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Stop cursing Nigeria, Tinubu warns Religious Leaders

President Bola Tinubu has called on Religious Leaders to refrain from vilifying or denigrating the Nation in their Sermons.

Tinubu said this during Ramadan Iftar with Traditional Rulers and Religious Leaders at the State House on Thursday in Abuja.

The President stressed the significant Role of Religious Leaders in shaping Public Opinion and fostering a sense of unity among Citizens.

He urged the Leaders to be more constructive in their criticism of those in elective Positions, adding that his Administration was determined to turn Nigeria’s challenges into prosperity.

He urged Traditional and Religious Leaders to forge a strong bond with the Government to defeat Terrorism, Banditry, Kidnapping, and other forms of Criminality in the Country.

‘’The love of the Nation is in your hands. Pray for our Country. Educate our Children. The Sermons we preach to the Members of our Churches and Mosques are important.

‘’Do not condemn your own Nation. As a Yoruba man and as our Fathers will say, ‘no matter how slippery the bottom of your Child is, you must leave the beads there.’

‘’Leave the beads there. This is your Country; do not condemn it in Sermons, do not abuse the Nation. Leadership is meant for changes.

‘’Yes, this Leader is bad, fine. Wait until the next Election to change him, but do not condemn your Country. Do not curse Nigeria. This is a beautiful Land.”

The President, who acknowledged the Birthday wishes and goodwill extended to him on the Occasion, reminded the Leaders that his Birthday on March 29 coincided with Good Friday.

‘’I have earned the honour of having my Birthday fall on Good Friday, and I pray that on this Maundy Thursday, you all shall return to your Homes safely.

“May God guide and keep you and your Families in good health, and lift your spirits,’’ the President said.

Also speaking, Vice-President Kashim Shettima emphasised the pivotal Roles of Religious and Traditional Rulers in promoting peace and unity, urging them to continue to ‘‘build bridges that transcend Ethnic and Religious divides.’’

The Vice-President expressed delight that the Nation’s Economy is on a rebound, noting the strengthening of the Naira against the Dollar.

‘’The President means well for the Nation, and he has continued to redefine the meaning and concept of Modern Leadership.

‘’For many years, Fuel Subsidy was an albatross. The President took a bold decision from day one, and he hit the ground running. Now the Economy is turning the corner,” the Vice-President said.

Speaking on behalf of the Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, assured the President of the unwavering support of Traditional Rulers.

Ogunwusi commended the Government’s efforts to address the hike in Food Prices and the Security challenges.

‘’You are not alone, Mr. President. The Prices of Food Items and Goods are gradually coming down.

“You are doing your best on Security, and we cannot allow you to do it alone. We will join hands to support your Vision to the betterment of our Nation,’’ the Ooni said.

Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, the Emir of Zazzau, speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), highlighted the significance of Ramadan as a period of reflection, empathy, and unity.

On the Security situation in the country, Bamalli, who represented the Sultan of Sokoto and President General, NSCIA, expressed optimism that the Country would return to peace and stability.

‘’I am happy to see Representatives of Muslim and Christian Communities in this Room. I pray God Almighty blesses the President for him to do more to take the Country to the Promised Land,’’ the Emir said.

Samson Fatokun, General Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), noted that the Ramadan Dinner with Religious and Traditional Leaders, coincided with Maundy Thursday.

It is the Thursday before Easter, observed in commemoration of Jesus Christ’s Institution of the Eucharist during the Last Supper.

Fatokun, who delivered the Address of CAN President, Daniel Okoh, commended Tinubu for fostering a harmonious Relationship between the State and the Church.

‘’We are encouraged that your Administration has shown great determination in tackling the challenges of Kidnapping and Banditry and bringing to justice the Perpetrators of this dastardly act.

‘’We shall continue to show our support to your Administration so that you can execute your noble intention for the Nation,’’ he said.

 

Credit NAN: Texts excluding Headlines

Stop cursing Nigeria, Tinubu warns Religious Leaders
News
29-Mar-2024

Aggrieved Lagos PDP Candidates take George, others to Court

Forum of aggrieved Lagos PDP Candidates in 2023 General Elections has instituted a Suit against some Party Leaders, including Bode George, former PDP’s Deputy National Chairman, over alleged Anti-Party activities.

The Group comprising 24 Candidates who vied for various Elective Positions is led by Segun Adewale, the PDP Candidate for Lagos West Senatorial District in 2023 Elections.

The Suit, filed by the Group before a Federal High Court in Lagos, and dated March 26, 2024, is against the PDP (the First Defendant) and six others including Bode George and Kofoworola Bucknor (BOT Members).

Others include Philip Aivoji, Lagos State PDP Chairman; PDP Lagos State Executive; Adedeji Doherty, Former Lagos PDP Chairman; and the Lagos State LGA PDP Chairmen Forum.

The Case with Suit No FHC/L/CS/534/24 was filed on behalf of the Group by Omoniyi and Adeleke Law Firm (Primus Chambers) of 15, Alafia Street, Mokola, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The Suit read in part: “Our Submission is that as a Party Leader, you cannot be a Party Leader of two Political Parties at the same time; hence, you cannot promote Candidates of two Parties at the same time.

“The Principle of First Defendant’s Political Party does not allow its Members to belong to any other Group or Groups that is not governed by its Constitution.

“We humbly pray the Court holds that considering the evidence exhibited before this Court, the activities of the Second to Seventh Defendants constitute Party offences that must attract sanctions.

“This in line with Articles 59 (4) and (5) of the First Defendant’s Constitution.

“The Plaintiffs sought for an Order of the Court in mandating and directing the First Defendant to sanction, specifically expel the Second to the Seventh Defendants from the Party for offences and Anti Party activities.”

Meanwhile, the Group at a News Conference on Wednesday in Lagos, called on the National Leadership of the Party to sanction all those that worked against the fortune of the Party and its Candidates at the 2023 General Elections in Lagos.

The Leader of the Group, Adewale, popularly known as Aeroland, said that the Group took the step to further strengthen Democracy and ensure that those entrusted with Party/Public Positions were held accountable for their actions and inactions.

According to him, it is demoralising and disheartening for Members to spend their hard earned money to buy Nomination and Expression of Interest Forms with huge money, only for the Leaders to work against the Candidates during Elections.

 

Credit NAN: Texts excluding Headlines

Aggrieved Lagos PDP Candidates take George, others to Court
Politics
28-Mar-2024