NEWS
Gov Alia shuns APC National Leadership Peace moves in Benue, Inaugurates parallel State Secretariat, Excos
From Attah Ede Makurdi
The crisis rocking the ruling All Progressives Congress,APC in Benue State, on Thursday took another dimension as Governor Hyacinth Alia inaugurated new state executives of the party.
It should be noted that the APC in the State have been factionalized as result of battle for supremacy between the Secretary to Government of the Federation, SGF Sen.
George Akume and Governor Alia.All efforts by the National Working Committee to resolve the lingering crisis have hit brick wall as the party continue to witness disputes between members, while the governor had refused to recognise the leadership of comrade Austin Agada hence he is regarded as SGF senator George Akume’s stooge.
The NWC during its 146th meeting held on the 20th March, 2024 issued a 7 directive to all the warring parties to sheath their sword by withdrawing all lawsuits.
In compliance to the directive, the Austin Agada executive through its Legal Adviser Alyebo Mathew Esq, filed a Notice of Withdrawal on the 25th March, 2024, in the only case filed by the chairman that was pending before High Court 4 in Makurdi. The said case has been consequently struck out by Justice T.A. Kume.
However, on the same day, the Governor constituted the executive of the party led by Benjamin Omakolo at the party Secretariat located close to the Government House, Makurdi.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Paul Biam described the occasion as ‘historic’ in the annals of the State politics, adding that what they had been doing behind closed doors, has now come to fruition.
Hear him,”this is the day of our liberation. We will conquer, do not b afraid the beginning may be rough but stand firm.
“There can’t be two (2) governors in the State. We have only one leader of the party who is the Governor. Let nobody make any mistake.
“Let us agree that while we were doing it at the back door, it has come to fruition. It’s a deliberate act to change the state there is no faction. Omakolo has come to stay. Let’s put the record straight to ensure the right thing is done. We have sworn to uphold party supremacy we will be keep APC flying in the State.
“I commend your doggedness. It is a critical time that requires men of courage. In the end, you will thank God that you were part of those who liberated the State from shackles of darkness The Governor is solidly behind this Exco there is no other APC and there will be none again in the State.
“We are on a mission to succeed. Already 6 National Assembly members have indicated interest to be on our side. We appreciate Ehaje ward (Austin Agada’s ward) for this development”.
The State ALGON Chairman who doubles as care taker chairman, Konshisha LGA Philip Achuah while pledging loyalty of council chairmen to the party executives,said they are a product of the APC and there is turning back.
“Be assured of our cooperation at the grassroot. At any time we are called upon, we will be there.We re product of the APC and renewed Progressives”,Achuah said.
NEWS
Uba Sani Attends Christmas Carol, Maulud to Strengthen Muslim-Christian Unity
By Nasir Dambatta
Governor Uba Sani has once again underscored his commitment to fostering unity among Kaduna’s diverse religious communities, attending both the 2024 Kaduna Unity Christmas Carol and a Maulud celebration in Zaria within the same week.On December 21, the Governor graced The 2024 Kaduna Unity Christmas Carol at ECWA Goodnews Church, Narayi Highcost, an event organized by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna Chapter.
The Carol, an annual tradition, brought together Christians from across the state in a celebration of joy, love, and togetherness. Governor Sani’s presence at the event highlighted his inclusive leadership and his efforts to strengthen interfaith harmony in a state known for its rich religious diversity.Shortly after, on December 22, Governor Sani attended a Maulud celebration in Zaria, organized by the Fityanul Islam group. Maulud, which commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is a time for reflection, prayer, and communal unity. The gathering in Zaria was attended by numerous dignitaries and religious scholars who reflected on the Prophet’s teachings of compassion, tolerance, and peace—values that resonate deeply with the Governor’s vision for Kaduna.Observers said the Governor’s presence at both events was a powerful reminder of his dedication to fostering peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians in the state. “Through these actions, Governor Uba Sani is leading by example, demonstrating that religious celebrations and dialogue can serve as a foundation for a united, progressive society.”, one of the observers said.NEWS
Abuja Stampede: Wike Directs Free Treatment for Victims
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike has directed government hospitals to provide free treatment to the people that sustained injuries during a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja.Wike gave the directive in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Mr Lere Olayinka, in Abuja on Saturday.
No fewer than 10 people including children lost their lives while 10 others sustained injuries to the stampede, during the distribution of food items to less privileged and the elderly by the church. The sad incident occurred around 6:30 a.m on Saturday.Wike said that the FCT Administration would ensure that the injured received adequate medical attention.The minister, who commiserated with the victims, also directed that henceforth, police permission should be obtained by individuals or organizations planning public distribution of palliatives, either food items or cash.Describing the incident as “painful”, Wike prayed for the repose of the souls of the lives that were lost and fortitude for their families to bear the irreparable loss.He commended the Police and other security agencies for their prompt intervention, saying, “the promptness in which security agencies responded to the incident was commendable.”In a related development, the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), equally commiserated with the victims of the stampede.The acting Director General of the department, Mr Abdulrahman Mohammed, in a statement said that nine out of the 10 injured persons earlier taken to Maitama District Hospital, have been treated and discharged.Mohammed also appealed to organisations that intended to give out food items to the less privileged to involve security agencies or FEMD for adequate planning to ensure safety of beneficiaries.He also advised the use of coupons and segregation of the beneficiaries into groups to avoid crowd and rowdiness that could lead to stampedes.Similarly, the Police Command in the FCT has ordered organisations, religious bodies, groups, or individuals to notify the police when planning public events, charitable activities, or large gatherings in the territory.In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh, said that the notification was to enable the police to deploy adequate security measures for public safety.According to her, failure to comply with the directive will result in the organisers being held liable for any incident or loss of life resulting from negligenceMeanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has issued a warning against the unorganised distribution of palliatives and funfairs, which have led to stampedes and fatalities among vulnerable citizens.The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, gave the warning during a media briefing on Saturday in Abuja.Adejobi explained that the warning came in response to the increasing number of stampedes resulting in injuries and deaths, particularly during palliative distributions. (NAN)NEWS
NDA Records Successes in Military Training, Academics in 2024
The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), says it has recorded a lot of successes in military training and academic activities in 2024.
The Commandant of NDA, Maj.-Gen. John Ochai, said this at the Nigerian Defence Academy Social Activities (NDASA), held at the headquarters of the academy Afaka on Friday in Kaduna.
Ochai said the essence of NDASA was to end training activities of the year.
He said the 2024 NDASA was unique because the academy marked 60 years of existence from 1964-2024.
Also of significance, Ochai said, NDA had passed out the largest number of officers commissioned into the Armed Forces of Nigeria in 2024.
Equally, he said, in the same year (2024), the academy had the largest number of officers trained outside the country.
He emphasised that the NDA does not only train leaders for the Nigerian Armed Forces, but those for the Nigerian nation and humanity at large.
“After five years of training, we imbibe in officers leadership qualities that are everlasting.
”The traditions, ethos, characters that we instill in our cadets follow them forever and become very useful in all spheres of human endeavors,” Ochai said.
Mr Martins Amaram, Country Security Manager, Nigeria Breweries, PLC , who was the Special Guest of Honour, said the event fostered unity, cultural awareness and comradeship among the cadets and the larger community.
Amaram said, “The academy has always been a beacon of excellence in producing military leaders for integrity, resilience and capacity to face in a dynamic and complex world .
“Beyond academics and military training the academy still values cultural respect and social engagement, recognising the diversity of our great country. Nigeria.”
He commended NDA for creating the platform where cadets can appreciate the rich cultures and build bonds that transit borders.
Amaram added, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria are playing a critical role in ensuring the stability and progress of our nation. “
He urged the academy to continue to record more successes in its mission of excellence and service to the nation.
Report says that awards were given to deserving soldiers who distinguished themselves in 2024.
report says that 22 soldiers were decorated from Warrant Officer(WO) to Master Warrant Officers(MWO). (NAN)