NEWS
Insecurity: Moghalu Advocates Establishment of Truth and Reconciliation Committee
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
Benue killings: Benue reps frown on incessant attacks on communities, killings of his constituents
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
The member House of Representatives representing Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency, Arc. Asema Achado, Wednesday, condemned the incessant attacks on Benue communities and killing of 28 persons by suspected Fulani herdsmen militia in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.
Arc. Achado who described the action of the attackers as senseless, expressed deep condolences and solemn empathy to the grieving communities of Tse-Kperyisa, Tse-Adaa, and Tse-Shiver, where innocent farmers were slaughtered by herdsmen. Achado in a statement by his Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mendah Manasseh, said he joined his voice with the Gwer West people in condemnation of the senseless and unlawful attacks..The statement said “the attacks have inflicted immeasurable pain and suffering upon the peace-loving people of Gwer West.”I implored the Benue State Government to urgently intervene by enforcing the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, by ensuring that the perpetrators of these barbaric acts face swift and decisive justice.“They should also collaborate with law enforcement agencies to apprehend those responsible for these heinous crimes against humanity,” he said.”I therefore call on the people of Gwer West to remain steadfast and united in their quest to bring an end to the spate of killings.Achado assures his constituents of his unwavering support and steadfast commitment to championing their cause and advocating for lasting peace and security in the constituency.NEWS
Benue killings: Gov Alia Condemns Attack on Communities, Charge Security Agents to Rescue Those in Captive
From Attah Ede Makurdi
Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, on Wednesday, condemned in strong terms, the recent horrific attacks on different communities in Gwer-West Local Government Area of Benue State by suspected armed herders which resulted to the killing of several persons and scores kidnapped.
He wondered why such grossly offensive attacks continue on Benue communities despite the relentless efforts of government to arrest the ugly situation.
The governor in a statement by his Principal Special Assistant(PSA) on media and content creation, Isaac Uzaan, called on Benue people, particularly those at the frontline of the attacks to cooperate with the government and security agencies to bring perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.
The Governor however extend his deep condolences to those whose relatives were killed in the attacks and called on security agencies to expedite their search and ensure safe release of those kidnapped.
Uzaan quoted the governor as assuring Benue people that his government, in union with security chiefs and traditional rulers is committed to concerted action to ending insecurity in Benue State.
NEWS
May Day: NLC Seeks Partnership with Anambra Sports Commission
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), says it is planning to hold some sporting events as part of activities marking this year’s May Day celebration.
Mr Humphrey Nwafor, Chairman of the NLC in Anambra, said this when he led members of the State May Day Planning Committee on a courtesy visit to Patrick-Estate Onyedum, Chairman of Anambra State Sports Development Commission, on Wednesday.
Nwafor, represented by Dr Emeka Odogwu, Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists in Anambra, expressed satisfaction with the developmental programmes of the Sports Commission.
Odogwu, who is also the Chairman of the Planning Committee, said the Labour movement in Anambra was willing to partner the Commission to make its May Day sporting activities successful.
He said the games, planned for the day, were athletics, Football, Badminton, Nchoo and Volleyball.
“We are satisfied with what you are doing in the sports as Chairman of Sports Development Commission and we want to appreciate your doggedness and effective drive in the sector,” he said.
In his response, Onyedum commended the NLC for the innovation, saying that sports should be a habit for all to ensure healthier life.
He promised that the Sports Development Commission would take care of their technical needs to make the sporting event worthwhile.
“What you are doing is in line with the agenda of Gov. Soludo who has always been supportive of human capital development of the youth through sports.
“I encourage you not to relent in your efforts and support to the state government,” he said. (NAN)