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Jos Catholic Archdiocese Accepts Gov Lalong’s Apology

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Governor Lalong Calls For Calm Over Attack In Jos South
Governor Simon Lalong

Most Rev. Matthew Ishaya Audu, the Catholic Archbishop of Jos Archdiocese has stated that he has accepted the apology tendered to the Catholic Church by Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State on his reference to the pope while recently talking about his appointment as the Director General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign.

Recall that Lalong had said the pope was not opposed to his appointment as the Director General (DG) of the campaign.

The statement infuriated members of the Catholic faith who said the dragging the name of the pope into Nigerian politics.

This followed the debate over the APC decision to settle for a Muslim/Muslim ticket as a political strategy.

But the governor thereafter tendered an apology to the Catholics for his remarks. In spite of this, some sections of the church have been giving different conditions for the acceptance of the apology.

Archbishop Audu, however, accepted Lalong’s apology yesterday in his homily at the 19th General Assembly of the Archdiocese of Jos held at the St. Louis Parish Jos with the theme “The Eucharist our Strength towards a Better Nigeria”.

He said: “Your apology is accepted. As you know, our President of the Catholic Bishops Conference has already accepted your apology and so it goes for all of us. We have accepted it and let’s be sincere.

“Since the church encourages its members to go into politics, the intention is for him to work at making a difference in his political endeavours in line with the mandate of the church to its members who are in politics,” he said.

He said the church would neither disgrace nor allow Lalong to fail, adding that the governor should advise the ruling party on the need for unity and national integration by carrying all segments of the country along.

In his remarks, Lalong reaffirmed his loyalty, commitment, and faith in the Catholic Church as well as the desire to always be a good ambassador wherever he finds himself.

He said the events of the past week relating to his utterance which generated controversy should not be used to judge his love, respect, and loyalty to the Catholic Church which strongly teaches forgiveness, tolerance, compassion, and repentance.

Suspended Anambra State Council Chairman Arrested Over Wife’s Death

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Suspended Anambra State Council Chairman Arrested Over Wife’s Death

The suspended Nnewi North local government chairman, Mbazulike Iloka, has been arrested. He was arrested on Wednesday, following the alleged link to his wife’s death.

Anambra Police spokesman Ikenga Tochukwu, who confirmed the development, opined that the Command, through the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), is currently conducting further investigations to know what actually transpired.

Vanguard had reported how Mbazulike had denied killing his wife, late Chidiebere Iloka.

According to him:  “On Sunday, 7th of August 2022, my family members and I woke up and after our family prayer rites, we went about our affairs for that day. I was out of the house for most of the morning as mine involved physically attending to various social and cultural events alongside visiting friends. Details of the groups and individuals involved have been provided to law enforcement agencies.

“My dear late wife was involved in coordinating aspects of home affairs and processing some transactions related to my business to the tune of nearly N1,000,000 and others involving my local committee of friends. Evidence of these abound via SMS and WhatsApp conversations between us as well as bank transfer receipts she sent me as evidence of success of the transactions. All these happened on Sunday; at a time the fifth columnists insist She was involved in a fight with me; when in fact, we were not in the same location.

“ As we proceeded with our affairs in our respective locations, I had cause to interact with my dear late wife over telephone in the course of which I mentioned to Her that She wasn’t sounding as one in perfect health. She admitted but assured me she had taken painkillers and will be fine. Evidence of this conversation is available and can be extracted using my call logs.

“I returned home after some hours and together with my friend, Ikemefuna Edokwe sat at a round table a few steps away from the gate which is about 50 metered from the house my family lived in then called my dear wife to serve us some food. Ikemefuna Edokwe had earlier in the day visited my house and conveyed me in His motorcycle to attend the events I referred to above after engaging my dear late wife in a friendly chat.

“My wife happily obliged and proceeded to do same. On dishing the food, she started walking towards the gate where I sat with Ikemefuna Edokwe from the main building which is about 50 meters apart to serve us the food when she suddenly screamed and slumped; landing first with her face on the concrete wall as she struggled to gain balance and eventually with Her forehead on the iron and concrete slab which was casted a very long time ago by builders as part of the foundation for our main house.

“This happened in broad daylight; not indoors as suggested by stories planted in the media; right before me, my friend; Ikemefuna Edokwe and her domestic aide, Daniel (who was serving the food with Her); all of whom are still alive and are the first individuals who rushed to administer first aid on my late wife and then joined me in rushing Her to the hospital where She was pronounced dead after medical examination.

“My brothers and sister, I have lived an open life since my adulthood; spanning over 35 years. The house I live in with my late wife is an open place; accessible to all and sundry; and it is known to even my worst enemy that my wife was a supreme figure in my life after God Almighty.

“We did everything together and went everywhere together. She was my pulse and perfectly held brief for me; even in my presence.”

Taiwan’s Reunification Time Will Shorten If More Provocative Actions Is Taken — Chinese Diplomat

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Taiwan’s Reunification Time Will Shorten If More Provocative Actions Is Taken — Chinese Diplomat
China’s Ambassador to Norway, Yi Xianliang

China does not have a clear timetable for Taiwan’s reunification, but under the influence of external factors, this process can be accelerated, China’s Ambassador to Norway, Yi Xianliang, said in an interview with NRK TV broadcaster, published by the Chinese embassy on Tuesday.

“We have never had a timetable for this. But we cannot afford to let the current situation last forever. If the Americans, outside forces and separatists on the island take more provocative actions, the reunification time will shorten, [and it will happen] not in 2049 (the 100th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China – TASS), but maybe even tomorrow,” Yi said.

He recalled that Beijing had legal grounds for this. In 2005, China passed a law on the work for ending the split of the state. Yi stressed that China reserved the right to move away from the idea of peaceful reunification in favor of a military solution.

“The non-peaceful way does not necessarily mean the use of the entire complex of military measures. There are other countries that have demonstrated similar examples of reunification,” Yi added.

Tensions in the Taiwan Strait region soared after US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on August 2-3 visited the island. The Chinese armed forces responded by conducting large-scale drills, including live rocket launches in six zones around the island, as well as a series of exercises around Taiwan.

The island has been governed by its own administration since 1949, when the remnants of the Kuomintang forces under Chiang Kai-shek (1887-1975) fled to the island after being defeated in the Chinese civil war. Taipei has since retained the flag and some other attributes of the former Republic of China, which had existed on the mainland before the Communists came to power. According Beijing’s official position, supported by most countries, including Russia, it is one of China’s provinces.

Federal Government Can Borrow Till Eternity — APC Chairman Adamu

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Federal Government can borrow till eternity — APC Chairman Adamu
Adamu Abdullahi

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, has said that the Federal Government can borrow till eternity.

The National Chairman of the APC said this late on Monday in an interview he granted Daily Trust Television.

Adamu said:  “I remember a programme we had here, I told you and I thought you believed me that I have no quarrel with government borrowing.

“Government can borrow from now to eternity.

“The American government borrows.

“The Canadian government borrows.

“The United Kingdom borrows.

“France borrows money from the World Bank and such other institutions.

“Nigeria is no exception.

“What I quarrel with is if the money is not used for a purpose and the infrastructure we are developing across the country is from this source.

“You also have to appreciate the fact of the level of revenue accruing to the government, oil is the main thing.

“We want to see how best we can diversify.

“These issues affecting the revenue accruing to the government are not our making.  

“No matter how good we are, they happen.

“When some countries sneeze, we catch a cold.

“The Ukrainian crisis with Russia is having an impact on our economy and even in bigger economies than our own.

“So why do we limit ourselves in our thinking?”

14 Brigade Of Nigerian Army Ohafia Gets New Commander (Photos)

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14 Brigade Of Nigerian Army Ohafia Gets New Commander (Photos)
Brigadier General Adegoke Adetuyi

Brigadier General Adegoke Adetuyi has assumed duty as the 14th Commander in charge of the 14 Brigade of Nigerian Army Ohafia, Abia State.

14 Brigade Of Nigerian Army Ohafia Gets New Commander (Photos)

This follows the recent posting released by Military Secretary, Abuja.

The handing and taking over ceremony took place today, Tuesday 16 August 2022, at the Brigade Headquarters Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Barracks, Ohafia, Abia State.

Speaking during the event, Brigadier General Adetuyi appreciated the outgone Commander for his support and unique style of leadership shown to him.

He assured he will maintain the momentum and move the Brigade to the next level.

“I demand from everyone, officers and soldiers, absolute loyalty and support in running the affairs of the Brigade because collectively, we would succeed,” he said.

Earlier, the outgoing Commander, Brigadier General Abu-mawashi appreciated the working relationship with officers and soldiers for the support he enjoined from them. Reiterating that more support and cooperation be extended to the incoming Commander.

During his farewell address, Brigadier General Abu-Mawashi urged all to remain loyal and committed. سباق احصنة Stressing that discipline is the bedrock of the Military which he states that all must imbibe at all times. الالعاب التي تربح المال

Highlights of the event include: signing of handing and taking over notes, Command insignia, handing of Command flag, hoisting of Command flag, quarter guard, and group photograph. رهانات الخيول

Peter Obi Will Redraw Nigeria’s Political Map — Support Group

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Nigeria Needs Just One Disruptive Thinker, Says Peter Obi
Peter Obi

The Peter Obi Support Network on Tuesday stated that the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi would redraw the political map of the country in line with the national interest following a close-door meeting he had with some leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Recall that Obi had several meetings with the PDP leaders, including Governors Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and other key stakeholders of the party as preparations for the 2023 election thickened.

This was contained in a statement released by the POSN Director of Strategic Communication, Onwuasoanya Jones.

The communications director praised Obi “for building bridges of understanding beyond partisan leanings.”

He said, “The visit is part of the steps being taken by the former governor of Anambra State to redraw the political map of the country, in line with the people’s interest.

“I can confirm to you that there are key members of the PDP and the All Progressives Congress who are major supporters of the New Nigeria project as being piloted by Peter Obi. I will not give you names, but I can assure you that strategic discussions are ongoing among Nigerian patriots across party divides to rescue Nigeria from an imminent collapse, and there is already a consensus among every patriotic Nigerian that Peter Obi is the vehicle to actualize this goal.”

According to him, Nigerians should not expect any quick conclusion to the ongoing consultations, “as some of the discussions would continue until a few days before the election.”

Jones said, “Nigerians should rest assured that all those who truly have the interest of the country at heart and really want her to be rescued from the grip of bad governance are uniting behind the Obi candidacy, and these people come from different political parties and regions of the country.

“I can confirm to you that there are key members of the PDP and the All Progressives Congress who are major supporters of the New Nigeria project as being piloted by Peter Obi. I will not give you names, but I can assure you that strategic discussions are ongoing among Nigerian patriots across party divides to rescue Nigeria from an imminent collapse, and there is already a consensus among every patriotic Nigerian that Peter Obi is the vehicle to actualize this goal.”

There Are Over 1,700 NDDC Projects In Bayelsa — Gov. Diri

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There Are Over 1,700 NDDC Projects In Bayelsa — Gov. Diri

The Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has said that there are over 1,700 projects of the Niger Delta Development Commission abandoned across the state. arab casino

Diri spoke on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the Interim Administrator of the NDDC, Dr. Effiong Akwa, to him.

He listed some of the abandoned projects to include the Angalabiri-Ebedebiri-Toru-Orua shore protection project captured in the commission’s 2020 budget, Sabagreia-Polaku bridge, and Akenfa bridge.

In a statement by his spokesman, Daniel Alabrah, the governor said the non-collaboration of the commission with catchment states that would advice on priority projects had led to duplication and abandonment of projects.

He also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to constitute a substantive board for the commission without further delay, saying its absence was hindering the commission’s operations.

Diri said the interim administrator’s arrangement was alien to the act establishing the commission and unacceptable to governors of the Niger Delta, noting that the commission had not been able to meet its mandate because of the absence of a substantive board. سباق الخيل مباشر

Describing the NDDC as an interventionist body created to fill the developmental gap in the Niger Delta, Diri said the governors had also been robbed of their advisory role, which would have enabled the board to embark on people-oriented projects in the region.

He said: “The NDDC has a lot of abandoned projects in Bayelsa State.

“From reports, we have over 1,700 projects that are dotted all over Bayelsa State.

“I know that is not healthy.

“I like to, at this juncture, again, appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari to constitute a substantive board for the NDDC according to the Act setting it up.

“The NDDC was conceived and established as an interventionist body to fill the developmental gap.

“We cannot accept these policy summersaults that make our development suffer.

“The interim arrangement has become the norm rather than the exception.

“That is totally unacceptable to us as governors of the Niger Delta states. bet365 عربي

“We have a very huge stake according to the Act establishing the NDDC and that role is not being played.

“With the interim administration, there is no board for us to advise.

“There must exist a synergy that will profile these projects before they are conceived.

“NDDC was not to go into every nook and cranny of states in the region.

“It should be looking at very large projects, sometimes inter-state projects with mutual agreement and cooperation of the state governments.

“It is my belief that collaborating with the NDDC will create a more robust impression and leave a lasting legacy for our people and generations yet unborn.

“The NDDC must continue to work closely with governors in the nine states to ensure synergy and avoid duplication of projects and activate the powers of the governors in the board in line with Section 2 of the Act establishing it.”

Akwa expressed the preparedness of the NDDC to collaborate with the government on the construction of the age-long Nembe-Brass Road project that the state had undertaken.

Morata Debunks Plan To Join Manchester United

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Morata Debunks Plan To Join Manchester United

Atletico Madrid striker, Alvaro Morata has disclosed that his major focus is to help his club compete at the highest level and not be distracted by any transfer move from Man United.

In an interview with TribalFootball, the Spanish striker stated that he is excited and happy to be at Diego Simeone’s side.

“I really want to play here, work, and play in many competitions.

“I’m excited to be here, as always, I can only work and run for the team in every game.

“Speculation over my future? It’s what comes out in the press, I just wanted to work and work; Atletico is one of the best clubs in the world, if there’s a market I can’t do anything, just work, I’m happy here and I want to continue working.”

Recall that Morata had a stint with Chelsea where he netted 24 goals in 72 appearances in all competitions before leaving the club in 2019.

PDP National Chair, Ayu Must Resign, Says Bode George

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PDP Crisis: Bode George Blasts Atiku, Wike, Demands Resolution

Chief Bode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday maintained that the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu must resign for peace to reign.

He also noted that Ayu promised to vacate his seat if the party produced a presidential candidate from the North.

George challenged him to let his word be his bond.

According to George, the South is not interested in the position of the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, saying in the interest of equity, fairness, and justice, the national chairman should vacate his seat for a Southerner.

George while speaking with newsmen against the backdrop of the crisis that is raging in the party said, “I have no apology for what I am saying because if the reverse is the case where you have all the positions in the South, will the North be happy?

“So, what is good for the goose is good for the gander. The party chairman came out yesterday (Monday) and said he was given a four-year term and that he was not ready to go.

“Even if he was elected today as chairman and the situation in the country changes, the interest of the party should be higher and be respected than the individual interest. The party is not a private company. It is owned by all members.”

George warned that the PDP must do the right thing if it is interested in winning the 2023 election.

Sen Orji Kalu Names Media Personality, Sunny Idika Campaign Spokesman

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Sen Orji Kalu Names Media Personality, Sunny Idika Campaign Spokesman
Sunny Idika

The Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has appointed an online media practitioner, Sunny Idika as the spokesperson for his senatorial election.

Kalu, in a statement by his media office, said Idika’s appointment was based on merit and with immediate effect.

Idika has since transmitted his acceptance of the appointment, pledging to discharge his “duties and responsibilities with commitment, diligence” and to the best of his ability.

Idika, a graduate of Human Anatomy, publisher, public affairs analyst and youth activist, is a member of Multimedia Publishers Association of Nigeria (MPAN). He hails from Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State.

Apart from serving as media consultant to several agencies and public office holders in the past, Idika is currently the National Publicity Secretary of Nigerian Association of Christian Journalists (NACJ) and others.

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