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Rivers Mosque Saga: Where Shekarau, Ganduje Misfired

Published

6 years ago

September 2, 2019

If only the distinguished Senator Ibrahim Shekarau and the current Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje had availed the bare facts surrounding the recent saga in which the Rivers State Government was falsely accused of demolishing a mosque, they would not have associated themselves with the rather inflammatory statements from them. Both of them reacted most inexcusably in unison to fake news which was launched through a media spin, that the Rivers State Government had demolished a mosque under construction at the Trans Amadi Industrial Area in Port Harcourt. Sensitive as the story was, it had attracted sharp reactions from far and near, including such from these public officers. Incidentally, theirs went overboard in its unmasked reflection of a deep-seated arrogance that is driven by an adversarial inclination. Many considered their responses as intended to stoke embers of strife, in an atmosphere of amity, ostensibly in pursuit of personal interests. The lie to the story was soon after established by the several authorities including the State Governor Nyesom Wike, Islamic leaders in the state, as well as journalists who visited the siteof the purported demolition.
Among the Islamic authorities that debunked the story was Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor, the National Vice President General, Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs as well as leading light in the person of Ustaz Yahaya, Imam Abdullahi who is the Imam in charge of Bori Central Mosque. Both of them along with others clarified that no such mosque was demolished as falsely reported. Abdullahi went further to clarify that there are presently 130 mosques in the Rivers State, apart from other prayer grounds.
From available facts, the land associated with the phantom mosque, is actually public land on which the government enjoys judicial pronouncement in support of its ownership, as far back as the early 1959 during the colonial era and under the defunct Eastern Nigerian government. Subsequent court rulings also placed authority over the land in the River State Government.
With the truth emerging that the story was fake news, matters were expected to simmer down as there remained nothing to fight over. However, such would not be for these two high ranking public officers as they demonstrated scant restraint to mask their suspect intent, their reactions. Firstly, Senator Shekarau’sremains significant firstly for its undue volatility and patent inappropriateness for a national figure of his pedigree. The statement not only featured scurrilous and unprintable content but was slanted to actually present the author as chasing objectives that are beyond the immediate circumstances of the mosque demolition saga. A specific portion of the statement referred to Wike as manifesting the highest forms of “irresponsibility by a so-called elected official in this polity”. Another section of the statement accused Wike of attempting to “truncate the nation’s democracy” as the development was a “serious security threat”. The statement eventually betrayed its ultimate tendentious intent as it went on to cite misgivings over Wike’s governance style, which was summed up as comprising “reckless utterances and actions”. By the way- Shekarau is of the APC while Wike is of the rival PDP. As for Ganduje also of the APC, he, in characteristic Quixotic style threatened to sue Wike over the fake news.
Needless to bother about further comments on the content of the statement as it is not the intention of this column to celebrate whatever uncharitable mission they were intended for by assisting their sponsors to reinforce same in the public domain. Rather, a more dignified purpose here is to lament over the disappointingly hypocritical and opportunistic stand which the statements have placed Shekarau and his co-traveller Ganduje.
For the purpose of clarification, their antecedents and current positions should have precluded them from such unfortunate outbursts. Each of them was in a position to obtain firsthand information from reliable sources including fro direct contact with the Wike. This expectation – even if lost on Ganduje, many Nigerians would understand. But not for Shekarau who is much more of a national figure than his partner. Shekarauhas been a minister of education, two-term governor of strategic Kano State and now a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing Kano Central Senatorial District. Ordinarily he qualifies to be seen and accepted across the country as a voice of moderation, who can successfully intervene in any instance of misunderstanding between any of the various disparate ethnic, religious and cultural interests around the country and effect amicable resolution of same.
That is why his reaction is largely seen as most inappropriate especially since it was based primarily on a false premise. Perhaps, it is taking longer than necessary for the message to sink among the country’s leadership circles that from Maiduguri to Lagos and Sokoto to Calabar, as well as among Muslims, Christians and traditionalists, Nigerians are tired of being used as dispensable cannon fodder to serve the former’s parochial interests and ego massage. This angle remains critical for clarification, as it seems to remain a hangover factor in the political calculus which leaders like Shekarau and Ganduje are still indulging in. However it is important to edify them that Nigeria and the Rivers State have moved on to the next level.
Given the strategic nature of Rivers State in the country’s political economy, it has for generations remained a home to all Nigerians regardless of place of origin, economic status as well as religion. Some of the most strategic investments in the state are easily owned by Muslims business leaders who find security and sweet homely comfort in every part of the state including the riverine locations. Just as well travelled, there are Mosques all over the state with no Muslim complaining of ever being denied the right or place to worship. The level of integration between the Rivers people and the rest of Nigerians is built on mutual bonding between and enhanced by shared values and life styles. That is why the alarmist response by Shekarau and Ganduje failed to elicit any sense of panic among the Muslim community.

Featured

RSG Commits To Workers’ Welfare …. Calls For Sustained Govt, Labour Partnership

Published

3 days ago

May 2, 2025

The Tide

The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has assured the commitment of Rivers State government to workers’s welfare and industrial harmony in Rivers State.

The Sole Administrator gave the assurance after meeting with leadership of organized labour unions at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

Ibas reaffirmed government’s policy of prompt payment of salaries and pensions to workers and retirees, stating that all local government employees are not receiving the approved minimum wage.

He disclosed that approval has been given for payment of newly employed staff at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Judiciary, while medical workers in Local Government Areas will now receive correct wages.

Ibas explained that, Government is reviewing implementation challenges of the Contributory Pension Scheme ahead of the July 2025 deadline, adding that Intervention buses have been reintroduced to ease workers’ transportation ,with plans to expand the fleet.

He said specialized leadership training for top civil servants will commence within two weeks, while due consideration is being given to implementing the N32,000 consequential adjustment for pensioners and clearing outstanding gratuities.

Ibas commended Rivers State workers for their dedication to service and called for sustained partnership with labour unions to maintain industrial peace.

“This administration recognizes workers as critical partners in development. We remain committed to addressing your legitimate concerns within available resources,” he stated.

The State NLC Chairman, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, thanked the Administrator for the steps taken so far with regard to workers welfare while appreciating his disposition towards alleviating the transportation problem faced by workers.

He also expressed appreciation for the government’s openness to dialogue and pledged continued cooperation towards achieving mutual goals.

The Rivers State Government assured all workers of its unwavering commitment to their welfare and called for continued dedication to service delivery for the collective progress of our dear State.

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Labour Unions In Rivers Call For Improved Standard Living For Workers

Published

3 days ago

May 2, 2025

The Tide

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers Council, has called for policies that will improve the economic situation of the country in order to ensure enhanced living standard for workers.

The State Chairman, Mr Alex Agwanwor, made the remark on behalf of the unions affiliated to Labour Congress during the 2025 workers day celebration in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Agwanwor highlighted the demands of the Unions which included the immediate payment of pension arrears, implementation of the N32,000 minimum wage for pensioners, and payment of gratuities and death benefits without further delay.

“We are calling for the regulation and protection of e-hailing drivers, implementation of increments and promotions, and resolution of long-standing issues in the polytechnic sector,” he said.

Agwanwor on behalf of the unions appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reinstate the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

He stressed the importance of democratic governance and good working relationship with elected representatives.

According to him, the unions expressed disappointment over the imposition of taxes, increase in electricity tariff, and high cost of goods and services, which have further worsened the plight of workers.

“We urge the federal government to take measures to alleviate the suffering of citizens,” he said.

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Tinubu committed to unlocking Nigeria’s potential – Shettima

Published

4 days ago

May 1, 2025

The Tide

Vice-President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu is committed to unlocking Nigeria’s full potential and position the country as a leading force on the African continent.

Shettima stated this when he hosted a delegation from the Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, led by its Senior Fellow, Dr Rolf Alter, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja last Wednesday.

He said Nigeria was actively seeking expertise from the global best institutions to enhance policy formulation and implementation, particularly in human capital development.

The Vice-President noted that President Tinubu was determined to elevate Nigeria to its rightful position as a leading force in Africa.

“The current crop of leadership in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is ready and willing to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian nation on the African continent.

” We are laying the groundwork through strategic reforms, and at the heart of it, is human capital development.”

He described the Hertie School as a valuable partner in the journey.

According to him, Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, has track record and institutional knowledge to add value to our policy formulation and delivery, especially in this disruptive age.

Shettima reiterated the government’s priority on upskilling Nigerians, saying ” skills are very important, and with our Human Capital Development (HCD) 2.0 programme.

“We are in a position to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian people by enhancing their capital skills.”

The Vice-President acknowledged the vital support of international development partners in that effort.

” I want to thank the World Bank, the European Union, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and all our partners in that drive to add value to the Nigerian nation,” he maintained.

The Vice-President said human capital development was both an economic imperative and a social necessity.

Shettima assured the delegation of the government’s readiness to deepen cooperation.

” We need the skills and the capacity from your school. The world is now knowledge-driven.

“I wish to implore you to have a very warm and robust partnership with the government and people of Nigeria.”

Shettima further explained recent economic decisions of the government, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms.

“The removal of fuel subsidy, the unification of the exchange rate regime and the revolution in the energy sector are all painful processes, but at the end of the day, the Nigerian people will laugh last.

“President Tinubu is a very modern leader who is willing to take far-reaching, courageous decisions to reposition the Nigerian economy,” he added.

Earlier, Alter, congratulated the Tinubu administration for the successful launch and implementation of the Human Capital Development (HCD) strategy.

The group leader described the development as ambitious and targeted towards the improvement of the lives of the citizens.

He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his engagements since arriving in the country.

He applauded the zeal, commitment, energy and goodwill observed among stakeholders in the implementation of Nigeria’s HCD programme.

Alter said the Hertie School of Governance would work closely with authorities in Nigeria across different levels to deliver programmes specifically designed to address the unique needs of the country.

He, however, stressed the need for government officials at different levels to be agile and amenable to the dynamics of the evolving world, particularly as Nigeria attempted to successfully accelerate its human capital development aspirations.