News
We’ll Protect Nigerians’ Rights, Regardless Of Religious, Ethnic Origins – Shettima
We’ll Protect Nigerians’ Rights, Regardless Of Religious, Ethnic Origins – Shettima
- Lauds efforts on peaceful coexistence among different faiths
By: Our Reporter
Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has assured that the rights of all Nigerians, regardless of their religious and ethnic beliefs, will be protected under the current administration.
This is even as President General of Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen (Attijjaniyya) and14th Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II, implored Nigerians to file behind the Tinubu administration to move the country forward.
In a move aimed at promoting unity and tolerance in the country’s diverse society, the Vice President emphasized the importance of inclusivity and respect for religious freedom in a nation with a population of over 200 million people divided along religious and ethnic lines.
Senator Shettima made the pledge in Lagos on Saturday during a special prayer organized by the Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya of Nigeria in honour of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
The VP assured the gathering that President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is guided by the message of the day, and is committed to protecting the rights and freedom of all Nigerians, regardless of their beliefs.
“The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) serve as a compass guiding us through the complexities of a multicultural world. He left us a template to manage a diverse society fairly. He taught us ways to build peace and resolve conflicts through dialogue, through kindness and through tolerance,” he stated.
Delivering his keynote address on the theme, “Searching For A Compass In A Multicultural World,” the Vice President expressed gratitude to Secretary General of the Tijjaniyya International and President of the Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya for their exemplary guidance and dedication to preserving moral values.
He called for accountability in deeds and actions, urging all individuals to uphold the Prophet’s message of fairness and inclusivity in their daily interactions.
“The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) offer a beacon of light navigating the complexities of our multicultural world,” VP Shettima noted, adding that the Holy Prophet left behind “a roadmap for managing diversity with fairness, building peace through dialogue, and resolving conflicts with kindness and tolerance.”
Addressing the challenges faced by the nation, Shettima acknowledged the burden of trust bestowed on President Tinubu by the Nigerian people.
He called for reflection and prayer for the President and other leaders, urging all citizens to remember their purpose in a world filled with trials and distractions.
On behalf of the President and Nigeria’s over 200 million people, the VP expressed deep appreciation for the special prayer session held by the Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya, where the Quran was recited 4,444 times for Nigeria and its leader.
“In our diverse nation, it is our duty to ensure every Nigerian can practice their religion freely without fear or discrimination. We extend a hand of friendship to the Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya, commending your efforts in promoting peaceful coexistence among different religious communities,” he stated.
VP Shettima also spoke about the importance of internal transformation as a prerequisite for societal change, saying “as Allah instructed in the Qur’an, we can only guarantee change in our condition if we change that which is within us.”
He urged all Nigerians to lead by example, recognizing their intellectual, spiritual and moral capabilities.
His words: “We are all in search of our roads to redemption. Here, we are offering to build a nation that upholds the dignity of each person, recognizes the rights of each group, and emphasizes the essence of tolerance.”
The Vice President called for collective action, stressing the need to build a nation with the bricks of compassion, justice and fairness.
He implored Nigerians to join hands in the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood in fulfilling the nation’s obligations to its people and embracing the Prophet’s timeless teachings.
“Our road to the place of hope is strewn with our commitment to building a nation with the bricks of compassion, justice, and fairness. The miracle of this dream rests on our adherence to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, and I urge all Nigerians to join us in the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood on our long walk to fulfil our obligations to the people,” Shettima said.
Earlier, President General of Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen (Attijjaniyya), Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II, implored Nigerians to file behind the Tinubu administration to move the country forward.
Specifically, the 14th Emir of Kano and Khalifa of Tijjaniyya in Nigeria called on politicians, the business community, religious scholars and traditional rulers to focus on Project Nigeria, and work towards rebuilding the nation.
“We are aware that you have taken over this country in a very difficult time, and at this time all Nigerians need to come behind you to end politics and face governance and move Nigeria forward.
“Every year on this occasion we try to complete at least 4,444 recitation of the Qur’an, with the sole intention of praying for the peace and stability of our country, for the protection of our leaders and our people.
“On behalf of the members of Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen I must recognize and acknowledge all the cooperation and support we have been receiving from the Federal Government, the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, and President Bola Tinubu.
Sanusi particularly thanked the President and the Vice President for the donation of an edifice to the Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen (Attijjaniyya) in Abuja.
“We will not forget it. We pray to Allah to guide our leaders to give good direction so that they are able to implement policies that, as a nation, will move us forward,” he said.
Also, the International Secretary of Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen (Attijjaniyya) Worldwide, Sheikh Mohammed Lamin Inyass, stressed the need for unity among the Muslim community, adding that Islam commands all Muslims to honour humanity irrespective of tribe or religion.
According to him, a true Muslim is a brother to his fellow Muslim, irrespective of their sect or whatever understanding.
Dignitaries who attended the event include Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; National Secretary of Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen (Attijjaniyya), Saiyadi Yahaya Al-Qasim, former Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Barr. Mukhtar Abdullahi Mohammed; Sheikh Siraj Inyass; Sheikh Maulud Fall Murtania; Sheikh Buba Inyass, Sheikh Tijjani Sani Auwal and Khalifa Danlami Agege.
Others are Sheikh Adenekan Khaliful Khulafa (South West), Alhaji Ibrahim Bayero, Dan Madamin Kano, Sheikh Faruq Suleman Almiskinubillah, Sheikh Mushri Murtania, Sheikh Abdullahi Uwais, Khalifa Aminubillah Akoshole, Sheikh Nuruddeen Inyass, and Sheikh Shehi Maihula, among others.
We’ll Protect Nigerians’ Rights, Regardless Of Religious, Ethnic Origins – Shettima
News
Cuba Blames U.S. Sanctions for Deepening Energy Crisis, Responds Cautiously to Reported $100m Aid Offer
Cuba Blames U.S. Sanctions for Deepening Energy Crisis, Responds Cautiously to Reported $100m Aid Offer
By: Michael Mike
The government of Cuba has intensified accusations against the United States over the island’s worsening electricity and economic crisis, while cautiously welcoming reports of a proposed $100 million American aid package amid growing humanitarian concerns.
In separate statements issued this week, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and government officials argued that the country’s severe power shortages, fuel scarcity, and economic hardship are direct consequences of decades-long U.S. sanctions and what Havana described as an increasingly aggressive “energy blockade.”
The latest developments come as Cuba experiences one of its most difficult periods in recent years, marked by prolonged blackouts, shortages of food and medicine, rising inflation, and mounting public frustration.
Díaz-Canel said the situation affecting Cuba’s National Power System had become “especially tense,” with authorities forecasting a deficit of more than 2,000 megawatts during peak evening demand.
According to the Cuban leader, fuel shortages alone were responsible for preventing the generation of at least 1,100 megawatts of electricity, significantly worsening blackouts across the country.
He accused Washington of deliberately obstructing fuel supplies to Cuba by threatening sanctions and punitive measures against countries and companies willing to trade with Havana.
“This dramatic worsening has a single cause: the genocidal energy blockade that the U.S. has imposed on our country,” Díaz-Canel declared.
The Cuban president argued that recent improvements in electricity supply during April demonstrated the direct relationship between fuel imports and power generation capacity.
He noted that the arrival of a single fuel tanker — out of the eight Cuba reportedly requires monthly — temporarily reduced electricity deficits and mitigated blackouts, though outages did not disappear entirely.
Díaz-Canel further accused sections of the U.S. media and political establishment of attempting to portray Cuba’s economic crisis as solely the result of government mismanagement while ignoring the impact of sanctions and economic restrictions.
According to him, neither the decades-old U.S. embargo nor the additional sanctions imposed during the administration of former President Donald Trump had succeeded in overthrowing the Cuban Revolution.
He alleged that more recent executive measures targeting fuel supplies, foreign trade, and investment in Cuba were specifically designed to increase suffering among ordinary citizens and provoke unrest against the government.
Despite the criticism, Havana has also reacted cautiously to reports that the United States Department of State had formally proposed an aid package valued at $100 million for Cuba.
In a separate government statement, Cuban authorities said it remained unclear whether the proposed assistance would come in the form of direct financial support or material aid such as fuel, food, or medicine.
The Cuban government said it was prepared to consider foreign aid offered in good faith and expressed openness to working with the Catholic Church in implementing humanitarian support efforts.
“We are willing to hear the details of the offer and how it would be implemented,” the statement said, while warning against any attempt to use humanitarian assistance for political leverage.
Havana maintained that the most meaningful support Washington could provide would be the easing of economic, commercial, financial, and energy restrictions imposed on the island.
Cuban officials argued that sanctions had intensified “as never before” in recent months, severely affecting nearly every sector of the economy and worsening living conditions for millions of citizens.
The latest exchange reflects the complicated and often confrontational relationship between Havana and Washington, which has remained strained for more than six decades despite intermittent attempts at diplomatic rapprochement.
While Cuba insists that U.S. sanctions are the central driver of its current crisis, critics of the Cuban government continue to point to structural inefficiencies, state control of the economy, and policy failures as major contributors to the country’s prolonged economic difficulties.
Nevertheless, the apparent willingness of both sides to discuss humanitarian assistance suggests a potentially significant, though cautious, opening for limited engagement amid escalating hardship on the island.
Cuba Blames U.S. Sanctions for Deepening Energy Crisis, Responds Cautiously to Reported $100m Aid Offer
Troops Arrest Suspected Gunrunner in Taraba State
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in collaboration with Defence Intelligence Agency operatives and local vigilantes, have arrested a suspected gunrunner in Ardo-Kola Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Security sources said the arrest was made at about 7:45 a.m. on May 13 during an intelligence-led operation at Iware community in the area.
The suspect was reportedly apprehended following credible intelligence linking him to arms trafficking activities within the Amaseyo general area.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspect was allegedly involved in illegal arms dealing, prompting his immediate arrest by the joint security team.
The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further investigation, while security agencies say efforts are ongoing to dismantle arms trafficking networks operating within the state and surrounding areas.
Troops Arrest Suspected Gunrunner in Taraba State
Troops Rescue Kidnap Victim During Patrol in Kogi
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation MESA have rescued a kidnap victim abandoned by suspected terrorists along the Obajana–Jakura–Tajimi axis in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Security sources said the rescue operation was carried out at about 9:00 a.m. on May 13 by troops of 12 Brigade during a fighting patrol along the old Obajana–Jakura–Tajimi road.
According to the report, the troops discovered the victim after suspected kidnappers abandoned him while fleeing from the advancing security personnel.
The rescued victim was subsequently reunited with his family after the operation.
Security patrols and clearance operations have continued along the route and adjoining communities as part of ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area.
Cuba Blames U.S. Sanctions for Deepening Energy Crisis, Responds Cautiously to Reported $100m Aid Offer
Troops Neutralise Two Terrorists During Clearance Operations in Borno
Governor Buni moves to appeal to guber aspirants to step down for Wali in Yobe
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
