News
Wike, CAN Felicitate With Christians On Easter …Death, Resurrection Of Jesus, Best For Mankind -Banigo
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has felicitated with Christians on the celebration of Easter, urging them to emulate Jesus Christ by making sacrifices that will advance the cause of development.
In an Easter message, Wike said that Easter exemplifies the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ to save mankind, noting that as individuals, Christians must take into consideration the welfare of others.
He called on the people of Rivers State to re-dedicate themselves to the service of the state as they reflect on the ideals of Good Friday and Easter Celebrations.
Wike assured the good people of Rivers State that he will continue to make sacrifices for the state, defend her interests and ensure that the people always enjoy good governance.
He said Easter was a period of fresh beginning, forgiveness, love and friendship.
The governor urged the privileged to reach out to the less privileged as everyone works to deepen the culture of true Christianity.
While wishing the people of the state a Happy Easter Celebration, Wike assured them of their security before, during and after the celebrations.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo has said that the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ was the greatest thing that has happened to humanity.
The deputy governor stated this in a goodwill message in Government House, Port Harcourt, to felicitate with the Rivers people on the occasion of the 2019 Easter Celebration.
According to Banigo, Easter Celebration is an opportunity for sober reflection on the sacrifice Our Lord Jesus Christ made on the Cross of Calvary to reconcile man to God after the fall of man at the Garden of Eden.
She urged those who are yet to heed the alter call not to delay any further because the rapture would soon take place, stressing that accepting Jesus Christ as one’s Lord and Personal Saviour was the best decision anyone could make.
Banigo wished the State Chief Executive, Chief Nyesom Wike and the good people of Rivers State a Happy Easter Celebration while assuring them that the governor would continue to touch their lives positively as he gears up for his second tenure.
Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rivers State chapter,says Easter which is the celebration and commemoration of the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is a divine promise fulfilled by the Almighty God to the salvation of all mankind irrespective of religious affiliations.
According to the body, it should be a glorious and joyful celebration of victory over sin, death and other kinds of afflictions.
“1st Corinthians 15:55-57 reads: “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ”.
“It further said that Easter reminds us (Christians) of the total practical demonstration of commitment to the will of God, forgiveness of sins and love to mankind. This good virtues of Christ while on earth are worthy of emulation by Christians if we truly believe in the annual Easter celebration.”it said, adding that It is important to note that the salvation and redemption of mankind are verified by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Thus, I most humbly appeal to all Christians to examine the mistakes those that killed Jesus Christ made so that we will not make that same mistake of killing him again in our daily lifestyles. Some of these includes all manner of evils such as denial, betrayal, bribery, love for money and selfishness, injustice etc. This has also enthroned wickedness in our society which promotes godlessness, incessant killings of human beings and proliferation of cultism in the State and beyond”.
“Thus, I on behalf of the Christian Association of Nigeria CAN, Rivers State, challenge all Christians to justify the sacrificial death of our Lord and Savour Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary by making ernest commitments through showing love to one another. As It is written in Romans 13:9 that “… Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” and in Romans 12:9 “Let love be without dissimulation.. .” As “ Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:10).
Finally, I wish all Christians and other residents of the state happy Easter celebration and may the blessings of Easter be upon you in the mighty name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Also, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Samson Ayokunle, has charged Christians to emulate Christ by loving one another just as Christ did while on earth.
The statement reads: “On behalf of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), I congratulate all Christians in Nigeria and beyond on this most auspicious occasion of this year’s Easter, which is a commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour!
“The essence of Easter is unquestionable and indisputable. The arrest, trial, crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the greatest event in human history. It is this costly work of redemption on the cross – bearing the curse and death of mankind as a result of sin – that brought man the most powerful experience of spiritual rebirth, the uncommon grace to share eternal life of God. Jesus is thus the eternal ransom, an innocent Lamb of God that took the place of man in eternal condemnation. May His name be glorified forever, Amen.
“The celebration of Easter is important to Christians because it reminds us that somebody died or sacrificed Himself so that others might live. It calls our attention to the fact that we can be betrayed, denied or abandoned by those that are close to us. It reminds us that our prayers are answered when God does His will in our lives.
Easter reminds us that the way to elevation is rough and could be fatally painful. Life is all about what we can sacrifice for others’ comfort and not what we can benefit from it. Easter reminds us that death is not the end of all things for Christians. As he rose from death, we shall rise also at the resurrection of the just on the Last Day.
“Standing upon this eternal Truth, I am of the utmost conviction that whatever is dead in our lives as individuals and a nation will experience resurrection power and come back to life in the name of Jesus because our God is alive. As Jesus rose above death, we shall rise above all our challenges in this nation in the name of Jesus.
“Public gatherings like going to meet Jesus at Galilee were common as one of the ways to celebrate Easter many years ago. There was no fear then that some crazy people would come to such gatherings and bomb the place. Easter was celebrated then in the atmosphere of peace, unlike the present fear and tension that hover around our social and national security.
“In this season and beyond, I advise Nigerians to love one another as Christ loved us and gave His life for us! Lack of love today is the breeding ground for religious intolerance, killings and destructions, which in turn lead to insurgency and other forms of violence with their attendant humanitarian crises such as mass human displacements, hunger, outbreak of sicknesses and diseases, etc., in many parts of the country today.
“In the spirit of this season, and as citizens of this country, I urge all Christians, as well as Muslims and non-religious citizens of Nigeria to pursue peace, tolerance and love for one another just as Jesus offered His life to reconcile humankind to God. This is one of the greatest needs today in our dear country and it requires genuine sacrifice to achieve it. This is because it is in the atmosphere of peace that we would have progressed as a nation.
“The Federal Government is further called upon to secure the nation for the purposes of safety of lives, property and free movement of people. Kidnapping, increasing wave of armed robbery and resurgence of insurgency coupled with relentless attacks by ethnic militiamen are a great concern for patriotic Nigerians and an embarrassment to the nation. These issues should be addressed squarely, promptly and fairly,” he said.
A bill to amend the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.
The bill, which mandates compulsory counselling and training for individuals convicted of corruption-related offences, was sponsored by Kayode Akiolu (APC-Lagos) during plenary on Wednesday.
Leading the debate, Mr Akiolu explained that the bill sought to amend Section 67 of the principal act, introducing new provisions that were not part of the original section.
“These additional provisions, found in subsections 2, 3, and 4 of the amendment bill, require judges and magistrates to not only impose imprisonment and/or fines on those convicted of corruption but also mandate a minimum four-week anti-corruption counselling and training.
“The counselling and training will be designed and delivered by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) and aims to address the psychological factors related to corrupt behaviour,” Mr Akiolu said.
Mr Akiolu emphasised that the training would help reform convicts by addressing their corrupt tendencies and could even transform them into advocates for anti-corruption efforts.
He added that this approach aligned with the reformative aspect of the criminal justice system, which focused on punishment and rehabilitation.
“As per subsection 4, the bill allows magistrates and judges to order convicts to cover the cost of their counselling and training, preventing additional financial burdens on the government,” the lawmaker noted.
Mr Akiolu further argued that if the bill is passed into law, it would strengthen the country’s fight against corruption.
Given the widespread negative impact of corruption, he urged the House to support the bill for the country’s benefit.
Following the debate, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas referred the bill to the relevant committee for further legislative consideration.
The Judiciary and the Media are key pillars of democracy, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has said.
Kekere-Ekun made this statement in her address at the 2024 National Conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC).
The CJN was represented by Mr Abdulaziz Olumo, the Secretary of the National Judicial Institute (NJI).
“ The judiciary and the media occupy unique and complementary roles in any democratic society.
“ The judiciary serves as the guardian of justice, equity, and the rule of law, the media acts as the conscience of society, disseminating information, shaping public opinion, and ensuring accountability.
“ Together, these institutions provide checks and balances that strengthen the fabric of democracy,” she said.
Quoting Felix Frankfurter, a former U.S. Supreme Court Justice, she said: free press is not to be preferred to an independent judiciary, nor an independent judiciary to a free press. Neither has primacy over the other; both are indispensable to a free society.”
The CJN said this dynamic interdependence between the judiciary and the media presents opportunities and challenges alike.
“ The media is entrusted with the responsibility of informing the public about judicial activities, the judiciary relies on accurate and ethical reportage to enhance public confidence in its work.
“ However, the inherent power of the media to influence public opinion requires careful management, especially when its focus turns to judicial proceedings.
“ The question posed by Robert J.Cordy, a former Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, is pertinent here: “What happens when the free press turns its sights on the courts-scrutinizing, sensationalizing, and exposing the frailties of the judiciary while questioning its ethical standards and performance?”
“The media’s capacity to shape narratives and perceptions is undeniable” she said.
Quoting Jim Morrison , she said “Whoever controls the media controls the mind.”
According to her, this underscores the immense responsibility placed on journalists to report truthfully, fairly, and objectively.
“ Unfortunately, the commercialisation of news and external influences have led to the rise of sensationalism-a practice that distorts facts, erodes trust, and undermines the very essence of journalism.
“ Sensationalised headlines, such as the infamous 2016 headline “We raided the houses of ‘corrupt, unholy’ judges, says DSS,” can paint a skewed picture of the judiciary and its officers. Such reporting, often devoid of context, compromises the integrity of the justice system and misleads the public.
“ Closely tied to this is the issue of “trial by media,” where premature and often biased media narratives prejudge cases and infringe on the constitutional rights of individuals” she said.
She added that as Mahatma Gandhi rightly observed, “The sole aim of journalism should be service.” It is imperative for media practitioners to remain steadfast in their commitment to truth and objectivity.
To this end, she advised, the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents to take proactive steps to regulate the activities of its members.
“ This is not merely about enforcing rules but about fostering professionalism and safeguarding the credibility of the media.
“ The judiciary and the media must work as partners in progress.
“ To bridge the gap between these institutions, there is a pressing need for constructive engagement and mutual understanding.
“ Courts can provide the media with guidelines on judicial processes, courtroom decorum, and the nuances of court proceedings.
She noted that globally, courts have adopted initiatives to support the media’s role in reporting judicial matters.
For instance, she said the Supreme Court of Dakota’s media guide outlines protocols for courtroom reporting, while the UK ‘s Media Guidance document provides clarity on access and etiquette for journalists.
“ These examples demonstrate how structured collaboration can enhance the quality of judicial reportage.
“ In Nigeria, we can take a cue from these models by developing a comprehensive media guide tailored to our judicial landscape.
“ This initiative, which would involve inputs from NAJUC and judicial stakeholders, would not only enhance media access to courtrooms but also ensure that judicial activities are accurately and responsibly reported” she said.
She advocated that judiciary correspondents must make deliberate efforts to familiarise themselves with the rules and procedures of the courts.
She added that understanding these frameworks will enable journalists to navigate the complexities of judicial proceedings effectively and responsibly.
“ Training programs such as this conference play a crucial role in equipping judiciary correspondents with the knowledge and skills needed to report judicial matters accurately.
“ The theme of this year’s conference, “The Role of Courts in Enforcement of Judgments,” is both timely and significant, as it addresses an aspect of judicial work that is critical to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice.
“ I commend NAJUC for its commitment to promoting accountability and transparency through its engagements with the judiciary.
“ As I conclude, I must emphasize the importance of credible journalism in strengthening public trust in the judiciary” she said.
She urged judiciary correspondents to prioritise the pursuit of truth and objectivity, resist undue influences, and remain steadfast in their commitment to ethical standards.
She commended the leadership of NAJUC, under the chairmanship of Mr Kayode Lawal, for its efforts in promoting professionalism among judiciary correspondents.
The Senate has issued an arrest warrant for the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr Peer Lubasch, to appear before its Committee on Works.
The Tide’s source reports that the warrant was for Lubasch to explain the utilisation of funds appropriated for the reconstruction work on Calabar-Odukpani-Itu highway.
The warrant followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Sen. Osita Ngwu (PDP- Enugu) and co-sponsored by Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC-Cross River) and Sen. Mpigi Barinada (PDP- Rivers) at plenary in Abuja, yesterday.
Ngwu, in the motion said, that the senate had mandated the committee on works to conduct investigation into the state of road infrastructure across the country.
He said that in furtherance to the investigative hearings, Julius Berger refused to honour invitations to provide details of its role in the Calabar-Odukpani-Itu highway project, in spite of receiving substantial public funds.
He said that this was worrisome, given the alarming discrepancies in performance among contractors on the project, with specific reference to Julius Berger for failing to meet delivery timelines.
Ngwu said it was the constitutional powers of the National Assembly under Sections 8 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to conduct investigations on any person or organisation responsible for administering public funds.
He said that the powers set out in section 6 of the legislative powers and privileges act empowered the Senate to issue warrants of arrest on persons in contempt of its proceedings.
The Tide source reports that the senate further ruled that President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, should sign the warrant, mandating the Julius Berger managing director to appear on a date to be communicated.
Akpabio said that the senate’s decision was in line with its constitutional powers under Section 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“This senate will not tolerate the continued disregard of its authority.
“The managing director of Julius Berger must appear before the relevant committee, failing which further actions will be taken as prescribed by the constitution.
“The point of order, which was supported by the majority of the senators, highlighted the importance of upholding the integrity of the legislature.
“The senate committee will submit its findings to the National Assembly after the MD’s appearance.
“If there is any further failure to comply, we shall take the necessary steps to ensure respect for the constitution and the rule of law,” Akpabio said.