Connect with us

NEWS

Insecurity: Moghalu Advocates Establishment of Truth and Reconciliation Committee

Published

on

Share

Prof. Kingsley Moghalu has recommended that President Muhammadu Buhari should establish a Truth and Reconciliation Committee to address current security and other challenges in Nigeria. Moghalu, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), made the recommendation at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja while re-emphasising his intention to contest the presidency in 2023.

He added that members of the committee, one from each geopolitical zone in the country, should be of high reputation and relevant expertise.
He further added that one international member assigned from the United Nations or from South Africa should also be part of the committee.
Moghalu said the committee should be given a six-month mandate to examine, especially the events of January 1966 to January 1970, invite witnesses, survivors and critical players still alive to make statements. Such persons he said, should also make recommendations that would promote national reconciliation by turning historical memories into a positive force for mutual forgiveness and nation building. ”President Buhari should invite all secessionist agitation movements to a national dialogue in order to give them a hearing with a view to addressing credible, verifiable grievances. ”Concrete actions toward the establishment of a Constituent Assembly to begin framing a new Constitution, with legislative support from the National Assembly, should be initiated jointly by the presidency,” he said.The presidential hopeful added that this should be done in collaboration with the national assembly and representatives of ethnic nationalities, traditional rulers, the clergy and civil society. He also recommended the appointment of a panel of historians, with equal representation from the northern and southern parts of Nigeria, to review and agree on a curriculum of contemporary national history. This, he said, should include the Nigerian Civil War, to be taught in primary and secondary institutions from the specific perspective of lessons learnt, national healing and reconciliation. ”To build our nation, we must confront our history and embrace reconciliation. ”I am making the recommendations as a contribution to stopping immediately, the current bleeding of our country, beyond my personal intervention. ”In my recent declaration of my interest to contest in the 2023 presidential election, I pledged to unify Nigeria,” he said. This, he said he intended to achieve through inclusive governance with a dream team from all over the country if given the opportunity. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Moghalu was the 2019 presidential candidate of the Young Progressive Party (YPP).After that election, he announced that he had quit partisan politics for nation building with the formation of his To Build A Nation (TBAN) platform which he hopes to use as a vehicle to influence issues of national and public interests. (NAN)

NEWS

Police Apprehend Suspect over Alleged Human Trafficking in C’ River 

Published

on

Share

The Police Command in Cross River has apprehended one Victor Eyop, 35, for alleged trafficking of girls from Nigeria to Libya.

CP Gyogon Grimah, Cross River Commissioner of Police, confirmed this on Monday at a news conference in Calabar.

Grimah explained that on Nov. 9, one Mr Chidi Samuel, in Calabar, reported a case of human trafficking against the suspect.

He said that on that date, Samuel claimed that the suspect and his wife, Mrs Esther Eyop, allegedly recruited Ms Deborah Nyong, 25.

“They also recruited two others, Ms Anita Lawrence, 25, and Ms Mabel Tom, 16, for human trafficking to Libya after they were tested for the Human Immune Virus (HIV) and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STIs).

“After the test, the suspect took them to his house and the next day gave them a substance they were to mix in their bath water for cleansing before embarking on the journey.

“On Nov. 12, the suspect and his wife drove the girls to Bogobiri Street in Calabar, where they booked tickets and transported them to Kaduna with arrangements with one Hajiya (names unknown) to receive the girls in Kaduna,” he said.

The commissioner noted that while in Kaduna, a taxi driver was sent to pick up the girls and further transported them to Katsina. However, along the road to Katsina, the vehicle developed a fault.

Grimah said it was at this point that the victims realised that they were being trafficked, started contacting people for help and the complainant, Samuel, sent money to them through a Point of Sale (POS) operator along the road.

He said, with that money, they boarded a taxi back to Kaduna and found their way back to Calabar on Nov. 15.

Grimah said that court prosecution would begin the moment the investigation was concluded.

On his part, the suspect claimed that he did not know that what he did was an offense noting that he was only assisting people to travel out.

“I am not a travel agent, but my sister is in Libya, it is through her that the girls are being taken to Libya.

“The girls were aware of the plan from inception that they would be taken to Katsina and from where ‘Hajiya’ would direct them on how to get to Libya,” he narrated. (NAN)

Continue Reading

NEWS

Adhering to Fiscal Discipline will Check Inflation- Economists

Published

on

Share

An economist, Prof. Bright Eregha, has urged the federal and state governments to adhere to fiscal discipline and support import substitution to combat rising inflation.

Eregha, who lectures at the Economics Department, Pan Atlantic University, expressed this in an interview with newsmen in Lagos on Monday.

He said that over the past year, the allocation of the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) to various subnational governments had surged significantly due to economic reforms implemented by the government.

Eregha said that this increase in allocations had raised the money supply within the economy.

According to him, this can also lead to a rise in the current inflation rate if these funds are not channeled into productive sectors.

He stressed the necessity for the governments to invest in mechanised agriculture as a solution to the prevailing food insecurity.

“An increased budgetary allocation to mechanise our agriculture is essential to boost food production, irrespective of whether it is harvest season or not,” he stated.

Eregha argued that such investments would aid the country in achieving self-sufficiency in food production and help mitigate the food-induced inflation currently being experienced.

Also, Prof. Tunde Adeoye, Senior Lecturer, Economics Department, University of Lagos, advocated  import substitution to curb the inflation rate.

He stated, “The government should adopt macroeconomic policies that will encourage indigenous companies to commence the production of some imported items locally and be patronised by our people.

“This will strengthen our local capacity and reduce our volume of imports over time, which is exerting too much pressure on our foreign exchange,” he explained.

According to Adeoye, the surge in inflation rate is more of a structural challenge within the general economy.

He said, “The situation has gone beyond the apex bank’s belief that raising interest rates alone will check the inflation rate.

“Our increase in inflation is more of an economic dislocation which is worsened by the government’s current economic reforms.”

He further emphasised the need for the government to be more innovative in addressing the security headwinds that negate food output in the country.

“The government addressing the herders-farmers disputes over the years in food belt states might ameliorate the situation,” Adeoye said.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s inflation rate increased to 34.6 per cent in November, up from 33.8 per cent in October.

The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, released on Dec.16, highlights a 0.72 per cent rise in inflation within a month.

The NBS reported a significant year-on-year increase of 6.4 per cent, compared to the 28.2 per cent inflation rate recorded in November 2023.

On a month-on-month basis, inflation rose by 2.638 per cent in November, a marginal drop of 0.002 percentage points from October’s 2.64 per cent. (NAN)

Continue Reading

NEWS

Abuja Stampede: CAN Mourns

Published

on

Share

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The National Leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at the weekend, said it is disturbed by the tragic events at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama on Saturday morning.This was contained in a statement issued by CAN signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and made available to journalists in Abuja.

.The statement reads in parts, “We have learned that at least ten people, including children, lost their lives in a stampede while trying to seek help from the church.
”This tragedy is not just statistics; it represents real families who are hurting. Each person lost was someone’s beloved family member.
We wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church and to the families affected by this terrible incident. We stand together with you in this time of sadness and prayer.”Many people arrived early, hoping to receive palliatives that would help them during tough times. What was meant to be a day of support turned into a disaster, leaving a heavy impact on all of us and reminding us how fragile life can be.”This incident is part of a troubling pattern, as Nigeria has experienced two other tragic stampedes this month. On December 18, during a Christmas funfair at a school in Ibadan, a stampede resulted in the deaths of 35 children, with six others critically injured. The event aimed to distribute cash and food to over 5,000 children. This tragic event is currently under investigation, focusing on better crowd control measures.”Just a few days later, another stampede occurred during a rice distribution event at a centre in Anambra State. Reports indicate that at least 22 people lost their lives, and 32 others were injured. These heartbreaking incidents highlight the challenges of managing large crowds during charitable events. “In the face of these tragedies, we recognise the importance of coming together to support those who are grieving. It is crucial that we listen to one another, share our feelings, and offer help in any way we can. This is a time for compassion and understanding as we help one another heal.”As we reflect on these devastating events, we invite all Nigerians to come together with kindness and understanding. Let us support one another and work towards creating a place where everyone feels safe and valued. The concern shown in response to this incident highlights our shared humanity.”Together, we can honour the memory of those we have lost by committing to a future filled with hope, where every life matters, and where we can gather in safety and peace, sharing in the abundance of food and support that we can provide for one another as a nation.”May those who have passed find eternal rest, and may God comfort all who are grieving”.

Continue Reading

Read Our ePaper

Top Stories

Economy31 minutes ago

Stockbrokers Propose Strategies to Grow $1trn Economy

ShareNigerian Stockbrokers have proposed strategies by which the Federal Government can deepen the capital market to achieve its proposed one...

NEWS34 minutes ago

Police Apprehend Suspect over Alleged Human Trafficking in C’ River 

ShareThe Police Command in Cross River has apprehended one Victor Eyop, 35, for alleged trafficking of girls from Nigeria to...

Court Sentences Applicant to 6 Months in Prison for Stealing Cell Phone Court Sentences Applicant to 6 Months in Prison for Stealing Cell Phone
JUDICIARY36 minutes ago

Court Remands Suspects Linked to Bello Turji in Kuje Correctional Centre

Share A Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, ordered the remand of four suspected terrorists linked to notorious bandit...

JUDICIARY41 minutes ago

Man Sentenced to Death with Reprieve for Driving car Into Crowd

Share A man who drove a car into a crowd in Changde City, central China’s Hunan Province, was sentenced to death...

NEWS43 minutes ago

Adhering to Fiscal Discipline will Check Inflation- Economists

Share An economist, Prof. Bright Eregha, has urged the federal and state governments to adhere to fiscal discipline and support...

NEWS6 hours ago

Abuja Stampede: CAN Mourns

ShareBy Laide Akinboade, Abuja The National Leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at the weekend, said it is...

NEWS7 hours ago

Benue unveils Zeva Premium Lager Beer

Share The Benue Government on Sunday unveiled a new beverage, Zeva Premium Lager Beer, produced by Benue Investment and Property...

NEWS7 hours ago

NAFDAC, Manufacturers Collaborate to Strengthen Food Safety Culture in Nigeria

Share The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has partnered with the Association of Food, Beverages,...

NEWS7 hours ago

CHAN: Nigeria, Ghana Clash Ends in Goalless Draw

ShareThe Nigeria, Ghana final qualifying fixture in the race to next year’s African Nations Championship ends a goalless draw in...

NEWS7 hours ago

FG Lifts Ban on Mining to Boost Zamfara IGR – Minister

Share Alhaji Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, says President Bola Tinubu has lifted the ban on mining in...

Copyright © 2021 Daily Asset Limited | Powered by ObajeSoft Inc