A Nigerian newspaper and Online version of the Vanguard, a daily publication in Nigeria covering Niger delta, general national news, politics, business, energy, sports, entertainment, fashion,lifestyle human interest stories, etc
The Football Association (FA) in England plans to increase FA Cup prize money with the aim of helping lower league clubs, says chief executive Martin Glenn.
The FA in October signed a six-season overseas broadcast rights deal for the FA Cup which was reported to be worth £820 million.
Glenn said the FA could raise the current £25m fund because of the deal, which starts from the 2018/2019 season.
"The FA Cup is a great way of redistributing money to the lower leagues," he said.
"The prize fund is £25m. We're looking to increase that over the coming years and hopefully benefit the smaller clubs."
Glenn also said the FA may look at introducing a "unity" payment which would help split money more equally.
Under the current system, clubs receive a larger amount of money if their game is televised.
Sports Minister Tracey Crouch had warned however last month that the government would legislate to force through FA reforms if the governing body does not make changes itself.
She had set a deadline of April for the FA to "set a path to reform".
Glenn reiterated some of the concerns of five former FA executives, including previous chairman Greg Dyke, who said the organisation was held back by "elderly white men".
Figures show that of the FA Council's 122 members, 92 are aged over 60, eight are women and four are from ethnic minority backgrounds.
"It's over-represented by white males who are quite old and it doesn't reflect the people actually in the game and that's the opportunity," said Glenn.
"With council reform, we'd like to see term limits and the government would like to see term limits so (that) you can't stay there for life.
"You might do three sets of four years and then move on so (that) fresh blood can come through."
The FA Cup third round saw many top-flight sides rotate their squad, with Bournemouth making 11 changes before they lost 0-3 away at League One side Millwall.
But Glenn said he was happy for teams to use the competition to juggle their resources.
"I think Bournemouth were an outlier. Eddie Howe can make his own reasons for it," he said.
"It doesn't upset me. The Premier League teams really understand the value the FA Cup brings them.
"People want to do well in the Cup, but the positive side is that these bigger clubs have big squads, you want to give people game time.
"Giving a chance for young players to get real-game experience is not a bad thing."
Former Governor of Niger, Abdulkadir Kure, 60, dies on Sunday in Germany, Tanko Beji, Chairman, PDP, Niger, confirms.Late Kure
Abdulkadir Kure was the governor of Niger State from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007. He was a member of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Abdulkadir Kure in May 2000 introduced Sharia law in Niger State.
Kure was married to Zainab Abdulkadir Kure, a former civil servant and, since 2007, a member of the Nigerian Senate. They have two daughters and four sons.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has said that it will reduce petroleum products importation by boosting the capacity utilisation of local refineries to 60 per cent by the end of 2017.
The NNPC Group Managing Director, Dr Maikanti Baru, made this known in a statement by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Ndu Ughamadu, in Abuja on Sunday.
Baru, who received the Management of Media Trust Limited, publishers of Daily Trust Newspapers, led by its Chairman, Malam Kabiru Yusuf, said that NNPC was keen on ending product importation in a few years.
"We are putting together various programmes to ensure that we achieve at least 60 per cent local refining by the end of this year.
"It is the procedure or methodology that we are changing a little bit.
"We are focusing on the process licensors to come and audit our processes and they have already started auditing most of our process units in the various refineries.
"We hope if we do all these systematically, we should achieve 60 per cent capacity utilisation this year or first quarter of 2018 and get to 80 per cent by the end of 2018."
This, he said, would result in the ability of Nigeria to locally supply half of the Premium Motor Spirit required in the country.
"With other efforts in terms of other refineries coming in place, we should be able to quit importation in a few years," Baru said.
Baru commended the management of Media Trust for its factual reportage of the corporation's activities and operations.
According to him, Media Trust had remained a leading voice in the fight against unwholesome activities of crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and sabotage of the nation's oil and gas installations.
He urged the media to help in enlightening the public on the dangers of pipeline vandalism which he said was a drain on the nation's economy.
Yusuf commended NNPC for excellent performance in discharging its fiduciary responsibilities.
He said that the management of NNPC under Baru deserved accolades for the good works he was doing for the country.
"We are here as stakeholders in the media and the economy to say that we appreciate the work you are doing."
He said that the visit to the corporation would avail Media Trust the opportunity to have more insight into the activities of NNPC and communicate it to the public.
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has condemned the continuous arrest and detention of former Niger Delta agitators.
The IYC spokesman, Mr Eric Omare, made this known in a statement to newsmen in Warri, Delta, on Sunday.
Omare decried the continued invasion, arrest and detention of ex-agitators without any justifiable reasons.
"The latest of such invasion and arrest is the commando style arrest of ex-agitator, Bounanawei Smith on Jan. 7, 2017 in Warri, Delta.
"Smith was arrested while hosting some IYC members in his guest house at Esiso Estate, Warri, by a combined team of military officers.
"They invaded and ransacked the whole of his guest house and some of the IYC members who were with him narrowly escaped death when the military officers shot sporadically into his apartment," he said.
The spokesman subsequently demanded the immediate release of Smith,who he said, was currently in the custody of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, Warri Naval Base.
Omare said Smith had since accepted amnesty and had been very active in maintaining peace and security in the Niger Delta.
"Few days ago before his arrest he hosted a meeting of Ijaw and Urhobo leaders toward resolving the age-long inter communal crisis between Ogbe-Ijoh, Isaba, Diebiri and Aladja communities.
"In recognition of this, the Delta Government appointed him into the land and Waterways Security Committee and he has since been working closely with security agencies.
"Such invasion, arrest and detention of Niger Delta people by the military has become a norm. On Jan. 1, 2017 military officers invaded Gbaraun community, southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa arrested a youth leader, Kalami Inakemeduo.
While commending the Federal Government's peace initiative in the region, Omare said such incessant and unlawful arrest was capable of truncating the peace process. (NAN)
The Kano Sate Government has launched a door to door health delivery system at Gamadan Village in Kura Local Government Area of the state.
A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Health, Malam Isma'il Gwammaja, said that the programme was launched by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Kabiru Getso.
Getso reiterated the state government's readiness to continue to pursue people-oriented health programme to enhance healthcare delivery to the populace.
Ganduje
He said the programme was launched for hard to reach rural areas of the state.
The commissioner gave assurance that government would complete the Giginyu General and Zoo Road Pediatric Hospitals that were abandoned before the end of 2017.
The projects, he said, were inherited from previous administrations.
Getso explained that the two hospitals when inaugurated would reduce the influx of patients seeking medical attention abroad.
He noted that the hospitals would be provided with modern equipment to meet international standards.
It would however, provide Free Medical treatment to the communities living in the hard to reach rural areas.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Yobe has appealed to the state government to introduce Christian religious studies in public schools. The state CAN Chairman, Rev. Jibrin Joshua, made the call when he briefed newsmen in Damaturu on Sunday.
According to him, despite the constitutional provision for freedom of worship, the teaching of Christian religious knowledge is prohibited in Yobe and some Northern states.
Jibrin urged government "to revisit the policy and give our children the privilege of Christian religious education."
The cleric called on government to return Christian missionary schools to their owners with full financial grant for their rehabilitation. He described the introduction of preaching licence in some states as unnecessary.
The CAN chairman also implore the government to address the non-issuance of certificate of occupancy for building of churches and broadcast of christian religious activities on state-owned media
Jibrin described the killings and destruction of property in Southern Kaduna as unacceptable and condemnable, and called for compensation to victims who lost their property in the conflict.
The police in Lagos on Sunday said they have arrested a 24–year old driver for allegedly stealing his former employer's pet dog, car and television sets.
According to the suspect's confessional statement to the police, he allegedly committed the crime in order to raise money to cater for his siblings during the Christmas period.
The police spokesperson in Lagos State, SP Dolapo Badmos, who confirmed the arrest to newsmen, said the suspect was arrested on Dec. 26, 2016 at Ojuelegba by a team of Rapid Response Squad (RRS).
Badmos said the suspect was picked up by the police while trying to sell off his former employer's Toyota Avensis 2013 model marked AGL 734 AR for N2 million.
She said the suspect was arrested along with three of his friends who were aged between 22 and 23.
The suspect, she said, had during the Christmas period stormed the Magodo home of his ex-boss while he and his family were holidaying in Delta State and the security man gone to the church.
"He conspired with others to move a 100 inches LCD TV, a 42 inches LCD TV, a dog, a suitcase, two DSTV decoders and a Toyota Avensis," she said.
The image maker noted that the suspect was able to access the house because he knew where his former -boss usually kept the keys to his rooms.
Badmos said when the victim got report of the theft, he reported the incident at Magodo Police Station while the car was later recovered by the RRS operatives.
Other items, she said, had also been recovered.
She said the suspect had left the service of the victim as a driver three months before committing the crime, stressing that he had also collected about N1 million for the car before his arrest.
Badmos advised the public to always carry out a background check on their domestic servants so as not to expose themselves to the antics of criminals.
She said the suspects had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, for further investigation.
…Says God’s judgment will descend on his govt if he doesn’t thread softly
Governor of Ekiti State, Peter Ayodele Fayose Sunday cautioned the Federal Government on its recent law which has tampered with the administration of churches in Nigeria by making General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG)’s Pastor Enoch Adeboye to step aside as the head of the church in Nigeria. The same regulatory law would soon make other clerics like Pastor Williams Kumuyi to retire as their church head in the country.
Criticizing the law, Fayose said that the government must thread softly on this path to avoid tragedy of monumental proportion befalling them.
Governor Fayose spoke during the 53rd birthday thanksgiving service of his wife, Mrs. Feyisetan Olayemi Fayose, held at the governor office chapel, in Ado-Ekit, State chapter, saying: “There is one thing every government must not do, the moment you face the church of God, you will fail. The God of Adeboye, Kumuyi will bring down all the enemies in this government.Governor Fayose and President Buhari
Somebody must tell them, there are certain things you don’t do. They are going from frying pan to fire.
This government wants to subdue the church, God will subdue them. They are ridiculing leaders of the church, God will rubbish them. The same church they had deceived to get power, they are saying that we now have the ring, who will remove it from our hand, the Lord will cut off the hand that wears the ring.
APC is behaving in this way, But God is the creator of the ring and the hand, God will amputate the hand.
Ayo Fayose is anointed of God.
I have warned and I’m still warning, take your hands away from the administration of churches, you are killing Christians, The Lord will rise against you. By rising against the church, this government has failed. As anyone that rises against God will fail. By using Laws against the church, they have started to crumble.
” Christians are being slaughtered in Southern Kaduna and noble men cannot talk because of fear of incarceration. Remember you are here today, tomorrow you would not be here again. We must condemn what is happening here today, ” he said.
Speaking earlier, Mrs. Fayose said she stopped praying to God to remove her husband’s heart from politics when God revealed to her in 206 that He needed him (Fayose) in Nigeria. She said to her husband: “The Lord will reward, He will stand by you. You are going higher and I’ll be beside. I’ll still remain the same person. God has said it and it will never fail.
” When I was praying to God to remove politics in my husband’s heart. God told me in 2006. He said leave that man, I need him in Nigeria. I ask when and how and when but he said don’t ask me. But I’s taking him higher. God indeed is really watching over me. I want to be praising God and to be watching my enemies falling, and all haters of Fayose and his govt falling.
“Note this, I prophesize this year that many things, governments, kingdoms, conspiracies will be torn tear so many things this year, because of Ekiti State and Fayose, be on God’s side so that you’ll not be torn.
By Clifford Ndujihe AHEAD of tomorrow’s election of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ndigbo have been urged to go for good candidates, who will reposition the organisation for the onerous tasks before it in the country.
The charge was made by Elder statesman and former Secretary General of Ohaneze, Professor Ben Nwabueze, SAN, and National Chairman of the United Progressives Party, UPP, Chief Chekwas Okorie.
The duo spoke, yesterday, while rooting for different candidates, who are running for the post of the president-general. While Professor Nwabueze is backing Professor Chiweyite Ejike, Chief Okorie is supporting Chief Nnia Nwodo for the prime slot.Prof Nwabueze
In a reference letter he wrote for Ejike, a professor of Zoology and current chairman of the Convention for Intellectual Co-operation of Nigeria, COFICON, Nwabueze said: ”At a time when Ohanaeze, the umbrella Organisation for Ndigbo, is in shambles, and in some kind of disarray inflicted on it by lapses on the part of the leadership in recent years, we need someone of great integrity, impeccable character, outstanding sagacity and intellect, principled and disciplined, someone imbued with a passion and a vision for the promotion of the interest of Ndigbo, especially in the context of Nigeria. Professor C. Ejike seems to me to be such a person. He possesses, in an eminent degree, the qualities mentioned above…
”From working closely with Professor Ejike as my deputy in the Igbo Leaders of Thought, ILT, I know him to be a good manager of men and resources, however small the resources, an exemplary leader, a man of outstanding intellectual endowment, with an affable personality and a high sense of responsibility.”
Warning against the imposition of candidates, Nwabueze added: ”The forthcoming election provides an opportunity to revitalize Ohanaeze, to inject into it the spirit, vision and dream that animated its founding some 40 years ago, and to create, as it were, a new Ohanaeze Ndigbo.”
In like manner, Chief Okorie said he is backing Nwodo to be elected in the interest of Ndigbo because ”Ndigbo are at crossroads in Nigeria today. The Ohaneze leadership we must elect at this time cannot be somebody who has just chanced on the Pan Igbo organisation..”
He continued: ”I make this recommendation with every sense of responsibility and patriotism. Chief Nnia Nwodo towers head and shoulder above those who have stepped forward to contest for the office of President General of Ohanaeze in terms of commitment and personal sacrifice to the course of the apex Igbo socio cultural organisation, consistently for several years.
I wish to state unequivocally that I became a member of the Igbo Forum as an undergraduate of the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus in 1976. Igbo Forum was renamed Ohaneze Ndigbo in 1979. I have been involved in the affairs of Ohanaeze for an unbroken period of 40 years. I am therefore in a sound position to proffer an opinion on the fit and proper person to be considered for the exalted office of the President General of Ohanaeze.
I venture to state without any fear of contradiction that Chief Nnia Nwodo has paid his ‘dues’ satisfactorily to Ndigbo and Ohanaeze. Let me remind members that Chief Nnia Nwodo played a central role in supporting his elder brother, His Excellency Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo, the former Governor of Enugu State to donate the present National Secretariat of Ohanaeze complete with a Certificate of Occupancy. Chief Nnia Nwodo single-handedly sponsored and hosted several meetings of the Ime-Obi (Elders Council) of Ohanaeze when we were meeting monthly.
Chief Nwodo was the Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee of Ohanaeze. I served as the Secretary of the Committee. He practically converted his Law Office complete with his staff to the secretariat of the Constitution Drafting Committee until we completed the assignment and submitted our report to Ohanaeze. The Ohaneze profile of Chief Nnia Nwodo is unassailable.
Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra has said that 111roads have been earmarked for construction in the dry season.
Obiano, who disclosed this on Saturday in Awka, said the roads were in areas with prospects for the realisation of agriculture, commerce and industrial vision.
He said that the roads would cut across the three Senatorial districts of the state.
Obiano
"It would be done to standard due to the anticipated heavy duty trucks conveying products to and from the project sites,'' the governor said.
He described the year 2016 as a year of breakthrough for the state.
According to him, the state government would intensify efforts to ensure that the economy of the state remain viable to alleviate the impact of the present economic recession on the people.
Obiano said he had initiated short-term policies to guarantee the state's continued march toward greater achievements.
"This government is more focused on building strong institutions for a viable model for subsequent administrations to consolidate on,'' the governor said.
"I am committed to seeing through my social contract with the people,'' he said.
Liverpool face the prospect of a tricky FA Cup third-round replay against Plymouth Argyle after they were held to a 0-0 draw at Anfield on Sunday.
The sides met for the first time in any competition since April 1962 and although the Premier League team dominated possession and had the majority of the chances, they were unable to find the net.
Plymouth, who are second in fourth-tier League Two, will now host the seven-time winners at Home Park in south-west England later this month.
It will add to a congested January for Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, whose team also have a two-legged League Cup semi-final against Southampton to contend with.
After a hectic festive period, Klopp decided to rest many of his first-choice players as he made 10 changes from the 2-2 draw at Sunderland in the Premier League.
He ended up naming the youngest team in Liverpool’s history, with an average age of 21 years and 296 days, which included a first start for teenage striker Ben Woodburn.
Liverpool’s English striker Daniel Sturridge (R) has an unsuccessful shot during the English FA Cup third round football match between Liverpool and Plymouth Argyle at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on January 8, 2017.
The 17-year-old became Liverpool’s youngster ever goalscorer in a League Cup victory over Leeds United in November.
He drew the first save out of Plymouth goalkeeper Luke McCormick with a low toe-poke from close range after clever play by Emre Can.
Divock Origi had the ball in the net for the Reds moments later after he brought down a high ball, but the Belgium international was deemed to have fouled Plymouth defender Gary Miller.
Liverpool controlled the play against a side 68 places below them in the English football pyramid, but the visitors were organised and reached the break on level terms.
– Sturridge summoned –
Plymouth, backed by 8,500 vocal fans who had made a near 600-mile (965-kilometre) round trip to Merseyside, finally managed a shot on target 10 minutes into the second half.
But Graham Carey’s speculative free-kick was comfortably saved by Loris Karius.
Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva, handed the armband by Klopp, brought a save from McCormick with an equally audacious effort from outside the box moments later.
Anfield started to grow restless and Klopp responded shortly after the hour mark with the introduction of Daniel Sturridge for Can.
The striker’s first act was to whistle a low shot just the wrong side of the post following a Liverpool counter-attack.
Shortly after he lifted a dangerous ball into the area, with Sheyi Ojo not quite able to apply the decisive touch.
Klopp brought on Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana with 15 minutes remaining in an attempt to inject some life into his side.
Despite the fresh legs and six minutes of added time, the hosts failed to find a way past a stubborn Argyle defence.
Right at the death, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s free-kick was flicked on by Origi and substitute Connor Smith almost nudged the ball into his own net, only for McCormick to gather.
When referee Paul Tierney blew the final whistle, the Plymouth players went to applaud the away contingent, who celebrated as if they had secured victory, while Liverpool’s players trudged off.
The State Pastor, Living Faith Church, Lokoja, Kogi State, David Popoola, has said that it takes spiritual warfare and personal responsibility for prophecies to be fulfilled in the life of a Christian.
Popoola made the disclosure in his sermon entitled: "Gateways to operating in the supernatural " on Sunday in Lokoja.
The state pastor said no prophecy could fulfill itself except by spiritual warfare of prayer and fasting to bring the prophecy into reality.
Taking his lesson from the Book of James 5 v 17 and 18, he said: "Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not for three and half years.
"And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit."
He, therefore, urged the congregation to participate actively in the 21-Day prayer and fasting of the church scheduled to commence on Jan 9.
"Prayer is to commune with God personally without distractions while fasting is denying ourselves of food, drinks and pleasures.
"Fasting and prayer demands investing our time in praying, studying the word of God, praising and worshipping God; and one of its benefits is empowerment.
"We must learn to wait on God while fasting and not waiting on our time or food, we must show love to everyone.
"The spirit of love will empower us to live in a different world in 2017; it will make our case to be different.
He defined love as putting "God first in all that we do, living a kingdom priority lifestyle, placing God above all things and identifying with Jesus openly and unashamedly".
The cleric, therefore, urged Christians to emulate the virtues of Christ by showing genuine love to others in all things. (NAN)
Kerosene scarcity has resurfaced in Kano and its environs, forcing consumers to resort to using coal and firewood for their daily cooking.
The situation had deteriorated in the last one week, forcing residents who could afford, to buy the product at exorbitant prices.
NAN reports that the situation was compounded by non-availability of the commodity at most filling stations in the metropolis.
Some of the retailers told NAN that for the past one week, no filling station in the metropolis sold the product.
One of the sellers at Tarauni market, Malam Mohammed Aminu, said even those with old stock had jerked up the price by about 200 per cent due to its scarcity.
A consumer, Malam Annas Abba-Dala, said a four litre gallon of kerosene now go for N1, 600 as against N800.
Even today (Sunday) I bought a gallon of the product at N1, 600 as against N800," he said.
Another customer, Malam Garba Ahmad, said he had since switched to the use of charcoal until the situation improves.
"With this recession and the current price of Kerosene, men with large families cannot afford to buy it.
"So, people like us have to resort to the use of charcoal or firewood as an alternative though their prices has also increased slightly due to high demand."
A filling station attendant on Audu Bako way said, "the owner of this filling station stopped bringing the product when a litre was sold at N230".
Effort to contact the state Chairman of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Alhaji Bashir Dan-Malam, failed as his mobile phone was switched off.
NAN recalls that the last time Kano State experienced similar scarcity was in July 2016, when a four litre gallon of the commodity sold for N1,000 at the black market.
A Lagos lawmaker, Mr Jude Idimogu, on Sunday commended President Muhammadu Buhari's resolve to commence the payment of outstanding stipends to the Niger-Delta ex-militants.
Idimogu, representing Oshodi/Isolo Constituency II at the Lagos State House of Assembly, gave the commendation in Lagos.
President Muhammadu Buhari
He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that such development has become imperative for the good of the nation, saying the country and Nigerians, had suffered enough due to the unrest in the region.
NAN reports that the Federal Government had paid two out of the four months stipends owed the repentant militants in Niger Delta under the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
Mr Ramsey Mukoro, Leader of the Third Phase of the amnesty programme, had on Saturday said that some former agitators had received two out of the four months outstanding allowances.
Idimogu said, "This is a good development for the country to move forward.
"Whether we like it or not, peace in the Niger Delta is paramount, because it is the area that lays the golden eggs for this nation as of today.
"We should go ahead and do everything possible as a government, to maintain peace in the region, and in other places.
"We are pampering them (the region) already as a result of the 13 per cent derivation the region has, apart from the normal allocation. Let the Federal Government do more to get result."
The lawmaker also urged the government to always try to have robust discussion with stakeholders from the region, and regard the people as stakeholders in the nation.
Idimogu said that the region had long been neglected by the government in the area of provision of road infrastructure, urging the government to commence rigorous road construction in the region.
"Crises in this region had been affecting the nation's economy, putting the whole Nigeria in crisis. We should take care of the region.
"Let's make them happy, and if we need to also do extra things for the people there to achieve our goals, let's do such things.
"Nigerians are suffering because of the dwindling government revenue. We all know that without peace, no family, community and nation can progress.
"Let that region be happy by developing the place. When you make the people there happy, all these crises will die down naturally.
"Communication and dialogue solve a lot of problems. The government cannot meet every need at the same time, but communication will make people understand and stop unrest," he said.
NAN reports that retired Brig.-Gen. Paul Boroh, Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme Office and Special Adviser to the President on Niger-Delta, recently indicated the government's commitment to the training and empowerment of all beneficiaries listed on the programme.
Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has commiserated with families of the army captain and five other soldiers reportedly killed yesterday, by Boko Haram insurgents during an attacked on the Nigeria Army Brigade in Buni Yadi, Yobe State, calling on the federal government to stop deceiving Nigerians with stories of defeat of Boko Haram insurgency and return of Chibok girls.
Fayose
The governor, who maintained that the ongoing war against the Boko Haram insurgents could only be won through truthful information by the federal government and cooperation of all Nigerians, asked; “If indeed Boko Haram was already defeated, where are those suicide bombings and attacks coming from?”
In a release issued on Sunday, by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Governor Fayose said; “Nigerians are faced with many wars now, Boko Haram is just one of them and it is worrisome that we are not being told the truth about anything.
“It is like a patient telling his doctor that nothing is wrong with him. How will such patient be treated?”
He said it was funny that the federal government was celebrating the recovery of what they called Boko Haram flag as a sign of defeat of the insurgents while more daring attacks were being made by the same Boko Haram against the army, killing our gallant soldiers.
“The reality is that insecurity has increased in Nigeria more than President Muhammadu Buhari met it. Herdsmen have even killed more Nigerians than Boko Haram in the last one year while hundreds have died through extrajudicial killings by security agencies,” the governor said.
Speaking on the 21 Chibok girls, said to have been rescued, Governor Fayose maintained that the real story behind the Chibok girls abduction will be told one day.
He said the federal government must have to tell Nigerians why the 21 rescued Chibok girls have not returned to their families since last year October.
“Have you ever seen anyone that will be in captivity for that long and won’t be eager to reunite with his or her family two months after regaining freedom?
“If the girls are truly Chibok girls, their freedom must be total. They must also be allowed to tell their own stories.
“However, as it appears, the girls may have moved from one captivity to another,” he said.
SERVING Overseer, The Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare has thrown his weight behind the agitation for restructuring of the country, saying it will correct the fundamental flaws in the polity.
President Buhari and Pastor Tunde Bakare at State House Abuja
He, however, faulted the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration for refusing to heed the call for restructuring.
Bakare said this, Sunday, during a state of the nation address in Lagos.
Noting that restructuring will correct the fundamental flaw in the nation’s federal system, he said: "The hues and cries for restructuring in our nation appear not to have been well received by this present government. The inquisitive may ask: Why must we restructure? We must restructure to correct the flaws in our federal system. A federated state is defined as a territorial and constitutional community forming part of a federal union.
“In a true federal system, previously sovereign states agree to confer their individual sovereignties on a central government. In other words, the states create the federal government, as was the case with the original thirteen American colonies. This was also the case when the Nigerian federal system was originally conceived by our founding fathers. Prior to the coming of the colonialists, sovereignty was domiciled in empires, kingdoms, city-states and republican villages. It was, however, taken over by the colonialists at which point it resided in the British crown."
Lamenting that the current crop of leaders have deviated from the ideology of the nation’s founding fathers, Bakare said: "Our founding fathers agreed that Nigeria would be a truly federal state with limited and specific powers allocated to the federal government and residual powers inherent in the regional governments."
"This agreement was the social contract upon which the Nigerian state was formed, but this social contract was broken on May 24, 1966 through the Unification Decree by Gen. J.T.U. Aguiyi-Ironsi's administration. That was the day Nigeria died.
"Five decades later, in spite of the reversal of the Unification Decree by Gen. Yakubu Gowon's administration resulting in the division of Nigeria into twelve states, this deviation from the landmarks set by the fathers is a crucial reason for our disjointed nationhood and the perennial socioeconomic decay. It is why efforts at economic diversification by government after government, including the present government, have failed to yield the expected results."
Advocating for a zonally structured governance system, the cleric said: "I must state that I am inclined to a zonally structured governance system due to the reasons I earlier alluded to. However, in the spirit of trustful give and take, let all the proposals be brought to the table. Inasmuch as it is in the interest of our nation, whatever governmental structure results from the process, a people deserve the right to determine the structural and functional parameters of governance in their nation. Let the Nigerian people decide. From the United Kingdom's European Union membership referendum, to the constitutional plebiscite in Italy, we have seen examples of how this is done.
“The notion that the Nigerian nation is non-negotiable will remain contested through agitations, until we summon enough courage to put it to the test, and prove, through the outcome, that we are indeed prepared to become a truly united nation."
Bakare, who is also Convener of the Save Nigeria Group, SNG, called on President Buhari and his team to summon the courage to make hard choices to restructure and the choice to embrace the necessary self-sacrifice that precedes economic recovery.
He said: "To The current government, under President Muhammadu Buhari, has the opportunity to provide such leadership by being at the forefront of the quest for change. Guided by the indicators of good governance in a well-structured state, and propelled by a true unifying national vision, Mr. President and his team must summon the courage to make hard choices, especially the choice to restructure and the choice to embrace the necessary self-sacrifice that precedes economic recovery.
"May 29 this year will mark two full years of this administration in government. We have no more time to waste. Mr. President must galvanize his team to get the job done; square pegs in round holes must be removed or put in appropriate places; the wicked who surround the righteous must be led away from the presence of the king. Those who cannot stand the heat must get out of the kitchen. It is time to demonstrate leadership, wise judgment and astute public policy that guarantees stable and prosperous nationhood upon a foundation of peace; it is time to build a well-ordered nation with strong institutions dispensing justice; it is time to arise with patriotic zeal to build a great nation such that, years from now, generations yet unborn will look back at their history, not with disdain, but with gratitude to God that our generation preceded theirs."
Adamawa Police Command on Sunday confirmed the killing of three Mobile Policemen and the disappearance of two others in an attack by suspected herdsmen in Demsa Local Government Area of the state.
The policemen were among those drafted to secure Kwayine, Gidan Dadi and Karlahi communities after clashes that followed the killing of 47 cattle in the area.
The command's Public Relations Officer, SP Othman Abubakar, who confirmed the development to newsmen in Yola, said that four rifles belonging to the policemen were also missing.
"Fulani militia attacked the three villages and we lost three of our gallant MOPOL while two are missing.
"We have constituted a high powered search team and by the special grace of God we are going to recover our men.
Armed Fulani-herdsmen
"On the side of the civilians, two bodies have so far been recovered," Othman said.
The spokesman said that the police had succeeded in killing scores of the militias who where however able to escape with their dead ones.
Abubakar said more policemen had been drafted to the affected areas.
Gov. Muhammad Bindow had condemned the attack, which occurred less than 24-hours after a government delegation on peace building mission visited the area.
The governor in a statement signed by the Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, directed security agencies to deploy more personnel to the area.
He described the attack as unfortunate and sad especially coming after recent peace and confidence building efforts.
"The Governor feels highly disturbed that after he had sent delegations on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday to interface with the different communities in the area, a clash could occur so soon thereafter."
He assured residents of government's resolve to restore peace to the affected areas and protect the lives of every citizen.
Bindow saluted the gallantry of the police in confronting the attackers and urged them not to relent until normalcy is fully restored.
Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for the Nigerian Army's impeccable feat of routing the Boko Haram insurgents from its Sambisa forest stronghold.
Umahi gave the commendation at an inter-denominational service to mark the 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Abakaliki on Sunday.
Represented by Dr Kelechi Igwe, his Deputy, Umahi said that Buhari had shown that he was commanding the Nigerian armed forces effectively.
"The feat is unprecedented in the nation's long years of fighting insurgency and militancy and it signifies continued security for the nation's troubled areas.
"The president's military expertise came into bear in routing the insurgent's stronghold as he combined military skills and finesse to achieve the feat.
"He also assembled the best, high-ranking officers in the military to storm the Sambisa forest-haven of the insurgents and matched them force to force which destabilised them," he said.
Umahi
The governor urged Ebonyi and Nigerian citizens not to leave security issues in the hands of relevant agencies alone, but contribute immensely to secure the state and nation.
"Security issues are dear to God which made him deploy the cherubim, armed with swords to protect the Garden of Eden from unwanted intrusions.
"Former British Leader, Winston Churchill, said that if British people would protect their households, there would be no need to hire mercenaries to fight for them during the Second World War.
"The same is obtainable in the state and country as the legionaries should see themselves as privileged to be chosen to protect the lives of over 180 million Nigerians," he said.
He promised to assist the legionaries and families of the fallen heroes, especially their children who would be assisted to excel in their educational endeavours.
"We will always appreciate your sacrifices for the nation as you have emulated Christ who laid down his life for his people," he said.
Mrs Eunice Oyeyemi, Chaplain of the Government House Chapel, also congratulated the military for the feat, while praying for God's continued guidance and protection on it.
"The Nigerian military ranks among the best in the world and we pray that God continues to embolden it to check all security challenges confronting the country.
"The government and well-meaning individuals should take care of families of departed legionaries to cushion their emotional trauma and give them a sense of belonging," Oyeyemi said.
The cantonment Commander of the Nkwagu Military Cantonment, Ebonyi, Paul Kolawe, pledged that his officers would ensure the protection of lives and properties of the citizens.
Homilies and words of encouragement were given by the clergy and other stakeholders who graced the service, while prayers were said for the peaceful co-existence of Nigeria.
Lagos – Pastor Tunde Bakare, the Convener, Save Nigeria Group (SNG), on Sunday joined other eminent Nigerians in the calls for restructuring of Nigeria's federal system to a united nation.
Bakare made the call in his "State of the Nation'' broadcast at the Latter Rain Assembly, End-Time Church in Lagos.
Theme of the broadcast is: "Looking into the Future with the Eyes of Faith.''
He said the founding fathers had agreed that Nigeria would be "a truly federal state with limited and specific powers allocated to the Federal Government, and residual powers inherent in the regional governments.Bakare
According to him, this agreement was the social contract upon which the Nigerian state was formed.
He said that this social contract was broken on May 24, 1966, through the Unification Decree by the late Gen. J.T.U. Aguiyi-Ironsi's administration.
Bakare said that the current government, under President Muhammadu Buhari, has the opportunity to provide such leadership Nigerians want by being at the forefront of the quest for change.
According to him, the change will be guided by the indicators of good governance in a well-structured state, and propelled by a true unifying national vision.
"Mr President and his team must summon the courage to make hard choices, especially the choice to restructure and the choice to embrace the necessary self-sacrifice that precedes economic recovery.
"May 29 this year will mark two full years of this administration in government. We have no more time to waste.
"Mr President must galvanise his team to get the job done; square pegs in round holes must be removed or put in appropriate places.
"It is time to demonstrate leadership, wise judgment and astute public policy that guarantees stable and prosperous nationhood upon a foundation of peace, and build a well-ordered nation with strong institutions dispensing justice.
"It is time to arise with patriotic zeal, to build a great nation such that, years from now, generations yet unborn will look back at their history, not with disdain, but with gratitude to God that our generation preceded theirs.
"May 2017 be the year we look into the future with the eyes of faith and take steps to accomplish all that we know is possible,''' he said.
Bakare said that 2016 was characterised by extreme uncertainties, intense political suspense, accelerated global terror, and mounting economic pressure, due to dwindling resources.
He said that in spite of the challenges, some achievements were recorded in the areas of security and diversification.
"'As at April 2016, despite the acceleration of global terror, Boko Haram's impact had been reduced from 22 attacks per month in 2015 to nine per month in 2016.
"Under this administration, 21 of the abducted Chibok girls were also released to their parents in October 2016, and last Friday, Rakiya Abubakar, the latest rescued Chibok schoolgirl, was reunited with her parents in Abuja.
"To crown it all, at the tail end of 2016, Sambisa Forest was liberated and the Boko Haram flag was captured by our gallant soldiers,'' Bakare said.
He, therefore, prayed for the safe return of all still in captivity, the continued protection of our soldiers, and the safety and rehabilitation of all internally displaced persons.
The cleric-politician said, "The government's diversification efforts have also propelled increased attention to agriculture with the sector growing by 4.54 per cent in the third quarter of the year, despite the 2.24 per cent year on year reduction in growth rate.
"The third quarter also saw growth in non-oil sectors including fishing and crop production.
"These are signs of a diversifying economy. Therefore, the assumption that the Buhari-led administration lacks direction is questionable."
Bakare then urged Nigerians, irrespective of religious, ethnic, gender or other distinctions, to pray for God's intervention and support the government.
"Prayer has its place, but God will not come down to solve problems. He has already equipped us to solve.
"God is looking for patriots who will become responsible for their families, for their communities, for their organisations, for their nation, for the continent and for the world, " he said.
Bakare prayed that God would grant President Buhari wisdom, health, courage and clear vision to do the needful via policies that would redeem and make Nigeria great.
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