Eid ul Kabir: Its Origin And Significance

Hassan Gimba

When asked about the origin of Eid ul-Adha (Eid ul Kabir), the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (SAW), is reported to have said, ‘It is a tradition that has come down to us from Ibrahim (AS)’. HASSAN GIMBA writes 

Eid ul Kabir or Eid ul Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, dates from the historic event when Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) was commanded by God, in a form of a dream vision, to sacrifice his son, Isma’il (Ishmail). But while he was in the act of sacrificing his son, God sent the Angel Jibril (Gabriel) with a huge ram. Gabriel informed Abraham that his dream vision was fulfilled and instructed him to sacrifice the ram as a ransom for his son. The story is mentioned in Chapter #37 of the Holy Qur’an.

Ibrahim (AS) had been married to Sarah for a while but they did not have any children. As time went on, they prayed much to Allah to grant them some off spring. Sarah felt that she was getting too old and may not be able to bear children. She told Ibrahim (AS) to take her slave girl, Hajar, as his wife and maybe Allah would bless them with a child through her.

Hajar had a beautiful baby boy and they named him Isma’il. However, after a short while, Sarah became jealous of Hajar and Isma’il. She told Ibrahim (AS) to take the child and mother to a land far away from them. Ibrahim (AS) decided to take them to a place in Hijaz, which was a dry, mountainous and barren land. Here Ibrahim (as) left Hajar and Isma’il under the shade of a lofty tree, near the hills of Safa and Marwa. This place had very little vegetation and had no water. Ibrahim (AS) left some food with Hajar and a pouch of water.

After some time both the food and water ran short and Isma’il began to cry. Hajar was panicking; she ran between the hills of Safah and Marwah looking for food or water but could not find anything. She ran between the two hillocks seven times. After the frantic search, she returned and found a spring had appeared where Isma’il was kicking the sand with his feet. This spring, called ZamZam, was producing clean water and Hajar and Isma’il drank from it. The ZamZam spring is still with us today producing the same sweet and pure water.

After a short time, people began to move to this valley. By the permission of Hajar, a few tribes settled and it gradually became a small town. This town was near a busy trade route and many merchants began to pass through bringing in wealth. This town grew to become the city of Makkah, which is still a busy city in Arabia today.

When Isma’il was still a small boy, Ibrahim (AS) had a dream or vision. In this dream he was commanded by Allah to sacrifice his son. When a prophet has a dream it is always true. In fact, a prophet’s dream is actually a form of revelation. This dream occurred several times and Ibrahim (AS) decided that he would take his beloved son, Isma’il and would sacrifice him to Allah. As the Qu’ran narrates, Isma’il agreed that Ibrahim (AS) should carry out the command of Allah.

The Qu’ran states: “Then, when (the son) reached (the age of) (serious) work with him, he said: ‘O my son! I have seen in a vision that I offer you in sacrifice: what is your view!’ (The son) said: ‘O my father! Do as you are commanded: you will find me, if Allah so wills, one practising patience and constancy!’”

Both Ibrahim (AS) and Isma’il travelled to the place of sacrifice. However, on the way, shaytan appeared three times and tried to persuade Ibrahim (AS) not to carry out the command of Allah. The shaytan tried to deceive Ibrahim (AS) by reminding him how much he loved his son. Ibrahim (AS) was a prophet and he knew that the love of Allah comes before the love of his son. Ibrahim (AS) also knew that this was the command of Allah so he must carry it out. Each time the shaytan came to him, Ibrahim (AS) threw stones at him and continued with this journey.

Traditions tell us that Ibrahim (AS) could not bear to look at his son so he blindfolded himself and carried out the sacrifice. When Ibrahim (AS) removed the blindfold, a sheep or ram was in place of his son and Ibrahim (AS) knew that the sacrifice had been accepted. On this occasion, Ibrahim (AS) had proven himself and passed this great trial from Allah (SWT).

Later on, Allah blessed Ibrahim (AS) with another son, whom they named Ishaq. This time he was born from Sarah, Prophet Ibrahim (AS)’s first wife. Historic sources tell us Ishaq was born 13 years after the birth of his brother Isma’il. There was much happiness in the household of Ibrahim (AS) after the birth of another beautiful baby boy.

From the descendants of Ishaq, there were many great tribes and the Jews are traced through Ishaq to Ibrahim (AS). From Ishaq’s descendants there were many great prophets including Yusuf (Joseph), Yaqoob (Jacob) and Yahya. Others are (Jonah, Musa (Moses), Dawood (David) and Isa (Jesus)). Similarly, through Isma’il, there were many great tribes, the most famous being the Quraish. Prophet Muhammad is a descendent of Ibrahim (AS) through Isma’il. This makes the Jews and Arabs actually cousins or brethren of each other.

Isma’il was respected and loved by the people of Hijaz. The main tribe that settled was the tribe of Jurhum. They married one of their daughters to Isma’il and Isma’il settled down. On one occasion, Ibrahim (AS) went to visit his son but Isma’il was not at home. Ibrahim (AS) asked Isma’il’s wife about their household. She complained of poverty to Ibrahim (AS). When Ibrahim (AS) was ready to leave, he asked her to give Isma’il the message that the doorstep of his house was crooked and to change it. When Isma’il got the message he divorced his wife and later married another woman from Jurhum again.

Another time Ibrahim (AS) came to meet Isma’il and again Isma’il was not at home. He asked Isma’il’s wife about them and about their life together. She said Alhamdulilla, everything was well and thanked Allah for whatever little they had been blessed with. On leaving Ibrahim (AS) left a message that the doorstep of his house was fine. Through this wife, all the descendants of Isma’il are traced.

On a third occasion, Ibrahim (AS) went and visited his son, Isma’il. He found him in the valley of Makkah. After a happy reunion they both, by the command of Allah, built the Ka’bah. This was the first house built for the worship of the one and only true God of all mankind. He then asked the tribes to make pilgrimage to this house of Allah.

A long time ago, Ibrahim (AS) started this pilgrimage and he commanded the people to perform this pilgrimage. From then until now, many millions of Muslims still visit the Ka’bah and perform the Hajj. The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and all Muslims (who have the means) must carry out the Hajj, at least once in their lifetime.

Eid ul-Adha enjoys special significance because the Day of Sacrifice marks the climax of Hajj or Pilgrimage, the fifth pillar of Islam. The second of two religious holidays celebrated by Muslims the world over in which Rams are slaughtered to honour Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to sacrifice his beloved son for Allah (SWT).

Some adherents divide the meat from the sacrificed animal into three parts, giving one third to the poor and needy; another third to relatives, friends and friends while retaining a third. Celebrations continue for about three to five days after the day with visitations to friends, families and recreational sites. Greetings is “Eid Mubarak”

In Saudi Arabia, the meat from the slaughtered animals (each pilgrim slaughters a Ram) are packaged and shipped to needy people all over the world. This year, for the first time, such meat will be brought to Nigeria and to the Internally Displaced People of the North East.

Divergent Views Trail Saraki’s Trial

Augustine Adah

LAGOS

This is not the best of times for the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, who is standing trial on 13 count charges of false declaration of assets by Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

It would be recalled that the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase was ordered to arrest Saraki last week after his refusal to appear before the tribunal to defend himself on alleged false declaration of assets.  The former Kwara state governor Saraki later appeared before the tribunal on Tuesday and after pleading not guilty to all the charges was granted bail on self recognition. The tribunal later adjourned hearing on the case till October 21, 2015.

Saraki’s had made attempt to stop the trial by Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB). The Senate President had asked the Federal High Court to stop the CCB and the CCT from prosecuting him while demanding from the Appeal Court an order to stay the execution of the order of arrest made by the Justice Danladi Umar of the CCT as well as the proceedings of the tribunal.

The Leader of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) Engr. Campbell Umehnzekwe has advised the Senate President to resign his position in the interest of the country. He urged Saraki to borrow a leaf from Guatemala’s experience “Last week; the Guatemala’s President Otto Perez Molina and his vice resigned their position on mere allegation of fraud. In the letter presented to congress Molina said he was resigning in the interest of the country. Saraki should resign in the interest of the country. This is new era, PDP’s spokesperson,  Olisa Metuh is unwittingly denigrating  the party by his offensive attack against the anti-corruption policy of President Muhammadu Buhari. Those who call the anti-graft war of President Buhari against Saraki and his co-travelers as a witch hunt are naïve and inept of political reality and true function of government” He said”.

Umehnzekwe disagreed with the view of former President of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Olisa Agbakoba on the trial of Saraki that without the appointment of Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) CCT has no power to prosecute anybody. The APGA Chieftain described such comment coming from a senior lawyer as very discouraging. In fact it seems that you are blowing hot and cold supporting suspected criminal to hide under procured court order inside the the judges chamber under 12 hours to stall a clear established criminal trial.  Judging by the effect of corruption on the country Umehnzekwe believes any approach that would cleanse the system must be pragmatic and goal oriented. He urged those criticizing the president to join force with the new government in redeeming the lost glory.  For the country to be cleansed of endemic corruption every suspect irrespective of class must face trial.”

  However, Ilorin Emirates Descendants Progressives Union described the ongoing trial of the former governor of the state as political witch hunt that would not achieve any goal. According to the President of the group, Alhaji Abdulhamid Adi expressed surprise over the trial for the crime that was alleged to have been committed in 2003. He said waiting for over 12 years to unearth the case and the manner in which the CCB is handling the matter appears suspicious to people. He urged the CCB  to steer clear of partisanship and not allow itself to be used because it would not achieve any meaningful purpose. Similarly the leadership of APC in Kwara State has accused the leadership of the party as responsible for the ordeal of Senate President. A chieftain of the party in Kwara State, Alhaji Salau Olorin has said that the political persecution of Saraki would an attempt in futility. 

Another chieftain of the party based in Abuja, Timi Frank has dismissed the suggestion by some people that the senate president should resign his position. He said those giving Senate President ultimatum to quit office are ignorant and should be ignored 

   Among his colleagues especially the Like Minds senators, the support for Kwara born politician remain unwavering. Like Ilorin Emirate Decedents Union and other groups, what the senate president is passing through is as attempt to remove him as the senate president.   According to Senator Ibrahim Danbaba, senators would continue to support their president. “We reiterate the fact that he is our choice for the post of Senate President and no politically motivated, mischievous and vindictive trial will change our opinion of him.”  He commended the senate president for appearing at the CCT to defend himself on the allegations. .   “After majority of us, Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, witnessed the appearance of our President, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal this morning, we are happy that he appeared at the Tribunal after availing himself of the opportunity to defend his Fundamental Human Rights. We also want to state here, on behalf of our colleagues, that the Senate remains solidly behind Senator Saraki and we express our unalloyed support for his leadership.”

  However, senators expressed their support for the policies of President Muhammadu Buhari  in transforming the country. “The Eighth Senate restates its commitment to the programmes and policies of the Buhari administration. It is our belief that at the end of this trial, our democracy, Nigerians and the people will end up as the beneficiaries.”

Saraki believes his present ordeal is associated to his position as senate president. In the statement signed by Saraki himself shortly after the adjournment of the case, the senate stated that nobody would have been interested about the assets declaration he filled about 12 years ago if he was to remain ordinary man.   When Saraki emerged as senate president on June 9 contrary to the choice of his party APC, many analysts expressed doubt of his ability to enjoy the support of his party leaders who regard him as over ambitious in working against its interest.

  Though Saraki still enjoys the support of majority senators in the 8thNational Assembly, he is fighting the greatest political battle since he began his political career.  Observers believe that his ability to survive the present ordeal would give him more popularity especially among senators and admirers.  There is no doubt that Saraki who left PDP to APC during the preparation for the 2015 general elections may have to fight hard to redeem his political image and retain his position. Though the presidency and the party has claimed they have no hand and would not intervene in the trial, they have a role to play in the ongoing saga.      

SOURCE: DAILY INDEPENDENT

APC senator dragged to court over alleged dual citizenship

From Oluseye Ojo, Ibadan

Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, representing Oyo Central Senatorial District on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been sued over alleged dual citizenship.
In the suit before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, five voters from the senatorial district alleged that  she is a citizen of Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
This was contained in an originating summon, filed on September 14, 2015 in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/760/2015,copies of which were  made available to newsmen in Ibadan yesterday.
The claimants in the suit are Wahab Abiodun, Alhaji Bola Akinyemi, Chief Emmanuel Olajide, Chief Samuel Elegbede and Chief Thomas Ajao, while Senator Sunmonu and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are listed as  first and second defendants respectively.
One of the prayers of the claimants, who have engaged Chief Titus Ashaolu (SAN) as their counsel, is that the court should, “declare that Senator Sunmonu lacks the requisite capacity to hold the office of a senator, having voluntarily acquired the citizenship of United Kingdom against the letters and spirit of Section 66 subsection 1 (a) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.”
It was gathered that Senator Sunmonu, who joined partisan politics in Nigeria in 2010, had worked as Home Officer (known as immigration officer in Nigeria) with the United Kingdom government for 21years.
Prior to her election as a senator during this year’s general elections, she was the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly between 2011 and 2015.
Section 66 subsection 1 (a) of the constitution states:  “No person shall be qualified for election to the Senate or the House of Representatives if: (a)…he has voluntarily acquired the citizenship of a country other than Nigeria or, except in such cases as may be prescribed by the National Assembly, has made a declaration of allegiance to such a country.”
The claimants also urged the court to declare the seat of Oyo Central senatorial district vacant on the allegation of non-conformity with constitutional requirement, alleging  Sunmonu had purportedly sworn to an oath of allegiance to the UK government.

They also sought for an order of court  compelling  INEC to withdraw the certificate of return issued to him and a perpetual injunction that will restrain her from parading herself as a senator for Oyo Central.

Osinbajo, Ekweremadu Commend Nigeria, ECOWAS for Restoration of Civil Rule in Burkina Faso

Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN)

The federal government on Thursday joined in the facilitation of the quick restoration of civilian rule in Burkina Faso, a day after President Muhammadu Buhari hosted an Extraordinary session of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Governments in Abuja, where the decision was taken to ensure the termination of last week’s military coup in the West African nation.

Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), who represented President Buhari yesterday in Ouagadougou, among the select group of West African leaders who were in the Burkinabe  capital, said the leaders were there “to convey the recommendations agreed by ECOWAS leaders in Abuja, and we have witnessed the reinstatement of President Michel Kafando as the Transition President of Burkina Faso.

Speaking with reporters in the capital city after series of consultations, meetings and a formal restoration of power ceremony, Osinbajo, according to his Senior Special Assistant-Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, stated that the restoration of civilian authority in Burkina Faso after last week’s military coup conducted by the country’s presidential guards (known as the Presidential Security Regiment or RSP) “is a very good sign, a positive thing,” observing that ECOWAS played a significant role in the process that made the restoration possible.

According to him, “as you know, President Kafando had been detained by the presidential guard, but they have now stepped down as you can see and they are now part of the process to ensure that the transition goes on.”

He continued: “what we have seen today is how ECOWAS states came together basically to agree and see to it that President Kafando was reinstated and now that has been accomplished.”

Praising the leaders of ECOWAS including President Buhari, President Boni Yayi of Benin, and the current Chairman of ECOWAS, President Macky Sall ofSenegal, alongside all the leaders in the West African region, the vice-president said “now we are all looking at how to advance the transition process here in Burkina Faso.”

He said while there are still difficult issues to be resolved as fallouts of the coup crisis, it is clear that progress will continue, judging from the fact that the people are determined, all the groups involved are now engaged in the process and are cooperating.

Osinbajo reiterated Nigeria’s continued brotherly support for Burkina Faso, while also commending the international community for coming together to condemn the coup.

According to him, “I think it is very clear going by the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and the legal instruments of the African Union, that coups are no longer fashionable and no longer acceptable. In fact, it is punishable to take power by force. As soon as this coup took place, the entire ECOWAS, AU and the entire international community rose with one voice against it.”

On his part, the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, yesterday commended ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Governments over their unflinching resolve which led to the reinstatement of the interim President of Burkina Faso, Kafando.

Ekweremadu, according to a statement by his media aide, Uche Anichukwu, made the remark when he received a delegation of the Pan-African parliament which was on a study visit to ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja.

According to him, by unanimously rejecting the coup d’état in Burkina Faso, ECOWAS leaders had made yet another strong statement that military coups and all forms of unconstitutional take-over of political power were no longer acceptable to the peoples of the sub-region.

He said: “Capture of power by undemocratic means is against the letters and spirit of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance as well as the provisions of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. Our military officers in every part of the sub-region must understand this.

“I am glad to hear that the leader of the military coups admitted to reporters that it had been ‘the biggest mistake.’ But we honestly do not want such costly mistakes in any part of Africa again. Democracy has come to stay here and any attempt to scuttle it will always meet stiff and uncompromising resistance from the peoples of the Community.”

He encouraged leaders in the sub-region to promote good governance and shun policies and actions which give rise to political instability in their respective countries.

“Political freedom is important to democracy. We believe politicians can always work together in our various countries irrespective of their political leanings. And to be honest, our people care less about political parties. They rather care about better life and development.

“I am proud of what ECOWAS has achieved so far. Aside the European Union, I believe we are one of the most successful regional groupings in the world. We have done well in regional integration; we have done well in the area of common external tariffs and free movement. We are dealing with the issues of settlement and trade partnership agreement with Europe.

“Sadly, however, the ECOWAS Parliament has not grown in the same proportion as ECOWAS. Efforts to enhance its powers are yet to scale through for obvious reasons. This is not good for democratic regional governance,” he said.

In her remarks, the leader of the delegation and Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Trade, Customs and Immigration Matters at the Pan-Africa Parliament, Hon. Sarah Sayifwanda, of Zambia, regretted the low volume of trade among African countries compared to the volume of trade between individual African nations and Europe, Asia, among others.

He advocated policies meant to discourage discrimination against African women who engage in trans-border trading in Africa and implored the Nigerian National Assembly to include women in subsequent Nigeria National delegation to the Pan-African Parliament. 

SOURCE: DAILY POST

Kogi West: DSS wrote no report –PDP

Former zonal Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in Kogi West senatorial district, Mr. Mohammed Mohammed said yesterday that the Department of State Services(DSS) has no report on the Kogi West election before the Elections Petition Tribunal sitting in Lokoja.
Mohammed, who debunked earlier media reports indicating that the DSS had submitted a preliminary report to the Tribunal said in Abuja that he attended the Tuesday sitting and the DSS never presented any such report. According to Mohammed, an operative of the DSS, who claimed to have been attached to the office of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the election, Mr. Victor Garba, who was quoted as having submitted a report from the DSS was not acting on behalf of the DSS as he could not present an identity card to prove that he was a member of staff of the DSS. He also said the said report tendered by the acclaimed operative failed under cross examination by the counsel to Senator Smart Adeyemi, Mr. Kayode Olatoke, as according to him, the man was subpoenaed in his personal name and not in the name of DSS.
“The said operative was not acting on behalf of the DSS in the case between Senator Smart Adeyemi and Dino Melaye. He could not produce an identity card and he only submitted a report on plain sheet of paper. That cannot be said to be a report of the DSS,” Mohammed insisted.
“The man who claimed that Dino was properly nominated was subpoenaed in his personal capacity and not in the name of INEC. He also claimed that the primary of the APC held in Lokoja and Kabba and could not give the names of the officers that conducted it. The result he submitted was not on INEC letter head but on plain sheets. Counsel to Senator Adeyemi said it clearly that the man was not acting for INEC, so, it is wrong to claim that INEC had exonerated Dino over the issue of primaries, “ he added.

There must be consequences for corruption –Tinubu

By Deji Aroloye

National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu yesterday said Nigeria must progress on the tripod of justice, equity and a balanced society.
He also noted that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration cannot overlook certain things in its anti-graft war.
In a veiled reference to the arraignment of Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) in Abuja on Tuesday, Tinubu said Buhari’s fight against corruption will further strengthen the country’s institutions and fast track development.
Tinubu said this after Eid prayers at Dodan Barracks in the Obalende area of Lagos.
“It is part of nation’s development. We cannot overlook a lot of things. And we cannot personalise a lot of things as if it was vendetta. We have to endure and be patient as we look for justice, equity and a balanced society.”
He stated that to achieve a just and balanced society, the various institutions in the country must be strengthened, adding, “if we do not straighten these institutions, how can they work for the development of the nation? If we fail and result to blackmail, how can the nation reverse the decadence that is perceived in our society?” he rounded off.

Ending is near for Boko Haram –Military Intelligence Chief

By Philip Nwosu

The military’s chief of Intelligence and former Commandant of Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre,  Air Vice Marshal  Monday Morgan, yesterday, declared a complete sack of Boko Haram insurgents from the North East.
He told newsmen in Lagos that in no distant time, the insurgents would become history as adequate measures have been put in place to finally decimate their stronghold.
Morgan, who had, earlier resisted discussing the tactics of the military, said the end was near for the insurgents, adding: “We have worked very hard and the timely intervention of the intelligence has resulted in what we are seeing as successes today; and by the grace of God, very soon, we will truncate Boko Haram.”

SOURCE: THE SUN

Dogara urges Saudi to investigate pilgrims death

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•Condoles with Muslims, families

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From  Fred Itua and Kemi Yesufu, Abuja

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has condoled with Muslims over the death of scores of people in a stampede in Mecca, Saudi Arabia yesterday.
In a condolence message to the Muslim community, signed by his Media Adviser, Mr. Turaki Hassan, the Speaker described the stampede as unfortunate.
“I am deeply touched by the tragic incident in Mecca during the symbolic stoning of satan by pilgrims, which is the second such incidence in this year`s Hajj. My special condolence goes to families of Nigerian pilgrims who lost their lives in the stampede and the Nigerian Muslim faithful at large.
“I call on Saudi authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the unfortunate death of hundreds of pilgrims, including Nigerians, and take necessary measures to avert future occurrence. I also pray God to grant the families of the victims the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and quick recovery to the injured,” the statement concluded.

SOURCE: THE SUN

Leave Buhari alone

President Muhammadu Buhari going to New York, september 2015

It is quite unfortunate that few politicians and the so called Nigerian elites who are infinitesimal compared to the population of Nigeria that is about 150 million people speak for all without the consent of majority of Nigerians.

Can we reflect on how and why a sitting president was defeated; something that has never happened in the history of Nigeria and even Africa. This is because people were frustrated, tired and hopeless. Millions of graduates were roaming the streets jobless, no electricity, no security and no vision for millions of Nigerians yet the politicians and members of their families are living in affluence to the detriment of Nigerians. And all these vices were attributed to corruption which is the fundamental issue that has hampered the progress and development of the nation. So, if it will take President Muhammadu Buhari the entire four years in his first tenure to fight and curb corruption, Nigerians will be good for it.
100 days in office has become a national issue. Also appointment has become the order of the day. We saw on television records of monies amounting to billions of Dollars syphoned by some state governors and these elites kept mute on them only to make noise about 100 days in office cum appointments.
Honestly, if President Muhammadu Buhari should appoint his siblings, children and wife provided there is electricity, good road network, security, employment etc. so be it. I used to buy three kegs of sixty liter fuel to power my generator every week, but today I do not use up to one keg of sixty liters a week due to tremendous improvement on power supply. This savings will go into other economic endeavors and will enhance good standard of living generally.
Hitherto we fill 25 liters keg of fuel at the rate of N3, 500 at the rate of N87 per liter due to manipulation of the meter by some petrol marketers but today we fill the same keg with N2, 480 in every petrol station still at the rate of N87 per liter. What a cheat and corruption, thanks to Buhari. Today with the emergence of Buhari, we have started feeling that Nigeria can still be a place to live in devoid of frustration occasioned by untold and unabated corruption.
My only worry is those that pretend to be defending the president by their assertions that the president only made his appointment, based on competence and corrupt free individuals which by inference suggests that there is no competent person in the whole of the South-East geopolitical zone or that every person in that zone is corrupt. That is a very bad and unhealthy assertion. Let those people just keep quiet and allow our disciplined and uncorrupt president  do his work and give Nigerians result. I reinstate: Nigerians need security, electricity, good road network , employment,  education,  good health care,
In fact,  Nigerians need good standard of living and not who was appointed. On my way to the East three weeks ago, I stayed at a particular point for about seven hours between Ogun States and Ondo State as a result of poor state of the road. My question, is this road not used by the South South/South East people yet my immediate past president who is from the South-South could not fix the road, so why the noise about where a president  comes from.
I am calling on all Nigerians irrespective of your section or tribe to support President Muhammadu Buhari in his fight against corruption rather than heaping unnecessary sentiments that will lead us to no where. If president Buhari fails in this fight against corruption, God forbid, Nigeria will be doomed. It takes a decent, disciplined and uncorrupt person to fight corruption and these attributes are found in Buhari and that is why we must support him. The Latin maxim states that “He who comes to equity must come with clean hands” Also “He who seeks equity must do equity”.
The above maxims are reasons why no government in Nigeria in the past had deemed it right to fight corruption frontally despite its grave effect to the lives of innocent Nigerians. It was the same president Buhari who tried in the past when he was the military head of state to fight against this deadly disease called corruption and instill discipline in the attitude of Nigerians before he was  removed from office. The amount of money we see everyday in the media that have been syphoned or rather stolen by some public office holders ranging from state monies, pension monies etc. could put up one of the best hospitals in the world in all the states of the federation. Also electricity problems would have been a thing of the past. But these public officers travel out of the country at will for medical attention for a slightest or minutest ailment. Some of these public officers lack the requisite knowledge to understand that these amenities and hospitals which they find worthy of taking adequate care of their ailment are built and equipped by their fellow public officers and leaders in those countries.
Every corrupt person is doltish and that is why a leader will embezzle billions of dollars. The question is what is he going to do with such amount?  How long will he stay in this  earth? The irony of this is that such people have virtually killed the normal existence of their children because such children would not have any drive again as a normal person. Some of them end up  smoking and other dangerous vices.
I admonish lawyers to shun the temptation of fighting for corrupt persons in a manner that will blight justice. This fight against corruption is not only for President Buhari alone but for every meaningful Nigerian. I reterate, let us all support him. My candid advice to the President is that there should be no sacred cow in this fight in order not to whittle down the hope and support of well-meaning Nigerians.I do not care where the president comes from or who was appointed. My concern is to have good infrastructure in place for the good of the majority of Nigerians and not for only the political class and elites alone.
•Barr  Obi-Odunukwe writes

Jonathan As Jesus Christ – Fayose …

Says PDP Will Win Bayelsa Despite INEC Boss is Buhari’s In-law.

Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose on Thursday likened former President Jonathan to Jesus Christ for conducting an election which he lost and accepted its outcome.

The vocal governor who was in Yenogoa, Bayelsa for the ratification of the candidature of Governor Seriake Dickson, for the December governorship election also criticised President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing his “in-law” as the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

“You have done what no African leader could do. You threw in the towel to save Nigeria. You gave us the relative peace we are enjoying. You remain a man after my heart,” said about Jonathan.

The governor said “I am a governor that has no apology for supporting you. Everybody must remember that it is a virtue to be courageous to defend the truth.

“Jonathan is a man to be recognized in the whole world. He conducted an election that worked against his interest but he gave it up. Jesus Christ did exactly the same.”

On the forthcoming election in the state, Fayose urged Governor Dickson not to entertain any fear over the forthcoming election, adding that the governor has all it takes to defeat the All Progressives Congress, (APC) in the December poll.

Speaking as the chairman PDP National Electoral Panel, Fayose said the party is closely monitoring the activities of the INEC, submitting that at the appropriate time its hidden agenda will be made public.

According to him, “I have complained very clearly about the choice of the INEC chairperson. Nobody can give us an INEC chairman that is his daughter or in-law. This is our country and nobody can run out of Nigeria.

“Therefore, we are watching INEC and its activities. We will not allow you to play pranks. This is an Ijaw state and so they are going nowhere. This is a PDP controlled state. No hidden agenda will work in Bayelsa.”

On the preparedness of the party for the December 5 poll, Chief Fayose told Governor Dickson not to worry about the ranting of APC, adding, “In our place, it is one stone that scatters so many birds. Your (Dickson) stone will scatter their birds. I’ve worked with them before. I know their style and antics. So fear not.

“If you read the book of Joshua chapter one, it says, fear not. So don’t be afraid but be courageous because their armies will bow to your army.

“I am conducting this PDP primary in Bayelsa transparently in line with the PDP guidelines. I am not ready to dodge out of this stadium to run away. The truth will stand the test of time and speak for itself.”

Describing Governor Dickson as a great fighter, he assured him of victory in the next election.

According to him, “You have won the battle already. This is not a party where they will do one primary today and cancel it tomorrow. In this our own, there will be no cancellation. This is an authority in Bayelsa.

“Nigeria respects my voice because I am not given to frivolities and propaganda. I am here to conduct an election that will stand the test of time.”

Source: The Editor

BREAKING: Pope Francis departs for New York City after visit to nation's capital.

How we uncovered Boko Haram’s ‘well concealed fuel depot’ — Nigerian Army

September 24, 2015Press Release

NIGERIAN ARMY TROOPS
CLEARING BOKO HARAM ENCLAVES ALONG AXIS
Nigerian Army troops clearing Boko Haram enclaves
along Bitta to Tokumbere, Sambisa Forest, Borno state

The Nigerian Army on Thursday said it had 

uncovered and dismantled a well concealed

 fuel depot belonging to the extremist Boko Haram sect.

 The spokesperson for the army, Sani Usman, 

said this in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES Thursday.

Mr. Sani, a colonel, said, “Following a tip-off 

by well meaning citizens, troops of 3 Division

 yesterday swooped over and dismantled a

 Boko Haram fuel dump located at Ladu Dumbawa ward, 

Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State.

“It would be recalled that suspected Boko 

Haram terrorists had abducted seven persons in 

Gajabere and took them to the same location.

 Those kidnapped were three local wards heads

 called “Lawani” and their respective deputies, as well as 

the Chief Imam of the town.

“However, through sheer guts and bravery, 

three of them escaped and reported the matter 

to the security which led to the rescue of the rest and

 discovery of the well concealed terrorists fuel 

depot which was also destroyed by troops.

“The troops have further blocked the terrorists 

supply route that led to Babangida in 

Tarmuwa Local Government Area of

 Yobe State where they mostly get the supplies.

“Troops are intensifying efforts to identify and 

neutralise all Boko Haram logistic bases to further 

constrict the terrorists and hasten their total defeat.

“Citizens are please requested to furnish the 

military and security agencies with information 

on all known terrorists location, routes, suppliers 

of fuel, food, clothing and any good or service to the terrorists.”

source: premium times

HID’s death forced me out of hiding – Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan was among the dignitaries who visited the Ikenne country home of the Awolowos to pay tributes to their matriarch, Hannah Idowu Dideolu, who passed on last Saturday.

He arrived the Ikenne home of the Awolowos at exactly 1.17pm in company with his wife, Patience, and a former leader in the House of Representatives, Mrs. Mulikat Adeola, and a former chairman of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency, Jide Adeniji.

Jonathan said the death of HID Awolowo forced him and his wife out of their ‘hiding’ place, since he said he had resolved not to go out for one year, after leaving office.

Condoling with the family, the former President noted that HID Awolowo enjoyed a rare privilege by living extra 29 years, when compared to the biblical prescription of three scores and 10.

He further described her as a rare mother, whose milk of kindness, milk of encouragement,milk of advice Nigerians still need.

He said, “My wife and I are not mourning because Mama has passed on. For me, we believe that it’s a rare privilege to add extra 29 years to the biblical three scores and 10; it’s not easy.

“Ordinarily, we wouldn’t have been mourning but Mama was a rare mother. She was a woman of virtue described in the Bible and she was a mother to all of us.

“A mother that her milk of kindness we still need, her milk of encouragement we still need, her milk of advice we still need and today she’s no more with us.

“We, just like her immediate children, and indeed this country, have missed her. Within this period, my wife and I have been hiding; we don’t even go out. We thought we’ll be hiding for at least 12 months.

“But in this particular case, we cannot hide. So, we have come for the condolence and to encourage our brothers and sisters that we are together. God brought her for all of us. She just had to be the direct mother of a few but she was a mother to all. We shall mourn more than even the direct children would.”

A former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, described the deceased as a “truly noble lady who contributed exceedingly to Nigeria’s independence by providing inestimable support to one of the countries’ founding fathers.”

He added that in later years after independence, she became a huge source of inspiration to many national leaders.

The National Chairman, All Progressives Congress, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, described her as “a legend, an Iroko and a lighthouse to all Nigerians.”

Also, the Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Tokunbo Olopade, who represented the state judiciary, described 

SOURCE: PUNCH

How we resolved Burkina Fasso’s crisis – Osinbajo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday recalled how he joined other leaders of the Economic Community of West African States to facilitate quick restoration of civilian rule in Burkina Faso, a day after President Muhammadu Buhari hosted an Extraordinary session of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Governments in Abuja.

A decision was taken at the summit to ensure the termination of last week’s military coup in the West African nation.

According to a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Laolu Akande, the Vice President, who represented Buhari in Ouagadougou, said the leaders were in the country’s capital to convey the recommendations agreed by ECOWAS leaders in Abuja.

He expressed delight that the intervention had led to the reinstatement of Mr. Michel Kafando as the country’s transition President.

Akande quoted the Vice President as telling journalists that the restoration of civilian authority in Burkina Faso after last week’s military coup was a good sign and positive thing for the region.

He said ECOWAS played a significant role in the process that made the restoration possible.

“As you know, President Kafando had been detained by the RSP, the presidential guard, but they have now stepped down as you can see, and they are now part of the process to ensure that the transition goes on.

“What we have seen today is how ECOWAS states came together basically to agree and see to it that President Kafando was reinstated and now, that has been accomplished,” Osinbajo was quoted as telling the journalists.

He said the major task now before the leaders was to advance the transition process in the country.

He added that while there were still difficult issues to be resolved as fallout of the coup, it is clear that progress will continue, judging from the fact that the people are determined and all the groups involved are cooperating.

Osinbajo reiterated Nigeria’s continued brotherly support for Burkina Faso, while also commending the international community for coming together to condemn the coup.

“I think it is very clear, going by the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and the legal instruments of the African Union, that coups are no longer fashionable and no longer acceptable.

“In fact, it punishable to take power by force.

“As soon as this coup took place, the entire ECOWAS, AU and the entire international community rose with one voice against it.”

After Tuesday’s summit in Abuja hosted by Buhari, ECOWAS had selected a group of six leaders one each from Nigeria, Benin, Senegal, Togo, Niger and Ghana to visit Ouagadougou and proffer the recommendations of the West African nations towards solving the disruption of civil transition programme in Burkina Faso.

President Boni Yayi of Benin was named as facilitator, while Nigeria was represented by the Vice President.

In what included series of talks and events all through Wednesday, leaders from the six West African nations met with the RSP, Burkina Faso military and civil leaders and presided over the formal ceremony to effect the restoration of power from the presidential guards led by Gen. Gilbert Deirdre.

How we resolved Burkina Fasso’s crisis – Osinbajo

Vice-Presidential Prof. Yemi Osinbajo
| credits: https://lh4.googleusercontent.com

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday recalled how he joined other leaders of the Economic Community of West African States to facilitate quick restoration of civilian rule in Burkina Faso, a day after President Muhammadu Buhari hosted an Extraordinary session of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Governments in Abuja.

A decision was taken at the summit to ensure the termination of last week’s military coup in the West African nation.

According to a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Laolu Akande, the Vice President, who represented Buhari in Ouagadougou, said the leaders were in the country’s capital to convey the recommendations agreed by ECOWAS leaders in Abuja.

He expressed delight that the intervention had led to the reinstatement of Mr. Michel Kafando as the country’s transition President.

Akande quoted the Vice President as telling journalists that the restoration of civilian authority in Burkina Faso after last week’s military coup was a good sign and positive thing for the region.

He said ECOWAS played a significant role in the process that made the restoration possible.

“As you know, President Kafando had been detained by the RSP, the presidential guard, but they have now stepped down as you can see, and they are now part of the process to ensure that the transition goes on.

“What we have seen today is how ECOWAS states came together basically to agree and see to it that President Kafando was reinstated and now, that has been accomplished,” Osinbajo was quoted as telling the journalists.

He said the major task now before the leaders was to advance the transition process in the country.

He added that while there were still difficult issues to be resolved as fallout of the coup, it is clear that progress will continue, judging from the fact that the people are determined and all the groups involved are cooperating.

Osinbajo reiterated Nigeria’s continued brotherly support for Burkina Faso, while also commending the international community for coming together to condemn the coup.

“I think it is very clear, going by the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and the legal instruments of the African Union, that coups are no longer fashionable and no longer acceptable.

“In fact, it punishable to take power by force.

“As soon as this coup took place, the entire ECOWAS, AU and the entire international community rose with one voice against it.”

After Tuesday’s summit in Abuja hosted by Buhari, ECOWAS had selected a group of six leaders one each from Nigeria, Benin, Senegal, Togo, Niger and Ghana to visit Ouagadougou and proffer the recommendations of the West African nations towards solving the disruption of civil transition programme in Burkina Faso.

President Boni Yayi of Benin was named as facilitator, while Nigeria was represented by the Vice President.

In what included series of talks and events all through Wednesday, leaders from the six West African nations met with the RSP, Burkina Faso military and civil leaders and presided over the formal ceremony to effect the restoration of power from the presidential guards led by Gen. Gilbert Deirdre.