News
Sambo Summons Security Chiefs Over Bombings
Vice-President Namadi Sambo, summoned Security Chiefs and the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammed, to his office in Abuja yesterday to assess the security situation in the country.
Our correspondent reports that the emergency meeting might not be unconnected with violent activities of the Boko Haram militant group in some parts of the country.
The group claimed responsibility for Sunday’s explosions in Kaduna and Zaria.
Speaking to State House correspondents after the meeting, the National Security Adviser to the President, retired Lt.-Gen. Andrew Azazi, confirmed that the meeting was meant to find lasting solution to cases of insecurity in the country.
He condemned Sunday’s bombing of three churches in Kaduna and Zaria and the subsequent reprisal killings of innocent persons in Kaduna State.
He said that the situation in Kaduna had been brought under control following the intervention of security forces and religious leaders.
Azazi described the reprisal killings in Kaduna as criminal and appealed to religious leaders to call their adherents to order.
“Whatever is the situation, you have to end up talking.
“We want leaders to be proactive, we want church leaders to be proactive; we want youth leaders to be proactive to make sure that what you call reprisal doesn’t make sense to anybody.
“What we need to do is to be mindful that somebody is killing somebody in Zaria and you are retaliating somewhere in Zonkwa, that’s criminality.
“Things happen, as a nation, as a people, we must address the situation not necessarily by killing one another.’’
Azazi who commended the people of Kano State for their cooperation and assistance in the fight against terrorism in the state, called on media organisations to partner with security agencies in addressing security challenges in the country.
“In certain parts of the country today and I will give an example like Kano; they are more proactive. So, you find that you are able to arrest the situation before it gets to this level.
“But that notwithstanding, even a small country like Israel where you have terrorism in spite of all the walls, once in a while, they still succeed in detonating bombs.
“So, we will like to arrest the situation as soon as possible, but we need everybody’s help to discover where these are coming from.’’
The meeting was attended by the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petirin; the Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika; the Chief of Navy Staff, Vice Admiral Ola Ibrahim; the Chief of Air Staff, AVM Muhammed Umar and the Director-General of the State Security Service, Mr Ita Ekpeyong.
Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) has condemned Sunday’s attacks on places of worship in Kaduna State in which more than 60 people were killed.
The EU made the condemnation in a statement issued by Mrs Catherine Ashton, the union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, yesterday.
“I am appalled by the terrible attacks perpetrated against Christian churches in Nigeria on 17 June, following several similar attacks in recent weeks.
“I also deeply regret that reprisal attacks appear to have been made against members of the Muslim community.
“I condemn all such violence that leads to the loss of innocent lives and express my sincere condolences to the victims and their families,” Aston said.
She said the EU, through its Human Rights dialogue with Nigeria, would explore ways to promote greater understanding among the various communities “through wider dialogue in order to prevent such atrocities happening again”
Ashton urged the government to bring perpetrators of terror to justice.
She said the EU would renew its cooperation with Nigeria to address the underlying social and economic problems in the northern part of the country and “work with the authorities to make the fight against terrorism more effective’’.
It would be recalled that suicide bombers had in a coordinated operation attacked the ECWA Goodnews Church, and Christ the King Catholic Church in Wusasa , Zaria.
The explosions sparked violence in Kaduna, leading to reprisal attacks.
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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