News
2019: Northern Christians Court World Leaders To Stop Buhari …As PDP Rejects INEC’s 8-Man C’ttee On Underage Voters
A group of Christians in the North, under the aegis of Arewa Christians and Indigenous Pastors Association (ACIPA) has called on Nigerians to rescue the country from President Muhammadu Buhari’s “bad leadership”.
The group is also seeking international intervention to save Nigerians from President Buhari’s grip.
Among the global bodies from which the association sought help are the African Union, the European Union, the Commonwealth, the United Nations and the United States of America.
The President of ACIPA, Luke Shehu, told journalists during a press conference in Jos, that the demand became pertinent because Buhari was “nepotistic”, while the “Nigerian ethnic nationalities and particularly the Northern Christians are under siege.”
According to the organisation, it had observed that the administration of Buhari had failed in its primary responsibility of protecting lives and property, a cardinal constitutional responsibility, which he had sworn to carry out.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said it has rejected in its totality, the composition and scope of the eight-man in-house committee, set up by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu to investigate allegations of underage voters, particularly in Kano and Katsina states.
The party also berated the All Progressives Congress (APC) for rising in defense of the electoral umpire on the issue, saying the stand of the ruling party has further confirmed that the APC has more than vested interests in “the illegality.
“At any rate, who enjoys the company of fleas like one with an open sore,” the PDP wrote in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, yesterday.
According to the party, the committee constituted by INEC lacks credibility as it comprises of members of the same “indicted” INEC, adding that they have been detailed to arrive at predetermined findings and recommendations aimed at exonerating the Yakubu-led commission and play down on the electoral implications of the existence of underage voters.
In rejecting the composition of the committee, the PDP also condemned the scope of the inquest, particularly the exclusion of Katsina State from the probe, despite the alleged evidence of underage voters in that state.
“Nigerians have been wondering why INEC is afraid of looking at its register in Katsina State. Is it because Katsina is the home State of President Muhammadu Buhari and a probe is likely to expose cans of worms?
“Is INEC afraid that a sanitized register would lead to a massive drop in the voting population in the State and cripple APC’s rigging plan?
“Nigerians are also wondering why INEC has vehemently refused to include other stakeholders, including political parties, credible NGOs and civil society organizations in this important assignment to guarantee its credibility.
“We hold that by excluding other stakeholders, INEC is definitely not sincere with the sanitization of INEC voters’ register in Kano, Katsina and other states where, out of intimidation, it is allowing the registration of minors.
“Consequently, the PDP and all aligning stakeholders will not accept any findings or recommendations from INEC’s in-house committee, as such will not reflect the reality on the ground regarding the contaminated register” the statement read in part.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
-
News2 days ago
Obuah’s Victory Excites Former Lawmaker as APC Primaries Conclude in Rivers West
-
Politics4 days agoAPC PRIMARIES: FUBARA’S WITHDRAWAL, HISTORIC SACRIFICE FOR NATIONAL STABILITY ……. GROUP
-
News4 days agoCourt Sentences Seven To Death Over Murder Of Cleric In Rivers
-
News2 days ago
105 Nigerians Killed In S/Africa In Seven Years
-
Sports4 days agoPH Arsenal Community Set For Streets Procession, Saturday
-
Niger Delta2 days agoRoyal Father Endorses PH Arsenal Community, Pledges To Support
-
Politics4 days agoIPAC Flays INEC Over Election Guidelines Judgement
-
Politics4 days agoNDC To Adopt Electronic Voting For Future Primaries