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Boko Haram: Cleric Seeks Christians, Muslims Unity
Religious leaders, have called on Christian and Muslim faithful, to come together to check the threat posed to national unity by the Boko Haram sect.
Speaking to newsmen after an inter-religious stakeholders meeting in Lagos, the clerics said that the radical sect was bent on dividing the country along religious lines.
They, therefore, urged that the goal of Boko Haram could be defeated only through peaceful co-existence.
The meeting, which also had in attendance Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, was held to foster religious harmony in the state.
National Imam, Ansar-Ul-Deen Society of Nigeria, Imam Abdul Rahman Ahmad described Boko Haram as a common enemy of both religions, adding that its ideology was anti-Islam.
He urged Muslims and Christians to shun the sentiments being promoted by the sect, warning that the bombings of worship places by the group should not be allowed to provoke a religious war.
“There is no problem between Muslims and Christians. The security situation in this country is not a religious issue and it is not a matter for any religious war.
“ It is just some evil people trying to hide under religion and as religious people, we should resolve to defeat the evil and the evil doers,’’ he said.
Also speaking, Prelate Ola Makinde of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, reiterated the call for religious harmony, urging all Nigerians to help in confronting the security challenges by helping government to track down members of the sect.
He also called on Nigerians to love one another, saying that it was difficult for evil to prevail in an atmosphere of love.
“There is so much insecurity in the country and we do not want anybody to put religious sentiments into the issue.
“We are, therefore, appealing to both Christians and Muslims to come together and be security-conscious.
“When you suspect any unusual movement or people of questionable character, please endeavour to report such to either your pastor or the nearest police station.
“We should also consider the dialogue option in this situation because it is better to embrace dialogue than to engage ourselves in war. We do not want any civil war in this country again,’’ he said.
Another cleric, Rev. Josiah Udofia, called on Nigerians to learn to forgive one another, stressing that forgiveness could go a long way in helping the nation at this time of need.
Fashola called for vigilance and religious tolerance, saying that this would provide the nation with the strength to overwhelm its present security challenges.
NAN reports that the Boko Haram sect has claimed responsibility for a number of bombings in the country.
Happy Birthday Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON
Honourable Minister Federal Capital Territory
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We’ll Drive Tinubu’s Vision in Rivers With Vigour – Fubara …Inaugurates Dualized Ahoada/Omoku Road ….Debunks Rift With RSHA
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that he will lead Rivers people to galvanize support for President Bola Tinubu to drive the vision and objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the State with vigour.
The governor, who joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), on Tuesday, explained that his decision to join the APC was not for personal interest but for the overall benefit of Rivers State.
Fubara disclosed these while inaugurating the extension of the dualized Ahoada/ Omoku Express road in Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
He commended the contracting firm, Julius Berger, for timely delivery of the project, saying the project is a campaign promise fulfilled which will bring economic benefits to the people and tackle issues of insecurity associated with the route.
He said his administration has remained focused in delivering democratic dividends in the state despite facing glaring challenges.
The governor thanked the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas for their continuous support, and urged his supporters to remain steadfast and also support President Tinubu who he said, has demonstrated love to Rivers State as a father.
Fubara denied having rift with the Rivers State House of Assembly, stating that his meeting with the lawmakers was stalled as a result of delay in the agreed meeting to be convened by former Governor Nyesom Wike and other stakeholders for him to meet with the state lawmakers.
“I have made every effort to meet with the Assembly members, but it is not within my leadership to initiate the meeting process.
“The arrangement was for my leader, Wike, and the elders led by Anabraba to call for a meeting with the the lawmakers.
“I’m a gentleman and principled. I can’t go behind to call them when we’ve already agreed. Whoever that tell them that I don’t want to meet with them, or I rejected proposal meant for them isn’t saying the truth,” Fubara said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry Works, Mr Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who gave the project description, said the delivery of the project was a fulfillment of long time dream by the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas.
He said the road was previously a single lane and has now been dualised to 14.6 meters wide, complete with solar-powered streetlights with drainages.
He said the road significantly would reduce travel time between Ahoada and Omoku while improving economic activity in the region.
In his welcome address, Chairman of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, Hon. Chuku Shedrack Ogbogu, described the road as a symbol of unity, oneness, and development, thanking the governor for fulfilling his campaign promises.
On his part, the Managing Director of Julius Berger, Engr. Peer Lusbash, said the project was awarded to his company in 2023 with a completion period of 18 months which was achieved in best quality.
He added that Julius Berger enjoyed a good support from the Fubara administration, and assured to complete all ongoing projects being handled by Julius Berger on specification, especially the Ring Road project which is a legacy project.
Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring good healthcare for the people of Rivers State.
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?Governor Fubara stated this when he played host to the Country Director of UNICEF, Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef and her management team in Port Harcourt, last Tuesday.
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?The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, said he would continue to provide the necessary facilities in order to ensure accessible and good health care for all Rivers people.
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?”We are constructing new zonal hospitals across the State. The Ahoada Zonal hospital will be commissioned in December and others are near completion.
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?”We are grateful to UNICEF for all they have done and believe we can always work together to care for the vulnerable in the society. We appreciate your physical presence, and believe that your staff working remotely, can also do more virtually. We have a capable Commissioner of Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, to help foster our relationship, communication and greater collaboration,” he said.
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?The Country Director for UNICEF Nigeria, Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, assured Governor Fubara of UNICEF’s support to the programmes of the State Government. She appealed that health facilities such as the Oxygen Plant at Eleme Local Government Ares and the New Born Care Units be solarized.
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?”Be assured that UNICEF will continue to work and support the programmes here in Rivers State. We have seen the Oxygen Plant at Eleme LGA which has been effective because of the Public Private Partnership. We appeal that the plant be solarized.
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?”I commend your leadership of the State and assure that we are here to support your effort and assure you that you can count on our support and partnership. Rivers State is one of the states we can showcase how things are working so others can learn,” she added.
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