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Easter: Buhari, Saraki Urge Peace, Social Justice
President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed to political actors and other stakeholders to resist any act that could mar the integrity of the nation’s electoral process but to work for peace and social justice.
The President made the appeal in his 2018 Easter message to the nation yesterday in Abuja.
He said the appeal had become imperative in view of the fact that political campaigns would soon commence across the country.
He reiterated the resolve of his administration to firmly resist those who might want to make cheap political capital out of the current national security challenges.
According to him, the dark days of Nigeria’s elections being manipulated by violence and rigging by corrupt politicians and their agents are over, saying such days are confined to the dustbin of history where they rightly belong.
He added that “as we approach the period of campaigns, I appeal to our political actors and other stakeholders to resist any act that could mar the integrity of our electoral process.
“I am optimistic that with God on our side, the dark days of Nigeria’s elections being manipulated by violence and rigging by corrupt politicians and their agents are over.
“They are confined to the dustbin of history where they rightly belong.
“I remain committed to bequeathing a legacy of supremacy of the people’s will through the ballot box.”
On the Dapchi schoolgirls, the President expressed delight that the released girls had been reunited with their families.
He expressed the hope that all others, including the Chibok girls who were still in captivity, would be safely released unconditionally to their families.
President Buhari urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the safe return of the girls and all others in captivity.
He said “thankfully, our Dapchi schoolgirls who were safely released recently after 30 agonising days in the hands of their abductors have been reunited with their families.
“I am optimistic that all others, including the Chibok girls still in captivity will be safely released unconditionally to their families.
“I urge you to continue to pray for their safe return.’’
The President stated that he had already given clear instructions to security agencies to prioritise safety in schools in areas where humanitarian and security situations were still dire, in addition to ensuring adequate protection of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
Buhari thanked God for granting the citizens the opportunity to celebrate another Easter at a time of great promise and hope for the nation in spite of the current challenges in the country.
He noted that “I am indeed delighted to join our Christian brothers and sisters to commemorate this year’s Easter celebration.
“We thank Almighty God for granting us the opportunity to celebrate another Easter at a time of great promise and hope for our dear nation, in spite of challenges we also have.
“Easter, the season in which Christians mark the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ represents the triumph of good over evil; life over death.
“It is also a time to show love, forgiveness, compassion and renewed hope in the Grace of God.
“The Holy Scripture affirms that happiness and fulfillment in life do not flow from acquiring the best things in life, but in being richer in relationship with God and fellow human beings.’’
He urged citizens to use the opportunity of this special season to deeply reflect on how everyone could imbibe the profound teachings of Jesus Christ with renewed vigour.
President Buhari added that “in so doing and by placing the joy, comfort and happiness of others above ours, we will make a statement that vices such as hate speech, bigotry, corruption, banditry and terrorism have no place in our nation.
“We must do all it takes to love our neighbours and display increased spirit of tolerance and accommodation.’’
The President commended those who recognised and supported the unwavering efforts to prevent the spread of conflicts in the society, and to unite the country.
He also lauded them for checking wanton criminality and for steering the ship of state to steady path of economic growth, job creation and development.
President Buhari noted that his administration’s programmes and policies in the last three years had resulted in bringing down prices of staple crops; gradual improvement of road, rail and electricity infrastructure; and making Nigeria the preferred destination for investors.
He added that “more than ever before, we are ready to consolidate on these gains and ensure that we improve the lot of our communities in the years ahead.
“May this year’s Easter celebration bring us renewed hope and confidence as a great nation.”
Meanwhile, the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, has urged Christians and Nigerians across the nation to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ as epitomised by his passion, persecution, death and resurrection during Easter.
In a message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu in Abuja, Saraki also urged Nigerians to constantly work toward promoting unity across all lines.
He said it was imperative for Nigerians to come together to build a country that both present and future generations would take pride in “just like the work of Christ which endured for over 2000 years and continued to inspire generations.
“This weekend, we join our Christian brothers and sisters across the world to celebrate
Easter.
“This commemoration is a time for deep reflection as it marks the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and his victory over death. It is a time to reach out to our brothers and sisters in need.
“It is also a time for all of us, regardless of faith or ethnicity, to come together and pray for peace in our nation. We must all remain constant in efforts to promote unity across all lines because our nation will remain stronger when united.”
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.
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