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Sallah: Saraki, Atiku, Others Hail Muslims

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Muslims in Nigeria, today, joined other faithful around the world to celebrate Eid-el-Fitri which mark the end of the Ramandan fast, as a result, the Federal Government declared today and Monday public holidays nationwide to enable Muslim faithful celebrate with loved ones and show love to others.
Well-meaning Nigerians share the joy of the season and felicitate with Muslims this Sallah festival.
The President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, yesterday enjoined Muslim faithful to pray for the unity, peace and progress of the nation ahead of the Eid el-Fitri.
In a statement, signed by Special Adviser (Media) to Saraki, in Abuja, Yusuph Olamiyonu, urged them to intensify prayers even as the month of Ramadan ends for their leaders as they have been enjoined by the Almighty Allah in the Holy Book.
“At this point in our national life, unity among all the different ethnic and religious groups will usher in peace and peace can only engender progress and development.
“We, therefore, need to learn to live together in peace, tolerate one another and eschew actions which can threaten the peace of the nation.
“Muslims, in particular, should continue to demonstrate the fact that the meaning of Islam is peace, and therefore, we should learn to live in peace with people of other faith and tolerate each other.
“We should also remember our fellow citizens in the North-Eastern part of the country who are being assailed by insurgents who call themselves Boko Haram,” Saraki said.
He also called on all Nigerians to continue to pray for our military who were engaged in the war against the insurgents to enable them restore total peace in the nation.
“Good followership is sine-qua-non for good leadership. Nigerians should always display patriotism, pay their taxes as and when due, eschew corrupt practices and protect public facilities.”
A former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has told Muslims to embrace the virtues of forgiveness and common understanding as they join their counterparts across the globe to celebrate the end of Ramadan.
A spokesman for Atiku said in a statement in Abuja quoted the APC stalwart as saying that one of the basic components of Ramadan was to seek mercy of God.
According to the statement, when God forgives our sins, it becomes imperative for us as humans to extend the grace of forgiveness and common understanding to other human beings.
The statement congratulated Muslims for the successful completion of Ramadan fasting.
It said that Ramadan was a season of abundant grace from God, especially at a time such as now, when Nigeria was at the threshold of a new beginning.
The statement advised that all hands must be on deck to close “old gaps” in order to support the new political leadership.
“As Muslims, we must live our lives by the examples of Prophet Muhammed in ensuring that we build peace and common understanding in our families and communities.”
The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Yussuff Lasun, also called for unity and understanding among Nigerians.
This is contained in his Sallah message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Oyewole Oladimeji in Abuja.
The statement said that Eid-el-Fitr should promote unity between Muslims and their Christian brothers.
According to the statement, it is only unity that can bring about growth and development to the nation.
The statement appealed to Nigerians to be patient and allow the present government to unfold its plans on how to move the nation forward.
It called on Nigerians to reflect on the spirit of Ramadan and always tread on the path of peace and unity.

Also, National Publicity Secretary of the United Progressive Party, (UPP)Chief Ogbuehi Dike also congratulated all Muslims in the country for the successful observance of the Ramadan fast.
In a statement in Abuja, Dike urged all Muslims to imbibe the virtues and lessons of Ramadan.
“We congratulate millions of our Muslim brothers and sisters for the successful observance of the Ramadan fast.
“We urge the Muslim faithful to imbibe the virtues and lessons of Ramadan, which include sacrifice, love, peace and patriotism in our collective quest at building a great nation,” he said.
He expressed UPP’s support to ongoing war on corruption and urged security agencies to investigate and prosecute all public office holders accused of embezzlement.
“We support ongoing war on corruption and urge security agencies, particularly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate and prosecute all public office holders who embezzled our common patrimony.
“This will serve as a deterrent to others and is in consonance with UPP principled stand on zero tolerance for corruption that has retarded the nation’s development,” Dike stated.
Similarly, All Progressives Congress (APC) leader, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu, has urged all Muslim faithful to re-dedicate themselves to the enduring attributes of love for one another.
Onu said, “at all times, it should be borne in mind that as a people, regardless of differences in either religious beliefs or ethnic origin, we must remain bound together in the pursuit of a common resolve.
“We should build a better and a more united nation, where `though tribe and tongue may differ’, in brotherhood we should continue to stand.
“A house divided against itself can hardly stand; as a nation, our strength lies in our diversity. Nigeria is a nation whose sun is about to rise.
“We should work together as members of one family to realize our collective desire for a new Nigeria of limitless opportunities for all and boundless prosperity for many.
“ The challenge we face is to be determined in our resolve to work together, especially with the inspiring commitment of the APC-led Federal Government of President Muhammadu Buhari,” Onu said in a statement in Abuja.
In its own reaction, the Democratic People’s Congress (DPC) urged Muslims in the country to be great arsenal of democracy, especially in this era of change.
The political party gave the charge in a statement in Abuja yesterday to congratulate Muslims on the occasion of 2015 Eid-el-fitr.
In the statement signed by its National Chairman, Mr Olusegun Peters, the party commended the Islamic faithful for the successful completion of the month-long Ramadan fast.
It said that that it was without doubt that the fasting period was used for soul searching, rededication in service to God and the nation, as well as prayers for peace, unity and progress of the country.
The DPC urged Nigerians to renew their confidence and faith in the fatherland with a view to building a strong, virile and prosperous society.
”It is imperative for Nigerians to be more patriotic and to consider the interest of the nation and set aside mundane partisan politics and self-aggrandizement.
“We commend President Muhammadu Buhari for the appointments of the new service chiefs and National Security Adviser and hope that they will inject fresh air and passion in the fight against Boko Haram.
“Nigerians, and indeed, the whole world, expect total elimination of Boko Haram insurgency in the country.
“It is a task that must be done for the unity and territorial integrity of Nigeria,” it said.
It said that it remained expedient that the girls abducted by insurgents in the North-East were rescued and be re-united with their families ”after over 400 days in captivity”.
“We urge politicians to imbibe issue-based politics and eschew politics of bitterness and violence that has impeded our emerging democracy.
“It is time for action. It is time to build a new Nigeria and provide dividends of democracy to long-suffering compatriots; we are all in it together,” the party added.

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Rivers DPOs Receive Awards For Outstanding Performance In Crime Prevention …As Students, Media Group Honour CSP Worgu, CSP Yusuf

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Two Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in Rivers State have been honoured by separate groups for their contributions to security, crime prevention and improved community-police relations in their respective areas of responsibility.

The beneficiaries are the DPO of Afam Police Division, CSP  Endurance Worgu and his counterpart at Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf.

CSP Worgu was honoured by a group of students under the aegis of Rivers State Graduate Students Associations for what they described as his commitment and outstanding performance in the discharge of his duties.

The students, led by  Chidi John Enyie, Esq. said CSP Worgu was selected based on his track record and status as one of the longest-serving young DPOs of Rivers State origin.

According to the group, CSP Worgu has made significant contributions to the protection of lives and property in the area since assuming office following the #EndSARS period.

The students said they were particularly impressed by the improvement in community-police relations under his leadership, noting that professionalism had remained a key feature of his service.

Enyie represented by Comrade Briggs Soku, said the students community was pleased to identify with a Rivers indigene who had distinguished himself in the police force.

He said the students considered it necessary to encourage and celebrate CSP Worgu because of his achievements as a young Rivers man excelling in a profession that many people from the state were often reluctant to join.

Receiving the award at his office in Afam, CSP Worgu expressed gratitude to God and the students for finding him worthy of the honour.

The DPO said the recognition had boosted his morale and encouraged him to sustain his efforts towards maintaining peace and security in the area.

He said he least expected the honour, particularly because it came from the students, adding that the recognition would further motivate him to serve the people better.

CSP Worgu assured residents of Afam that the police would sustain the existing peace in the area.

He appealed to members of the public to support the police by providing credible and timely information, stressing that useful information from residents would make the job of security personnel easier.

Meanwhile, the Ikwerre/Etche Media Association has also honoured the DPO of Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf, for his efforts in tackling criminal activities in the area.

The media group presented the award following the swift tracking and arrest of five suspected kidnappers who had allegedly terrorised residents of the Kom-Kom axis and other parts of Oyigbo.

The group commended CSP Bello for what it described as his determined efforts to restore confidence and security in the affected communities, particularly Kom-Kom and Obeama.

According to the group, the arrest of the suspects demonstrated the DPO’s commitment to tackling criminality and safeguarding residents.

The media association said residents had received the development with relief, noting that the police action had sent a strong message to criminal elements operating in the area.

Responding, CSP Yusuf appreciated the group for the recognition and reaffirmed that there would be no room for criminality in Oyigbo.

He also commended the media for its role in disseminating credible information to the public, saying the media had remained supportive of the police in the fight against crime.

CSP Yusuf warned criminal elements operating in Oyigbo to leave the area or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.

He assured residents that the police would continue to pursue criminals and work to dismantle their hideouts, regardless of where they might be operating.

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College Of Bishops Endorses Tinubu, APC Candidates  For 2027 Polls

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The 5000 Achievers Christian Forum and Colleges of Bishops, Archbishops and Apostles, a Christian interdenominational organisation, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State for the 2027 general elections.

International President of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, disclosed this during the ordination and consecration of three new Bishops, as well as an award ceremony held in Port Harcourt.

Aroh said the performance of the APC-led Federal Government had endeared the party to the organisation, prompting the forum to declare its support for President Tinubu and other APC candidates in Rivers State.

He said the forum would support all APC candidates in the state during the 2027 elections and urged Nigerians to vote for the party.

Aroh, who is also the General Overseer of Caring Peoples Church, Port Harcourt, charged the newly consecrated Bishops to see their new positions as a great responsibility and dedicate themselves to the advancement of the kingdom of God.

He cautioned them against conduct capable of bringing their offices into disrepute, stressing that their activities would be closely watched by members of the public.

“As Bishops, the eyes of the public are on your activities. You must therefore conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of your calling,” he said.

Also speaking, the International Coordinator of the forum, Bishop Saint Robinson, urged the newly consecrated Bishops to work diligently towards winning souls for the kingdom of God.

Robinson, who was the guest speaker at the event, stressed that the activities of Bishops must at all times be guided by godly principles.

He also called on members of the church to support and cooperate with the newly consecrated Bishops in the discharge of their responsibilities.

The Secretary of the College, Apostle Elizabeth Ayadi Abaye, said the organisation was established to advance the kingdom of God and promote spiritual development.

According to her, the forum has organised several crusades, conferences, prayer meetings, ordinations, consecrations, enthronements, empowerment programmes and other spiritual development activities across the country as part of efforts to win souls for Christ.

Abaye said the organisation has members across the world and disclosed that more programmes had been scheduled to promote the spiritual development and wellbeing of humanity.

The three Bishops consecrated at the ceremony were Prince Alban Chike, Testimony Omenihu Shedrach and Prince Ifemena.

Among those honoured at the event were the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Abali Community, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Manuchimso Prince Lemmy Wopara, and Clifford Oko Jaja, Coordinator of the 5,000 House-to-House for President Tinubu.

By: John Bibor

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Police Arrest Fake Soldier, Others For Armed Robbery, Kidnapping

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The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 49-year-old suspected fake soldier, Andrew Atausi, and several other suspects in connection with various criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, one-chance robbery and the alleged murder of police officers.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this in Port Harcourt, recently during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, where he said the arrests formed part of the operational achievements recorded by the Command between June and August 2026.

Adepoju said Atausi was arrested on August 10 by police operatives along Ada George, Port Harcourt, while dressed in military uniform and driving a Toyota Hilux painted in Army colours.

The Commissioner said investigation revealed that Atausi was not a member of the Armed Forces, adding that he was suspected to be a serial car snatcher, with three suspected stolen vehicles recovered from him.

He said the recovered vehicles included three Toyota Hilux vehicles without registration numbers and a Toyota Corona Premio with registration number BNY 380 ES, noting that the chassis and engine numbers of the vehicles had allegedly been tampered with.

Adepoju added that an axe and military accoutrements were also recovered from Atausi, as investigation continued into the circumstances surrounding the vehicles and other items recovered from him.

On the June 29 attack on police officers at Aluu Division, the Commissioner said three members of the gang allegedly responsible for the incident had been arrested by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU-AKU.

The suspects, identified as Maduabuchi Emeka, 34, alleged gang leader; Doctor Chinedu Owhor, 42, and Kamachi Joe, 28, alleged armourer, reportedly led operatives to their hideout at Omagwa where two AK-47 rifles stolen during the attack were recovered.

Adepoju recalled that two police officers were killed during the Aluu attack, while others were wounded and one officer had his leg amputated, stressing that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fourth suspect.

On kidnapping, the Commissioner said five members of a suspected kidnapping syndicate were arrested in Oyigbo Local Government Area, adding that they allegedly confessed to operations in Kom-Kom, Railway, Obeama and Afam communities.

He said two other suspects from the same network, Anele Ogbogu, 35, alleged to be the gang’s armourer, and Kenneth Eke, 38, were arrested on July 27, with one AK-47 rifle and one SMG rifle recovered.

The Commissioner further disclosed the arrest of suspects in connection with alleged firearm offences, armed robbery, cultism and one-chance robbery, with firearms, ammunition and other exhibits recovered during the operations.

Adepoju assured residents that the Command would sustain intelligence-led, proactive and community-oriented policing in collaboration with other security agencies, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information that would assist the police in combating crime across Rivers State.

By; King Onunwor

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