News
Poverty, Deprivation Not Excuse For Crime – Archbishop
The Archbishop of Abuja Catholic Archdiocese, Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama, has advised Nigerians, especially the youths, to eschew violent crime which, noticeably, is on the rise across Nigeria lately.
Kaigama, though, admitted that there is poverty, deprivation and other social and economic inequalities in the society, but that shouldn’t be excuse for violent crimes and arm struggle against the state.
Kaigama, in a homily delivered at Our Lady, Queen of Nigeria Pro-Cathedral Catholic Church, Abuja, yesterday, pointed at the nexus between the rise in insecurity in Nigeria and hopelessness of youths in the ability of government to push for their interest.
He said, “There are millions of Nigerians with grim hope to earn their daily bread because of unemployment. It’s, however, no excuse to take to criminal or violent actions that threaten commercial or agricultural activities and peaceful coexistence.
“We must use peaceful means to appeal to government to do what is necessary, and Government must respond quickly so that the large poor populations may not be forced into unending illicit or criminal activities. Corruption in the distribution of national resources must be eliminated.”
Kaigama pointed to the recently flagged-off 774,000 Federal Government jobs in which each participant was expected to receive N20,000 for three months, querying the impact it has had in the economic system.
He asked, “What impact has been made? Let us know the identity of the beneficiaries and the quality of help rendered to them. We must cultivate a new and better way of living honestly and justly.
“When Nigerians pray, let it not be about a litany of physical/material needs, but also for honesty to take roots in the hearts of both the poor and privileged Nigerians; so that we are able to discharge our duties honestly with a very strong sense of charity and fairness.”
Kaigama, however, accused some pastors of focusing on prosperity gospel, leaving the issue of spirituality and others.
“Many people want a God who acts like a magician. Little wonder, many Christians tend to shun those preachers who tell the truth about genuine gospel values, such as dignity of work, honesty, justice, truth, morality repentance, charity, and follow those who market the prosperity gospel, and engage in superficial worship that call on God only.
when there’s a need, thus seeing God as a judge or a policeman or a generous farmer who provides meat, watermelons, onions, cucumbers, etc.
“We may, unarguably, be going through hard times in our nation but we must be careful not to complain inordinately. It’s one thing to ask God for a favour, it is quite another thing to act before Him as if He owes us a debt to be paid back.
“We must re-examine our motive for following God. If we follow only for ephemeral desires, these desires will prevent us from appreciating the goodness of God, and will hold us in spiritual bondage.
“It’s not uncommon today that most people move from one church, religious house to another in search of signs and wonders, miracles, breakthroughs, favours, etc, and not because of their faith in God. They tend to forget to count their blessings and blame God for their misfortunes.
“Our relationship with God must not be based on how many material things He is able to provide for us, but our genuine desire to serve Him.”
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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