Connect with us

COVER

Vatican Appointment: Kukah to Promote Global Human Rights, Peace, Justice

Published

on

Share

By Chika Otuchikere and Orkula Shaagee, Abuja

The appointment of the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan Kukah into the Human Rights, Peace and Justice Council in the Vatican has thrown up major responsibilities for the cleric beyond the realms of Nigeria and the Catholic Community.

The Pontifical Council is dedicated to “action-oriented studies” for the international promotion of justice, peace, and human rights from the perspective of the Catholic Church.

It entails cooperation with various religious institutes and advocacy groups, as well as scholarly, ecumenical, and international organizations.

Head of the Vatican, Pope Francis announced the appointment of Bishop Matthew Kukah, into the Pontifical Council yesterday in a statement signed by the Director, Social Communications of Sokoto Diocese, Fr.

Chris Omotosho.

Omotosho described Kukah’s appointment as a positive development, stating that it would bring about a lot of developments and goodwill to the people of God, especially to the Nigerian Catholics.

“By this appointment, Bishop Kukah joins other members of the Dicastery (Council) drawn from different regions of the world to advise and promote the Holy Father’s concerns on issues of justice and peace, human rights, torture, human trafficking, care of creation and other issues related to the promotion of human dignity and development,” the statement read in part.

The Council is expected to be formally inaugurated on a later date while the appointment is renewable after an initial five-year period.

Kukah’s appointment was signed on behalf of the Pope by His Eminence, Peter Cardinal Turkson, the Prefect of the Council.

“The mandate of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, which Kukah would be involved, include promoting justice and peace in the world, in the light of the Gospel and of the social teaching of the Church.

“It will deepen the social doctrine of the Church and attempt to make it widely known and applied, both by individuals and communities, especially as regards relations between workers and employers. These relations must be increasingly marked by the spirit of the Gospel.

 “It will assemble and evaluate various types of information and the results of research on justice and peace, the development of peoples and the violations of human rights. When appropriate, it will inform Episcopal bodies of the conclusions drawn.

“It will foster relations with international Catholic organizations and with other bodies, be they Catholic or not, that are sincerely committed to the promotion of the values of justice and peace in the world.

 “It will heighten awareness of the need to promote peace, above all on the occasion of the World Day of Peace.

 “It will maintain close relations with the Secretariat of State, especially when it deals publicly with problems of justice and peace in its documents or declarations.”

MURIC Seeks Boycott of Cleric’s Activities

The dust raised by the Christmas Day message of Bishop Kukah has refused to settle as an Islamic body, the Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has called the Federal Government’s bluff over calls for Kukah’s expulsion from Sokoto State, the Muslim Caliphate in Nigeria.

MURIC is also asking the government to sack the fiery Catholic cleric from his position as the secretary of the National Peace Committee, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) chaired by former Head of State, General Abdulsalam Abubakar.

MURIC made the call yesterday in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola.

According to the group, the call had become necessary because of Kukah’s failure to show remorse over his controversial Christmas Day message wherein he allegedly poured invectives on the Muslim religion.

It noted that members of the Abdulsalam Abubakar-led committee should be seen as non-controversial because of the role they were meant to play in ensuring peace in the land.

“We have watched in utter consternation in the past four weeks as some groups added fuel to the flame in the Kukah controversy.

“Kukah himself added salt to injury by telling us that he did not know how or where he insulted Muslims. It means he is not ready to show remorse. Kukah will not recognise the dignity of his Muslim neighbour. He still believes that Muslims are there for him to push around and lampoon like school children,” the group said.

MURIC recalled that several Islamic organisations including the Jamaatu Nasril-Islam (JNI), the Nigerian Islamic Center, Zaria and the Sokoto Muslim Solidarity Forum have demanded Kukah’s resignation from that committee.

“It must be a huge joke if the Federal Government or the NPC think this matter can be swept under the carpet or that it would soon be overtaken by events.

“We insist that this is not one of such issues that will just melt away like ice cream under the burning desert sun. “Successive Nigerian governments have created a larger than life image for Bishop Kukah by giving him lofty positions, particularly in federal commissions and committees without any objection from Muslims. But Kukah failed to appreciate the grace of Nigerians, particularly that of Muslims who have always endorsed such appointments.”

MURIC dismissed claims by the Nigerian Catholic Mission, Northern Christian groups, and other prominent personalities that Kukah’s message was innocuous and based on objective assessment of the state-of-the-nation.

“Unfortunately, instead of a proper appraisal, the bishop used every opportunity of his public profile to pour invectives on Muslims. The latter continued to tolerate him until his cup of ingratitude overflowed and spilled.

“They Christian groups have arrogantly endorsed Bishop Kukah’s incinerating Christmas statement instead of dousing tension. Neither has the National Peace Committee (NPC) helped matters with its silence.

“You can force a horse to the river, but you cannot force it to drink there. Mediation is a tripartite obligation. The two warring parties must be willing to come to the table. Both of them must also accept the mediator. A situation where one party has no confidence in the mediator necessitates bringing in a more credible person to mediate,” the statement added.

According to MURIC, Nigerian Muslims have told the National Peace Committee (NPC) that Bishop Kukah was no longer acceptable to them as Secretary and member of that Committee.

“NPC must scout around for a credible person to replace Kukah. We mean a non-controversial personality, not a politician and not necessarily a religious leader. NPC may also want to go further if it so desires by co-opting other middle-roaders and patriotic citizens.

“In case the NPC fails to act, Nigerian Muslims are hereby reminded that it is their Allah-given fundamental human right to boycott or stage a walkout from any event in which Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah is involved either as the chairman, secretary, member, guest or speaker,” the group stated.

COVER

Federation Account Garners N7trn Revenue in Six Months – RMAFC

Published

on

RMFARC
Share

By Tony Obiechina, Abuja

Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) yesterday disclosed that a total sum of N7.31 trillion accrued to the Federation Account between July and Dec. 2023.This was captured in the monthly report to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under the caption “CBN Federation Account Component Statement”.

This amount is higher than the sum of N5.
244 trillion realised in the first half of year 2023, according to a statement signed by the RMAFC Chairman, Mr. Mohammed Bello Shehu and made available to the media in Abuja.The chairman disclosed that out of the total gross revenue inflows into the Federation Account, the sum of N1,692 trillion was transferred to the Exchange Gain Differential Account, thus leaving a balance of N5.
475 billion for distribution.He added that from the amount stated above, the sum of N3.26 trillion was deducted as approved statutory deductions by the OAGF, leaving a net balance of N2.2 trillion for distribution to the three tiers of government within the period under review.The chairman explained that out of the N3.267 trillion statutory deduction indicated above, N2.251 trillion was transferred to the Non-Oil Excess Account as savings, thus leaving a net statutory deduction of N1.016 trillion with further augmentations for sharing among the three tiers of government received from some “reserve accounts.”The statement added that within the period under review, the net sum of N4 trillion was shared with the three tiers of government, an amount higher than the total sum of N3.06 trillion.In terms of percentages, the chairman stressed that “the statutory deduction in the second half of the year constituted 44.12 percent of the total gross inflow into the Federation Account in the six-month period, which was higher than the first half deductions of 42.31 percent (inclusive of transfer to the Non-Oil Excess Account).”On remittances by Revenue Generating Agencies (RGAs), the RMAFC chairman disclosed that out of the total gross revenue inflows into the Federation Account, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) remitted N874 64 billion in the second half of the year as against the zero-remittance made in the first half of the year.Similarly, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) remitted the sum of N1.56 trillion while the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) remitted N3.65 trillion

Continue Reading

COVER

PDP NEC Meeting Ends with Damagum as Acting Chairman

Published

on

Share

By Johnson Eyiangho, Abuja

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 98th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting yesterday ended without a word on the much talked-about replacement of the party’s Acting National Chairman, Amb. Iliya Damagum, an indication that he will continue to function in that position.

In an interview with newsmen after the meeting, the PDP spokesman, Hon.
Debo Ologunagba said for now, the party is focusing on issues of reconciliation and its stability, adding that the issue of the Acting National Chairmanship had been “deferred to the next NEC meeting, which is tentatively scheduled for August 15, 2024″.
Also speaking, the Governor of Bauchi State and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed said the party is united as there was no dissension and rancour.
In his words, “It was planned that the party would have an implosion. PDP is more than that. We have gone beyond all that. This party is united, guided by experience and constitutionality.”There were a lot of permutations and mischievous thinking outside there. But we looked at all the issues and we worked along our guidelines and constitution.“There is no problem or dissension and problem among members,” Mohammed said.The well attended NEC meeting was held amid tight security as police and personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) condoned off roads leading to the PDP Secretariat, Abuja and diverted vehicular traffic.It will be recalled that the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) had passed a vote of confidence on Damagum during its meeting on Tuesday.A communique issued at the end of the three hours meeting commended all the organs of the party for their collective resilience, steadfastness and commitment towards the unity, stability and sustenance the party despite daunting challenges.The communique commended the efforts of the NWC in its effort towards rebranding the party and urged all party members to continue to work together for the success of the PDP for the benefit of Nigerians and sustenance of democracy in our country.

The document which was read by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ologunagba, however, expressed concern over what it described as the ill-implemented policies of the APC administration, leading to worsening insecurity, harrowing economic hardship, soaring unemployment rate, high cost of food and other necessities of life with pervading misery and despondency across the country.”NEC expresses serious apprehension over the spate of acts of terrorism and violence including the escalated cases of mindless killings, mass abduction of innocent Nigerians and marauding of communities in various parts of the country.”NEC condemns the insensitivity, nonchalance, incompetence and arrogance in failure of the APC administration which continues to conduct itself in a manner that shows that it has no iota of interest or commitment towards the wellbeing of Nigerians.”NEC also condemns the creeping totalitarianism and tendencies towards a One-Party State which is inimical to the peace, stability and corporate existence of our nation as well as the development of Democracy and good governance in the country,” it said.The communique demanded that President Bola Tinubu should urgently convene a special National Security Council meeting to proffer a holistic solution and measures to curb the disturbing insecurity with its attendant negative consequences on the nation.It also called on the president to “immediately rejig his Economic Team to bring in persons of proven integrity and competence without bias and vested interest to assist in repositioning the economy.”NEC further demands that the Federal Government should review all policies and programmes which are stifling the economy with suffocating effect on the lives of citizens; including the increase in price of fuel without cushioning measures, hike in electricity tariff, increased taxation and implementation of adverse fiscal policies,” the communique added.Present at the meeting were FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and many other past and presently elected members of the PDP.

Continue Reading

COVER

CBN Reduces Banks’ Lending Rate to 50 Percent

Published

on

dailyasset-greetings
Share

By Tony Obiechina, Abuja

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday announced a review of the loan-to-deposit ratio (LDR) for banks from 65 percent to 50 percent to align with the current monetary tightening.

LDR is used to assess a bank’s liquidity by comparing its total loans to its total deposits.

An increase in the loan-to-deposit ratio allows banks to expand their credits to businesses and individuals, however, a decline in LDR reduces their ability to loan customers from depositors’ funds.

CBN disclosed the increase in a circular titled “Re: Regulatory Measures to Improve Lending to the Sector of the Nigerian Economy”, signed by Adetona Adedeji, CBN Acting Director, Banking Supervision Department.

“Following a shift in the b  ank’s policy stance towards a more contractionary approach, it is imperative to review the loan-to-deposit ratio (LDR) policy to align with the current monetary tightening by the CBN,” the apex bank said.

“Accordingly, the CBN has decided to reduce the LDR by 15 percentage points to 50%, in a similar proportion to the increase in the CRR rate for banks.

“All DMBs are required to maintain this level and are further advised that average daily figures shall continue to be applied to assess compliance.”At the last monetary policy committee (MPC) meeting on March 26, the CBN retained the CRR at 45 percent and the liquidity rate at 30 percent.

Continue Reading

Read Our ePaper

Top Stories

NEWS22 hours ago

Disability Act: Stakeholders Worry Over Delayed Domestication in Benue

ShareBy David Torough, Abuja Stakeholders have expressed concern over delay in the domestication of Disability Act in Benue state and...

NEWS23 hours ago

Enugu Embarks on Inspection of Smart Schools, Healthcare Projects Across State

ShareFrom Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah has charged contractors and the site engineers handling construction of...

NEWS23 hours ago

Benue Govt Abandoned Foreign Exchange Programme Due to N3mn Bursary – DG BEQA

ShareFrom Attah Ede, Makurdi The Director-General, Benue State Education Quality Assurance Agency, BEQA, Dr. Terna Francis, on Thursday, said the...

NEWS23 hours ago

Tinubu Establishes National Education Data System

SharePresident Bola Tinubu has approved system-wide policies to comprehensively overhaul the education sector to improve learning and skill development, increase...

NEWS23 hours ago

ADAS Programmes Set to Establish Digital Structure, Database for Farmers, Farmlands

ShareFrom Yagana Ali, Yola The Adamawa State Agribusiness Support Programme ADAS-P has concluded arrangements to establish standard & digital structure/database...

NEWS24 hours ago

Absence of Diplomacy Responsible for Secessionist Agitations in Nigeria – INM

ShareFrom Marcel Duru, Owerri Igbo National Movement, a sociopolitical pressure group, has said that absence of diplomacy is responsible for...

NEWS24 hours ago

N20m Bounty on Kidnappers: Wike Fulfills Promise to FCT Police Command

ShareBy Laide Akinboade, Abuja The Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, expresses heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the...

NEWS24 hours ago

Presidential Amnesty: Bank Accepts Responsibility for Stipends Delay

ShareFrom Mike Tayese, Yenagoa One of the Bank offering services to the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has explained the reason...

NEWS24 hours ago

Enugu State Justice Reform Team Commends Mbah, Calls for Enhance Justice System

ShareFrom Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu The Enugu State Justice Reform Team (ESJRT) has commended the administration of Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah...

POLITICS24 hours ago

I Didn’t Abandon Mandate – LP Candidate

ShareFrom Marcel Duru, Owerri The Labour Party Candidate in the 2023 general elections for Mbaitoli-Ikeduru Federal Constituency, Rt Hon Uche...

Copyright © 2021 Daily Asset Limited | Powered by ObajeSoft Inc