Gbagyi Cultural Revival - Gbagyiza!

Gbagyiza!

A new wind of revival is sweeping across Gbagyi people, especially in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and neighbouring Niger State, with Senator Philip Aduda (FCT) and Senator David Umoru (Niger East) leading the crusade.
The Gbagyi are the most populous indigenous ethnic group in the FCT, the second largest in Niger State, and they are also found in Kaduna, Nasarawa and Kogi states.
With the highest concentration of Gbagyi in the FCT, Karu chiefdom of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has over the years provided a platform for the preservation and promotion of Gbagyi cultural heritage. In line with this trend, the 2017 edition of the annual cultural festival organised by the Karu Gbagyi Youths Development Association (KAGBADA), with representation from Nyanya, Jikwoyi, Kugbo, Gbagalape, Dagbadna and other villages under the Karu chiefdom, held at the palace arcade on January 2, to much acclaim from stakeholders.
Given the calibre of political and traditional leaders in attendance, it created the right atmosphere for soul-searching for the Gbagyi.
The host, Sakaruyi of Karu, His Royal Highness, Emmanuel Kyauta Yepwi, opened the floodgates of lamentations of the Gbagyi saying, “We are still like orphans in Abuja and if we don’t bring ourselves in unity, by fighting a reasonable cause, I think we shall not reach anywhere.”
Speaking in the same tone, the chairman of the occasion, dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Nasarawa State University, Prof. Andrew Zamani, urged the Federal Government not to take the patience of Abuja natives for granted.
Zamani, who came clear in making political demands on the Federal Government, said the people were tired of frequently having ministers imposed on them without the opportunity of electing their own administrators: “The advent of Abuja culminated in the dispersal of our people. Out of goodwill, not out of conquest, our people welcomed the Federal Government. It culminated also in our extension of friendship to our brothers and sisters from other parts of Nigeria. But what have we received in return? It is spite and contempt. It is really highly unfortunate. We, therefore, call on our brothers and sisters who joined us today to celebrate our common humanity and unity to ensure that we enjoy the prosperity of the land usurped from us alongside other Nigerians.”
Visiting Esu of New Karu, Nasarawa State, His Royal Highness, Luka Panya Baba, admonished the nine indigenous groups in the FCT to live peacefully and support each other in their quest for self-administration.
He also harped on the proposed museum project for the entire Gbagyi race to be sited in Abuja: “I want to encourage all Gbagyi sons and daughters at this forum to work towards the success of this project. The trustees of the project are spread across various states in the country from Niger, Kaduna, Kwara, Kogi and many more states. We count on all the Gbagyi people in Nigeria to cue into this project.”
In what appeared to be justification for Gbagyi museum, the Esu of Kwali, Alhaji Nizazo Shaban III, in a recent interview, bemoaned what modernity had done to the Gbagyi: “Most of the Gbagyi settlements have been destroyed by modernisation.
“Again, our housing system cannot conform to what we have in Abuja. The Gbagyi do not have the wealth to compete with people in Abuja who built skyscrapers. Sometimes, we call ourselves the missing tribe. If we do not work very hard, the Gbagyi of Abuja will disappear with time. Development will consume the Gbagyi people and we may not see them again.
“There are people who do not speak Gbagyi to their children and we tell them to speak Gwari to their children or lose their identity. There are social forces against the Gbagyi people as far as project Abuja is concerned.”
Same situarion in Niger
In Niger State, two major cultural events held in Paikoro and Gurara council areas, respectively, during the Yuletide.
At the activities marking the maiden “Paigokni Cultural Fiesta 2016” on December 31, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello called on Gbagyi both home and abroad to act fast to save the ethnic group from extinction.
While enjoining the people to revive their rich culture and the tradition, the Governor, assured that the state government will partner investors from Canada to improve on the existing facilities and develop the Tatiko fabrics and pottery of the Gbagyi.
Represented by the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Jonathan Tsado Vatsa, the governor said: “We will support and sustain our culture because a language not spoken is a people forgotten.
“There is the urgent need to get the youths exposed to the rich cultural values and traditions of our forefathers, which are being eroded gradually by civilization.”
Senator Umoru, who chaired the occasion, disclosed that he had opened discussion with the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) for better equipment to preserve the rich culture of his people: “Gbagyi will not and must not go on (into) extinction; our culture must not die. We will do everything possible to keep it alive; our culture is without equal.”
The keynote speaker, Dr. Yusuf Larry Ayuba, charged Gbagyi to be proud of their language, tribe and identity anywhere they find themselves: “You are not yourself until you can speak your language. We must stand up to speak our language or you become a second class citizen in your domain.”
The event witnessed exhibition of different dances, arts and cultural heritage from the various communities.
Similarly, prominent Gbagyi indigenes, their friends and well-wishers also stormed Dikko in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger state for the 6th Dikko Day Cultural Festival organized by the Dikko Community Development Association (DCDA).
But unlike the usual colourful cultural display that characterised previous editions, this year’s event took a political dimension as speaker after speaker drew the attention of the people to years of marginalization of the Gbagyi in the politics of the state, especially in the area of political appointments.
Political slant
While political and traditional leaders in the FCT were in Karu reiterating call to the Federal Government and the National Assembly to speed up the process of democratising governance in the territory through a second-tier system for Abuja; their kits and kin in Niger state used the occasion of 2017 Dikko Day celebrations to sound a note of warning to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), that they might be forced to look the other way in 2019 if the political imbalance in the state is not addressed.
Senate Minority Whip, Senator Philip Aduda, who is also the Talban Karu, said the time has come for all Nigerians to support the Abuja natives in getting a second-tier system that would enable the people govern themselves through the election of a Governor, Mayor or howsoever called.
Aduda said the on-going amendment of the 1999 Constitution by the National Assembly will pave way for the democratisation of governance and administration in the FCT: “We are appealing to our colleagues at the National Assembly, legislators in the 36 states Houses of Assembly and the Federal Government to support the new constitution review on the status of the FCT when the amendment is concluded and passed around for concurrence so that we can have a sustainable and democratic second-tier system of governance in Abuja.”
Other speakers at the event included the Member representing AMAC/Bwari federal constituency, Mr. Zaphaniah Jisalo who said the two members representing the territory will join hands with Aduda and other sympathetic federal legislators to push for a constitution review that will be acceptable by political leaders and all Nigerians.
On his part, Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council, Mr. Abdullahi Candido urged Nigerians resident in Abuja to support natives in their quest for self-governance in the territory especially with the hospitality shown them by the original inhabitants of the FCT.
Goodwill message was also delivered by the Member representing Karu/Keffi/Kokona federal constituency, Mr. Gaza Gbefwi.
Senator Umoru in his protest motionin Dikko said: “Today the main principal officers of the Niger state government do not take into cognition the fact of the Gbagyi as a people. This is against the constitution which states that every government must reflect the cultural diversity of its people. I want us to resolve today, that the Gbagyi people will not support any government that discriminates against them.
“Henceforth, we would support only government that will recognize us by making it possible to be part of that government”.
Arguing that the Gbagyi man has gone through all kinds of destitution at every point in time and was ignored when it mattered most, Umoru added that his people cannot continue to work and get nothing: “We are tired of grumbling. You will no longer grumble and go home and pretend that there is nothing wrong with us. We should not celebrate mediocrity.
“Community interest will always protect personal interest better. There is no personal interest that can override community interest. Therefore, we as Gbagyi people have resolved that we will not support any government that will not recognize us”.
The 2015 Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) in the state, Alhaji Umar Nasko in a goodwill message, urged Gbagyi people to be united and uphold their rich cultural heritage.
Licking the wound
Forty years after Gbagyi land was designated the nation’s capital; the people are still suffering culture shock occasioned by the development of the FCT. The result of the dislocation was the removal of people from their ancestral homes, from spiritual symbols such as Zuma Rock. Today, they still brood over seeing their ancestral land being referred to as no man’s land while battling with issues of adjusting to the new environment given by the government.
However, Prince Gbaiza, National Coordinator, Greater Gbagyi Development Initiative of Nigeria at a forum in Abuja to press for the rights of FCT indigenes, insisted that the issues must be redressed because if the people are left with nothing, then the heritage of the Gbagyi man would be extinct.

Credit: The Sun Newsonline.

Lord, if it's Your will to break up Nigeria, break it now - Oyedepo.

Lord, if it’s your will to break up Nigeria, break it now – Oyedepo

The founder and presiding Bishop of the megachurch, Living Faith Church Worldwide International, AKA Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo has invoked God’s curses on those fueling Southern Kaduna killings, saying God should break up Nigeria now if it is His will.
The Bishop who, during a ministration and while raining down curses on those promoting the wanton killings, equally said that God sent him to this continent as His apostle of liberation to stop it from decadence.
“God sent me as His apostle of liberation to this continent to stop it from decadence.”
“I heard from God and He has proved it beyond measure. Therefore, every occultic root, every political root of this uprising is cursed today!”
The congregation shouted “Amen!”
Bishop Oyedepo
“All the northern forces that are sponsoring this uprising and killings, i decree the curse of God upon them.”
Congregation shouted “Amen!”
Speaks in tongues.
Continuing, he said, ” Lord, if it is your will to break up Nigeria, break it now!”
Speaks in tongues again.
To his members, he said, “Come on, pray in the spirit everybody. Pray in the spirit, open fire, call down the Holy Ghost fire to descend on the camp of the enermy. Enough is Enough!”
Speaks in tongues again.
“If Nigeria wakes up, wait for the church to rise. There will be no more nation, what nonsense.”
“What demonic devils. What Islamic demons. If Nigeria waits for the church to rise, Nigeria will disappear as a nation.”
Speaks in tongue.
“You mean God cannot protect people? What a mess!”
“Every agent of destruction in Government today, call fire down on their head, call fire down on their head.”
“Everyone sponsoring evil against the nation, let your fire fall on him!”
“A Boko Haram agent was captured and they said he escaped. Everyone connected to his escape, fire consume them, consume them, consume them!”
To his congregation, he said, “Go ahead and pray.”
Prays in tongue.
“Fire of the Lord consume them!”
“I was even told from report that they were targeting this church. I said what?”
“Even if i was asleep, if you see anybody here kill him! Kill him and spill his blood on the ground. I am saying that to you, what nonsense, what devil. You think our God is an idol?”
The faithful shouted “No!”
“If I put fire on your tail to overrun the city, you will do it in one minute. What is that? What devil?”
“I stand today with every authority on me, and I declare the Boko Haram camp cursed!”
“I declare their collaborators cursed! I decree their sponsors cursed!”
“I declare their collaborators cursed. I decree their sponsors cursed!”
“Must the north continue to rule?”
“What devils!”
“God has anointed me to lead a revolution against the Islamic jihadist and as the Lord liveth and as the anointing of Jeru-Baal that’s on me, we declare them extinct in the name of Jesus!” “Amen!”
“You catch anyone that looks like them, kill him!”
“There is no reporting to anybody. Kill him! Pull off his neck! And we spill his blood on the ground. What nonsense.”
“They said why should Christians say they could defend themselves, hold it! What stupid statement, why should Christians say they could defend themselves? So, they should watch for you to put a knife to their necks?”
“You think we are dummies? What! What?”
“All those zeros census they are fake. Where are the human beings?”
“Where are they? We go around the place. Where are they?”
“We’ve never had a successful census in this country. Where are they?”
“Don’t mistake only those in politics as in power. The anointed in the Lord are the ones in power. By divine ordination, don’t mistake that.”
“There was a king in the land but Elijah was determining the events of the nation.”
“If i say it will not rain here for three years, it will not drop. What nonsense!”
“Who born their mother, who born their father? They are too small.”
“Come! Get excited and walk in confidence. Any devil that misbehaves around you will be slain by the fire!”
A thunderous “Amen” echoed from the congregation.

Credit: Vanguard

http://www.google.com.ng/url?q=http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/10/politics/president-obama-farewell-speech/&sa=U&ved=0ahUKEwjR8--9-7zRAhWqs1QKHexiAm0QFggVMAM&usg=AFQjCNH0koSJxe5gU6JfhXeETt7l8VuLKA

President Obama Farewell Address. Full text here.

Chelsea Received Approval for New Stadium.

Chelsea has received approval from the Hammersmith & Fulham Council for the club to redevelop Stamford Bridge.

The proposed rebuild will increase capacity from 41,663 to 60,000.

The plan was presented in model form at a hearing at Hammersmith Town Hall on Wednesday. After a three-hour meeting attended by Blues chairman Bruce Buck and director Eugene Tenenbaum, permission was granted.

Chelsea’s new stadium is expected to cost £500m and take three years to build.

“We are grateful that planning permission was granted for the redevelopment of our historic home,” Chelsea said in a statement.

“The committee decision does not mean that work can begin on site. This is just the latest step, although a significant one, that we have to take before we can commence work, including obtaining various other permissions”, it added.

Stamford Bridge is the ninth biggest club ground in England behind Manchester United, Arsenal, West Ham, Manchester City, Liverpool, Sunderland, Newcastle United and Aston Villa.

Lying, Jihad and the Religion of Peace.

Lying, Jihad and the Religion of Peace

By Labi Tony Zakka

The following discussion is so very important at this crucial moment of our struggle for two good reasons. Firstly, there is a great deal of media campaign of calumny to malign chriatians and Christianity in Nigeria. the case of Reuben Buhari and Gonin Gora debacle are a good case to cite. Secondly, it is imperative that we understand the degree to which lying is not only permitted, but actually fostered and even, at times, commanded in Islam. One will have a hard time relating to the fact that purposeful exaggerations, covering of the truth and occasionally – outright-delibe rate lying is a core part of the religion of Islam. There are actually specific doctrines and traditions that foster a culture of dishonesty within Islam as we shall soon see.

In order to understand how a religion like Islam especially the hausa version rationalizes and justifies lying, we must first briefly look at the concept of jihad and the goals of Islam. I have already discussed this in “The Islamic Foundations of Suicide Bombings”, but will point out again that jihad is essentially viewed within Islam as a struggle to bring all things into submission to Allah and Islam. The battlefields that jihad is fought on can be viewed on a spectrum with personal inner struggle on one side of the spectrum. This struggle is fought by every Muslim who wishes to overcome his or her own personal weaknesses, or inner demons. As we move across the spectrum there is the need to wage jihad to cause other individuals to submit to Islam. This is, of course, what we call evangelism in some Christian quarters. In Islam it is called Dawah.

Flowing on down the spectrum, there is the imperative for Islam to take over local and eventually national governments. This is the point, unfortunately where the violent face, the true face of Islam is often revealed. This is where jihad usually gets bloody. This reality is seen throughout the World and in Nigeria today. So, while many people in the south, especially south-eat think of book haram as fight of northerners, or jihad as simply fighting against non-Muslim governments and nations, the real concept in Islam actually includes all aspects of life.

So, “Evangelism” in Islam is more than just “sharing the good news,” it is war. Thus, when dealing with non-Muslims, Islam encourages Muslims to use an aggressive jihad/war-time mentality that is literally defined by deception. This mentality of evangelism as jihad also finds its support in Islam under the category of two specific doctrines called Kithman and Taqiya.

Now, of course, there are some verses and traditions in Islam that discourage lying. For instance, the Quran in Surah 2:42 we read, “And cover not Truth with falsehood, nor conceal the Truth when ye know (what it is)”. (Yusuf Ali). But unfortunately, as we are about to see, for many Muslims, it is the exception to the rule that have actually become the rule itself. Muslim scholars teach that Muslims should generally be truthful to each other, unless the purpose of lying is to"smooth over differences."
There are two forms of lying to non-believers that are permitted under certain circumstances, taqiyya and kitman.

There is essentially no difference between the doctrine of Kithman and the doctrine of Taqiya. The Arabic word,"Taqiyya", means"to prevent,"or guard against. The principle of Al Taqiyya conveys the understanding that Muslims are permitted to lie as a preventive measure against anticipated harm to one's self or fellow Muslims. A quote from a Shia’ Muslim commentator in the shia’ encyclopedia comes handy; “the word"al-Taqiyya"lite­rally means:"Concealing or disguising one's beliefs, convictions, ideas, feelings, opinions, and/or strategies at a time of imminent danger, whether now or later in time, to save oneself from physical and/ or mental injury."A one-word translation would be"Dissimulation."A diplomatic way of describing al-Taqiyya would be to call it “diplomacy”.

In like manner the doctrine of Kithmsn is articulated by Imam Jafar Sadiq of Shia’ Islam as: ‘One, who exposes something from our religion is like one who intentionally kills us. You belong to a religion that whosoever conceals it, Allah will honor him and whosoever reveals it, Allah will disgrace him.’ These circumstances are typically those that advance the cause Islam - in some cases by gaining the trust of non-believers in order to draw out their vulnerability and defeat them.
Like most religions, Islam forbids lying in general. The Quran in Surah 40:28 says,"Truly Allah guides not one who transgresses and lies."Mohammed (PUH) was also quoted in the Hadith as saying,"Be honest because honesty leads to goodness, and goodness leads to Paradise. Beware of falsehood because it leads to immorality, and immorality leads to Hell."

However, unlike most religions, there are certain provisions within Islam under which lying is not simply tolerated, but actually encouraged. In his book"The spirit of Islam,"written to promote Islam, Tabbarah stated:"Lying is not always bad, to be sure; there are times when telling a lie is more profitable and better for the general welfare, and for the settlement of conciliation among people, than telling the truth. To this effect, the Prophet says:'He is not a false person who (through lies) settles conciliation among people, supports good or says what is good."(On page 247)
Now the question is, why this puzzling duplicity within Islam? To answer this question we will examine first some examples from recent and ancient Islamic history makin g references to examples that demonstrate that lying is a common policy amongst Islamic clerics and statesmen.

Egypt was defeated by Israel and lost the Sinai Peninsula during what has come to be known as the"Six Day War"in June 1967. Subsequently, primary focus of Egypt became to regain the lost territory. President Nasser, and then, President Sadat, adopted the motto:"No voice should rise over the voice of The Battle."The soldiers that had been drafted in 1967 were kept in service and remained on high alert in the expectation that at any day"the battle"would ensue. Nonetheless, years passed and Egyptians became disgruntled with the political hype and the"no peace, no war"status. In 1972 Sadat proclaimed with finality that he swore,"I swear to you by my honor that this year will not pass by, before we launch The Battle."People believed him because he was staking his reputation and honor through an oath. To everyone's amazement the year passed without a single shot being fired. As a result many, inside and outside Egypt, began to dismiss him as a"hot air bluff". This opinion was confirmed in the following year of 1973. He made no further mention of his oath about the battle. Then in October of 1973, without warning , he launched the attack and what was known as the Yom Kippur war.As a military commander, Sadat was expected to use the element of surprise to trick the enemy. As a devout Muslim, Sadat was not the least bit concerned about his un-kept oath. He understood that the history and teachings of Islam would exempt him from spiritual accountability if he used lies as a foundation for a strategic military maneuver.

Islamic Provisions for Lying have their bases in the Qur'an. The Qur'an (16:106) establishes that there are circumstances that can"compel"a Muslim to tell a lie. The Qur'an (3:28) tells Muslims not to take those outside the faith as friends, unless it is to"guard themselves."Qur'an (40:28) says a man is introduced as a believer, but one who must"hide his faith"among those who are not believers. Further, Qur'an (2:225) has this;"Allah will not call you to account for thoughtlessness in your oaths, but for the intention in your hearts"The context of this remark is marriage, which explains why Sharia allows spouses to lie to each other for the greater good. In terms of a treaty, the Qur'an (66:2) extols,"Allah has already ordained for you, (O men), the dissolution of your oaths"

Curiously, the Qur'an (3:54) has this;"And they (the disbelievers) schemed, and Albert G. Yahaya lah schemed (against them): and Allah is the best of schemers."The Arabic word used here for scheme (or plot) is makara, which literally means deceit. If Allah is deceitful toward unbelievers, then there is little basis for denying that Muslims are allowed to do the same. (See also 8:30 and 10:21) Taken collectively these verses are interpreted to mean that there are circumstances when a Muslim may be"compelled"to deceive others for a greater purpose. Most Muslims are familiar with the principles of Islam that will justify lying in situations where they sense the need to do so. These principles are derived from passages found in the Quran and the Hadith.

In the Hadith, Mohammed, emphasizes the same concept. One passage from the Hadith quotes Mohammed as saying:"The sons of Adam are accountable for all lies except those uttered to help bring reconciliation between Muslims."The following quote demonstrates the broadness of situations in which the prophet permitted lying."The sons of Adam are accountable for all lies with these exceptions: During war because war is deception, to reconcile among two quarreling men, and for a man to appease his wife."

Al-Taqiyya as Principle.

This principle gives Muslims the liberty to lie under circumstances that they perceive as life threatening. They can even deny the faith, if they do not mean it in their hearts. Al-Taqiyya is based on the following Quranic verse:"Let not the believers Take for friends or helpers Unbelievers rather than believers: if any do that, in nothing will there be help from Allah: except by way of precaution (prevention), that ye may Guard yourselves from them (prevent them from harming you.) But Allah cautions you (To remember) Himself; for the final goal is to Allah."Surah 3: 28. Esau George Isa'ac Yaro cording to this verse a Muslim can pretend to befriend infidels (in violation of the teachings of Islam) and display adherence with their unbelief to prevent them from harming him.

It is really quite impossible to deny that deceit has found a rich seedbed in Islam to deposit its roots. We see that Islam as a religious system permits and even encourages lying and deceit as a specific aspect of its religious life. The unusual combination of religion and deceit has profound implications both in matters relating to the spread of Islam.

Implication of the Principle of Taqiyya

Unfortunately, when dealing with Muslims, one must keep in mind that Muslims can communicate something with apparent sincerity, when in reality they may have just the opposite agenda in their hearts. Bluntly stated, Islam permits Muslims to lie anytime that they perceive that their own well-being, or that of Islam, is threatened.
In the sphere of politics and dialogue, the question is: Can Muslims be trusted to keep their end of the agreements that they sign with non-Muslims? Your guess is as good as mine. It is a known Islamic practice, that when Muslims are weak they can agree with almost anything. Once they become strong, then they negate what they formerly vowed.

The principle of sanctioning lying for the cause of Islam bears grave implications in matters relating to the spread of the religion of Islam. Muslim activists employ deceptive tactics in their attempts to polish Islam's image and make it more attractive to prospective converts. They carefully try to avoid, obscure, and omit mentioning any of the negative Islamic texts and teachings. An example of Islamic deception is that Muslim activists always quote the passages of the Quran from the early part of Mohammed's ministry while living in Mecca. These texts are peaceful and exemplify tolerance towards those that are not followers of Islam. All the while, they are fully aware that most of these passages were abrogated (cancelled and replaced) by passages that came after he migrated to Medina. The replacement verses reflect prejudice, intolerance, and endorse violence upon unbelievers.

In conclusion, while most people will agree that religion and deception are not marriable, it is clear that in Islam, deception and religion mutually support each other. Therefore, it is imperative to understand, that Muslim leaders can use this loop-hole in their religion, to absolve them from any permanent commitment. It is also important to know that what Muslim activists say to spread Islam may not always be the whole truth. When dealing with Muslims, what they say is not the issue because their actions speak so loudly that one cannot hear what they say. The real issue is what they actually mean in their hearts. Unfortunately, even the devil cannot read the mind of man. Quo vadis?

Notes:
1. Sunan Abu Dawood Book 14, Number 2631: Narrated Ka'b ibn Malik
2. Hadith Imam Jafar Sadiq Footnote. #1 Usool al Kafi, p.88
3. ibid. Ft. #2, Ibid, p.522
4. A Shite Encyclopedia October 1995
Revised January 2001 http:// www.al-islam.org /encyclopedia/ chapter6b/1.html
5. Ibn Kathir’s Tafsir -Surah 16:106 www.tafsir.com
6. Confirmed by At-Tabari and narrated by Abd al-Razak, Ibn Sa'd, Ibn Jarir, Ibn Abi Hatim, Ibn Mardawayh, al-Bayhaqi in his book"al- Dala-il," http:// www.al-islam.org /encyclopedia/ chapter6b/1.html
7. Sunan al-Bayhaqi and Mustadrak al-Hakim http:// www.al-islam.org /encyclopedia/ chapter6b/1.html
8. Ibn Kathir’s Tafsir -Surah 3:28 www.tafsir.com
10. Al-Sirah al-Halabiyyah, v3, p61, http:// www.al-islam.org /encyclopedia/ chapter6b/1.html
11. Bukhari Volume 5, Book 59, Number 369 Narrated by Jabir bin'Abdullah
12. Ahmad ibn Naqib al-Misri, The Reliance of the Traveller, translated by Nuh Ha Mim Keller, (Amana publications, 1997), section r8.2, p 745
13. Islam Review, Lying in Islam, Abdullah Al Araby http:// www.islamreview. com/articles/ lying.shtml

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Obama farewell Address; full text.

Obama in Chicago, says goodbye.

•President Barack Obama

U.S. President Barack Obama returned to his adopted hometown of Chicago on Tuesday to defend his legacy.
Obama urged Americans to protect democracy from challenges both at home and abroad, in his final public speech before he leaves office.
“Yes we can; yes we did,’’ he said, echoing the slogan of his 2008 presidential campaign, as he was joined on stage at McCormick Place by first lady Michelle Obama and elder daughter, Malia.
He echoed the slogan after delivering his final presidential address from the city where he launched his political career.
Obama drew a standing ovation even before his remarks had begun from a crowd of 18,000 Chicagoans, supporters, cabinet secretaries and White House staff.The moment was bittersweet, as Obama reflected on eight years in office, pointing to economic accomplishments along with the legalisation of same-sex marriage.
He is also reflecting on the opening of diplomatic ties with Cuba and an international nuclear deal with Iran as developments that would have seemed unbelievable when he entered office in 2009.
Republican Donald Trump, who will take office after Obama on January 20, hopes to roll back many of those accomplishments and the crowd booed when Obama mentioned the impending power transition.
“Four more years,’’ some chanted, echoing cries from his 2012 re-election bid.
In his speech, Obama avoided directly criticising Trump but denounced the divisiveness that has characterised U.S. politics and urged an inclusiveness that runs counter to much of Trump’s rhetoric.
“Attempts to divide Americans along with rancor and coarse political dialogue weaken the ties that bind the nation,’’ Obama said.
“It’s up to all of us to make sure we can meet the many challenges we still face,’’ Obama said.

The United States contained great potential, Obama said, “but that potential will only be realised if our democracy works, only if our politics better reflects the decency of our people.
“Only if all of us, regardless of party affiliation help restore the sense of common purpose we so badly need right now.’’
Obama, the first African American president, told supporters that his election had not defeated racism in the U.S. as many had hoped, with ongoing racial violence dividing the nation.
“Hearts must change,’’ Obama said, quoting literary icon Atticus Finch from the classic novel to Kill a Mockingbird.
“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view until you climb into his skin and walk around in it,’’ Obama said.
Obama also warned against political polarisation, saying Americans are increasingly isolating themselves with those who share similar political views and dismiss information that does not support their existing opinions.
“We rise or fall as one,’’ Obama said.
“Regardless of the station we occupy, we have to try harder to start with the premise that each of our fellow citizens loves this country just as much as we do,’’ he said.
The 55-year-old also turned his attention to international affairs in his speech, saying global order was being challenged not just by terrorists but also by “autocrats in foreign capitals.’’
These people “see free markets, open democracies, and civil society itself as a threat to their power,’’ Obama said, echoing past characterisations he has made of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Obama also pointed to advances in defeating terrorist threats, including the killing of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, and vowed continued action against the extremist militia organisation Islamic State, also referred to as The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant ISIL.
“ISIL will try to kill innocent people. But they cannot defeat America unless we betray our Constitution and our principles in the fight,’’ he said.
“Rivals like Russia or China cannot match our influence around the world unless we give up what we stand for, and turn ourselves into just another big country that bullies smaller neighbours.’’

PRESS STATEMENT: CAN REPLIES COUNCIL OF IMAMS AND ULAMAS!

Press Statement;

CAN Replies Council of Imams and Ulamah of Kaduna State.

Yesterday CAN National Secretariat was inundated with calls from several well-meaning persons over a Press Conference addressed by the Council of Imams and Ulama of Kaduna State.
In the press conference, the Islamic clerics called for the arrest of CAN president, Dr. Samson Ayokunle, the Senator Representing Southern Kaduna, Distinguished Senator Danjuma Laah, the President of Southern Kaduna Peoples Union, SOKAPU, Dr. Solomom Musa, Rev. Zechariah Gado, Hon. Sunday Marshal, Dr. Danfulani, and my humble self, Rev. Dr. Musa Asake. The Islamic clerics’ anger with us was that we had made comments that stoked the ongoing killings in Southern Kaduna.
CAN wishes to state that the demand of these Muslims preachers has again reaffirmed their hypocrisy. To CAN, this is a surprising shameless, unveiled criminal support for evil.While, the killings of children, women, aged and the most defenseless of Southern Kaduna natives and the destruction of entire communities was at its peak, no one knew that a group called Council of Imams and Ulama existed in Kaduna state.
When Church leaders under the banner of CAN kept praying for Southern Kaduna and other affected areas in the country, visiting traumatized communities and softly calling on government to do the needy, this Council of Imams was silent and invisible. If indeed, this Council of Muslim clerics claim to preach peace, tolerance and respect for human lives, we would expect them to have come out to call the rampaging Muslims herdsmen to order; condole the victims and join in the process of looking for a lasting solution, but mum was their response.
You will recalled that on the 16th of August, 2016, a chieftain of Kaduna state Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, the well-known Dr.Haruna Usman, in a well-publicized reaction to the mindless killings by the terrorists, said that the sacking of Ninte, and other villages, in Jema’aLocal Government, was in response to the killing of a Fulani ardo in Ninte. He spoke authoritatively as one in the knowledge of the massacre.
In another Press Conference in Kadunaon the 7th of November, 2016 Jema’a Foundation, Miyetti Allah and Mobgal Fulbe Development Association confirmed that Fulani and Hausa Muslims have been behind the ethnic cleansing and destruction of villages and houses of worship in Southern Kaduna. yThey claimed they had to do this to entrench their rights to practice Islam, alleging they were being marginalized in Southern Kaduna. Those who addressed the press were Abdullahi Hassan Mohammed, Ahmad M. Yandeh and Abdulhamid Musa.Again, on the 31st of December, 2016, Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi, the Assistant National Secretary of Miyetti Allah also echoed the same position that the Fulani were carrying out reprisal killings.
But, the most troublesome revelation was that of Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State, has re-affirmed that he knows the killers of Southern Kaduna Christians and has traced some of them to some African Counties and paid them sums of money to stop the pogrom.
In view of this glaring confession by all these Fulani men, is it not reprehensible, distasteful and vile that the Council of Imams and Ulama Kaduna state did not call for the arrest of these people who are in conspiracy with the murderers?
With their position now, it is obvious that these Imams are part of the evil network desperately trying to decimate the Christian population of Southern Kaduna and the taking over of their lands by Islamists herdsmen terrorists. These are the Muslim clerics that encourage and inspire the jihad carried out by their foot soldiers.
These Imams are very sad that we have refused to keep silent as we are speaking up to government and telling the world the devilish plot against the Christian community in Southern Kaduna and other affected areas.
While those they inspired through their wicked sermons to kill and conquer new territories for Islam are carrying out their instructions, they are now intimidating the victims with Governor El-Rufai infamous position of “call for self-defense is hate speech.”
The prayers of Christians are being answered for our Lord Jesus Christ is exposing the enemies of His Kingdom one by one.For the records, the words and the way of life of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world in whom all knees shall bow, was never violent. CAN therefore, thrives under His inspiration and guidance.
We can never call on a Christian to kill another human being. But we cannot tell a Christian to unjustly submit himself to murderers, his family wiped, his community taken over with crude violence so that a new community of herdsmen terrorists be established as it is happening now in Southern Kaduna - especially as government is not showing enough commitment to arresting the situation. CAN therefore, has no apology over what comment it has made on the religious cleansing in Southern Kaduna and other places in thecountry.
It is a clear fact that CAN has the more to lose with the continuance of these madness. Since May last year to date in Sothern Kaduna alone, over 100 Christians have been killed; over 53 communities with their churches have been destroyed and not less than 16 villages have been conquered and are now being occupied by Fulani herdsmen terrorists.
The imams and Ulama are the ones who are benefitting from this orchestrated violence with the new territories conquered for them. They are the ones that don’t want peace.
While we will continue to pray for Southern Kaduna and other affected areas and play any role possible for peace, the world must be informed that the killings in Southern Kaduna is still going on with impunity, because the murderers have been given immunity and they feel they are untouchable.
Thank you,

Sign: Rev. Dr. Musa Asake, CAN National General Secretary
Date: January 11, 2017

Nasir El-Rufai: A Paragon of A Pathological Liar, By John Danfulani

Nasir El-Rufai: A Paragon Of A Pathological Liar, By John Danfulani
By John Danfulani - December 29, 2016

"Nasir El Rufai’s penchant for reputation damaging is almost pathological. Why does he do it? He is brilliant and smart. …I appreciated his brilliance and acknowledged his weaknesses; the worst being his inability to be loyal to any person or issue for long….” – Olusegun Obasanjo in “My Watch.”

On 15 November 2016, Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai penned an op-ed titled “Atiku Haunted By His Corruption Demons.” His piece was triggered by an interview the former Vice President granted an Economic And Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) tabloid called Zero Tolerance. Atiku’s articulate and informative interview and El-Rufai’s rambling article attracted wide coverage from the old and new media. And there are early indications that many public affairs commentators and politicians are already running commentaries on this push and pull between a political heavyweight and a welterweight.
What really aroused the beast of anger and sudden reaction from Governor El-Rufai? Deploying inductive and deductive reasoning, and reading some thin lines in between his razzmatazz, there is much to believe that Vice President Atiku’s assertion that El-Rufai offered him shares of TRANSCORP and his refusal of the offer based on moral and legal grounds engineered his incoherent and insincere write-up. If El-Rufai feels Atiku’s claims were not a true reflection of what transpired when he was the Czar Bureau For Public Enterprise (BPE), one expected an easy-going and decent rebuttal of that singular issue. But El-Rufai is not that type of character! He is one of a kind.
Because of his extravagant quantum of mischief, El-Rufai diverted attention to mundane matters that have either been settled through answers provided in the interview or not truthful. Hear the Blackmailer-in-Chief: “…Alhaji Atiku should tell a better tale of why he is avoiding the United States of America.” Had he not taken his hatred for Atiku to the extreme, El-Rufai would have seen that Atiku said he visited the U.S. twice after leaving office. He paraded a vivid account of what El-Rufai thinks was behind his so-called avoiding of the U.S. It is an incontestable fact that Atiku has never been indicted by any U.S. institution let alone declare him persona non grata or placed on a wanted list.
Still on the U.S. visitation, El-Rufai merely held a self-looking glass, as he is the one that has been avoiding the U.S. In recent times, he has declined invitations to be amongst President Buhari’s entourage when the president paid a state visit to the U.S. He instead sent his Deputy Governor Arc. Barnabas Yusuf Bala to represent him. In October 2016, all the northern governors were invited to the U.S. by a U.S.-based NGO and a public institution. Like the first invite, El-Rufai dodged it and sent his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Muyiwa Adeleke, to represent him. If one connects the dots and infers to many reports that are saying his Acting Chief of Staff, Jimi Lawal, and his economic hit man is a wanted man in the U.S., it is clear that there are elements of truth that the U.S. government has placed him on the list of people they want to nip if they dare travel to their shores.
Mr. El-Rufai tried painting Atiku’s clear refusal as a tissue of lies bandied in his now infamous book titled “Accidental Public Servant” as admittance of his fictional parade of events. In the contemporary history of Nigeria, no book has ever been challenged like “Accidental Public Servant.” It is on record that every major persona mentioned wrote a rebuttal, including Malam Nuhu Ribadu, El-Rufai’s co-conspirator. In fact, Professor Charles Soludo wrote op-ed in Thisday Newspapers for weeks. Maybe El-Rufai expected Atiku to descend low and join issues with him, but he got it twisted because they are not in the same league. So, Atiku cannot give a political neophyte-cum-attention seeker a chance.
The pathological liar also piqued, “Alhaji Atiku is already running for 2019, and he thinks that he can make people like us collateral damage in his attempt to rejuvenate his image.” When it mattered most, Atiku was there, and his contributions to the 28 March 2016 electoral victory of President Buhari are unchallengeable. His kind contributions played a remarkable role in facilitating effective logistics throughout the entire process that peaked with taking over the mantle of leadership on 29 May 2015.
Atiku has not officially declared his presidential aspirations for 2019, as he wanted his readers to believe. However, Mr. El-Rufai and his team of ungrateful elements and professional blackmailers must know and accept the fact that Atiku and all other Nigerians have the right to aspire to the highest political office in the land. Similarly, President Buhari has the right to seek for renewal of his mandate in 2019. Consequently, likening Atiku’s aspirations to political sabotage is petty and unattractive. Besides, why does El-Rufai single out Atiku and not other potential presidential aspirants?
Lest we forget, the same person who claims to love Mr. President spewed some of the most denigrating venom on him in 2010. Since joining active politics in 2001, nobody has uttered hurting and demeaning words on PMB like El-Rufai. He called him a “gerontocrat,” an intolerant fellow, and a man astronomically detached from the realities of the contemporary world. Because of political expedience and disappointed expectations, the same character turned his arsenal against President Goodluck Jonathan and changed his tune. It is clear that he is a fair weather persona that can dump everyone for political and economic aggrandizement. The quote in our opening segment has vindicated the widely accepted notion that he is a combustible, vacillating element.
In the process of throwing the kitchen sink on Atiku, the all talk but no action Governor of Kaduna State punched men and women of the Green and Red Chambers. “This obsession for power inclined him to support the rebellion against the party that manifested in the National Assembly,” El-Rufai said. Is he saying there is a rebellion in the National Assembly that only he and his cohorts are aware of? By inference, he is also piquing that honourable members and distinguished senators are rebels pulling the rugs under Mr. President’s feet. We all know that Mr. El-Rufai and his co-conspirators are yet to overcome the shock of their failure to infringe on the right of members of the National Assembly to decide who to lead them. He is also not happy of their quest to maintain their independence and critical stance on Mr. President’s foreign loans request and rejection of his ambassadorial nominees. These are normal routines expected of a branch of government that is made of peoples’ representatives. Since Mr. El-Rufai does not believe in the principle of separation of power and other democratic ethos, he chooses to see it as an act of rebellion. If that fits into his own parochialistic definition of rebellion, too bad.
Mr. El-Rufai has a mandate he received on 11 April 2016 when he was elected Governor of Kaduna State. He better invest his time and energy towards delivering his electoral promises. His four-year mandate is over eighteen months now. So far, he has not successfully flagged off or commissioned a single peoples-oriented project. He has been hyping his government through brazen propaganda and maintaining press visibility. But we all know that the moment of truth shall come and he will be placed on a performance scale to know whether he was a faithful servant or a betrayer of trust. And that will be a time for him to understand that he can run but he can’t hide.
As stated hereinbefore, Atiku is not in the same league as an unstable and divisive character like Mr. El-Rufai. And Atiku will not slip down the gutter and play his most cherished image denting game. Atiku has a vision and mission to accomplish in politics. He will never waste his precious and scarce time engaging a political waste products seeking for attention. Atiku knows that one will be delaying his journey if he decides to throw stones on every dog barking on his path.

John Danfulani, Ph.D., is a university lecturer at Kaduna State University and human rights activist. He can be reached by email HERE.

Nigerians are suffering, Reshuffle your Cabinet now, Tunde Bakare tells Buhari.

Nineteen months into his administration, President Muhammadu Buhari’s ‘change’ slogan has become a sad reality for Nigerians, a preacher has said.
Tunde Bakare, founder of Latter Rain Assembly and former ally of the president, said on Sunday during his annual state of the nation speech in Lagos that “it is unfortunate” that the ‘change’ mantra “that was once the rallying cry for progressive development has now become associated with retrogression and suffering.”
Mr. Bakare, a politician and former vice presidential candidate to Mr. Buhari in his failed 2011 bid, said the hard times Nigerians are grappling with are the consequences of the policies of the Buhari administration.
Mr. Bakare said the policies, especially on exchange and interest rates, should be discarded forthwith and more pragmatic ones be implemented instead.
“To begin with, the confusing and discriminatory multiple dollar to naira exchange rates – favourable to some and not so favourable to others, and without doubt confusing for potential investors – must be discarded while a more reliable and predictable exchange rate, mutually beneficial to our people and economy and attractive to foreign investors, should be put in place,” Mr. Bakare said.
“Similarly, prohibitive and punitive interest rates must be lowered in order to liberate the creative ingenuity of our people as well as encourage those who can access mortgages at affordable rates to become homeowners, especially if our Pension Scheme is up-to-date and robust.
“The multiplier effect of the removal of these bottlenecks in our economy will cushion the effect of the current recession on our people,” the preacher said.
Mr. Bakare also decried alarming levels of inflation in the country, which he said had seen the prices of everything —from staple food supplies to electronic appliances and automobiles — skyrocketed.
He said this year will be crucial in the life of the current government, warning the president to immediately reshuffle his cabinet because “we have no more time to waste.”
“Mr. President must galvanise his team to get the job done; square pegs in round holes must be removed or put in appropriate places; the wicked who surround the righteous must be led away from the presence of the king. Those who cannot stand the heat must get out of the kitchen.
“It is time to demonstrate leadership, wise judgment and astute public policy that guarantees stable and prosperous nationhood upon a foundation of peace; it is time to build a well-ordered nation with strong institutions dispensing justice; it is time to arise with patriotic zeal to build a great nation such that, years from now, generations yet unborn will look back at their history, not with disdain, but with gratitude to God that our generation preceded theirs.
“May 2017 be the year we look into the future with the eyes of faith and take steps to accomplish all that we know is possible,” Mr. Bakare said.
But he gave the president a pass mark on counterterrorism and internal security.
“On insecurity, Nigerian Security Tracker 10, a portal of the United States Council on Foreign Relations, which maps violence in Nigeria, reported a decline in deaths per month from violence perpetuated by a combination of state and non-state actors, including Boko Haram, from 767 deaths in May 2015 when this government came into power, to 250 deaths in December 2016, nineteen months into the administration.
“The group’s capacity had also diminished significantly from the control of 13 local governments just before the 2015 elections to a resort to suicide attacks by the turn of 2016.
“Under this administration, 21 of the abducted Chibok girls were also released to their parents in October 2016, and, last Friday, Rakiya Abubakar, the latest rescued Chibok schoolgirl, was reunited with her parents in Abuja,” Mr. Bakare said.

Credit: Premium Times.

Fulani Militia killed 3 Police men - Nigerian Police

The Adamawa Police Command on Sunday confirmed the killing of three mobile police officers and the disappearance of two others in an attack by suspected herdsmen in Demsa Local Government Area of the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the policemen were among those drafted to secure Kwayine, Gidan Dadi and Karlahi communities after clashes that followed the killing of 47 cattle in the area.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Othman Abubakar, who confirmed the development to journalists in Yola, said that four rifles belonging to the police officers were also missing.
“Fulani militia attacked the three villages and we lost three of our gallant MOPOL while two are missing.
“We have constituted a high powered search team and by the special grace of God we are going to recover our men.
“On the side of the civilians, two bodies have so far been recovered,” Mr. Othman said.
The spokesperson said that the police had succeeded in killing scores of the militias who where however able to escape with their dead ones.
Mr. Abubakar said more police officers had been drafted to the affected areas.
Gov. Muhammad Bindow had condemned the attack, which occurred less than 24-hours after a government delegation on peace building mission visited the area.
The governor in a statement signed by the Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Ahmad Sajoh, directed security agencies to deploy more personnel to the area.
He described the attack as unfortunate and sad especially coming after recent peace and confidence building efforts.
“The Governor feels highly disturbed that after he had sent delegations on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday to interface with the different communities in the area, a clash could occur so soon thereafter.”
He assured residents of government’s resolve to restore peace to the affected areas and protect the lives of every citizen.
Bindow saluted the gallantry of the police in confronting the attackers and urged them not to relent until normalcy is fully restored.
(NAN)

Army Captain, 4 Soldiers kill in Bunin Yadi attacked

An Army captain and five soldiers were killed Saturday evening in an evening attack launched by suspected Boko Haram militants on 27 Taskforce Brigade of the Nigeria Army in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
A military source told our correspondent, “Some of the soldiers have spent over 20 years in active service and the captain was posted recently to the Brigade before the terrorists struck and killed them.”
He said casualty on the side of Boko Haram could not be ascertained because most of them fled with bullet wounds and many copses were seen scattered in the bush.
The Brigade Spokesman, Lt. George Okupe, said there was indeed an attack, except that he could not confirm the casualty figure as personnel were currently on the trail of the militants and details were not available.
“I cannot confirm whether the captain and the five soldiers were killed, but I know that some of the soldiers are MIA (Missing In Action),” he said.
Buni yadi was a Boko Haram stronghold recaptured by the military in 2015 before the 27 Taskforce Brigade relocated there from Damaturu due to its strategic location.

Credit. Daily Trust.

UGODLY SILENCE BY BELIEVERS

UNGODLY SILENCE BY BELIEVERS - Evangelist Matthew Owojaiye

The silence or attitude of CHRISTIANS to the FULANI Herdsmen ravaging christian lands all over Nigeria is Demonic! Totally demonic! It can not be explained in any other way! The whole world is ganging up against Isra-el and we are keeping quiet! Israel is turning deserts into habitable places. Why CANNT Palestinians and their friends make use of abundant desert lands all around them?
Church, wake up! We are soon going! Stop worrying about your properties! You will leave them behind!
Stop preaching financial prosperity! Use what you have for JESUS now!
Stand up and defend the Cross!
Spiritual War Conference Urgently Needed!

Southern Kaduna killings: Investigate El-Rufai - Statement.

Southern Kaduna Genocide: Arrest Killers, Sponsors and Investigate El Rufai’s Complicity Now.

STATEMENT
By News Release -
December 25, 2016.

We urgently call on President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President Bukola Saraki, and Speaker Yakubu Dogara, to immediately intervene in the heinous killings going on in Southern Kaduna and other Northern state, where the minority non-core Hausa Fulani are being gruesomely rounded up and killed in cold blood.
We are alarmed by the uncontrollable killings in southern Kaduna, and we want to categorically state that no Nigerian should be killed in this way in their own land. It is sad that the government who should protect its citizens, has allowed the killings to escalate. We therefore call for the immediate intervention of the Federal Government.
We also urge all those religious extremists to stop this barbaric act; no one should be killed for his or her religion or ethnicity. We are one Nigeria bound by peace, love and unity as initiated by our forefathers. Those sponsoring this evil should, as a matter of fact, know that no religion support killing of any kind. this act is barbaric and alien to modern civilization.
The Christian, the Muslim either in majority or minority should co-exist in one accord. It is very unimaginable that Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, instead of bringing the killers of his people to face law and be served justice accordingly, has gone to pay these murderous evil herdsmen handsomely, which In turn has empowered them to kill and ravage more homes.
In another shocking moves by the killers, the towns in Southern Kaduna where curfew was imposed is same place these killers went on rampage and massacred a lot of innocent people. We are wondering why the curfew was imposed in the first place, if there was no adequate security on ground.
Those at the high places playing with the blood of the innocent Nigerians should have a rethink, they should not kill or destroy what they cannot create. God Almighty who created mankind, did not give instruction that his creation should be gruesomely killed for any reason, as we are currently witnessing in Kaduna South and other part of Nigeria.
We call on the Government, well meaning Nigerians and the international humanitarian organizations to quickly intervene, the people of Southern Kaduna should not be made to suffer the hell they are being subjected to by the Kaduna state government. Adequate security should be provided for them and the killers, supporters and sponsors should be hunted and be brought to justice.
We also call on independent panels of inquires, international Humanitarian organizations, Amnesty International and other Civil Society Organizations to investigate the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai who instead of bringing the militias and killers to face law for the murderous act, has rather empowered them with more cash to buy sophisticated weapons which enables them to return to more villages for this current blood festival.
This evill must stop now, before the whole country is thrown into another needless civil war. Fresh in our mind are the the massacre of the Shiites, IPOB members and other Nigerians, which are still generating issues. We cannot afford to make the daily killing a norm, which will provoke the people of Nigeria to carry weapon against their killers soonest. It is better for the killers to stop now, to allow peace to reign.

Ibrahim Sani Ringim
National Publicity Secretary
The Nigerian Wailers.
Headquarters, FCT, Abuja.

Held El-Rufai responsible for the killings in Goska Village, Jema'a LGA - SOKAPU.

PRESS STATEMENT

Southern Kaduna Peoples' Union (SOKAPU)
26/12/2016

Hold El-rufai Responsible for the Killings in Goska Village, Jema'a LG

Once again the Southern Kaduna Peoples' Union (SOKAPU) has had to painfully send out condolences to the murdered people of Goska village in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Ironically, on a day that our people ought to be joyously celebrating the Christmas festivities, was the day they were reduced to burying their loved ones, treating the wounded in hospitals and coping with a fresh batch of internally displaced people of Goska village whose houses were burnt down.

Burnt and killed on 24th December 2016, while happily engrossed in preparing for the Christmas celebration, secured in their knowledge that a 24-hour curfew meant to keep them indoors would also keep away their killers. Alas how wrong they were.

SOKAPU is calling on all people of goodwill to personally hold Governor Nasir El-rufai responsible for all those murdered in Goska village because these killings took placed under a 24-hour curfew, imposed on Zangon Kataf, Kaura and Jema’a LGs by the Governor. While people were forced to stay indoors, pampered marauding herdsmen whose presence around Goska has been noticed and reported by people around that area for almost three days, attacked the town and for hours killed and burnt without let or hindrance from security. This amply confirmed our assertion that the 24-hour curfew slammed on the 3 LGs in Southern Kaduna was just to punish the people for daring to protest the persistent killings in their villages on 20th December when El-rufai visited kafanchan.

It means the Governor lied on December 21 when, in justifying the 24-hour curfew slammed on the 3 LGs said, “The State Security Council said it took the step following credible intelligence about risk to lives and property in the areas.” More than 20 communities have been attacked and hundreds killed without the Governor getting any ‘credible intelligence’ to lives and property but he became drowned in ‘credible intelligence’ to justify his curfew when youths and women protested the killings in his presence.

To confirm that the Governor’s sole intention was to punish those who protested against him, look at the answer he gave State House correspondents when on 22nd December, he visited Aso Rock to get endorsement for the 24-hour curfew from Mr. President. “I don’t think the state government should be blamed, those responsible for the violence that broke out in those parts of the state should be held responsible for that. We have not imposed curfew in other parts of the state, we had to impose curfew here because of the situation that was caused by irresponsible behaviour by certain people.”

Those who initially thought the 24-hour curfew was to stop the herdsmen from continuous killings now can see the real reason for it.

Even the hundreds of policemen, soldiers and other security personnel quickly drafted to those 3 LGs, especially Kafanchan were just to enforce the curfew and arrest those the Governor felt disrespected him or trying to defend themselves and not to stop the killings. This was further confirmed by the attack on Goska, because despite the hundreds of security men brought in from all over, Goska village, just some few kilometers away from Kafanchan town was still attacked. And like always, the security went to Goska village after the marauders had killed, burnt and left.

Where was the surveillance helicopter that flew round Kafanchan during the day?  What happened to it during the attack? Where were all the hundreds of security personnel quickly mobilized to Southern Kaduna? For some times we have been crying and screaming ourselves hoarse that we need security in Southern Kaduna but nobody paid any attention until when someone felt the need to ensure that his curfew isn’t flouted.

With the attack on Goska, who will the Governor now blame? He has blamed everybody for the continued killings in Southern Kaduna except himself or those he paid money to stop the killings. So who will he now blame for the Goska attack? Maybe they were Niger Delta militants disguised as fulanis! 

We are saying it calmly that all men of goodwill should hold Governor El-rufai responsible for the killings in Goska, due to his inflated ego, unguarded utterances, appallingly undignified conduct in handling the killings in Southern Kaduna and his morbid penchant for deliberately living in denial of the actual people and reasons for the killings in our area since he became Governor.

We condemn the attack in Goska village and condole with the bereaved. SOKAPU is calling on all our people to remain calm, never to go on any reprisal, never to take the law into their hands and remain law-abiding. In the midst of all this, we are wishing all people in Kaduna state a Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year.

Signed: Mr. Yakubu Kuzamani
National Public Relation Officer

Russia says no sign of survivors after Plane crashes with 93 aboard.

The Russian Defence Ministry said that “no survivors are seen” from the Tu-154 military plane that crashed on Sunday in the Black Sea off the coast of Sochi.
The plane, which was carrying 93 people, including a renowned choir to perform for the holidays at a Russian airbase in Syria, crashed shortly after takeoff, Defence Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said in televised comments.
At least four bodies have been recovered from the crash site, with major debris found about 1.5 kilometres from the coast, Konashenkov said. He earlier said 92 people were aboard the plane.
The Russian military’s most prominent choir, the Alexandrov Ensemble, was travelling to Syria’s coastal region of Latakia to perform at the Khmeimim airbase, Russia’s main base of operations for its military campaign in the Syrian civil war.
The plane was carrying more than 60 musicians, including the choir’s revered conductor, Lt-Gen. Valery Khalilov, and nine journalists, according to a list published on the Defence Ministry’s website.
There are “practically no chances” that anyone survived the crash, the Interfax news agency cited an undisclosed source in Russia’s emergency services as saying earlier.
Russia has been supporting its longtime ally Syria with a bombing campaign against militant groups for more than a year.
Last week Russia’s ambassador to Turkey, Andrey Karlov, was shot dead in Ankara by a gunman who shouted Islamist slogans and denounced Moscow’s military involvement in Syria.
The most likely cause of the crash was either a problem with the plane or pilot error, state news agency RIA Novosti cited an undisclosed source as saying.
Russian federal investigators have opened a criminal case into the incident on charges of disobeying aviation rules, the Investigative Committee said in a statement on its website.
Designed in the late 1960s and with more than a thousand produced, Tu-154s were one of the main airliners of the Soviet Union and its successor states for decades until they began to be phased out in recent years.
The planes have been involved in almost a dozen major crashes since 2000, killing more than 800 people, including Poland’s then-president Lech Kaczynski near the Russian city of Smolensk in 2010.
Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has been in “continual contact” with President Vladimir Putin over Sunday’s incident, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in comments carried by state media. (dpa/NAN)

21 Chibo girls excited to visits home

b:Months after release from years of Boko Haram captivity, 21 girls eat dinner at a hotel in Yola before leaving on a four-hour journey to spend Christmas with family in ChibokMonths after release from years of Boko Haram captivity, 21 girls eat dinner at a hotel in Yola before leaving on a

Welcome to John Kantiyok's Blog.: MOST INDEBTED STATES IN NIGERIA

Welcome to John Kantiyok's Blog.: MOST INDEBTED STATES IN NIGERIA: Lagos, Kaduna and Edo State are the most indebted states of the federation. Lagos, Kaduna and Edo State are the most indebted states...

MOST INDEBTED STATES IN NIGERIA

Lagos, Kaduna and Edo State are the most indebted states of the federation.

Lagos, Kaduna and Edo State are the most indebted states of the federation with a combined profile of $1.84bn.

The three states are under the control of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

According to statistics from the Debt Management Office in Abuja on Wednesday, the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory owe $3.65bn in foreign debts as against the $7.61bn owed by the Federal Government as of June 30, 2016; bringing the country’s total foreign debt to $11.26bn.

Lagos, which is the nation’s commercial hub, retained its topmost position as the most indebted state of the federation with a total of $1.43bn in foreign debts. Thus, the state holds 39.17 per cent of the country’s total subnational foreign debts.

Kaduna State, with total foreign debt of $225.28m, comes in the second position. It holds 6.16 per cent of the subnational foreign debts.

Edo State, with a total of $179.52m as of June 30, holds 4.91 per cent of the country’s subnational foreign debts.

Other owing states in the subnational foreign debts include Cross River, $141.47m or 3.87 per cent; and Ogun, $103.55m or 2.83 per cent.

Bauchi owes $97.23m or 2.66 per cent; Osun, $78.93m or 2.16 per cent; Adamawa, $77.14m or 2.11 per cent; Enugu, $74.46m or 2.04 per cent; Katsina, $68.99m or 1.89 per cent; and Oyo, $67.56m or 1.85 per cent.

Some of the least indebted states of the federation are Borno, $21.89m; Taraba, $23.01m; Plateau, $29.24m; Yobe, $29.28m; Jigawa, $32.62m; Kogi, $33.56m; Benue, $34.26; FCT, $34.8m; Zamfara, $35.07m; and Delta, $42.21m.

Punch reports that the 36 states of the federation and the FCT grew their external debts by $1.37tn in five years.

The external indebtedness of the subnational governments as of December 31, 2010 stood at $2bn. However, by December 2015, it had risen to $3.37tn.

Earlier, DMO revealed that the nation’s current debt profile stands at N16.29tn.

MULTIPLE BOMB BLASTS ROCK MAIDUGURI, SCORES KILLED

Many people are feared dead following two bomb blast in the early hours of Saturday in Maiduguri, Borno State, Daily Trust newspaper correspondent in Maiduguri reports. The first bomb exploded in front of the Bakkasi Internally Displaced People (IDP) Camp along Maiduguri-Damboa road killing at least five people
The second bomb exploded in front of the NNPC depot also along the same route. Daily Trust correspondent reports that efforts to get to the scene of the second blast were thwarted as security men had cordoned off the area. Ambulances were seen moving out of the area. The blasts occurred around 7.24 am this morning.