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Jonathan, God’s Gift To Nigeria –Dariye
Former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Joshua Dariye, has called on parents irrespective of their religion to take their responsibility of inculcating in the children the fear of God seriously to tackle the current rise in crime and terrorism in the.
Dariye, currently representing Jos Central in the Senate also appealed to Nigerians to give President Goodluck Jonathan the support he needed to enable the country and citizens get all the dividends of democracy that the administration could offer as well as all the developmental opportunities which could only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and order.
The Senator pointed out that it would be dangerous for politicians who think they are always better to keep heating the polity, and blowing up the entire system as he warned that at the end of the “warfare,” even if the so-called better wins , he would come back to realise that there would be no system left to run.
Speaking to The Tide in an exclusive interview on the prospects of Nigerian children as they celebrate this year’s Children’s Day and on President Goodluck Jonathan’s one year in office, he pointed out that the Nigerian child had suffered unfairly in the hands of those who are supposed to lead them aright but regretted that they had rather taken undue advantage of their ignorance and poverty to use them negatively for selfish interests.
He noted that instead of being taught how to be patriotic and useful to the nation, they were being used by politicians to foment trouble, thereby, exposing them to fatalities, while shielded or even taken away from the entire scene for safe keeps.
He therefore enjoined Nigerian children and youths to shun violence and warfare inflamed by persons whose children could never be on the street to fight.
His word: “I congratulate Nigerian children who are the leaders of tomorrow. And we want to appeal to parents especially those who produce left right and centre. The major role of every parent is to ensure that the children are brought up in the fear of God so that they do not become a problem to the society. The Boko Haram syndrome generated from parents, loose control.
“I believe that politicians are the ones using the people and their children will not die but the children of the poor people are the ones to die. I did say when I was Governor, all these big people that are encouraging you to fight, where are their children? So, it is food for thought for all of us”.
Dariye in his assessment of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s government, described the President as “God’s gift to the nation.” Stressing that God had a purpose for putting him there, and enjoined Nigerians to give him all the support he needs.
“ I thank God for his life . Leadership is from God. Once a President is elected, you keep politics aside. What I am saying is that he is trying to do his best. There are a lot of distractions due to the security challenges,. All I appeal with Nigerians is let us cooperate with God’s gift and achieve our vision”.
“Like he said, he may not be the best but God has a reason to put him there” so, let us cooperate with God’s gift to actualise our dreams and visions a as nation .”
The former governor rated Nigeria’s democracy high, advocated constructive engagements as a veritable tool for growth of democracy, and enjoined the winners in democracies to reach out to the losers.
“We pray for long life and for Muslims and Christians to bury their differences. What is killing us is not Mohammed appearing on the scene or Jesus Christ to say fight. It is our misplaced priority,” he said.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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