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“MY REFERENCE TO POPE, A MARK OF REVERENCE NOT RIDICULE” – GOVERNOR LALONG
“MY REFERENCE TO POPE, A MARK OF REVERENCE NOT RIDICULE” – GOVERNOR LALONG
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has said that contrary to insinuations and misconceptions being imputed into his interview granted to State House Correspondents at the Presidential Villa where he explained that as a Catholic and a Papal Knight, the Pope has not told him that accepting the position of Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council was wrong, the statement was out of reverence and not disregard for the Holy Father, Catholic Church or Christianity.
Lalong said it was unfortunate that part of the interview has been excised and used by politicians for propaganda and misinformation about his personality, faith and political persuasion. He said, “My reference to the Holy Father the Pope was to emphasise that as a Christian born and raised in the Catholic faith, accepting the assignment given to me by my party the APC of which I am a founding member does not in any way remove my faith in Jesus Christ or my commitment to the Church in Nigeria and universally. Those who know me can attest to my respect for the Church, Christianity and Spiritual Fathers of all denominations. They know my modest contribution to the growth of the Church in Plateau State, Northern Nigerian and Nigeria at large and can testify to it”.
He therefore reiterated that he has the highest regard for Christians and Church Authority and will continue to work hard in promoting the interests of Christians and adherents of other religions based on love, justice, equity and fairness which are encouraged in the Holy Bible and the Constitution of Nigeria.
Governor Lalong further emphasized that although he understands and appreciates the concerns of Christians over the emergence of Muslim, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as APC Presidential candidate and choice the of Vice Presidential nominee Senator Kashim Shettima also a Muslim, the situation does not warrant Christians within the party leaving the party or refusing to accept responsibilities because being within a system makes it easy to address grievances than being outside. Besides, he said the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was not on religious basis as even Christians voted for him during the APC Primaries.
He also appealed to Nigerians irrespective of religious persuasions to unite and work towards addressing the major challenges of the nation by actively participating in the political process and ensuring they push forward their interests rather than allowing religious sentiments to override their desire to assess issues from a wholistic perspective.
The APC Presidential Campaign DG assured that series of consultations with religious, traditional, professional, youth, women and other groups are being fashioned out to deepen engagement and remove misconceptions about the candidature of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima whom he said have a track record of treating people fairly and justly irrespective of ethno-religious differences.
“MY REFERENCE TO POPE, A MARK OF REVERENCE NOT RIDICULE” – GOVERNOR LALONG
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
By: Zagazola Makama
Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov hosted his counterparts from the three Sahel states in Moscow. The high-level meeting signals deepening cooperation in security, economic development, and diplomatic coordination, amid shifting global alliances and the growing influence of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The discussions, held in a quadrilateral format for the first time, focused on enhancing military collaboration, investment opportunities, and regional security strategies. Lavrov welcomed the delegation, emphasizing Russia’s support for the sovereignty of the three nations as they seek to assert independence in their policymaking and security frameworks.
“We appreciate the determination of your countries to build a new regional security architecture based on your own strengths while remaining open to mutually beneficial cooperation,” Lavrov said. He commended the “dynamic integration” efforts within the AES and highlighted ongoing projects in trade, finance, infrastructure, and human resource development.
The visit comes amid rising geopolitical tensions and the Sahel states’ increasing shift away from Western partnerships. Following military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the three countries have strengthened ties with Russia, particularly in military cooperation and counterterrorism efforts. They have also distanced themselves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), forming the AES as a regional bloc focused on collective security and economic cooperation.
Lavrov noted that Russia is ready to support the AES beyond bilateral engagements, stating that collaboration would extend to international platforms, including the Russia-Africa Forum. The next ministerial meeting of the forum is expected to take place in Africa later this year, ahead of the 2026 Russia-Africa Summit.
In his remarks, Mali’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Russia, underscoring the importance of strategic alliances in addressing security and development challenges.
The meeting marks a new phase in Russia’s engagement with Africa, particularly in regions seeking alternative partnerships. As the global political landscape evolves, the AES-Russia partnership is expected to influence security dynamics and economic cooperation in the Sahel and beyond.
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
By: Zagazola Makama
A tragic incident occurred on April 3, 2025, during a joint security operation in Girei Local Government Area (LGA) of Adamawa State.
The operation, which involved personnel from the Police, Military, Department of State Security Services (DSS), and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), aimed to raid criminal hideouts in the area.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that during the operation, one of the security personnel accidentally discharged their firearm, striking 21-year-old Bara Adamu of Wuro Bulama, Girei LGA.
The victim was immediately rushed to Specialist Hospital for medical attention but was sadly confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
On April 3, 2025, at approximately 1130 hours, a group of armed bandits riding motorcycles, opened fire on a commercial vehicle traveling from Kebbi to Sokoto.
The attack resulted in the death of one Dan Gande Usman, who was shot in the head. The victim succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital.
In response to the attack, troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA were deployed to the area to ensure sanity.
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
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