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Eid-el-Kabir: Wike, Others Harp Tolerance, Peace
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, his Benue, Osun, and Kano states’ counterparts, Samuel Ortom, Prof Gboyega Oyetola and Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, have felicitated with Muslims on the occasion of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urging them to emulate the Holy Prophet Mohammed by imbibing the ideals of sacrifice, tolerance and peace exemplified by the Prophet.
In a Sallah message, Wike said Eid-el-Kabir is a season of love, peace, friendship and sacrifice.
He urged all Nigerians to embrace religious tolerance which would promote peace across the country and enhance national development.
He assured the people of Rivers State that the government would work with the security agencies to ensure that all citizens celebrate the Sallah in peace and harmony.
He congratulated the Muslim community in Rivers State on the Sallah celebration, assuring them that his administration would continue to partner with them to move the state forward.
The governor thanked the state Muslim community for the consistent support that they have always extended to his administration.
Also, the Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo has urged Muslim in the state to continue to emulate the virtues of obedience demonstrated by Prophet Muhammad.
Banigo stated this in a goodwill message in Government House, Port Harcourt to felicitate with Muslims as they celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festival.
According to the deputy governor, Prophet Muhammad was willing to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s Command which she said was a rare quality.
Banigo, who assured them that the Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike-led government would continue to carry all residents in the state along in the scheme of things, urged them to continue to support the governor.
She said the state government was collaborating with the security agencies to ensure a hitch-free celebration, and wished all Muslims a Happy Eid-el-Kabir.
In the same token, Governor Samuel Ortom urged Nigerians to intensify prayers and support for unity and peace in the country.
While felicitating with the Muslims on the occasion, the governor observed that Eid-el-Kabir offered all Muslims the opportunity to exemplify the virtues of piety, honesty, charity and generosity according to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
The governor, in a statement, yesterday, in Makurdi by his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, reiterated that the current spate of insecurity where hundreds of school children were kidnapped daily in parts of the country, armed herders frequently attacked farming communities and kill many people, as well as other acts of terrorism, could only be surmounted if security agencies were given adequate support.
“He emphasized that the safety of lives and property in all parts of the state would remain the priority of his administration, and gives assurance that the present administration will continue to uphold the values of transparency, accountability, justice, and equity in serving the people of the state.
“Governor Ortom once again appreciates the understanding and support Benue people have given him since 2015 despite the challenges the state government has faced within the period; and wishes the people of the state a joyful Eid-el-Kabir celebration.”
Also speaking, Governor Gboyega Oyetola urged Nigerians to maintain religious tolerance and peace in the country.
He urged Muslim faithful to extend the hands of fellowship to the less privileged during and beyond the festive period.
Oyetola said this, yesterday, after the two rakats prayers at Osogbo Central Eid, Oke-Baale, Osogbo.
While congratulating the Muslim faithful, the governor harped on the need to live in peace despite the religious differences.
He said, “I congratulate all the Muslims in Osun State, in Nigeria and all the whole world at large. We thank God that we are able to celebrate this year’s celebration. Last year, we couldn’t celebrate it. But we thank God for giving us the grace to be here today.
“I want to enjoin our people to live in peace. They should extend hands of fellowship to the less privileged. They deserve to celebrate as well.
“We should not emphasise religious differences. We must have religious tolerance. We must love our neighbours.”
Oyetola enjoined Osun citizens and residents of the state to continue to maintain peace and avoid anything that will threaten the peace of the state.
“Let’s live in peace. Osun is noted for peace. I want us to continue to be celebrated as the most peaceful state in Nigeria,” he added.
Earlier in his sermon, the Grand Imam of Osun State, Sheik Musa Animasahun, who spoke on the theme of peace, emphasised the need for Nigerians to promote peace and unity.
He also enjoined the Muslim faithful to appreciate God who made it possible to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir despite the setbacks of last year which were triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The central mosque was filled with excited Muslim faithful from Osun State and beyond who had gathered to pray to God and mark the Eid-el-Kabir festival.
The worshippers also complied with the safety protocols against the Covid-19 pandemic through the use of facemasks among others.
Similarly, Kano State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has urged Muslims and other Nigerians to pray against insecurity across the federation.
Ganduje, who congratulated the entire people of Kano and Nigerians over the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir, urged them to see to the peaceful and healthy Sallah period, with strict observance of Covid-19 protocols.
He said this immediately after the Eid-Prayer with the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, members of the state Executive Council, party leaders, elders, members of the business community among others at Eid-Prayer ground, Kofar Mata, Kano, yesterday.
“I have to congratulate the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, Chairman of Kano State Council of Emirs, and all other Emirs, the Ulamas, members of the business community, women and youth and the entire people over the coming of this Sallah period,” he said.
He cautioned that, “And also it is very important, since the third wave of Covid-19 is in sight, we should be able to follow the protocols so that we prevent its effect. We say prevention is better than cure. I think that is very important.
“Also, we should continue to pray to Allah Ta’ala to continue protecting our state and the entire country from the insecurity situation that we observe at the moment.”
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has charged the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Ibibia Lucky Worika to bring his wealth of experience to bear in governance of the State.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) gave the charge shortly after swearing in the new SSG at the executive chambers of Government House on Wednesday night.
The Administrator who congratulated Prof Worika on his appointment said the choice was not merely an administrative decision but a statement of intent.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) explained that the new SSG has an unparallel expertise in law, policy and international governance, which align perfectly with the mission to restore law, order, integrity and public trust in Rivers State.
He said: “To our new SSG, the task ahead is onerous, but your track record leaves no doubt in our minds that you will prove your mettle. Rivers State needs your intellect, grit and unweaving dedication. Together, we will write a new chapter of progress for this great state.
“Prof Worika’s role will be critical in driving this vision, ensuring that every policy, every decision and every action is in consonance with this administration’s mandate to restore law and order, stabilize the polity and to create the necessary conditions for the restoration of democratic institutions and representations.”
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) pointed to his maiden address to Rivers people wherein he emphasised that his administration will be committed to delivering an effective governance that is anchored on transparency, accountability and service.
He therefore, enjoined the new SSG to brace up to the demands of his office, and offer his best service as required while also working cooperatively with civil servants.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) said: “You have no time to settle down. You must roll up your sleeves and get to work with the team.
“Our civil servants with whom we will work closely to run this administration are critical stakeholders and we must work with them to ensure that the state continues to function effectively during this administration.
“To the Permanent Secretaries and civil servants as a whole, once more I will ask your kind cooperation and support as we work to achieve our objectives at this time,” he added.
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I Am One Of You, Sole Administrator Tells Rivers People …Warns Against Violence, Crude Oil Sabotage
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has assured residents that he is not in the State as a partisan actor or political competitor but as a stabilising force to restore governance and order.
In a state broadcast yesterday, Ibas, who assumed duty at Government House, Port Harcourt, emphasised his commitment to protecting civil liberties and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
However, he issued a stern warning against crude oil sabotage and violence, urging residents to resist any temptation to return to past hostilities.
“For decades, I have dedicated my life to the service of our great nation—first as the 20th indigenous Chief of Naval Staff and later as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana. I answered this call out of the need for peace in Nigeria, and most importantly, in Rivers State,” Ibas stated.
Describing the prolonged political impasse as a major setback to governance and democracy, he acknowledged the hardships faced by families and businesses due to the prevailing uncertainty.
“As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you. I feel the weight of this crisis on families, businesses, and the future of our people,” he said.
Ibas commended President Bola Tinubu’s decisive action in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, stressing that it was a necessary move to restore stability and revive economic activities.
“My mandate is clear: restore law and order, ensure stability, and create an enabling environment for economic growth. But this mission requires collective support from all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity,” he stated.
He discouraged attacks on oil infrastructure, reminding residents of the devastating environmental and economic consequences of such actions.
“The Niger Delta has moved beyond the destruction of oil facilities. We must resist the temptation to return to those ugly days,” he cautioned.
While pledging to uphold civil liberties and the rule of law, the Sole Administrator warned that lawlessness and violence would not be tolerated.
“We will not act arbitrarily, but we will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone who threatens the peace and stability of Rivers State,” he declared.
Ibas revealed that he had concluded a State Security Council meeting where strategic measures were outlined to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict.
Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility, he also acknowledged the National Assembly for approving the emergency declaration.
“I will work closely with the national leadership under the guidance of the President. I am optimistic that Rivers State will emerge stronger and greater,” he concluded.
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department has confirmed that 10 persons have died in the truck explosion that occurred near Karu bridge, along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, on Wednesday.
The FEMD’s Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the numbers in a statement, yesterday.
The Acting Director General of the Emergency Department, Abdulrahman Mohammed, had earlier confirmed that eight persons had died as of yesterday morning, with five confirmed dead on the scene, and four others burnt beyond recognition.
““Five people were taken dead from the scene yesterday (Wednesday). Out of the people that were injured, one died, making six. Then this morning (yesterday), when I asked my people to go round, they discovered that two had already died again, making eight. Four of them from yesterday were burnt beyond recognition.”, he explained.
However, in her statement, Isa said the Head, Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam, said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.
He added that some victims had been referred to the Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care.
Part of the statement reads, “The FCT Emergency Management Department FEMD can confirm that 10 persons lost their lives to the truck explosion that occurred at Karu bridge along Abuja / Keffi expressway.
“The Head Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.”
He informed that over 30 persons suffered various degrees of burns.
“Some of the victims have been referred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre,Keffi and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care,” he said.
Isa also stated that no fewer than 10 vehicles were burnt during the incident, adding that the FEMD boss after a visit to the incident scene, appealed to motorists to observe traffic rules and regulations.
He also cautioned against reckless driving, dangerous overtaking and poor maintenance of vehicles, while urging FCT residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of an emergency.
Meanwhile, barely 24 hours after the incident, another fertiliser-laden truck has collapsed on the same spot.
The Tide learnt that the incidence occurred at about 3:54pm yesterday.
The Head of Public Affairs of the FCT Emergency Management Department, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the accident in a statement, stating that the truck collided with a Hijet and a dump truck, adding that no life was lost.
She cautioned road users to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps was making efforts to tow away the affected vehicles, to avoid traffic built up.
“Another accident has occurred under Karu bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway. Thankfully, no life was lost to the incident. Our Search and Rescue say the accident occurred when a truck laden with fertilizer ran into a Hijet and a dump truck also known as tipper.
“Motorists are advised to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps is taking steps to tow away the affected vehicles in order to avoid traffic built up,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, several videos showed some persons trying to clear the fertiliser bags from the fallen truck to ease traffic.