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NUJ urges FG to assist terrorism, banditry-afflicted states
NUJ urges FG to assist terrorism, banditry-afflicted states
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has appealed to the Federal Government to urgently assist the most affected states by banditry and terrorism in the North West and North East regions with remedial intervention.
This is to ameliorate the effects of the hunger that will be experienced this year, because of the limited access to farmlands by the farmers.
”Food security is of vital importance to the nation,” the union said in a communique issued on Wednesday in Abuja at the end of its Inaugural National Executives Council meeting held between March 13 and March 14, in Birnin Kebbi.
The communique was signed by the National Secretary of the union, Mr Shuaibu Leman, Walin Shadalafiya.
It added: ”NEC applauds the military operations against the murderous activities of Non-State Actors.
”The meeting however regrets that in recent times we have witnessed more vicious attacks on villages and rural communities and the consequent imminent humanitarian crisis in the region.
”While NEC urges the Military to sustain their operations, especially as the rainy season is approaching so as to enable farmers to have access to their farmlands without any fear.
”It calls on the Federal Government to provide all the requirements for the Armed Forces to enable them to achieve the desired results”.
On the government’s efforts at rehabilitating and reintegrating repentant Boko Haram terrorists into the society, the union appealed for circumspection to avoid recycling insurgents and creating a pseudo feeling of rewarding criminality.
”NEC observes that the farmers/herders relations over the years in the country continues to cause huge losses, because of the ravaging consequences of the activities of various violent groups,” it added.
This, the union stated, is especially in the seven states of North West; Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Zamfara, Sokoto and Jigawa, and the North Central State of Niger.
According to the communique, NEC charges the federal government to take urgent steps to avert a complete breakdown of law and order.
”These attacks have doubled the numbers of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) all over the said areas.
”This explains the increase in Women and Children Sexual Abuse, as some families are forced to surrender their female children in exchange for protection and security.
”NEC cautions against allowing the situation to fester beyond what is obtainable currently.
”NEC suggests that as a step towards curtailing the age-long development issues in the North West and North East Regions and indeed all over the country.
”There should be observance and implementation of good governance which will promote development that is essentially free of abuse and corruption, and with due regards to the rule of law,” the communiqué read in part.
The NUJ said in view of the perilous nature of security in the country, NEC tasked journalists to be mindful of the pernicious effects of fake news and avoid being part of its propagation.
In the same vein, the union asserted that while leaders should be held accountable to the people by the media, criticisms should be done in an objective manner devoid of any sentiments and bias.
”This is one of the ways journalists can help sustain democracy.
”NEC expresses concern that education in the states of the North West and North East regions has been severely affected.
”Many children are now unable to attend schools because of fear, while others are dropping out of elementary schools and only a few others are able to transit to secondary schools.
”NEC expresses alarm that violence has not only negatively affected the educational development of children all over these regions, but it has also affected the availability of educational materials and infrastructure.
”NEC believes there is need to declare State of Emergency in education in the affected areas to avert a catastrophe.”
The communique added that the union has called for meaningful dialogue and consideration by both the federal government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to resolve the seemingly intractable problems of Nigerian universities.
READ ALSO: Army To Conducts Shooting Training In Katsina
According to the NUJ, the perennial strikes are placing the country as a nation without value for education.
”NEC appeals to the Federal Government to rise up to the challenges of increasing cases of internet fraud, also known as ‘yahoo yahoo’, ritual killings and kidnappings that have taken dangerous dimensions in the country.
”Meeting laments the hardships Nigerians are going through as a result of the hike in prices of petroleum products which are in high demand.
”It urges the government to take urgent steps to revert the trend. In particular, NEC cautions against allowing the Aviation Sector to collapse as a result of the ugly situation where Airlines are being grounded because of lack of aviation fuel.
”NEC views with alarm the attempt by media regulatory bodies in the country to gag the press under the guise of ‘National Security.
”The rampant issuance of unnecessary fines and sanctions are repulsive and against a free press and democratic governance,” it continued.
In the communique, the union expressed profound appreciation to Gov. Abubakar Bagudu of Kebni State for graciously approving and providing the needed resources for the hosting of the NEC meeting in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the communique also quoted the union as lauding the government and people of Kebbi state for the hospitality accorded NEC members.
”Council appeals to His Excellency, the Governor to continue the good works he is executing for the people of the state and for his continued support to members of the state council of the NUJ to discharge their duties creditably,” it concluded.
NAN
SSG, Senator Shehu, led Borno government delegation to Eid, Durbar
By: Our Reporter
The Secretary to Borno State Government (SSG), Hon. Bukar Tijjani, and the Senator representing Borno Central, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, led a government delegation to observe the two raka’at Eid prayers at Ramat Square Eid ground.
This was in accordance with the directive of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who is currently in Mecca for a spiritual exercise.
The Deputy Governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur was unable to attend as he is in mourning following the passing of his elder brother, Mai Aliyu Usman Kadafur, in Biu town.
The Eid prayer marks the conclusion of the sacred month of Ramadan, a period dedicated to spiritual blessings and devotion.
Accompanying the SSG and the senator were former deputy governor, Hon Usman Mamman Ndurkwa, the State Head of Service, Dr Muhammad Aminu Ghuluze, commissioners, special advisers, heads of government agencies, stalwarts of the All Progressives Congress (APC), heads of security agencies, and members of the business community.
His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi, also led members of Borno Emirate Council to attend the prayers.
In a sermon shortly after the prayers, the Imam Idaini of Borno, Imam Shettima Mamman Saleh, urged Muslim faithful to apply the lessons learned during the Ramadan fast to foster harmonious relationships and peaceful coexistence among diverse groups across the country.
He further described Eid al-Fitr as a period of self-reflection and reassessment of the values inculcated during the holy month.
The Imam encouraged Muslims to give alms to the needy, known as Zakatul Fitr, and to observe six days of fasting in the month of Shawwal to earn Allah’s blessings and rewards.
Delivering the governor’s message shortly after the eid prayers at the Government House, Hon. Bukar Tijjani expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for witnessing a hitch free sallah celebration.
He called on people of the state to continue to support Zulum’s administration, stressing the need for a peaceful and harmonious relationship.
In a remark, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan said the governor is in Saudi Arabia to offer special prayers for peace and prosperity to continue to reign in the state and the country at large.
He extended Governor Zulum’s Sallah message, who directed them to take part in all activities lined up for the eid celebration.
The delegation later proceeded to the Shehu of Borno’s palace, where the royal father staged a durbar, displaying the rich cultural heritage of the people of Borno and a sign that peace has returned to the state
In a message, Shehu Abubakar Garbai Elkanemi lauded governor Zulum for his relentless effort towards the restoration of peace in the state.
He commended the federal government for the reconstruction and expansion of the Alau dam and called for prayers to avert the reoccurrence of last year’s flood disaster and for restoration of sustainable peace in the state.
SSG, Senator Shehu, led Borno government delegation to Eid, Durbar
Eid Mubarak: Tuggar Asks Nigerians to Embrace Peace, Compassion, Unity
By: Michael Mike
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has asked Nigerians to embrace the values of peace, compassion, and unity that the of Eid al-Fitr festival, which marks the end of the month of Ramadan, represents.
The Minister, in his message to commemorate the festival, said: “On this joyous occasion of Eid al-Fitr, I extend my warmest greetings to all Nigerians, both at home and abroad. As we mark the completion of the holy month of Ramadan, let us embrace the values of peace, compassion, and unity that this sacred period represents.
“Eid is a time of gratitude and reflection, a moment to strengthen our bonds as a nation and reaffirm our commitment to love, kindness, and generosity toward one another. It is also an opportunity to pray for continued progress, stability, and prosperity in our beloved country.
“To our fellow Nigerians living abroad, we recognize your contributions to our nation’s development and appreciate your role in fostering the good image of Nigeria globally. May this Eid bring you renewed hope, joy, and a deeper connection to home.
“As we celebrate, let us also remember those facing hardship and conflict, both within and beyond our borders. In the spirit of Eid, let us extend our prayers and support to those in need, reaffirming our collective resolve for peace and harmony worldwide.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I wish you all a blessed and peaceful Eid. May this celebration usher in a period of renewed strength, prosperity, and unity for our great nation.”
Eid Mubarak: Tuggar Asks Nigerians to Embrace Peace, Compassion, Unity
Gunman Attacks Hisba Officials in Katsina, Five Injured
By: Zagazola Makama
The Katsina State Police Command has arrested Alhaji Surajo Mai Asharalle and three others for allegedly attacking Hisba officials and causing severe injuries during a late-night enforcement operation at Kofar Kaura Quarters, Katsina.
According to sources from the CPS Katsina, the Operations Officer of the Katsina State Hisba Board, Nafi’u Aliyu Akilu, reported that at about 2:30 a.m. on March 29, Hisba officials were dispatched to stop a group of youths playing football near a mosque where Tahajjud (night prayers) were ongoing.
However, upon arrival, the youths resisted and chased the Hisba officials away. During the confrontation, Alhaji Surajo Mai Asharalle allegedly fired multiple shots from a locally made cut-to-size gun, injuring five Hisba officials: Aminu Musa Yari, Muhammad Ibrahim, Yau Musa Ingawa, Kabir Abdullahi and Mustapha Isa
In addition, a Peugeot 206 (blue) and a Mercedes C180, which were parked at the scene, were severely damaged.
Police later mobilized to the scene, arrested the suspect and three accomplices, and recovered the firearm used in the attack.
The injured victims were rushed to General Hospital Katsina and later referred to Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH) Katsina for further treatment.
Gunman Attacks Hisba Officials in Katsina, Five Injured
SSG, Senator Shehu, led Borno government delegation to Eid, Durbar
Eid Mubarak: Tuggar Asks Nigerians to Embrace Peace, Compassion, Unity
Gunman Attacks Hisba Officials in Katsina, Five Injured
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