Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has expressed optimism that God will intervene in the economic challenges being witnessed in the country, urging the people to be hopeful and continue in prayer.
“There are challenges in this land, we are faced with economic challenges. Our major source of income, crude oil is depreciating, our currency is also depreciating and devalued. These in turn, have led to downturn in the state revenue allocation.
“I am very confident that this tough time will pass in Nigeria because of the love of God for our country,” he said.
Thanking God for the peace being enjoyed in the state, the governor said all the development witnessed in the state would not have been possible, but for the peace that reigns in the state.
He, thus, implored the citizens to look to the new year with optimism, submitting that with love and total dedication by Nigerians, the nation will overcome its challenges.
“As we celebrate this Christmas, let us celebrate with moderation. We must, at all times, remember the whole essence of the birth of Jesus Christ who, despite the fact that He is the son of God, chose to be born in a dirty manger. It is this classical case of humility and self denial which hallmarked the entire life of Christ that we should emulate today and always as we celebrate, “he urged.
Mimiko also charged Nigerians to see themselves as one another’s brother’ keeper “so that genuine love will form the basis of a united and prosperous Nigeria nation that we are aspiring to have”.
Wishing all a merry Christmas and happy new year in advance, he implored all to strive towards a peaceful nation where the citizens can relate in genuine love and work together to move the nation forward.
Atiku preaches tolerance, peace at Xmas
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has congratulated Christians ahead of the Christmas celebration, to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.
He said that the birth of Christ showed God’s love for mankind and a rekindled hope that the creator wished for people to live a full and happy life on earth.
Atiku commended the current administration for “preaching the gospel of change and renewal and taking sure-footed steps to show that a new era is here.’’
Atiku also said that this year’s celebrations were “significant and special.
“It was in this year’s national elections that the 16-year-old prayer of the Nigerian people of all faiths, for a purposeful and more responsive government was answered.’’
He said that the prayer of Nigerians was answered with a new government and a new political party in power.
Be your brother’s keeper, Ahmed urges Nigerians
Biola Azeez - Ilorin
Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has advised Nigerians to be their brothers’ keepers as they celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ even as we march towards a new Nigeria of religious stability and economic prosperity.
The governor, in his Christmas message issued by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, said Nigerians should always walk the path of humility, moderacy, self denial and brotherliness, which are the hallmarks of the teachings of Christian religion.
Governor Ahmed, who also advised that the period should be used as a time to show love and affection, especially to the needy, said Nigerians should be prepared to make sacrifices in this trying times in the economic history of our nation to make Nigeria better for all.
He commended Christian leaders in the state for promoting religious harmony and encouraged them not to relent in their effort in building a better society.
The governor assured the people of the state that his administration remains committed to the well -being of all and the delivery of the dividends of democracy.
IG sues for peace, assures of adequate security
Chris Agbambu - Abuja
As Christians all over the country prepare for the Christmas and New Year celebrations, the Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, has urged all Nigerians to embrace peace even as they celebrate the joy of the season.
He also assured Nigerians of the determination to ensure adequate security before, during and after the yuletide period.
In a statement issued by the force spokesperson, ACP Olabisi Kolawole ,on Wednesday, in Abuja, the IG directed all zonal AIGs and State Command Commissioners of Police, to take all necessary measures to ensure the provision of adequate security across the country.
To this end, he further directed all commissioners of Police to personally, ensure that key and vulnerable points, such as; shopping malls, motor parks, financial houses, places of worship, recreation centres and other public places are adequately and effectively protected.
The IG also warned officers, who will be deployed during the period, to ensure that they comport themselves and act within the confines of the law.
He urged them to be firm but polite, civil and professional in the discharge of their assigned roles, even as they respect the fundamental human rights of citizens at all times.
The statement reads in part;”The Inspector-General of Police, on behalf of the Police High Command, officers and men of the force, heartily felicitates with Christians in Nigeria as they join their counterparts across the globe to joyfully celebrate this year’s Christmas.
“While reminding Christians of the very significance of Christmas - the holy birth of Jesus Christ – the IGP enjoins them to emulate and imbibe the worthy virtues, principles and teachings of Christ, by being open minded to issues of peace, forgiveness and harmonious co-existence, especially, at this auspicious moment in the history of our country
“On the other hand, in the spirit of the season, the IGP expresses his gratitude to Nigerians for their cooperation, patience and understanding all through 2015, particularly in the face of daunting national security challenges. He sues for peace from all Nigerians, irrespective of religious, political and socio-cultural leaning, expressing the belief that the country’s multifarious challenges, including that of security, are surmountable with all hands on deck.
“The IGP equally uses this medium to pay tribute to all officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, for their dedication, tireless courage and selfless service to father-land and humanity. He restates his resolve and commitment to reposition the Force, bargain for better welfare package and a more humane and conducive working condition for Police personnel. He commiserates with families of patriotic members of the Force who, like the heroes they truly are, paid the supreme price in the out-going year, to ensure that Nigerians enjoy peace and security.
“Finally, the IGP seeks the prayers, support and understanding of Nigerians, assuring that by God’s grace, the battle against crime and criminality will eventually be won.”
FRSC deploys 36,000 personnel, aerial surveillance
Clement Idoko - Abuja
THE Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has deployed over 36,000 of its officers and men nationwide on special patrol to ensure smooth flow of traffic and effective rescue operations during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
On a sad note, however, the corps has lost about 134 of its personnel on active service between 2014 and 2015.
Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of FRSC, Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, who disclosed this on Wednesday, in Abuja, while addressing newsmen on the activities lined up for 2015 yuletide special patrol tagged, “Operation drive safely”, said the corps would also deploy aerial surveillance to be flagged off today (Thursday), at the Domestic Wing of the Nnandi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Oyeyemi, explained that about 116 of FRSC personnel were killed in 2014, while 18 lost their lives in 2015, with some of the officers killed by hit-and-run drivers.
He said it was yet another end of year which usually brings anxieties, because of considerable increase in the nation’s motorisation characterised by non-conformities with road traffic regulations resulting into crashes and other negative affiliates.
He disclosed that of the total manpower of 36,000 that would be in action, those at the national headquarters who have been duly mobilised and were already reporting at their various stations.
In addition, he said Deputy Corps Marshals and Assistant Corps Marshals have been relocated to marshal operations along the nation’s road corridors, with a Situation Office to operate 24/7 alongside the Call Center.
He recalled that in 2014, FRSC promised the nation of some respite in travels, having identified and understood the nature of the task and, at the end of the 2014/2015 EMBER months operations.
, the Corps was able to reduce crashes by about 39 per cent and fatality by 21 per cent at the background of the 2014/2015 operations outcome.
Also, speed related crashes which stood at about 45 per cent of all causal factors were reduced by about 25 per cent within the same period.
“This is another challenging period for the Corps because it must constantly deliver desired services to Nigerians. Let me say that the modest achievements were recorded due to the steadfastness of the well over 30,000 personnel deployed as well as the collaboration we had with the Military and sister law enforcement agencies.
“Considerable understanding of motorists equally played a positive role in all these. It is therefore my pleasure to address you once again, as we enter into the most critical period of the EMBER months and FRSC special operations
“It is recalled that this year’s special patrol tagged ‘Operation Zero Tolerance,’ with the theme ‘Drive Safely into 2016’ was flagged off on 18 September, 2015 at Onitsha, Anambra State, by the Executive Governor, Dr. Willie Obiano. In attendance were legion of our stake holders which cut across transport unions, security organizations and non-governmental organizations, among others.
“The flag –off which is usually symbolic to bring the reality of the challenges and expected citizens’ comportment as well as to inform the nation of the commitment of the Corps to ensure safety of travels.
“It is also a time to make clarion call to all security organizations to be vigilant because in the cause of mass movement are also clandestine attempts to subvert the common cherished peace of the State. In other words, all protective forces are challenged to duty.
“During this operation, the Corps will once more rely on the robust partnership with the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) for aerial traffic surveillance. This segment of the operation will be flagged off tomorrow 24 December, 2015 at the Domestic Wing of the Nnandi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, “ he said.
The Corps Marshal warned the would-be deviants that the Corps would not tolerate anything short of conformity to road traffic regulations because this was the only way to guarantee safety of lives and people on the highways.
“Those with negative mind-set should be ready to interface with the numerous Mobile Courts that will be in place along all Corridors. They can be sure that justice will sort them out,” he said.
Lagos govt, LAGBUS to provide free bus service
The Lagos State government, through LAGBUS and its Franchisees, will provide free bus ride to Lagosians tomorrow to commemorate this year’s Christmas celebration.
The move is aimed at promoting the use of public transportation as well as reducing congestion on Lagos roads during the festivities.
According to the release signed by the Managing Director of LAGBUS, Mr Idowu Oguntona, the free bus ride, will be provided on all LAGBUS routes across the metropolis within normal operational hours.
While imploring Lagosians to take the opportunity of the free bus service provided by the state government, Oguntona appealed to motorists not to drink and drive so as to prevent avoidable accidents during festivities.
He, however, thanked all Lagosians for their patronage during the year and wished them a merry Christmas.
NSCDC deploys 50,000 officers
Clement Idoko - Abuja
THE Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC), Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu, has ordered the deployment of over 50,000 personnel nationwide to ensure peaceful Christmas and New Year celebrations.
He gave this directive at the Corps National Headquarters, Abuja, while calling on Christians to continue to walk in the footsteps of the Lord Jesus Christ.
He said: “I implore all Christians both in Nigeria and all over the world , that the great virtues laid down by Jesus Christ is worthy of emulation always, as this season of Christmas is a time encapsulated in love.
“The Haves should remember the less privileged be they Christians and non-Christians and extend a token of their love to them,” Gana, said in a statement signed by the Corps Public Relations Officer, Mr Emmanuel Okeh.
Be cautious at Xmas, Lagos NURTW boss tells Nigerians
Gbenga Olumide
The chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Lagos State council, Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede, has charged commercial drivers in the state to be moderate in their actions while celebrating Christmas and New Year festival.
The charge was contained in a goodwill message he personally signed and made available to the Nigerian Tribune, on Wednesday.
The NURTW boss advised that drivers must avoid vices that could lead to road accident.
“We are moving towards the end of the year, while people will be travelling from one town to the other. So, we must be cautious on the road and avoid things that can cause accident.
“I’m imploring our members to abstain from overloading, over speeding and overtaking at dangerous bends throughout the festive period,” he said.
Agbede further appealed to members of the union, especially those plying interstate routes to avoid night travelling.
According to him, “for our own sake, it is advisable for our people not to travel in the night, because there are lot of hazards associated with it.”
He also charged them to always ensure that their vehicles are in good condition to avoid friction with police and other law enforcement agencies.
Use of ‘knock-out’ remains banned in FCT, CP reiterates
Chris Agbambu and Adetola Bademosi - Abuja
The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, Wilson Inalegwu, on Wednesday, reiterated the ban on the use of knock-outs, fireworks popularly referred to as ‘bangers’ in the Federal Capital Territory.
The police boss, reiterated this on Wednesday, in Abuja ,when he held an interactive session with representatives of different transportation unions, to clamp down on the incidences of crime in the FCT.
According to him, the use of knock-outs could trigger fire outbreaks and also cause panic in the minds of residents, considering the current security challenges in the country.
He warned that the FCT Police will not hesitate to treat disobedience to the ban, as a crime.
“I also want to use this opportunity to warn that the use of knock-outs is banned. Because the fire from these knock-outs can cause fire outbreak and so ,I want to warn and advise that the use of knock-outs across FCT is banned so that we can ensure the safety of all.
“You know when people hear such sounds, they always cause panic and apprehension in the minds of people and also I have directed that anytime we receive notification from construction companies, if they want to carry out blast, they should notify all media houses in FCT so that they can be alerted ahead of time so that when you hear such sounds you will not panic. So, knock-outs, they call it banger, is prohibited” he said.
While speaking on the aim, of the interactive session, he noted that the FCT Police picked transport unions, in realization that transportation contributes to majority of the crimes perpetrated in the country.
He explained that criminals have continued to perpetrate evil with the use of vehicles in the FCT adding that with the collaboration with all stakeholders, this could be eradicated.
Inalegwu, however, noted the drastic fall in crime rates across the FCT in 2015, compared to recent years, saying;”this is achieved with the collaborations we have been receiving from you.(transport unions).”
To this end, he stressed the need for more collaboration with stakeholders to totally wipe out crime and ensure that the FCT is safe for all residents.
“Why you guys are very important, most crimes cannot occur without transportation. The armed robber requires a vehicle to convey him to a place and after he has robbed, he requires vehicle to carry the items he has robbed. If he is going to attack ATM, he needs vehicle to take him there and so, most crime touch on transportation. So we need all stakeholders to collaborate.
“It is part of our community policing approach and a good practice of regular engagement with the public. We believe some interface helps to open our minds to a lot of things that probably we are not aware of because we cannot say because we are commissioner of police or you Assistant Commissioner of Police you should know all that is going on in your neighbourhood.
“If we have the public on our side, they become our eyes and ears and we are able to deal with the issue of crime because in managing crime, we have to address the crimes of concern and for you to be able to address the crimes of concern, when you bring them they will be able to tell you those things you may not be aware of.
“You could be addressing the big crimes, like terrorism, highway robberies and a guy says what bothers him is that the wife goes to the market with some money and some people snatched the bag. So once you are able to understand that and you carry the public along, you are able to understand the crimes of concern.” he said
Seyi Makinde sues for peaceful festive period
SOCIAL Democratic Party governorship candidate in the April 11 governorship election in Oyo State, Mr Seyi Makinde, has urged the people of the state to go out and enjoy a peaceful festive period.
Makinde, in a press release signed by his media assistant, Akeem Azeez, said year 2015 had been an eventful year for the people of the state and urged them not to be left out in the mood of the season as the world marks the birth of Jesus Christ.
“Christmas season is a time to love, express joy and exchange gifts. The people of Oyo State should not be left out in this fun sharing period. We have had an eventful year that will live in our memory and spur us to do more in the new year,” he said.
“It is a great opportunity to have you around when it matter most, hence reason I will also have you always in my heart as well. I want all of us to enjoy the season and let’s bountifully brace up for the new year.
“Irrespective of the economic situation in the country, I admonish you to be law abiding citizens, one that will always seek for peace of our great state-Oyo and Nigeria at large.
“Lett us take time to slow down and enjoy the simple things. May this wonderful time of the year touch your heart in a special way. Wishing you much happiness today and throughout the New Year,” Makinde said.
Police deploy 40 patrol vans on highways in Ogun
Olayinka Olukoya - Abeokuta
Committed to ensure a free Christmas and new year celebrations, the Ogun State Police Command, on Wednesday, deployed no fewer than 40 patrol vans on highways across the state.
This was coming on the heels of a fierce gun battle between the police and a gang of armed robbers that operated at Ajede area near J3, on the Sagamu/Ore/Benin Expressway, on Wednesday morning, which left one robber dead.
This was contained in a statement by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said some of the robbers fled the scene with wounds of gunshots.
According to Adejobi, the hoodlums blocked the highway with a Toyota bus marked NND 529 XA and ordered the commuters to lie flat beside the highway.
He said the immediate response of the anti-patrol team foiled the operations of the armed robbers while the victims were rescued unhurt.
The PPRO said the effort of the command to protect lives and property of road users within the state had paid off, submitting that many highway robbery operations had equally been thwarted.
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