Category: News

Gombe: Tangale Community Decries 7 Innocent Sons’ in 3 Years Jail Without Trial, Bail on Christmas

*Absence of Monarch

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Remembering the seven jailed youths and sons in jail for the past three years, and absence of the chosen Monarch, the most populous indigenous people of Tangale community in Billiri LGA of Gombe state have been enveloped with sorrow in the 2023 Christmas celebration mode.

This was contained in the Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year message to all Tangale sons and daughters in Gombe state of Nigeria by Tangale Community Overseas (TCO), signed by its General Secretary, Lamela Umaru Lakorok.

Earlier in the statement, the body extended greetings and message adding, “Tangale Community Overseas (TCO) wishes all Tangale sons and daughters a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

“As we celebrate Christmas and New Year with our family and friends, let us be reminded of the many wonderful blessings we enjoy as Tangale people and the responsibility we have to support each other.

“The story of Christmas began over 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem, where the greatest gift of a newborn King was given to mankind in demonstration of God’s Love to the world. Therefore, whatever we do during the celebrations, let us remember to demonstrate God’s Love and share with others who are in need.

“Let us also live peacefully, remembering that Christmas is the celebration of the birth of the Prince of Peace,” the statement added.

“Unfortunately, for the third time, the Tangale people are celebrating Christmas without a traditional ruler, following the decision of the Governor of Gombe state, Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya, not to endorse the choice of the Tangale people, Dr. Musa Idris Maiyamba, whom the people have chosen through an election process by the Tangale kingmakers.

“More so, the governor has ensured the continuous incarceration of seven innocent Tangale youth without trial or bail for three years on trumped-up charges over the protests that erupted during the Mai Tangale saga.

“Nevertheless, we are not deterred; we remain resolute in our position not to recognize the stooge planted by Gov. Inuwa Yahaya in Tangale land – he has no place among us. We call on all Tangale people to remain law-abiding but continue to ignore the stooge occupying the Palace of Mai Tangale in Poshiya.

“Once more, members of the Tangale Community Overseas wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year filled with love, joy, and peace,” it stated.

By Muhammad Ibrahim,Sokoto

Sokoto State Governor, Dr Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto has urged Christians in Sokoto State and other parts of the country to use the Christmas period to fervently pray for peaceful coexistence in the country.

The Governor made the plea in his Christmas massage to Christians in Sokoto State.

According to him, Nigeria needs sustained prayers and patriotism for it to summount the numerous challenges comfonting it as a nation.

Reacting on a statement by his media aide, Abubakar Bawa the governor said,”Nigeria is today bedevilled with so many challenges, top among which are a dwindling economy and recurring insecurity problems.
‘

” We must work as a team irrespective of our tribal or regious beliefs in order to get our dear nation out of the woods, “he added.

Gov. Aliyu renewed his administration’s commitment towards ensuring a more peaceful state where all tribes and followers of other religions will peacefully co-exist.

According to him, efforts are being intensified by both the state government and security agencies to create a peaceful environment for the even socio-economic and political activities to thrive.

The Governor, while appreciating the efforts of security agencies in the fight against banditry in the state, charged them to sustain the commendable tempo.

“We are very much appreciative of the successes so far recorded especially the way and manner abductees are being rescued by our security operatives in the state,” he said.

Gov. Aliyu appealed to people of the state to continue to cooperate with the security agencies in their efforts to rid the state of banditry and other criminal activities.

The Governor, therefore, called on all Nigerians to be more patriotic so that the country can be a better place for all.

The Governor wished Christians marry Christmas.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, has congratulated the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, as he clocks 70 on Wednesday.

Describing the SGF’s 70 years on earth as impactful, the Speaker noted with delight how Senator Akume uses his God-given talent to provide good leadership to the admiration of all.

Speaker Abbas, in his congratulatory message to the former Governor of Benue State, noted that Senator Akume has contributed immensely to public administration and governance not just in his home state but also Nigeria as a whole.

The Speaker said Senator Akume is among a few Nigerians who have been privileged to serve in the executive and legislative arms of the government at the state and federal levels.

Speaker Abbas recalled how Senator Akume was Governor of Benue State for two terms, Senator of the Federal Republic for three terms, a minister under the immediate past administration of Muhammadu Buhari and currently the SGF under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.

He said the SGF has distinguished himself as an astute politician and a democrat who has nurtured other politicians over the years.

The Speaker prayed to God to make Senator Akume live more years on earth in good health and service to his fatherland.

…describes ex-Speaker as a legislative pillar

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, has expressed sadness over the demise of a former Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar Na’Abba.

Describing Na’Abba as a lawmaker par excellence, Speaker Abbas said the late ex-Speaker was a dedicated, committed and patriotic Nigerian who served his fatherland with zeal.

The former Speaker reportedly died in the early hours of Wednesday at the age of 65. He represented Kano Municipal Federal Constituency of Kano State. He became the Speaker following the resignation of Salisu Buhari shortly after the inception of the 4th Assembly in 1999.

Speaker Abbas said the late Ghali Na’Abba was one of the finest lawmakers to have served in the National Assembly.

He recalled, with nostalgia, how Na’Abba had an eventful tenure as the Speaker of the 4th House, noting that his legislative exploits shaped Nigeria’s democracy.

He said during Na’Abba’s tenure, the ex-Speaker brought unity and stability to the House, leading to the members of the House to take some landmark decisions in furtherance of the country’s democratic journey.

“Rt. Hon. Ghali Na’Abba was a special breed as a lawmaker. He showed leadership as Speaker of the 4th House. He inspired members of the House under his leadership in many ways. Furthermore, he championed the first and only successful veto of a sitting president, leading to the establishment of the NDDC.

“Long after his exit from the parliament, he remained actively, politically, and continued to encourage and motivate us all. He will be sorely missed.

“Indeed, we have lost a great Nigerian; a legislative pillar. My heart goes out to the Na’Abba family. My prayers are with them at this moment of grief,” Speaker Abbas added.

While commiserating with the people and the government of Kano State, Speaker Abbas prayed to Allah to grant Hon. Na’Abba Jannatul Firdaus.

Born on September 27, 1958, the late Na’Abba attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he studied Political Science and graduated in 1979.

By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has declared Tuesday next week as a work-free to enable residents attend the New Year inter-denominational Thanksgiving service scheduled to take place at the International Christian Worship Centre, Uyo.

Eno, who made these known while speaking at the Boxing day celebrations he hosted at his hometown Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Council yesterday.

The Governor called on the people to turn out as a people united under one God for the service, adding that the unity and progress recorded in the State must be sustained through deliberate and concerted efforts by all.

He said the ceremony was a platform to bring Akwa Ibom people together to further the peace and spirit of unity across the State.

Eno renewed his pledge to work for the unity and prosperity of the State in appreciation of the love, continuous support, and confidence reposed in him by the electorate.

“Don’t forget that second of January, we will be having Akwa Ibom New Year Service at the International Christian Worship Centre. That international Worship Centre is ready and it’s looking good. That day, we’ve declared a work-free day for all Akwa Ibom people to come and worship and commit the year into God’s hand.”He said.

Describing the event as homecoming and a great reunion, the Governor expressed special appreciation to the immediate ex governor Udom Emmanuel and wife, Dr. Martha Emmanuel, political stakeholders, royal fathers, religious leaders, Akwa Ibom people and non indigenes living in the State as well as dignitaries who travelled from afar to grace the event.

In appreciation of the turnout for the event, the Eno re-echoed his avowed commitment to deliver quality service to the people and ensure the State tate remains united.

“When you come out like this, you are affirming what God used you to do on March 18, to elect us to office. So we cannot take it for granted. The only promise we give to you is that by the Grace of God, we will continue to work to develop every nook and cranny of this State.

“We will continue to respect our traditional institution, we will continue to build unity across all the Local Government Areas,” the governor pledged.

In his remarks, ex Governor Emmanuel expressed pleasure over the ambience of the event and commended the incumbent governor for using the event to reinforce love, peace and harmony in the State.

Earlier, the Transition Chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Architect Iniobong Orok, welcomed all to the event to celebrate with Governor Umo Eno and his kinsmen, describing the gesture as an affirmation of their love and acceptability for the Nsit Ubium – born governor.

Ghali Na’Abba, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, has died at the age of 65. Born on September 27, 1958, Na’Abba passed away in Abuja on Wednesday morning after a prolonged battle with illness. The former Speaker, who had previously sought medical treatment abroad, eventually recovered and returned to Nigeria. His family sources indicated that Na’Abba’s funeral would take place in Abuja on the same day in accordance with Islamic rites. Na’Abba, who joined the Peoples Democratic Party and won the Kano Municipal Federal Constituency during the April 1999 general elections, later became the Speaker of the House of Representatives. He had studied political science at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, graduating in 1979.

President Bola Tinubu has strongly condemned the recent Christmas Day attacks in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State, instructing security agencies to swiftly apprehend those responsible. The attacks, described as “primitive and heinous,” resulted in over 100 deaths across 12 communities in Bokkos and coordinated attacks on three communities in Barkin Ladi.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu called for immediate action, directing security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incidents. The President also urged the prompt mobilization of relief resources for survivors and medical treatment for the wounded.

Expressing condolences to the government and people of Plateau State, Tinubu assured Nigerians that those behind the attacks, labeled as “envoys of death, pain, and sorrow,” would not escape justice.

Former Senator Shehu Sani expresses deep concern and condemnation over the recent killings and property destruction in Jos, Plateau State. In a statement shared on his social media account, Sani laments the horrific nature of the incident, referring to it as one of the most cruel acts of inhumanity.

The Plateau State Police Command had earlier reported that 96 individuals lost their lives, 221 houses were set ablaze, and eight vehicles were burnt during the Christmas Eve attacks by gunmen in 15 communities across Bokkos and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas.

In response to the tragedy, Sani questions whether society should unequivocally condemn such acts and demand justice or perpetuate the complicit practice of downplaying mass murder using religious or ethnic sentiments. He emphasizes the need for responsible citizens to be haunted by the horror witnessed, citing the heartbreaking image of a baby crying on the back of its deceased mother as particularly distressing.