What book could you read over and over again?
The Holy Quran
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Top Nigerian lawyer and professor Yemi Oke wrote an open letter to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and US President Joe Biden regarding the Nigerian elections.
In the letter, dated Sunday April 9th, Oke criticized popular Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Adichie’s stance on the February 25th presidential polls.
Oke referred to Adichie’s letter to Biden as “seditious” and accused her of engaging in extraterritorial ethnocentric politicking as a non-resident Nigerian-American.
Oke went on to state that Adichie’s letter was unbecoming and that she had written a seditious letter against the government and people of Nigeria, falling short of expectations.
Oke expressed his surprise that a privileged Nigerian-born writer like Adichie would choose to portray her country of origin in such a negative light.
“Chimamanda’s letter was against entire Nigeria’s Democracy that was fought and procured with patriotic bloods and undeterred resolve of democrats, chief among them being Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Adichie wrote an open letter to US President Joe Biden accusing Nigeria’s electoral commission of ignoring “glaring red flags” and manipulating the presidential election.
Adichie supported the Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi, and claimed that if the results had been uploaded in real-time, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Tinubu, would not have won.
The APC candidate was declared the winner, with 8,794,726 votes, beating his closest challenger, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, who scored 6,984,520 votes. Peter Obi came third with 6,101,533 votes.
In response, Nigerian lawyer and professor Yemi Oke wrote an open letter to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Biden, criticising Adichie’s letter as “seditious.”
Oke accused Adichie of engaging in “extraterritorial ethnocentric politicking” as a non-resident Nigerian-American.
The Nigeria Army Chief organized a luncheon for wounded soldiers of Operation Hadin Kai, a military force fighting Boko Haram terrorists around the Lame Chad region, to mark this year’s Easter celebration.
The luncheon was attended by the Theater commander, Major General Ibrahim S. Ali, who represented the army chief Lieutenant General Farouq Yahaya.
“I am indeed proud of you all and want to charge you to continue to remain focused, disciplined and loyal to our great nation,” said Major General Ali.
“We must continue to work with, synergized, and leverage on the competencies of our sister security services and other organizations in the discharge of our responsibility.”
He also highlighted the successes of the Nigerian Army in the Theatre of Operations across the country, stating that their collective efforts have provided the safe and secure environment needed for socioeconomic activities to thrive.
“We must continue to ensure that every criminal element and group in the country are completely eliminated,” he added.
The army chief’s remarks underscored the importance of collaboration and shared responsibility in the fight against terrorism.
The luncheon was a way for him to show his appreciation for the bravery and dedication of the troops fighting against Boko Haram terrorists in the Lame Chad region, and to assure the injured soldiers that they would be supported throughout their healing period.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander of North East Operation Hadin Kai, who was represented by his deputy, Maj. Gen. Koko Isong, stated that the theatre had stepped up its kinetic and non-kinetic operations, which have been crucial to the successes and gains achieved thus far.
He revealed that a total of 93,000 Boko Haram fighters and their families have surrendered to the troops, and he assured that they would not become complacent to prevent a reversal of the gains already made.
He also emphasized that the army will continue to adopt decisive and intensified strategies against the terrorists.
The tradition of the military, since 2015, is for the army chief to celebrate religious holidays with troops on the frontline.
This year’s edition was a testament to the army’s dedication to supporting its troops and ensuring that they have the resources they need to succeed in their mission.
Overall, the luncheon was a fitting tribute to the soldiers fighting to protect their country and fellow citizens.
It served as a reminder that the fight against terrorism is ongoing, and that the army remains committed to providing the resources and support necessary for its troops to succeed in their mission.
Borno State Governor Babagana8 Zulum has extended Easter greetings to Christians across Nigeria and urged citizens to pray for peace and progress in the state.
He also called on celebrants to reach out to those in need and commit part of their prayers for a successful second term of his administration and for the full restoration of peace, safe resettlement of citizens, and the revival of means of livelihoods.
Zulum emphasized the importance of infrastructure projects, programs, and policies that will improve living standards and strengthen economies in all senatorial zones of the state.
Additionally, he urged security agencies to sustain their efforts in preserving security during the festivities and beyond.
The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has distributed 276,700 textbooks and exercise books to orphanage schools and centers in Borno and Yobe states.
The NEDC reported that the 3,910 pupils from the nine schools and centers were orphaned during the 13-year Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast.
The commission’s Borno State Coordinator, Mohammed Umaru, said the NEDC also supported three other foundations with 950 blankets and mats, 700 wrappers, and Shadda clothes.
Armed terrorist groups killed 44 civilians in two villages in northeastern Burkina Faso, near the Niger border, according to regional governor Rodolphe Sorgho.
The attacks took place overnight Thursday in the villages of Kourakou and Tondobi in the Sahel region. Sorgho reported that 31 people died in Kourakou and 13 in Tondobi.
The lieutenant-governor described the killings as a “despicable and barbaric attack”.
The army launched an offensive against the attackers, Sorgho said, and “actions to stabilise the area are under way”.
Last June, 86 civilians were killed close to the village of Seytenga in one of the worst attacks of an ongoing insurgency.
The impoverished Sahel country of Burkina Faso is facing a seven-year-old jihadist insurgency, with attacks by groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State increasing in recent years.
In response to the recent attacks, the country’s new military chief, Colonel Celestin Simpore, vowed to step up a “dynamic offensive” against the armed groups.
Regional governor Rodolphe Sorgho also called on the local population to join the Front for the Defence of the Fatherland (FDS), a pro-junta movement, and enroll in the VDP volunteer militia.
The twin attacks that killed 44 civilians on Thursday happened close to the village of Seytenga, where 86 people were killed in one of the deadliest attacks of the insurgency.
Sorgho said that “actions to stabilize the area are under way”.
Most Rev Dr John Bagna Bakeni, Auxiliary Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Borno State, has called on Christians to renew their faith in Christ and recommit themselves to the service of God and humanity.
In his Easter message for 2023, he also urged Nigerians to pray for peace and security in the country and work towards finding lasting solutions to the challenges facing the nation.
He said Easter is the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the foundation of the Christian faith and the promise of eternal life. It is preceded by his passion, suffering, and death. Christians learn humility and selfless love through Easter, and are called to embrace virtues such as love, unity, prayer, peace, faith, kindness, generosity, charity, and goodness.
The message encourages Christians to put on the light of Christ and share it with others, including Muslims and those without a religion.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has inaugurated the construction of Borno’s second flyover aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving infrastructure in the state capital, Maiduguri.
The Chinese company in charge of the project is expected to deliver it at a cost of N5.8 billion.
The flyover will be situated around the Borno Express with roads connecting three key parts of Maiduguri, including the international airport, township stadium, and Tashan Kano.
The project will cover 600 meters of a concrete bridge with additional road networks.
This is the second flyover to be constructed by the governor, with the first one commissioned in December 2021 by President Buhari,
Muktar Betara, a Nigerian federal lawmaker, has received a supermajority endorsement from the new and returning members-elect of the House of Representatives to become the 10th Speaker of the House.
During a discussion on Thursday, 70% of the lawmakers agreed to vote for Betara, with Kabir Tukur, a member-elect from Kebbi State, stating that they have come too far in their support for Betara to back down now.
While other members-elect are vying for the position, Betara has been recognized as the most suitable candidate by his supporters.
Hon. Muktar Betara is a Nigerian lawmaker who is a member of the House of Representatives representing Biu/Bayo/Kwaya Kusar/Shani Federal Constituency of Borno State.
He was born on September 22, 1978, in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
Betara holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Maiduguri and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the same institution. Prior to his election into the House of Representatives, he served as the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima.
In the House, Betara serves as the Chairman of the Committee on Defence and is also a member of several other committees, including the Committee on Appropriation, Committee on Health Institutions, and Committee on Interior.
Betara has been recognized for his contributions to the development of his constituency and his efforts towards promoting peace in his community. He is also known for his support for the education of underprivileged children in his constituency through the establishment of scholarship programs.
Governor Zulum visited Malam-Fatori, a former Boko Haram stronghold in Borno State, to assess the reconstruction progress.
He interacted with troops from the Nigerian Army’s 68 battalion who lead the fight against the insurgents in the area.
The Governor approved the use of armoured carriers and patrol vehicles for soldiers and targets May, 2023 for resettlement.
Bay States News 