded in three locations in Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State had left residents in a state of panic.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that tremors that occurred on Sunday and early hours of Monday at Kwoi, Nok and Samban Dagi also left scores of structures with mild cracks.

Mr Ishaya DanAzumi, a Geologist from the State’s Ministry of Environment, while explaining to newsmen at one of the sites described the incident, “as deep seated fault in the earth crust trying to regenerate itself.”

Dan-Azumi said “contrary to wide spread speculation that the incident was an earthquake, there was no evidence supporting that claim, but it was just earth tremor.”

In a remark, Mr Ben Kure, the Interim Chairman of the LG, urged the
people not to panic as earlier suggested by experts that had since moved into action.

Mr Stephen Musa who resides in Kwoi said the loud sound coupled with the shake devastated his entire community.

“We had no option other than call on the Almighty God for protection,” he said.

NAN reports that there was, however, no loss of life in all the locations.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Government had appealed for calm and sympathise with the residents of kwoi, Nok and Samban Dagi in Jaba Local Government Area, following report of earth tremor.

The government said in a statement signed by Samuel Aruwan, Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, that it has made a formal report to the appropriate authorities to investigate the development.

The statement noted that Gov. Nasir El-Rufai, has notified the geological and emergency agencies of the incident.

“He has directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to mobilise to the area and comfort the citizens.

“The Kaduna State Government is receiving updates from the area and relevant government agencies have been directed to take steps to comfort the residents and to assuage their unease as they come to terms with an unusual event.

“The Kaduna State Government wishes to appeal for calm, and urges everyone not to spread unverified information, or create panic, “the statement said. (NAN)
MGK/AFA
Edited by Felix Ajide
===============

NAN-H-41
Tolerance
By Yinusa Ishola
Omu-Aran (Kwara), Sept. 12, 2016 (NAN) The Minister of Information, Culture and National Orientation, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, on Monday called on Nigerians to reflect on the significance of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration as well as imbibe religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence.

Mohammed made the call in his Sallah message after observing the two obligatory (rakaats) prayers to mark the Eid-el-Kabir at the Oro praying ground in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara.

He also urged religious leaders in the country to close ranks and remain role models to their followers in order achieve the desired socio-economic development envisioned for the country.

The minister, who lauded the high level of perseverance of Nigerians in the face of the nation’s economic challenges, urged them to remain supportive of government’s developmental initiatives.

He noted that the much desired positive change could only be achieved in an atmosphere devoid of rancour and acrimony.

The minister said that the country was in dire need of unity and peace in the quest to find solutions to its numerous challenges.

“We have to be our brothers keepers irrespective of our diverse ethno-religious culture and political back ground.

“It is therefore a significant part of of the Sallah celebration for Muslims and other Nigerians to be tolerant, honest and peaceful,” he said.

The Chief Imam of Oro Central Mosque, Alhaji Mikail Jamiu, in a message, urged Muslims to imbibe good deeds and shun anti-social vices.

He also enjoined leaders to be more committed to ensuring good governance for the overall benefit of the citizenry.

“Your appointments into position of authority should be a clarion call to service toward impacting on the less privileged and the needy,” he said.

The Oloro of Oro, Oba Abdulrofiu Oyelaran, urged wealthy individuals to extend support to the less privileged.

He said such move would go a long way in ameliorating the impact of the nation’s economic difficulties on the citizens.

The Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, on his part, urged Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of honesty and transparency in their daily activities.

“ It is only these acts of righteousness that will assist our collective efforts to transform the country socially and economically,’’ he said. (NAN)
ISHO/OJO
========
(Edited and controlled by Mufutau Ojo)

NAN-F-5
Victims
Dubai, Sept. 12, 2016 (Xinhua/NAN) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday expressed concern over a bill adopted by the U.S. Congress that would allow families of victims of 9/11 sue the government of Saudi Arabia.

The bill, if sailed through, would allow families of the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks in the U.S. to take legal actions against Saudi Arabia.

The legislation “represents a clear violation given its negative repercussions and dangerous precedents,” state news agency WAM quoted UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan as saying in Abu Dhabi.

The minister said that the bill was adopted by the U.S. House of Representatives last Friday; months after the Senate approved the measure in May.

He said that the bill was “not equal” with the foundations and principles of relations among states.

“The bill, which would allow victims’ families take legal actions against Saudi Arabia, a UAE close political ally, is contrary to general liability rules and the principle of sovereignty enjoyed by states,” he said.

Out of the 19 hijackers, 15 were Saudi nationals who executed the terror attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people in New York, outside Washington and in Pennsylvania.

The government of Saudi Arabia, a major U.S. ally, has denied responsibility and expressed strong objections to the legislation.

Al-Nahyan, a top UAE diplomat, expressed the hope that the U.S. law would not be implemented, taking into consideration its “serious consequences”.

The White House has said that President Barak Obama would veto the bill, on the grounds that it could harm Washington’s relationship with Saudi Arabia and put U.S. officials stationed overseas in jeopardy. (Xinhua/NAN)

IAA/AEA
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(Edited by Isaac Aregbesola/ and Controlled by Archibong Asuquo

NAN-H-5
Police
By Moses Omorogieva
Lagos, Sept. 12, 2016 (NAN) The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr Fatai Owoseni says no fewer than 65 police personnel have been arrested for various offences in the last one month.

Owoseni told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the arrests were made in different parts of the state by the Anti-Extortionist Sqaud in the command.

The Lagos police boss said that the action was in compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police on zero tolerance to corruption and unprofessional conduct in the force.

Owoseni said the squad arrested 33 persons as at Aug. 8, 12 more as at Aug. 24, and another 20 by Sept. 8.

”Some of them have been recommended for dismisal; some to be demoted in ranks. Those involved in unlawful killing have been charged to court for murder.

”Some others are undergoing departmental orderlyroom trials. There is no place for corrupt and unprofessional police in Lagos command,” he said.

As part of efforts to ensure that officers in Lagos keep to the ethics of the force, Owoseni said he embarked on re-orentation and retraining.

He said 75 constables had undergone training in arms handling at the Ikeja Police College, in a move to check accidental discharge.

He said every action of the officers and men would be accounted for, stressing that the second batch of such training would come up soon.

”The police must know when and how to use force and they will be accountable for any force used in the course of their operation.

”They are to use force proportionately. Their action should not make anyone orphan, widow or widower.

”Policemen are servants and not masters. That is the training we had and we must keep it so,” he said. (NAN)
MIO/SOA
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(Edited by Oluwole Sogunle)

NAN-H-37
IDPs
By Ali Inuwa
Konduga (Borno) Sept. 12, 2016 (NAN) Borno Government has no plans to force Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), whose communities had been liberated by the military to return back home, Gov. Kashim Shettima, has said.

The governor made the statement on Monday while speaking with newsmen shortly after performing the two rakaat Eid prayers in Konduga, headquarters of Konduga Local Government Area.

“I want to say without any fear of contradiction that government has no plan to force any persons back home to his or her community.

“We will not compel individuals to go back to their place,’’ Shettima, who was accompanied by the Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr Garba Abari and other top government officials said.

He said that rather than compel the IDPs to return home, government would give them the freedom to either choose to return home or stay where they are.

“We have not compelled anyone to go back to Konduga, Mafa or Dikwa because peace does not require propaganda; peace manifests, it shows itself where it evolves and people respond to it by going to peaceful places.

“Some IDPs have even started returning to their communities months ago without our knowledge.

“Through local information gathering mechanism, they got to know that peace had returned to their communities and they responded by going back in groups,’’ Shettima said.

The governor said that he decided to observe the Eld prayer in Konduga to showcase the gradual return of peace in the state.

“Our performing Eid prayer in Konduga is significant as we want to show the world that as painful as it is, the process of enthronement of peace has begun in the state.
“We came to share this moment with the people and to also reassure them that we would not have allowed them to return to Konduga if it was classified unsafe; this is why we are here with them,’’ he said.
Shettima expressed optimism that in the nearest future, the state would overcome its current security challenges.

“In the coming weeks and months, we shall have an enduring peace all over the state,’’ the governor said and commended the military for its efforts in tackling the insurgents. (NAN)
ABI/JEY/AEA
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Edited by Johnson Eyiangho and Controlled by Archibong Asuquo

NCP to compel Lagos State Govt. to conduct LG poll

NAN-H-18

Election

Lagos, Sept. 12, 2016 (NAN) The National Conscience Party (NCP) said it would seek an order of mandamus from court to compel the Lagos State Government to conduct Local Government election before the end of 2016.

Mr Ayodele Akele, the National Secretary, NCP, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Monday in Lagos.

According to him, the party’s resolve to go back to court was to ensure that the state government carried out its constitutional responsibility as early as possible.

It would be recalled that NCP had in Oct. 23, 2015 filed a suit at a Lagos High Court against the State Government for failure to conduct election into the Local Council.

The suit also was against the appointment of caretaker committees to manage the local councils in the state.

However, the court ruled that appointment of caretaker committees to manage the affairs of the local government Areas was illegal and unconstitutional.

It ordered the State Independent Electoral Commission to conduct elections in all local government within 30 days.

The Lagos State Government appealed the judgments.

Akele said, “we have observed that they are not prosecuting the appeal diligently; they are just using it to kill time which is not good for our democracy.

“Perhaps their apprehension is that if they conduct the Local Government election, they may lose.

“We are going to  file another suit  asking for order of mandamus to stop further remittance of allocation to illegally constituted local government sole administrators,’’ he said.

The NCP scribe said inasmuch as the state government was still receiving money from the Federation account; there was no way it would be in a hurry to conduct council election.

He said if Lagos state government received threat that there were moves to stop further remittance of allocation to council, it would carry out its constitutional responsibility as early as possible.

Akele said that the party would write to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Finance on the matter.

He added that although NCP was preparing for the election but had no trust in the present composition of the state electoral commission.

He faulted the composition of the commission, saying opposition parties were not represented, alleging that the composition was made up of members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“We in the opposition cannot trust Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) to conduct a credible election in the state, because the composition is questionable.’’

He, therefore, called on the commission to live a legacy of conducting a free and fair election. (NAN)
LED/GOM/AFA
Edited by Felix Ajide
===============

NAN-F-4

Search

Canberra, Sept. 12, 2016 (dpa/NAN) Relatives and family members of the passengers on missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 have urged the governments looking for the plane to continue with the search.

The next of kin from Malaysia, China and Indonesia met on Monday with Australian government officials, including the Australian Transport Safety Bureau that has conducted the underwater search.

The Bureau conducted more than 90 per cent of 120,000 square kilometres of the search.

Australia has taken the lead in the search for the missing plane, which went missing on March 8, 2014, between Kuala Lumpur and Beijing.

The hunt is set to be suspended later this year, unless there is “new credible evidence.”

The relatives said the Australian officials could not give any information on the search area or what “new credible evidence” might be.

The three governments have not defined what constitutes such evidence, so the search could continue, said Grace Nathan, who lost her mother Anne on the flight.

She added the relatives were told that the debris, some 25 pieces, found so far has not helped redefine the search area.

“So, we call on the three nations, Australia, China and Malaysia, to make a concerted effort to go out and look for the credible new information.

“And to continue with the search, no matter what,” she said.

“Should funding be an issue, we hope for Malaysia to step forward and request more funding.” (dpa/NAN)
IAA/AFA
Edited by Isaac Aregbesola/Felix Ajide
===========================

Governors, Emirs cleric want prayers for Nigeria economic recovery

NAN-H-22
Felicitation

By Ibrahim Bello / Usman Aliyu/Ibrahim Bello

Abuja, Sept.12, 2016 (NAN) Governors and Chief Imams have urged Moslem faithful to use the occasion of the Eid-el Kabir to pray for Nigeria economic recovery.

In Yenagoa, Gov. Seriake Dickson has enjoined Muslim faithful to use the period of Eid-el Kabir to pray for the unity, peace and prosperity of the of the country.

Dickson, also urged them to propagate the message of love, which remains the cornerstone and overriding principle for the adherents of every religion, including Islamic.

He, however, advised them to pray to Almighty Allah to always direct the leadership of the country aright all times, especially in this period of economic hardship.

According to him, the nation needs the collective prayers and unity of purpose not only to overcome its present problems, but to continue to occupy the enviable position of the giant of Africa.

The governor noted that this was the time Nigerians should come together and confront the myriad of problems facing the country, stressing that, with genuine love and unity of purpose.

“With this Nigeria can come out better from its current socio-economic woes.

“Islam is a religion of peace; I enjoin all the practitioners to follow the teachings of Prophet Mohammed that centres on tolerance, peace and brotherliness.

“Irrespective of our religions and tribes, what should be uppermost in our minds is the unity of Nigeria, since we don’t have any other country to call our own,” Dickson said.

The governor however, expressed to gratitude to Muslims in the State for their ever supportive and peaceful disposition.

In Birnin Kebbi, Gov. Atiku Bagudu urged the people to pray for the safe return of pilgrims from Saudi Arabia.

Bagudu spoke, while fielding questions from newsmen in Birnin Kebbi shortly after attending the Eid prayers.

“It’s important that we pray for the safe return of our pilgrims from the holyland who had devoted their time in prayers to the wellbeing of Nigeria.

“I pray that all our pilgrims return home safely to meet us,’’ he said.

Also, Alhaji Abubakar Malami, the Attorney-General of Federation and Minister of Justice, prayed for the safe return of the pilgrims.

Malami also called on Nigerians, irrespective of  religion difference to pray for sustainable peace and development in the country in spite of the economic challenges.

He called for patience and understanding, saying “prayer is our weapon; we should continue to pray for Nigeria and love one another.’’

The Emir of Gwandu, and Chairman, Alhaji, Muhammad Bashar, urged the Federal Government to fast track its efforts to address the socioeconomic problems facing the country.

Bashar made the call when he addressed Muslim faithful at Eid ground in Brinin Kebbi on Monday.

Represented by Alhaji Abdullahi Umar, Wazirin Gwandu, Bashar called on government at all levels to quickly address the exorbitant prices of foodstuffs and other essential commodities.

According to him, a secured nation is the one whose citizens are insulated and secured from hunger, deprivations and poverty.

Bashar called on the governments at every level to create additional employment opportunities for the citizens.

He commended the Federal Government for addressing the insurgency in the North-East, and said that he was happy that normalcy had returned to the region.

According to him, traditional rulers will continue to support security agencies in the fight against the menace of insecurity through stakeholders meetings and offering of important advice to authorities.

Bashar noted that leaders needed prayers, useful advice and support not unguarded utterances and condemnation, adding that leaders should be responsible and responsive in their dealings.

In Ilorin,  Alhaji Aliyu Baba, Baale of Agbeyangi in Ilorin-East has urged governments to prioritise rural development to reduce population density in the urban area.

Baba gave the charge in his Sallah sermon to mark the 2016 Eid-el Kabir at Agbeyangi on Monday.

“If rural communities are open to massive development, the rate of rural-urban migration will drastically reduce,’’ Baba said.

Malam Mahmud Bello, Chief Imam of Agbeyangi, in his sermon, charged Muslims to always show kindness and generosity toward their parents and orphans as enshrined in Holy Quran.

According to him, the wrath of Allah awaits those who disrespect their parents, especially during their old age.(NAN)

Reporters/Editors/OFN

(Edited by Felix Nwadioha)