News
International Peace Day: Put religion, ethnicity aside, fight your common enemy – Rev. Pam tells Plateau people
The Executive Secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) Rev. Yakubu Pam has appealed to citizens of Plateau State to put aside religion and ethnic differences and fight against the common enemy that is inflicting pain on citizens.
He blamed the lingering violence in the state on poor and selfish leadership and urged citizens to begin to shop for credible and self-centred leaders who will be “fair, just and accountable” to the citizenry.
Pam disclosed this on Tuesday to commemorate the 2021 International Peace Day, organized by Samuel Kwamkur Foundation with a theme, “Recovering Better for an Equitable and Sustainable Plateau” held in Jos, the State Capital.
He said, “It is time for all Plateau citizens to come together and speak with one voice. We must leave our religion, ethnicity aside and fight the evil that is working against us.
“We cannot solve our problems through violent approach, we must stop destroying our lives and properties in the name of revenge. We should encourage the emergence of leaders who have the interest of the people and the state at heart”.
Pam who is also Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Northern Nigeria, expressed sadness over the violent attacks that claimed several lives in the state, while he was away to Jordan for pilgrimage and called for a ceasefire.
He said the state needs help at the moment, “particularly now that we have people who are looking for a meal to eat but don’t have especially those in the IDP camps.
“We should not solve our problem through violence, but we must approach our challenges from humanity point of view”, he admonished.
In his remarks, President of Kwamkur Samuel Foundation, Barr. Kwamkur Vondip said the state has gone through persistent killings and destruction of property in rural communities since the enemies of peace sow a seed of violence among the people.
Vondip sympathized with the victims of violent attacks, brutality, kidnapping and urged citizens to unite against those who are dividing citizens along religious and ethnic lines.
“Plateau State, from history is known to be one of the most serene and accommodating states in the whole federation hence our motto “Home of Peace and Tourism.
“Suddenly, the enemy of peace came and sowed seeds of discord amongst us which is complicated by different factors to include; politics, religion, high level of criminality and systemic corruption.
“While we sympathize with those who are victims of brutality, persistent killings and destruction of property in many parts of our communities, we must not give up on ourselves and nation.
“We must not allow few disgruntled elements to cause crises among us.
“We must be on alert to carefully understand what is happening around us”, he maintained.
“I appeal to all to join hands with each other regardless of our tribes, religion and region to ensure that we collectively expose and fight the criminal elements whether they are within us, in the bushes or in high places of authority”, Pam admonished.
He said the administration of Governor Simon Lalong has shown strong commitment towards ending the persistent crisis in rural communities in the state.
Also, a Civil Society Activist, Comrade Gad Peter, urged leaders in the country to dismantle any social status that brings division in the state and nation.
Peter said the government must be seen to be working in the interest of all citizens, adding that, doing so will give them a sense of belonging and unity for peaceful co-existence in the country.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that it has been vindicated by recent revelations from the state’s former Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke.
The Rivers APC Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, stated this in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists on Wednesday.
The former Head of Service, who recently resigned had alleged that the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was directly responsible for the political crisis in the state and the bombing of the State House of Assembly.
In response, the Rivers State APC asserted that Nwaeke’s testimony aligns with the party’s long-held position, as frequently stated by Chief Okocha, that the suspended governor was the architect of the state’s political crisis, including masterminding the October 29, 2023, bombing of the State House of Assembly.
Chief Okocha further emphasized that Nwaeke’s account, given his high-ranking position in the state, cannot be dismissed as mere speculation.
He said attempts to discredit the former Head of Service will not deter him from exposing the alleged corruption and misconduct that the APC has repeatedly highlighted.
“What is most interesting to the APC in Rivers State as a responsible political party is that Dr. George Nwaeke’s revelations and testimonies of how suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his squad bombed the Rivers State House of Assembly is an eye witness account.
“Again , it has clearly vindicated the APC in Rivers State as the only visible and viable opposition political party in the State, and has cemented the love for the party in the heart of well meaning Rivers people as the voice of the voiceless, and the hope for a better Rivers State.
“The revelations made by the former Head of Service in Rivers State has further positioned her as a political party with high level of integrity, and the hope of Rivers people for a viable alternative to produce the Governor of Rivers State in 2027.
“The verbal attacks staged against the resigned Head of Service will not deter him from exposing the corruption within Sim Fubara’s administration, which we have consistently highlighted as the opposition party. On this matter, the APC shall function as watchdogs”, the party stated.
Chief Tony Okocha expressed confidence that security agencies would thoroughly investigate the matter.
“The APC in Rivers State strongly believes that the relevant security agencies will be professional enough to get to the root of the matter and make their findings public”, he said.
A coalition of civil rights organizations, the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA), has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the allegations leveled against suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, by Dr. George Nwaeke, the former Head of Service of the state.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Dr. Gabriel Nwambu, Director General of the CCLCA, urged the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take swift action in probing the allegations. He emphasized that if proven true, these claims pose serious risks to governance and democracy.
The coalition, comprising 30 civil society organizations, stands in solidarity with Dr. Nwaeke, who has expressed willingness to provide evidence of alleged corruption and constitutional breaches involving Governor Fubara and his Chief of Staff, Mr. Edison.
“We collectively urge the relevant authorities to act swiftly and transparently. Addressing these allegations is critical to restoring public confidence in governance at both the state and national levels,” Dr. Nwambu stated.
He commended President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for his intervention in Rivers State, which led to the declaration of a state of emergency, a move he described as crucial for stabilizing the region.
Dr. Nwaeke’s accusations against Governor Fubara include:
Arson and Sabotage: Allegedly instructing his Chief of Staff to burn down the Rivers State House of Assembly to prevent impeachment proceedings, a violation of Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution.
Corruption and Financial Misconduct: Claims of large sums of money being used for personal and illegal activities, contravening Section 15(5) of the Constitution.
Threats to Public Safety: Alleged plans to sabotage state infrastructure, potentially inciting public disorder, which falls under Section 1 of the Terrorism Prevention Act (2011).
Collusion with Militant Groups: Alleged meetings between the governor, his Chief of Staff, and militant leaders, posing a threat to national security and violating Section 43 of the Constitution.
Suppression of Labour Rights: Alleged attempts to bribe labour leaders to silence dissent, contravening Section 40 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of assembly.
The coalition has urged law enforcement agencies to ensure a thorough, transparent, and expedited investigation into these allegations.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has appointed Sam Ifeanyi Hart, Esq. as his new Chief of Staff (CoS).
Hart replaces Hon. Toby Okechukwu who was recently appointed Executive Director, Projects of the newly established South East Development Commission (SEDC).
Prior to his appointment, Hart served as Special Adviser to the Deputy Speaker on Public Affairs and has an extensive background in training and consultancy.
Hart also previously served as Director-General, Abia State Marketing and Quality Management Agency from 2019 to 2023 after occupying other appointive positions.
He was also a member of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), Kuru where he attended the Senior Executive Course 45, serving as Course Secretary-General.
He has also served on the Boards of several corporate and non-governmental entities.
Hart brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role, with a distinguished career spanning law, leadership, and public service.
A lifelong learner, he holds multiple academic qualifications, including a Master’s Degree in Environmental Law (LLM) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) from Abia State University.
The new Chief of Staff is also currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Law.
A seasoned professional, Hart has attended prestigious institutions, including the GOTNI Leadership Centre, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), and the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG).
He is also a member of several professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria (M.IoD), Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (ACIArb), and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
As Chief of Staff, Hart will provide strategic guidance and support to the Deputy Speaker legislative activities, leveraging his expertise to drive policy initiatives and promote good governance.
-
Security5 days agoNew Commissioner of Police in Niger, Elleman sends strong warning to criminals
-
News3 days agoAbia: LG Chairman, Iheke accused of using soldiers to detain IRS agent, claims Governor Otti’s support
-
News5 days agoKogi Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo salutes Tinubu at 74
-
News5 days agoPlateau LP stakeholders endorses Barr Gyang Zi’s defection to APC
-
News2 days agoKogi government bans rallies ahead of Natasha’s homecoming slated for Tuesday
-
News5 days agoAkpabio pays historic visit to office of SA to President on Senate Matters
-
News2 days agoIran may secure a deal before Trump’s deadline – or face Israeli strikes in Tehran – analysis
-
Business5 days agoFCT Minister reveals how he would aggressively pursue revenue collection, tours infrastructure