Category: News

… We feel captives in our own state dying in silence – protestor

In a fervent display of distress, Nasarawa State on Tuesday was witness to an unusual Christmas scene as women took to the streets on Christmas Day, adorned with placards, calling for justice and the restoration of their allegedly stolen mandate in the gubernatorial election.

Expressing their grievances with poignant messages, the women, led by Hanatu John,voiced their dissatisfaction, emphasizing the somber undertones overshadowing their festive spirit.

“We have been here since March protesting what we described as injustice. Celebrating Christmas seems void when our mandate was stolen from us,” Joy lamented, urging the Supreme Court to rectify the perceived electoral injustice.

“We have faith in the esteemed judges of the Supreme Court. We believe in your sense of justice, and we implore you to restore our mandate so that we may enter the new year with a new governor,” she added, underlining the unwavering determination of the protesters.

Among the throng of women, another protestor Margaret Alu, visibly distraught, highlighted the personal sacrifices made for the cause. “We are in anguish. We’ve left our husbands and children behind because there’s nothing to celebrate. We seek justice, and until our mandate is returned, we will not relent,” she voiced in anguish.

The heartfelt plea extended beyond the court, reaching the President as the women beseeched for support, feeling captive in their own state. “We are here because there’s no joy at home. Some among us are widows, others jobless, and our lands are ravaged by Fulani herdsmen,” emphasized one of the demonstrators.

Echoing similar sentiments, Ngozi Anthony appealed to the Supreme Court judges, urging them to act with righteousness and not echo the decisions of the appeal court, emphasizing the importance of upholding justice and the will of the people.

The call for change resonated profoundly as they rallied behind Ombugadu, whom they asserted was the rightful victor in the election.

“We need a change of government. Ombugadu, our son, won the election, and we demand that his mandate be reinstated,” voiced a participant passionately.

The sun Reports that the appeal was poignant and heartfelt, with the women fervently hoping that their plea for justice would be heeded, transforming their despair into a glimmer of hope as they looked towards the Supreme Court for recourse.

Former Attorney -General and Minister for Justice, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN rejoices with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume on the occasion of his 70th birthday celebration.

    Chief Aondoakaa, SAN in a goodwill message to the SGF, describes him as a selfless leader who has contributed immensely to the socioe-conomic and political development of Benue State and Nigeria at large.

     He noted that Senator Akume has over the years shown commitment and dedication in public service as two time Governor, three term senator, a minister and now the SGF, recording great accomplishments.

    Chief Aondoakaa called on the people of Benue State and Nigeria to sustain support to Senator Akume and prayed that God Almighty continue to grant him long life, wisdom and Good health.

Senator George Akume, will be Seventy years old tomorrow, 27th December, 2023

B Jabiru Hassan, Kano.

This year’s Christmas festivals has been described as peaceful and in a low key mode where the Christians faithfuls remained friendly in almost all the places visited by our correspondent in some parts of Kano state.

Although there is an issue in terms of economy that remained a general obstacles surrounding all festivities nowadays, but in Kano, the Christians celebrated with happiness and in a very peaceful manner in all the places visited by Standard Times respectively.

At the Tofa ECWA Theological College which was established in 1959 remained one of the biggest theological training centre for Pastors and other knowledge across the Northern region since during the inception of missionaries.

Our correspondent observed that the Muslims host community to the College were seen trooping inside the place to celebrate on an invitation by their Christians neighbours which indicated that there is much peaceful coexistence between the two religious faithfuls.

In their separate remarks, the college’s Champlain, Labaran Yohanna and the College’s Director Reverand Dr. Danjuma Kaladi disclosed that there is good relationship between the college family and the host. Community which is another landmark opportunity in terms of peace and progress.

They commended the leaders and Islamic scholars for being much respectful to Christians which is a clear testimony that peace and unity would continue to reign in the whole area and reassured that loving one another would be sustained.

*”We’re tired of promises, want evidence – tells Tinubu
*Must introduce compensation of victims’ culture, states take full responsibility

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Apparently given the many lives lost to the inferno, the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah has exploded over the country’s many challenges, saying blasphemy laws has no place in democracy as long as Nigerians are not in a theocracy.

He also strongly advised President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria to lay the foundation for the discontinuation of unnecessary sufferings of Nigerians, saying Nigerians are tired of promises and stories and want evidence they can see and touch.

Bishop Kukah who made the assertions in a Christmas message entitled, “Time to Reclaim Nigeria’s Greatness”, noted that the problems of country are deep and are structural, calling on President Bola Tinubu not to be afraid to reset the template of power no matter the cultural or historical myths.

“We are tired of promises and stories. We want evidence we can see and touch”, he lamented.

Kukah also called on the President to stop the killings of Nigerians by whatever name, saying, that is a must end, and now.

“These senseless killings, abductions, extortions and kidnappings have to end and the sacredness and sanctity of human life restored.

According to him, “blasphemy laws have no place in a democracy” adding that Nigerians are not in a theocracy.

“Those who take life by whatever means must be fished out and punished. A culture of compensation to victims must be institutionalized and states must take full responsibility while criminals or those who hide them are fished out.

A member of Nigeria Peace committee, Kukah noted “We cannot go on this way as the seeds of hatred that have sprouted in Gaza show us the consequences of allowing a culture of distorted narratives to grow among us.

He also asserted that President Bola Tinubu must rid the public service of criminals who have turned the opportunity to serve, into an ignoble enterprise.

“We concede that there are millions of decent men and women who genuinely wish to serve but are crushed by the dead weight of corrupt oga’s at the top who use corruption as their oxygen!

He also told the President that this surgery must happen, “if you are to succeed in any of your dreams of delivering much-needed services to our people.

He also took a swipe on the 2023 elections and its consequences on the nation, and called on leaders to as a matter of urgency start the healing process as soon as possible.

“Our injuries are not invisible. Very many National Conferences have been held to chart a way forward. The trove of grievances and hopes is there and all the government needs to do is to dust them up. No need to reinvent the wheel or attempt some new diagnosis.

“Mr. President, Sir, congratulations and a happy Christmas. Now, you have what you prayed for, what you dreamt of, what you longed for. For the better part of over twenty years, you have plotted to be our President. For years, you campaigned for a new Nigeria through restructuring or overhauling the defective machinery of the Nigerian state.

“For years, you fought the military and other forms of dictatorships. For years, you fought for the victims of a deep state. For years, you sought to create an egalitarian society.

“For years, you sought a just society. For years you have built networks with individuals, communities and institutions. Now is harvest time.

“You are on the driving seat now. Under your watch, Nigeria must turn the corner. Under your watch, we must end the ugly instrumentalization of religious, ethnic or regional identities.

“You have had enough time to think of the answers to many questions that are crying for answers. Your future and that of our country is in your hands.

”Mr President, you have no excuses before God or the people of Nigeria. Neither God nor history will not forgive you if you fail. This is our moment, our date with history. Now, all eyes and ears are on you. Our prayers for a united country are with you.

“We have seen the first faltering steps of policy decisions which have elicited a mixture of controversy, anxiety and praise. This is to be expected. You have promised us a Renewed Hope Agenda, but know that hope has worn thin in our dear nation.

“Nigerians have almost lost hope in the fact that a government can really and truly care for them. Nigerians have lost hope in the fact that our politicians will put our interests first and find a way to deal with the cancer of corruption. We had lost hope in being united again given the seeds of division that had been sown. Ignite our hope again, Sir.
“We now have seen some renewed hope in your effort to run an inclusive government. We want an end to partisanship. The problems of Nigeria are deep-seated and they are based on a culture of corruption that has become the foundation stone of governance. This evil structure has to be dismantled.

“To be able to have credibility, your Renewed Hope agenda must be based on a solid foundation of faith and hope for the restoration of glory for our country. So far, a few of your key policies have unleashed a raft of suffering on the masses of our people. There must be a deliberate effort to restore hope on the faces of the poor and vulnerable in our society.

“We have heard the familiar stories of empty treasuries and the efforts at investigations. We wait to see if anything will be different.

To this end, he charged the President to “Lay the foundation for ending the unnecessary sufferings of our people”

Kukah also appealed to Nigerians to continue to have faith in the country and stay the course in hope. “God will do great things for our nation, but we each must renew our commitment towards self-examination and repentance.

“Good politics and good politicians can bring about change, but all of these require the commitment and honesty of citizens to be honest at all levels. I therefore call on Christians in particular in this season to become real models of our faith.

“The call to be a Christian is not a call to join an Association or a Club. The fourteenth-century English poet Alexander Pope who said, “Christ may be born a thousand times in Bethlehem, but if he’s not born in your heart, his birth has no meaning for you, as far as he’s concern.

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Over 20 villages in plateau state have been reportedly submerged as the death toll from the heavily armed suspected terrorists attacked on the area on Christmas Eve hits 113 massacred.

Transition Committee Chairman of Bokkos LGA of Plateau State, Monday Kassah, who confirmed the report said that 113 death bodies have so far been recovered in the attacks on the villages.

It was earlier reported that about 16 and 70 persons were killed in Mushu village in Bokkos LGA.

The spokesperson for Operation Safe Haven, Captain Oya James, also confirmed the incident to journalists, saying the attack took place on Saturday night when the residents of the community were asleep.

“Following the attack, security personnel were deployed to avert any possible breakdown of law and order in the area. There was an uprising after the incident but the situation has been brought under control,” James had said.

Similarly, an angry unnamed father allegedly attempted beating daughter to death for using his phone to call her boyfriend
While giving the update on the attack on Monday, he confirmed to journalists that 113 bodies were recovered from the attacks.

He added, “The attacks were well coordinated; not fewer than 20 different communities were attacked by the bandits.

“As I am talking to you, we have recovered 113 dead bodies from those communities. We have recovered more than 300 injured; some were taken to hospitals in Jos and some to a hospital in Barkin Ladi while others have been taken to hospitals in Bokkos.

“The security personnel have been doing their best; the difficult terrain reaching those communities made the security not to reach there on time to prevent those attacks.”

The violence has also reportedly spread to communities in Barikin LGA where houses were burnt.

Kasa said the casualty figure was increasing and that corpses were still being recovered by security agents, vigilantes and hunters combing the forest for missing persons.
The council boss noted that several houses were burnt by the assailants, who also went away with farm produce belonging to the residents.

Meanwhile, Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the attack, describing the it as barbaric, brutal and uncalled for.

A statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bare, on Sunday said the governor directed security agencies to promptly apprehend the perpetrators responsible for the heinous act and ensure they face the full wrath of the law.

Bare said the governor expressed deep concern over the incident, urging communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security forces for immediate action.

The statement added, “On the importance of collective collaboration among rural communities, the governor assured that proactive measures would be taken by the government to curb the ongoing attacks on innocent citizens.
He sympathized with affected families and urged them to find solace in God as the government diligently works to end the prolonged violence”. Additional information from daily trust.

By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has opened up on his relationship with his predecessor in office, saying that Mr Udom Emmanuel has never put him under pressure, since leaving office in May.

“On the contrary, we are the ones chasing him to ask him to always come around to advise us.” Eno said.

The Governor spoke at the Christmas worship service at United Evangelical Church (QIC), Awa Iman, Onna LGA, home church of the immediate past Governor.

“I tell people that even when you are not in government, you are still working for this State.

“In eight years, you (Udom Emmanuel) taught us leadership, and you developed all of us. We have learnt from you, especially the lesson of tolerance.

“You may no longer be Governor today, but you will always be my Governor and leader. You have a clear understanding of how these things work and I will always be your student.” He explained.

Eno announced that Akwa Ibom State International Christian Worship Center, built during Mr Emmanuel’s tenure, is ready and will be used for the New Year’s State Interdenominational Service on January 2nd, 2024.

He explained that the Center would be active every day as each day, a pastor and his team will take turn to pray for the State and our country at the State’s sacred altar.

He thanked Emmanuel for the vision of setting up the center and promised to work towards completing other projects that were not completed during Mr Emmanuel’s tenure.

The former Governor who was accompanied to the church by his wife and other family members, commended Eno for leading the state executive council members and other political bigwigs to the church service.

Emmanuel said it has been his tradition to always share his Christmas with his people since his days as a Bank General Manager.

He said he was happy to restore peace in Akwa Ibom State during his tenure, adding that it was more important than all the projects he executed across the state.

He expressed satisfaction over the cordiality between him and Eno, saying he has avoided any action that could lead to friction with his successor.

“Don’t mind what people may say. We are relating very well. Sometimes, if there is a state function and I attend, they will say he is coming too much, if I don’t attend, they will say ‘they are quarreling that is why he has refused to come’ but they forget that Udom Emmanuel and the Governor are inseparable.

“Any support I can give him (Governor Eno) to enable him to succeed, I will always give him. I pray every day for him to succeed.
Let’s continually pray for him, and let’s also be patient. The king needs a little bit of patience from the people.

“God took time to do things in different days, it is not possible for the Governor to do everything over night, it will reach you just have a little bit of patience. The Governor is for all of us and he will ensure he reaches all of us.

“Don’t worry about the Governor’s relationship with Udom, because we are always here to support and collaborate and not to disrupt his activities.” Emmanuel added.

By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

It was Black Christmas Eve at the residence of the late Akwa Ibom State Peoples Democratic Party Chairman, Obong Udo Ekpenyong, as mysterious fire burnt the mansion and roasted the widow and sister in-law beyond recognition.

The fire incident that started at 9 p.m. consumed Mrs Elizabeth Udo Ekpenyong and her sister, Ms Ofonime Frank at their Shelter Afrique’s residence, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.

Ekpenyong who was also Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chairman Aiwa Ibom Local Government Service Commission as well as Ukanafun Local Government Area Chairman died on January 19, 2021 under questionable circumstances .

Ekpenyong hailed from Ikot Oku Usung in Ukanafun Local Government Area.

An anonymous told newsmen that despite gallant efforts of the Fire Service Department to extinguish the fire, the ”unwelcome stranger” had gutted all the property in the building, and turned the palatial mansion to a relic of abandoned edifice.

However, the actual cause of the fire incident is not yet known, though an army of sympathisers daily throng the scene.

Ukanafun Local Government Council has also declared a seven days of mourning for their former chairman and cancelled all official engagements of the Council.

A statement issued by the Secretary, Transition Committee Ukanafun Local Government, Hon. Udeme Idiong said, ‘‘sequel to the tragic fire incident that occurred at the residence of our Late State Party Chairman, Obong Udo Ekpenyong on 24th December 2023 which claimed the lives of his wife, Mrs Elizabeth Udo Ekpenyong and her sister, Ms Ofonime Frank, the Chairman, Transition Committee, Ukanafun Local Government Area, Hon. (Elder) Godwin Ekpe JP has declared a 7 days mourning period for all indigenes of Ukanafun Local Government from Tuesday 26th of December, 2023 to Monday 1st January, 2024.’’

According to the statement, ‘‘he has also in collaboration with the stakeholders of the Local Government and approval of the State Government approved a withdrawal of Ukanafun’s contingent and performance in the ongoing Christmas unplugged activity earlier scheduled to hold on the 28th of December, 2023.

“While sympathising with the family of the deceased, we pray for the repose of the departed souls.’’ The statement said.

Meanwhile, Governor, Umo Eno, and other state executive members were at the scene of the incident, and were shocked given the magnitude of destruction by the fire.

The Enugu State Police Command has apprehended eight suspects linked to the murder of Igwe Ezugwu Patrick, the traditional ruler of Adani Autonomous Community in Uzo Uwani council area. Igwe Patrick was tragically killed in his village, Akutara, on Sunday.

Commissioner of Police Kanayo Uzuegbu, along with his team, visited the community to assess the situation and announced the arrest of the eight suspects. He assured the community that both the masterminds and the perpetrators of the crime would be identified and brought to justice.

Uzuegbu stated, “I want to let you know that the governor is not happy that a breach of this nature could occur, so he asked me to come here to ensure that all the criminals are fished out. I can assure you that these criminals will never go unpunished.”

The President-General of the community, Chief S.N Utazi, expressed gratitude for the swift response from the state government after the tragic incident. He urged the police to continue the manhunt for the remaining suspects. The community’s traditional prime minister, Dr Obinna Ayogu, praised the governor and security agencies for their proactive steps in reassuring the safety of the people in the community and the local government.

A devastating fire engulfed the residence of the late chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party in Akwa Ibom State, Udo Ekpenyong, located in Ukanafun Local Government Area. The incident, occurring on the eve of Christmas, resulted in the tragic loss of lives, including the late PDP chairman’s wife, Elizabeth, and her sister, Ofonime Frank.

The cause of the inferno was not explicitly mentioned in the statement issued by Udeme Idiong, the Secretary of the Transition Committee of the local government. The Chairman of the Transition Committee, Godwin Ekpe, declared a seven-day mourning period to honor the departed, seeking the state government’s approval to withdraw all Ukanafun contingent from the ongoing Christmas Carol activity scheduled for December 28, 2023.

The statement expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, and prayers were offered for the repose of the departed souls.

Ukandi Odey, Jos

Plateau State Governor, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has said the spirit of the Plateau people to survive as one is not broken in spite of the coordinated terrorist attacks on Mangu, Bokkos, and Barkin Ladi local government areas that left more than 70 dead and several others injured on the Holly Night of 2023 Christmas.

Speaking on an international news channel monitored in Jos this morning, a sober and gloomy Governor Mutfwang said the nature of orchestration of the attacks, and the use of heavy and sophisticated weaponry suggest that the attacks are being sponsored, and to find an enduring solution to the challenge, the Federal Government should have the political will to deploy and unravel the sponsors, and arrest and prosecute them.
Explaining why these attacks on communities in Plateau continue to reoccur in spite of previous peace talks and initiatives, Mutfwang said although the efforts made by his administration since he took over about seven months ago had restored peace substantially, it also appears that “some people are not happy with the progress we have made so far”.

Pointing out that the response to distress calls by the security agencies when the attacks started on Sunday night were passable in average, he also reiterated the need for security reinforcement and equipping as the latest experience of these attacks show clearly that the terrorists are armed with state-of-the-art weapons, and could resist state security with superior fire power.

Mutfwang also pointed out that the security challenges of the region are daunting and even overwhelming, hence the need to upgrade training of troops and recruiting more to respond adequately to growing security demands.
Regretting that innocent people, including women and children, had to die in such gruesome and savage circumstances, the governor said it is discernible that the motive of the perpetrators of these deadly campaigns is land grabbing and forceful take over and occupation, adding however that as a government and civilize people, the state urges those who want to acquire land anywhere in the state to follow due land acquisition regulations, discuss with the people, and accept to respect their values system.

Saying the sponsors and perpetrators of these attacks are not spirits but certainly people lurking within, Mutfwang explained that the trend over the years indicate that once attacks are carried out and the natives and home owners are displaced, the attackers and their collaborators move in and take over such homes.

He said the situation is so bad that over 67 communities, including primary schools and primary health centers, are being forcefully occupied and kept out of public use.
Governor Mutfwang, who commended the security agencies for their counter offensive that staved the terrorists’ plan for a more comprehensive and devastating damage, said the situation would have been more deadly but for the timely and determined efforts of the security that repelled the attackers.
Nevertheless, according to Mutfwang, to bring this challenge under control, the security agencies have to be mobilized, equipped, and deployed “to be more proactive than reactionary, if these criminal elements must be flushed out our mist”.

Expressing hope that he would be meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to discuss the development and subsisting security challenges in Plateau, the Governor also said the government is taking responsibility for the medicals of those injured in the attacks, including security personnel, who are receiving treatment in different hospitals.

He said despite the challenges, the people of Plateau are undaunted, as he solicited prayers to back up the resolve of his administration to secure Plateau as “the home of peace and tourism”.