News
Corruption Costs World $2.6bn …As Kerry Warns Against Excessive Force On Insurgents
The United States Secretary of State, Mr John Kerry, yesterday, said corruption costs the world over $2.6billion, annually.
Kerry made the disclosure in Sokoto at the Sultan’s palace where he delivered a speech entitled:” The importance of resilient communities and religious tolerance in countering violent extremism.”
He said: “This is money that can be used to improve the living standard and provide decent livelihoods for them.
“Corruption is not only a crime, but very dangerous and it must be tamed,” he said, and remarked that corrupt officials, globally were ‘crooks’.
The US Secretary of state also acknowledged the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari to holistically fight corruption, noting thatý President Muhammadu Buhari understood this, as he was elected on the platform of clean government.
“Nigeria is already a regional leader in the fight against corruption. The countryý is also a role model in the ongoing global efforts to fight corruption”, he pointed out.
Accordingly, Kerry acknowledged the ongoing efforts by Buhari to entrench morality, transparency, honesty and good governance in public life while noting that, Buhari was also making commendable efforts to recover all stolen funds.
Kerry stressed the need for the support of the military, other security agencies and the judiciary, among others, to ensure the success of the anti-corruption campaigns.
He reiterated that, “US is also fully committed to fighting corruption and the entrenchment of good governance globally.
“One of Nigeria’s strength is diversity of culture and religious tolerance.
“The former leaders of the defunct Sokoto caliphate and others like the late Sir Ahmadu Bello had stood by the virtues of peace, unity and tolerance,”
He further acknowledged President Buhari’s bold efforts in fighting insurgency and other crimes across the country, saying that, “Boko Haram boasts no agenda more than to burn schools.
“They also kill and maim people, especially teachers, and it is the opposite of any religion.”
Kerry also expressed US deep commitment to working with its partners like Nigeria, to be able to build counter-terrorism capacities while disclosing that, it has worked out counter-terrorism strategies for implementation globally.
He commended the sultan for his relentless efforts to entrench peace, unity and prosperity in Nigeria and beyond.
The US secretary of state also lauded the plan by the sultanate council of Sokoto to establish an all-women university, noting thatý girls, women, children and other vulnerable groups must be educated, given jobs and opportunities to explore their potentials.
While speaking at a news conference in Sokoto, Kerry also emphasised that extremism can’t be defeated through repression or fear.
Kerry congratulated Nigeria on its recent military successes against Boko Haram, but warned the country will face a blowback if it “cracks down” on the Islamists with excessive force.
The secretary of state praised Nigeria for reclaiming swathes of territory from Boko Haram and releasing thousands of hostages over the past year.
Nigeria has made “important progress”, Kerry said, adding that, “Nigeria and its neighbours are degrading Boko Haram’s capabilities.”
But Kerry cautioned against a heavy-handed response and emphasised respect for human rights.
“In the wake of terrorist activity, some are tempted to crack down on anyone and everyone,” Kerry said.
“But extremism can’t be defeated through repression or fear. Fear instilled through repression invites not confidence but contempt,” Kerry said, “it creates terrorists.”
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have accused Nigerian troops of excessive force and extra-judicial killings of suspected Boko Haram insurgents, hundreds of Shiite Muslims and pro-Biafra protestors. The military has denied the charges.
On his third visit to Nigeria in less than two years, Kerry met with traditional and religious leaders, and appealed to Nigerians to practise equality and tolerance to “overcome deep-seated ethnic and religious divisions.”
His remarks come one day after police reported that a Muslim mob in northern Nigeria killed eight people after torching the house of a Muslim man who stood up for a Christian student accused of blasphemy.
He also met with President Muhammadu Buhari later yesterday in Abuja as part of a three-nation tour focussed on counterterrorism.
The top US diplomat, who was in Kenya on Monday, is expected to discuss the Boko Haram insurgency, fighting corruption and boosting Nigeria’s moribund economy that has been pummelled by the drop in global oil prices.
In its quest to create a fundamentalist Islamic state Boko Haram has killed more than 20,000 people and displaced 2.6 million from their homes.
With homes and businesses destroyed and farmland devastated, the United Nations has warned that some 50,000 children could starve to death this year in Borno state alone if nothing is done.
Earlier in August the US government pledged $37 million in aid for victims of Boko Haram as fears of a famine mounted in the ravaged Lake Chad region.
In his remarks, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar commended Kerry for the visit, and “inspiring speech”, saying that “This will encourage us to redouble our efforts for a more stronger, united and prosperous Nigeria.
The event was witnessed by Governors Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto and and Abdul’aziz Yari of Zamfara states, including ýreligious, traditional and community leaders, as well as students.
News
PDP Opobo/Nkoro Hails Fubara On Peace, Projects
Stakeholders of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Opobo/ Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State have commended the state Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his disposition that has fostered peace in the State.
Rising from an expanded stakeholders meeting last Saturday in Opobo Town, the body in an eight-point communique signed by its Chairman, Hon. Benneth Daminabo, Chairman of Council, Rt. Hon. Enyiada Cookey-Gam and LG party Chairman, Warisenibo Godwin Pepple commended the governor for linking Opobo/Nkoro LGA to the national grid.
In addition, it lauded the effort of the governor in pursuing the 50.15 kilometre Dual Carriage Ring Road, Elelenwo internal road, Aleto-Ebubu-Eteo Road in Eleme and Andoni Road projects.
Despite the distractions, the stakeholders said they were impressed that the governor had equally done projects in health-the unveiling of Prof. Kelsey Harrison Hospital, Agric projects at Tai and Oyigbo and improving welfare of civil servants.
In their words, “members reaffirmed their unalloyed loyalty and implicit confidence in his administration.”
Condemning the unfriendly and discourteous utterances of Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Tony Okocha in different fora in the State, the forum urged the duo to desist from such action in order not to heat up the polity.
The forum pledged to stand by the governor through, “thick and thin”, the stakeholders acknowledged the contributions of women, who through prayers for the government has impacted positively in the direction and posture of the governor.
Finally, the forum unanimously expressed gratitude to the Simplified Movement and other bodies that have thrown their weight behind the governor to ensure that the administration is stable and successful.
By: Kevin Nengia
News
‘Rivers People Are Now Breathing Fresh Air Under Fubara’
Aformer Caretaker Committee Chairman of Abua/Odual Local Government Council of Rivers State, Hon Elamo Arogu, says under Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the people of the State are now breathing fresh air.
Hon Arogu said Governor Fubara has given Rivers people hope, considering the impactful and people-oriented projects being carried out by his administration.
The former CTC chairman made the assertion during the Simplified Movement’s thanksgiving service and rally held in honour of Rivers State chief executive last Friday in Abua .
Arogu said under Governor Fubara, the Abua/Odual people have the confidence that the dividends of democracy will definitely get to them.
He noted that the Governor has the strong will to change the narrative in Rivers State, being the reason he is receiving massive support across the State.
“The people of Abua/Odual are strongly behind him. Our doors ate open for everyone because there is government in place to attend to the needs of the people. I believe that he will develop Abua/Odual and other Rivers council areas, hence, the massive support. This government is business- oriented and we are ready to encourage him succeed and invest in our land. The issue of a bank; road networks and other necessities of life bordering on development as demanded by the people will be considered by Governor Fubara”, he said.
He called on the opposition to team up with Governor Fubara to build a stronger, united and viable Rivers State.
He maintained that ward nine under his leadership is Simplified.
News
Rivers State University Cooperative Society Elects New Leaders
The United Port Harcourt Peoples Cooperative Investment & Credit Society Limited, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, has elected new leaders to pilot the affairs of the cooperative for the next two years.
They are Pastor Dr. Barine Aeba (President); Dr. Gift N. Nkweke (Vice-President), Dr. Kenneth Chima Adiele (General Secretary), Victor G. Banigo (Assistant General Secretary),
Rose Yeyeda Nwosu (Treasurer), Adaku Nwogu (Financial Secretary) and Stella Ereba (Public Relations Officer).
Inaugurating the new Management Committee after a keenly contested election held recently at the University Amphitheatre, the Director of Cooperatives in Rivers State, Dr. Elizabeth Chidi-Wike, congratulated the seven-member Executive for emerging winners at the election, charging them to uphold the bye laws of the Cooperative Society and hold regular congress meetings.
Dr. Chidi-Wike used the forum to commend the outgone Management Committee for reviving the Cooperative and placing it on an enviable pedestrial.
In her remarks, the Acting Registrar of the University, Mrs. Ibimonia Sotonye Harry applauded Cooperative members for keeping faith with the Cooperative Society, stressing that the goal of the society in helping members save for retirement cannot be over emphasised.
In his valedictory speech, the outgone President, Dr. Mie-Idala Jones Amachree expressed gratitude to God for the successful completion of his four-year tenure, thanking his fellow Management Committee members who gave him the needed support that transformed the Cooperative Society.
In his acceptance address, the President, Pastor (Dr.) Barine Aeba thanked the university management for providing the enabling environment for the peaceful conduct of the election, pledging that he will fulfill all his campaign promises.
A total of 165 Cooperative members participated in the electoral exercise which was conducted by an Electoral Committee led by Engr. (Dr.) Joseph D. Enoch.
-
Opinion4 days ago
Nigeria: Revisiting The Restructuring Issue
-
Rivers4 days ago
Commissioner Tasks Firms, Host Communities On Peace
-
Sports2 days ago
‘Belief Has Returned To Germany Ahead Euro 2024’
-
Editorial2 days ago
That Kyari’s Promise On PH Refinery
-
Oil & Energy4 days ago
Offer Incentives To Boost Oil, Gas Production, Academy Tells FG
-
News4 days ago
PDP Leader Assures Fubara Of Support
-
Nation4 days ago
Catholic General Assembly Expresses Concern Over Growing Insecurity In Taraba
-
News2 days ago
FG Threatens To Arrest Gumi Over Reckless Comments On Security