Connect with us

NEWS

Buhari Returns Home from Kigali, Lauds Nigerian Youths

Published

on

Share

President Muhammadu Buhari, in the course of the week, visited Kigali, Rwanda, where he participated in the 26th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, and also held bilateral talks with world leaders.

The Nigerian leader, who returned to Abuja yesterday, had while in Kigali, visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Rwanda where he made a passionate appeal to Nigerians to be tolerant of one another and embrace peace for the general good of the society.

Buhari toured the permanent exhibitions at the Memorial and laid a wreath at the mass graves where more than 250,000 victims of the genocide were buried.

He also paid tribute to the memory of the victims and prayed for healing for the survivors.

After the historic visit, the president told journalists that a lesson from his visit was the need for Nigerians to continue to be tolerant of one another.

He added the nation should preserve its own historical antecedents from the Nigeria Civil War (1967-1970).

Also on the same day, the president held bilateral meetings with Jamaican Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, and Prime Minister of Great Britain, Boris Johnson on the margins of the 26th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kigali, Rwanda.

At the meeting with the Jamaican PM, Buhari lauded the relations between Nigeria and Jamaica.

“Our relationship dates back in time, to generations ago. Thank you for strengthening it, particularly on the economic and political fronts,” he said.

Also at the bilateral engagement with Prime Minister of Great Britain, Buhari again reiterated his resolve to respect the maximum term limit in the Nigerian Constitution.

The UK PM, obviously not quite familiar with Nigeria’s maximum two terms limit, had asked if President Buhari would run for office again.

Responding to Johnson’s question, the Nigerian leader said:

“Another term for me? No! The first person who tried it didn’t end very well.”

On the leader of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu, not being allowed to see his lawyers privately, the president dispelled such insinuation.

He said the detained separatist was being given every opportunity under the law “to justify all the uncomplimentary things he had been saying against Nigeria in Britain”.

The Nigerian leader had on June 24, congratulated Baroness Patricia Scotland, on her reappointment as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.

Leaders of the Commonwealth meeting in Kigali, Rwanda on Friday reappointed Scotland by consensus for a further two years to complete the balance of her period in office.

He commended the purposeful leadership of the Dominican-born barrister and diplomat in the last six years.

The last official engagement of the President in Kigali was his meeting with Nigerians in the Diaspora on the margins of the 26th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) on June 26.

At the meeting, Buhari had hailed Nigerian youths excelling at home and abroad, saying the country would welcome inputs and investments from compatriots with international exposure for the economy to thrive.

“It gives me great pleasure to be in Kigali, Rwanda and to meet with you, members of the Nigerian Diaspora as part of my regular meetings with Nigerians wherever I visit other countries.

“Let me begin by congratulating and commending Yewande Adebowale for emerging as one of the top four winners at the Commonwealth Youth competition at the Kigali Startup Festival 2022 at the Commonwealth Youth Forum,” he said.

Before departing for Kigali on June 22, President Buhari had presided over the virtual meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in the State House, Abuja. (NAN)

NEWS

Insecurity: Govt to Begins Boundary Demarcation Between Benue, Cameroon, others in April 

Published

on

Share

From Attah Ede Makurdi

The federal government is to commence the boundary demarcation between Benue, Taraba, Cameroon, Ebonyi and Nasarawa as from next month as part of non kinetic approach in tackling insecurity situation in the state.

Governor Hyacinth Alia this disclosed this when he visited and donated relief materials to victims of herdsmen militias attacks in six council wards of Kwande Local Government Area of the State.

The six council wards affected are, Moon, Mbadura, Yaiv, Kumakwagh, Mbakyor and Neivwan.

Addressing the displaced persons and other stakeholders at separate venues in Ichongo traditional council, Jato Aka, RCM Special Science Primary School, Nyihemba and Achia primary health Care, Usambeliev Ikyurav ya, the Governor assured that Government would not fold its hands and watch bandits kill, destroy and take over their communities, saying he would soon bring the situation to end 

Governor Alia who was represented by his deputy, Dr Sam Ode, said that a Military post would be established in Abaji to prevent the bandits from attacking farmers in Anyiase, Abande and Nundugh and directed the commissioner of Police to back up the police station in Jato Aka with fifty more police personnel for swift response.

He maintained that the boundary demarcation between Benue, Taraba, Cameroon, Ebonyi and Nasarawa would commence next month, and stressed that the measure would serve as a non kinetic approach in tackling insecurity situation in the state.

Earlier, in their responses, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Joseph Alakali and Chairman, Kwande Local Government Council, Rev. Mark Hule assured the people of the governor’s commitment to their welfare and was making frantic efforts to resolve the issue once and for all.

While assuring the people of Turan and Ikyurav ya that the police is on top of the situation, Commissioner of Police, Benue State Police Command, Emmanuel Adesina said two bandits were killed and one arrested and weapons recovered from them.

Ter Kwande, Chief Timothy Ahire thanked the Governor for the visit and lamented that the markets in Anyiase Abande, Nundugh and Abaji were no longer witnessing patronage due to attacks by herdsmen militia.

The Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Sir James Iorpuu assured the people of the agency’s continuous supply of food and non food items to cushion the sufferings.

 A victim, Terver Ageba from Nyihemba, Mbakyor council appreciated the Governor and his entourage for given them a sense of belonging, pointing out that the herdsmen have dislodged them from their homes and have nowhere to lay their heads on. 

The Commissioner iv, Benue State Civil Service Commission, Mrs Scholastica Liam (Lyam) who was also on the entourage, encouraged the displaced people to look unto God for a lasting solution to the predicament.

Continue Reading

NEWS

Gov Alia  Swears in BSIEC Chairman, other Commissioners

Published

on

Share

From Attah Ede Makurdi 

The Benue State governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, on Thursday swore in the newly-appointed chairman of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC), Dr. John Chen , and other commissioners with a charge on them to fostering a transparent electoral process that could enhance public trust and confidence in the democratic institutions.

The appointees are to oversee the affairs of the state electoral body with a view to conducting local government elections.

The swearing-in ceremony which was held at the New Banquet Hall Government House in Makurdi, followed approval of their appointment by the state’s House of Assembly last week.

Those screened, confirmed and subsequently sworn in, were Dr. John Chen who is the Chairman, Theodore Iordye Uchi, Solomon Aikighe Deva, Edache Isaac, Mrs. Gloria Clement, and Peter Baba Ogagbolo as well as Terhemen Shom.

However, the State house of assembly refused to confirm Dr. Gisaor Vincent who was nominated by the Governor for the post of the commission’s secretary  over his nasty post insulting the Tiv people on Facebook

In his address at the ceremony, governor Alia urged the new appointees to demonstrate courage and steadfastness in the face of challenges and assured  that his government stands firmly behind the  commission.

The governor stressed that he  cannot overemphasize the importance of unity and resilience in overcoming obstacles; together, they can achieve great progress and prosperity for the state.

He called on all well-meaning citizens of Benue State to join hands with BSIEC in ensuring the success of our democratic process, adding that together, they can build a future where fairness, justice, and progress reign supreme.

“In  nominating each member, we were guided by the law establishing the commission, which unequivocally demands that the chairman and members possess unquestionable integrity. This underscores the critical role that the commission plays in laying the foundation for our democracy, as the Local Government Councils and council wards serve as the primary interface between the government and the people.

“I entrust upon you the responsibility of ensuring the consolidation of democracy at this vital level by conducting elections that are free, fair, and credible, accurately reflecting the will and aspirations of the people of Benue State. Our people deserve nothing less than a system where their voices are heard through their votes”,he said.

He commended members of the State Assembly for conducting rigorous screening process and their prompt attention to the nominations and confirmations, stressing that each of the  appointees were selected based on their nonpartisan stance, outstanding qualifications, integrity, and unwavering commitment to democratic principles, which are fundamental to the progress of the state and the core principles required for the survival of  thriving democracy.

Responding, the newly-sworn in BSIEC chairman, Dr. John Chen commended the state government for the opportunity to serve even as he assured that the electoral umpire would conduct credible local government polls when the time comes.

Continue Reading

NEWS

Gov Alia shuns APC National Leadership  Peace moves in Benue, Inaugurates parallel State Secretariat, Excos 

Published

on

Share

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.

Continue Reading

Read Our ePaper

Top Stories

NEWS1 hour ago

Insecurity: Govt to Begins Boundary Demarcation Between Benue, Cameroon, others in April 

ShareFrom Attah Ede Makurdi The federal government is to commence the boundary demarcation between Benue, Taraba, Cameroon, Ebonyi and Nasarawa...

NEWS2 hours ago

Gov Alia  Swears in BSIEC Chairman, other Commissioners

ShareFrom Attah Ede Makurdi  The Benue State governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, on Thursday swore in the newly-appointed chairman of...

NEWS2 hours ago

Gov Alia shuns APC National Leadership  Peace moves in Benue, Inaugurates parallel State Secretariat, Excos 

ShareFrom Attah Ede Makurdi The crisis rocking the ruling All Progressives Congress,APC in Benue State, on Thursday took another dimension...

Metro2 hours ago

Wike Approves Deployment of FCTA’s Pioneer Perm. Secs

ShareThe Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has approved the deployment of the 10 pioneer Permanent...

NEWS2 hours ago

MTN, Tier-1 Banks’ Stocks Lift NGX Gains by N157bn

ShareRenewed interest in MTN Nigeria, alongside sustained interest in Tier-one banks’ stocks on Thursday further raised the equity market higher...

NEWS2 hours ago

Naira Falls Against Dollar by 0.7%

ShareThe Naira experienced a slight depreciation at the official market, trading at N1,309.39 to a dollar on Thursday. Data from...

dailyasset-greetings dailyasset-greetings
BUSINESS2 hours ago

CBN Unveils New Minimum Capital Requirements For Banks

ShareGives Them 24 months To Recapitalise By Tony Obiechina, Abuja   Days after urging Nigerian banks to expedite action on the...

NEWS2 hours ago

ShareNAFDAC Intercepts Psychoactive Drugs, Bursts Beverage Factories in Southeast The National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has...

NEWS19 hours ago

FCT HOS: Why President Tinubu Extends Atang’s Tenure By 6 Months

ShareBy Laide Akinboade, AbujaPresident Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved the extension of Atang Udo Samuel, as the the Head of...

NEWS19 hours ago

FGGC Benin Emerges Winner of 2023 National Senior Secondary Schools’ Debate

ShareBy Tony Obiechina, AbujaThe Federal Government Girls College, Benin has emerged overall winner of the 2023 National Senior Secondary Schools’...

Copyright © 2021 Daily Asset Limited | Powered by ObajeSoft Inc