Headline

National Peace Summit Scores FG Low, Demands Implementation of 2014 Confab, Improved Security Others

Published

4 years ago

December 18, 2020

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The National Prayer/Peace Summit has asked the government of President Muhammadu Buhari to implement the reports of the 2014 National Conference, which were decisions taken by the vast majority of Nigerians through selected representatives in 2014.

The conference, which lasted several weeks drew participants from every part of Nigeria, and is said to be all inclusive.

It also asked the federal government to take more interest in, and improve the security of the citizens in the face of incessant killings, kidnappings, armed robbery, terrorism and more, with the recent massacre of rice farmers in Borno State, and the abduction and release of over 330 schoolboys from Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina State.

It further admonished the Buhari-led administration to learn from the churches in Nigeria on how they have ’embraced effective and efficient provision of services in the areas of Education, Electricity and Healthcare – all with resources of the Church’.

The Summit, chaired by the President, Christian Council of Nigeria, Most Rev. Benebo Fubera Fubera-Manual,
made this position known when it rose from a consultation meeting of the Steering/Facilitation Committee of Christian leaders in Lagos comprising leaders of thought drawn from various and diverse Christian organisations in Nigeria.

At the end of proceedings, the meeting made 26 major recommendations, which formed the communique, and signed by 16 representatives from diverse Christian denominations.

The resolutions, which were contained in a document titled CONSULTATION MEETING OF THE STEERING/FACILITATION COMMITTEE FOR PROPOSED NATIONAL PRAYERS/PEACE SUMMIT WITH CHRISTIAN LEADERS IN LAGOS HELD ON SUNDAY 13TH DECEMBER 2020, and made available to The Boss, noted as follows:

i. That the Church in Nigeria should play its appropriate role in guiding the government of the day.

ii. That the Church should be united to play this strategic role of guiding government.

iii. That the government should, as a matter of urgency, revisit the Report of the 2014. Constitutional Confab, and for that matter urgently take steps to actualize positive actions on Constitutional Review.

iv. That the Church should play a predominant role in preaching peace to Nigerians, thereby promoting unity in the Country.

V. That the Church should impress it on the Federal Government to take a cue on how the Church leadership in Nigeria had embraced effective and efficient provision of services in the areas of Education, Electricity and Healthcare – all with resources of the Church.

vi. That the Federal Government should, as a matter of urgency, pay active attention to security and scale down the activities of insurgent groups.

vii. That the Church should set up budget monitoring teams (at both Federal and State levels) to enhance National growth

viii. That the Federal Government should take urgent steps to direct Universities in the country to resume academic activities in order to reduce youth restiveness.

ix. That the Church should be co-opted to play a defined role in promoting grassroot development.

x. That Traditional Rulers should be engaged actively to play positive roles on governance to promote peace and development.

xi. That Government should carry out a survey on the demography of Nigerians in order to pin-point key areas of needed social investment.

xii. That Government should recognise that truth is the only factor that can heal the wounds in our country.

xiii. That the Church should not fail to play its expected strong spiritual role in building the conscience of the nation, so that truth and justice can always be promoted.

xiv. That the Church should preach the full gospel of Jesus Christ by speaking truth to the leadership of the country as everything that emanate from the pulpit collectively shape the social and political outlook of a country.

xv. That the Federal Government should place high premium on human life, as the primary responsibility of every government is the promotion of the welfare of its citizens.

xvi. That Government should re-evaluate our educational system that places too much emphasis on paper qualifications, but instead promote the acquisition of technical skills that can engender more development.

xvii. That the Church Leadership should liaise with identified or perceived Leaders of the recent “ENDSARS” protests and advise them to jetlison any plan of embarking on a second “ENDSARS” protest, but instead enter into dialogue with the Federal Government.

xviii. That the Federal Government should stop paying lip service to the various issues of security, hunger and social justice, but instead create an environment of fairness and equity for all and sundry.

The document was signed by:

Most Rev. Benebo Fubera Fubera-Manual
President, Christian Council of Nigeria.

ii) Mrs. Laurenstia Mallam Catholic Women Leader

I. M. Mukail, Youth leader, St. Mary’s Catholic Church Magboro.

iv) Amb. Nnaemeka Akpee
National Youth President, Kingdom Ways Living Church.

v) Pastor Wole Oladiyun
Senior Pastor, Christ Living Spring Apostolic Ministry.

vi) Pastor Chioma Mercy Ndeobi
Senior Pastor, Straight Gate International Church, Ikeja.

vii) Apostle Paul Ndeobi
General Overseer, Straight Gate International Church, Ikeja.

viii) Rev Dr. Peace Goodday
Lead Pastor, Christ Believers Church.

iv) Bishop (Dr) Olufemi Bankole
Presiding Bishop, the Redeemer Apostolic Mission.

x) Rt. Rev. Best F. Orike
CCN Church Bishop, Methodist Church of Nigeria.

xi) The Most Rev Alfred A. Martins
Catholic Archbishop of Lagos
(Represented by Rev. Fr. Vitalis Ezeigwe)

xii) Very Rev. Dr. Evans Onyemera
General Secretary, Christian Council of Nigeria.

xiii) Pastor J. T. Kalejaiye
Redeemed Christian Church of God.

xiv) Superior Evangelist Mathew Olatosho Oshoffa
Celestial Church of Christ.

xv) Hon. Mary Manzo
Evangelist, World Royal City Church
Founder, Mary Elika-Foundation.

xvi) Archbishop (Prof.) M. A. FADEYI
Presiding Bishop, Christian Faith Assembly Inc.

The National Prayer/Peace Summit is the brain child of the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christians Pilgrims Commission, Reverend Yakubu Pam.

Headline

Atiku Slams APC over Inflammatory Remarks Against Peter Obi

Published

5 days ago

January 7, 2025

Eric

For Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, over what he described as inflammatory remarks directed at Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election.

Atiku described Morka’s comments as a “disturbing emblem” of the current administration’s strategy to stifle opposition voices.

He also expressed concern over the prolonged detention of Mahdi Shehu, a prominent government critic, and others, suggesting these actions indicate a shift toward authoritarian governance.

“The choice of words used by the APC spokesperson, particularly the ominous suggestion that Obi has ‘crossed the line,’ reveals an alarming disdain for democratic principles,” Atiku said.

“Such language, rooted in hostility, has no place in a free society where civil discourse and engagement should reign supreme.”

Atiku emphasized the vital role of opposition leaders in fostering accountability and improving governance, arguing that a true democracy thrives on a healthy exchange of ideas.

He expressed alarm over Morka’s statement that Obi should “be ready for whatever comes his way,” calling on the APC to clarify this “chilling threat.”

The former Vice President also condemned the APC spokesperson’s framing of Obi’s calls for constructive engagement, likening them to a lawless “Wild West” scenario.

Atiku described this language as crude and unbecoming of a ruling party, urging the APC to issue a formal apology to Obi and the Nigerian public.

In addition to the remarks against Obi, Atiku highlighted the case of Mahdi Shehu, who remains in detention without clear justification.

He argued that the Tinubu administration’s actions are eroding fundamental freedoms and setting a dangerous precedent.

“If there is anyone who has truly ‘crossed the line,’ it is the Tinubu administration, whose continuous vilification of opposition figures as mere irritants to be crushed is a dangerous precedent,” Atiku said.

The PDP candidate called on Nigerians and the international community to demand an end to what he described as “the stifling of dissenting voices”, warning that the survival of Nigeria’s democracy depends on the protection of free speech and opposition rights.

Atiku concluded by urging President Tinubu’s administration to recalibrate its approach to dissent, emphasizing the need for dialogue, engagement, and respect for democratic principles.

Headline

Mahama Takes Oath of Office As Ghana‘s President, Promises Economic Renewal

Published

5 days ago

January 7, 2025

Eric

We need a reset of faith — in our country, in our institutions, and in ourselves. You are Ghana, I am Ghana – President John Mahama

John Mahama was inaugurated on Tuesday as president of Ghana after defeating vice president Mahamudu Bawumia in the December elections, vowing to reset the nation’s economy.

Thousands of jubilant citizens dressed in the red, white, green, and black colours of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) thronged Ghana‘s capital Accra to welcome President John Mahama. They waved flags, blew vuvuzelas, and danced to traditional drumbeats.

The colourful ceremony, attended by several African leaders, including Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and Kenyan President William Ruto, was a celebration of democracy and hope for a nation battered by years of economic hardship.

In his inaugural address at the iconic Black Star Square in Accra, Mahama struck an optimistic tone, declaring the day a turning point for Ghana, as it marked the start of his unprecedented second term in office.

“We have endured severe economic hardships, moving from one crisis to another in recent years. But there is hope on the horizon,” he said. “Today marks the beginning of a new opportunity – an opportunity to redefine our governance and economic strategies. Together, we shall reset our beloved nation, Ghana.”

Mahama attributed his 7 December electoral victory, where he decisively defeated Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, to the youth’s demand for change. He pledged to prioritise inclusivity, accountability, and innovation while focusing on critical areas such as economic restoration, governance reforms, and the fight against corruption.

“Your courage to bring change will not go in vain,” Mahama said. “We will focus our initial efforts on four critical areas: economic restoration and stabilisation of the macroeconomic environment; improvement of the business and investment environment; governance and constitutional reforms; and accountability and the fight against corruption.”

Mahama’s vision includes transforming Ghana into a 24-hour economy, leveraging agriculture and agribusiness to stimulate local industries and create jobs.

“This is a patriotic call to action for all of us to participate in building a nation that lives up to its promise, where hope thrives, and dreams become a reality,” he said.

Economic promises

As the crowd at Black Star Square erupted in cheers, Ghanaians looked forward to a new chapter under Mahama’s leadership. His promises of economic restoration and governance reforms have set high expectations, with the coming months expected to test his ability to deliver on his ambitious agenda.

“I am here because I believe President Mahama will bring real change,” says Priscilla Oforiwaa, 32, a trader from Kumasi who attended the inauguration. “We have suffered for too long, and now is the time for a leader who truly understands our struggles.”

For his part, Andrews Brown, a 25-year-old university graduate who has been unemployed for two years, tells The Africa Report he feels positive about this new era.

“The 24-hour economy he promised gives me hope. We need jobs, innovation, and a leader who listens to the youth. I believe President Mahama can deliver.”

Source: The Africa Report

Headline

Height of Disrespect: Obasanjo Berates NNPCL over Invitation to Tour PH Refinery

Published

1 week ago

January 4, 2025

Eric

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has slammed the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) over the recent invitation extended to him, to tour both Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.

Obasanjo reacted to the invitation via a statement issued by his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, in which he described the invitation as disrespectful to his office and person.

He argued that the oil company had not sent any formal invitation to him as of Thursday, January 2, 2024.

The NNPCL invitation was sequel to the former president’s doubt on the repairs of the refineries. Obasanjo had in a recent interview on Channels television revealed that although the NNPCL was aware of its inability to effectively manage the national refineries, it rejected a $750 million offer from Aliko Dangote to manage the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries in 2007, during his administration.

He questioned why NNPC is now working with Dangote, saying,: “Not only will he make it (his refinery) work, he (Dangote) will make it deliver. And whether we announce our own government refineries working or not working, it is like a man who plants 100 heaps of yam and says he planted 200 heaps. After he harvests 100 heaps of yam, he will also harvest 100 heaps of lies.”

Responding to the former president, the corporate communications officer of NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, said the company recently achieved the complete rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PhRC) and Warri Refinery, stressing that the exercise was not the typical Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) of the past but a comprehensive overhaul designed to meet world-class standards.

Soneye went ahead to extend an invitation to Obasanjo to have a tour of the refineries.

In return, Obasanjo’s media aide said: “Is that the right way to invite a former president of the country? Who says Baba has even seen the statement or read the news? It is a total disrespect for the office of the former president.

“Ask the NNPCL that as of January 2, have they written to him? Is there any official letter addressed to him, inviting him to the refinery? It is an absolute insult, and the former president cannot dignify such with a response.”