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Northern Elders Demand Interrogation Of Mahdi Shehu Over Inciting Comment Against Peter Obi [VIDEO]

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2 years ago

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Northern elders under the umbrella of the Coalition of Northern Elders For Peace and National Unity (CNEFPNU), have asked security agencies to interrogate Mahdi Shehu, a Katsina-based activist, over what they termed a provocative statement against Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party for the 2023 general election.

A viral video had captured Shehu advising Christians in the North against voting for a presidential candidate of southern extraction in the election.

In the video, the Katsina-born activist was seen urging Northern Christians not to vote for Christian Candidates from the South, particularly the Labour Party candidate, purporting that a vote for him would amount to a vote for Biafra, and a secessionist.

Shehu further claimed that Northerners – both Christians and Muslims – are being discriminated against in the South East, South West, and South-South, hence his despicable outing.

But reacting to his remarks, CNEFPNU, described the disposition of Mahdi as “distasteful, provocative, and capable of inciting ethnoreligious tension”.

While insisting that the outing constituted hate speech and fake news, the elders called on relevant security agencies to arrest, interrogate, and where culpability is established, prosecute him, to serve as deterrence to others, who may contemplate such an infamous path especially as political parties would soon commence their campaigns.

In a statement signed by the National Coordinator, Prof Abdulkadir Mohammed Gummi, and National Secretary, Hajiya Hadiza M. Gwazo, the elders maintained that the position of Madhi was a brazen attempt to incite Christians against Muslims in the North on one hand, and Northerners against Southerners on the other.

“As responsible Northern elders, we view the video by Shehu Mahdi, as a deliberate attempt to instigate ethnoreligious tension in the country, hence our call on relevant security agencies to take him in immediately for questioning.

“We further enjoin our people to disregard the provocative comments made by Mahdi, even as we urge them to vote for presidential candidates of their choice, devoid of ethnic, religious, or political consideration.

“May we also clarify that having followed Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate, for a long time now, we can say, without equivocation, that he is a detribalised, and patriotic Nigerian, who has the interest of the ordinary people at heart”, the statement read in part.

According to the patriots, by calling out Northern Christians and urging them not to vote for Obi, Madhi has inadvertently demonstrated that Christians in the North should be held accountable, should an unpopular candidate from the South emerge as President in 2023.

The statement reads: “This would mean that Christians from the North would automatically become targets of disparaging remarks and violence.

“Secondly, Mahdi’s charge is laced with a lot of tribal and religious slur aimed at causing disaffection between Northerners and Southers, Northerners against Igbos and Northerners against Southeast in general.

“In an election period and in a period when Northern Nigeria is going through a very turbulent period, what the North needs is unity in face of all odds and not a campaign of calumny against anyone or region.

“As far as the coalition of Northern Elders Forum for Peace and Unity is concerned, Peter Obi was duly certified and cleared by the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC), the Department of State Security ( DSS ) as a Nigerian who is eligible to contest for any elective office.

“INEC which cleared Obi did not say that the Labour Party Flag bearer is a Biafran. The DSS did not come out to say Obi is from Biafra and these organisations are headed by Northerners. Nigerians should be asking Madhi to tell them how he came about his allegations against Obi.

“Mr Peter Obi is running to be President of Nigeria and not President of Biafra or Igbos or Southern Nigeria. His ambition according to him is to guarantee economic prosperity and security for all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, tribal, or religious affiliation.

“The Peter Obi campaign is broad-based and all-inclusive. His track record of inclusivity is not in doubt. It is callous for anyone to accuse Peter Obi of running to represent the interest of Biafra. Peter Obi is running to represent the interest of all Nigerians”.

It was the contention of the Forum that the current insecurity, untold hardship, and economic deprivation, among other challenges facing Nigerians; with the North worst hit, can only be truly addressed by a visionary and committed leader like Mr Peter Obi.

Therefore, it would be foolhardy for anyone to tell Northerners to vote on a tribal, religious or regional basis again.

“We as a group would encourage Northerners to scrutinise the economic blueprints of all the Presidential candidates and then choose who has the competence to bring about a positive change, for us in the forum we took our stand with the wave of a new Nigeria that’s about to be birthed, a position we will make public soon.

“Similarly, Northerners should interrogate the achievements of all the contestants before choosing who should lead them. What Northerners should not do this time around, is to vote on religious or regional lines as Madhi is advocating”, the statement concluded.

Watch video below

https://twitter.com/Lameenkolos/status/1572157851694505988?t=-RuOlAzix3OZ4E_kiVFJlA&s=19

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BIG STORY

BREAKING: Soldiers Dismissed For Stealing Armoured Cables From Dangote Refinery

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14 hours ago

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April 22, 2024

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Corporal Innocent Joseph and Lance Corporal Jacob Gani, have been found guilty and dismissed from service for theft of armoured cables at Dangote Refinery premises in Lagos State on April 14, 2024.

Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, announced this in a statement on Monday.

Nwachukwu claims that after a comprehensive investigation carried out in coordination with the Dangote Refinery management, it was discovered that Joseph and Gani had left their positions of responsibility and were in unlawful possession of the armoured cables.

He said: “Subsequently, they were both charged for Failure to Perform Military Duties punishable under section 57, sub section (1) and Other Civil Offences punishable under section 114, sub section (1) of the Armed Forces Act CAP A20, the Law of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

“They were summarily tried.

“During the trial, the evidence against them was presented and they were given the opportunity to present their cases and defend themselves, but were however found guilty of the charges levelled against them in accordance with military laws.”

Nwachukwu said as a demonstration of the zero-tolerance for misconduct and criminality within its ranks, the two soldiers have been dismissed from the Nigerian Army with immediate effect and handed over to relevant authorities for further prosecution.

He added: “This decisive action underscores the NA’s resoluteness in maintaining its institutional integrity and reputation.

“The NA reassures the general public of its dedication to upholding integrity, discipline and accountability at all levels.

“We remain resolute in our duty to protect and serve the nation with honour and dignity.

“We urge the public to continue to support our efforts in safeguarding national security and promoting peace and stability across the nation.”

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Olota, Oba Professor Adeyemi Obalanlege, Visits Rainstorm-Affected Areas In Sango-Otta

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14 hours ago

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April 22, 2024

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In the wake of a destructive rainstorm that struck Otta and its environs on Sunday, April 21, 2024, His Majesty, Kabiyesi Olota, Oba Professor Adeyemi Abdukabir Obalanlege, has demonstrated exemplary leadership by conducting an on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas.

Residents of Sango Otta awoke to a scene of chaos and distress as fallen power poles littered the roads, creating hazardous conditions for motorists and pedestrians alike.

Recognizing the urgent need for assistance, the Olota wasted no time in mobilizing efforts to provide support and relief to the affected communities.

In a statement released by Afin Olota Ile Awori and signed by the Olota’s personal assistant, Prince Adeyemi Sulaimon Olusesi, His Majesty expressed deep concern over the plight of those whose properties and livelihoods were impacted by the storm.

Describing the situation as “worrisome and sad,” particularly in light of the prevailing economic challenges facing the nation, the Olota extended his heartfelt sympathies to all affected individuals and families.

Furthermore, the Olota urged the government to take immediate action to address the aftermath of the storm and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Emphasizing the importance of swift intervention, His Majesty called upon relevant authorities to prioritize the restoration of essential services and infrastructure in the affected areas.

Acknowledging the efforts of security agencies, notably the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), and other stakeholders who promptly responded to the crisis, the Olota expressed gratitude for their commitment to assisting the affected communities.

The referred monarch also offered prayers for divine intervention, invoking the mercy of Eledumare for those directly and indirectly impacted by the disaster.

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BIG STORY

FG Begins Loan Disbursement Process For MSME, Manufacturing Sector [See Criteria/How To Apply]

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15 hours ago

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April 22, 2024

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The federal government says it has confirmed the commencement of loan disbursement process for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) and manufacturing sectors.

The effort is meant to stimulate industrial development and economic progress, according to a statement released on Monday by the minister of trade, industry, and investment’s office.

The ministry claims that N75 billion has been set aside for MSMEs and the manufacturing industry, respectively.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria is proud to announce the operational launch of the MSME and Manufacturing segment under the prestigious Presidential 200 Billion Naira Intervention Fund,” the ministry said.

“With applications for the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme now closed, we are excited to move forward with the loan disbursement process for the MSME and Manufacturing sectors, aimed at boosting economic growth and industrial development.

“This fund is strategically divided, dedicating 75 Billion Naira to MSMEs and another 75 Billion to the manufacturing sector.

“We are pleased to report that the initial disbursement to nano businesses has been met with success, and we are well on our way to supporting 1 million nano businesses throughout the country.

“Thousands of beneficiaries have already confirmed receipt with many more to come.

“We invite eligible enterprises to join this transformative initiative. To apply, please visit our official application portal at www.fedgrantandloan.gov.ng.

“Additionally, applicants seeking more detailed information should visit their local state Bank of Industry branch.”

CRITERIA FOR MSME LOANS UP TO N1M

  • ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Must be an existing business in operation for at least one year, or a registered start-up.

Provide CAC business registration documents.

Present the company’s bank statement for existing businesses or the chief promoter’s bank statement for start-ups.

Fulfil the required monthly turnover and comply with other requirements as specified by the bank.

  • SECURITY

Provide a personal guarantee of the promoter.

Agree to bank verification number (BVN) covenant.

Adhere to global standing instruction (GSI) and other securities as required by the bank.

  • REPAYMENT FREQUENCY

Monthly equal instalments with no moratorium, spanning a 3-year term.

  • CRITERIA FOR MANUFACTURER LOANS UP TO N1B

Asset financing comes with a 5-year repayment period, and working capital financing includes a 6-month moratorium on principal and interest, followed by a 12-month equal instalment repayment plan.

On April 16, FG commenced the disbursement process for the presidential conditional grant scheme to verified applicants.

President Bola Tinubu launched the scheme on October 17, 2023, to cushion the effects of the removal of petrol subsidy and other economic shocks.

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