NEWS

Gowon urges unity, as North takes position on restructuring

Published

7 years ago

October 9, 2017

FAB.NG

Former Head of State and founder of the interfaith association “Nigeria Prays”, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, has appealed to well- meaning Nigerians to convince those “calling for the breakup of the country to desist.”

The elder statesman who reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that Nigeria remains one entity said that there are more people in support of the unity of the country than those who are agitating for its breakup.Gowon spoke with journalists at “The Honour Nigeria Awards” organised by Trinity House tagged “Fulfilling Nigerians potential” held at Victoria Island, Lagos.

He expressed commitment to the meaning given to his name by a journalist: “Go On With One Nigeria” (GOWON), adding that Nigerians created the problems and should rise to solve them.Gowon stressed that with love for God and one another, Nigeria would achieve greatness in a very short time, adding that all citizens must make the country work.

“The honour bestowed on me today, I accept on behalf of every Nigerian both past, present and future to keep Nigeria one. This church, by way of emphasis, is about the unity, love of God, unity of the country and love for one another to make us great as a nation. Forget all the differences that are happening and harassment from here and there. I believe we will make it.

“God is saying to Nigerians that we are His people. Aren’t we all religious in Nigeria? Even the traditional religion always worships that unknown god and that unknown god is rarely the God almighty that we all believe in. We should concentrate on loving each other and work to ensure that we achieve greatness. It is up to every Nigerian to contribute his quota.

“I admonish you to work hard to make sure that you convince those who are in the agitation for the break up of the country. Tell them no, we have got to convince them and I can assure that there are more who love Nigeria and like Nigeria to continue in peace and development than those who are trying to create problems for Nigeria.

“We should live an exemplary life, in whatever you do, be honest to God, love God the way you should and love your neighbour as yourself, if honestly we can practise that, then things will be better. I love Nigeria, I believe in Nigeria like many other Nigerians and like the young man that wrote that article giving a meaning to my name, Go On With One Nigeria, I can assure you that it gave me the courage and determination to do it correctly, with the fear of God and with the love for my people. We Nigerians created the problems for ourselves and we have got to solve them by ourselves.”

Earlier in his message, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, the founder, Trinity House said the event was part of activities to commemorate Nigeria’s independence anniversary celebrations in the church.

“The event is the church’s own way of contributing to the development of the Nigerian nation. Nigeria has some of the most outstanding people that the world has ever seen as citizens. We must begin to celebrate these people and also celebrate the good about Nigeria; we must raise up bright and new role models. Our prayer is that Nigeria will begin to be truly outstanding.”

The former military leader received the 2017 leadership award while Senator David Dafinone got the 2017 professionalism award. And while Chief Stella Chinyelu Okoli got the 2017 industrialist award, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika was honoured with the 2017 female role model award.

Gowon spoke yesterday as former political adviser in the Presidency, Dr. Usman Bugaje, said the north would take a clear position on restructuring based on research and consensus rather than on emotion and selfishness.In a statement, Bugaje, who is the convener of Arewa Research and Development Project, said given that the issue of restructuring had become contentious, it would be necessary for the north to rise above the confusion and present a more rational position.

“In the last one year, or so, ‘restructuring’ and ‘true federalism’ have dominated political discourse in Nigeria. Unfortunately, when you listen to the speeches and read the articles on these issues, you will find out that there are as many comprehensions of these terms as there are people speaking or writing. Besides, most of the discussions seem to ignore the history of the evolution of our federalism and this failure has actually helped to rob the whole exercise of its propriety, accuracy and clarity,” Bugaje said.

According to him, though citizens are at liberty to canvass restructuring, their use of imprecise terms and inaccurate arguments has not only resulted in communication breakdown, but has helped to spread confusion and generate needless tension in the polity.To this effect, Bugaje said the Arewa Research and Development Project (ARDP) would hold a two-day conference in Kaduna on Wednesday to help bring clarity, accuracy and coherence into the debate as well as provide a sound basis upon which the North would anchor its position on restructuring.

He said the planning committee of the conference drew heavily from northern academic institutions and organisations like the Northern Elders’ Forum, Arewa Consultative Forum, Sir Ahmadu Bello Foundation, Code Group, Northern Delegates Forum, Northern Re-awakening, Jamiyyar Matan Arewa and Arewa Initiative for Good Governance.

“This conference seeks to blend academic presentations with realpolitik,” he said, adding that “while academics and experts will lead with papers, a panel of practitioners will discuss the issues extensively. The audience will also be given a chance to raise issues and make their inputs into the discussions.”

According to him, “some of the key papers will be on the history of the Nigerian federation; an examination of the constitutional developments in pre- and post-colonial Nigeria; and the dangers of war, the dynamics of peace. “

“Others will look at the principles of fiscal federalism and revenue allocation; the land question and the development agenda of the north. In the afternoon of both two days, a panel of experts will focus on these presentations and bring the practical dimensions to the fore while the audience gets a chance to make their inputs,” Bugaje added.

– Guardian

Related Topics:Ibukun Awosika North Restructuring Yakubu Gowon

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Bobrisky Released On Bail After Denying 15 Million Naira Bribery Allegations

Published

17 hours ago

November 4, 2024

Reporter

Bobrisky granted bail after denying N15m bribery allegation | fab.ng

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently granted bail to Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, following his detention.

On Thursday night, Bobrisky was apprehended and removed from a KLM flight bound for Amsterdam at Lagos’s Murtala Muhammed International Airport while attempting to travel to London.

Subsequently, Bobrisky took to social media to inform his followers about his arrest, claiming to have sustained injuries during the incident.

He posted, “Nigerians, help me, EFCC just arrested me. I’m badly injured.”

After his arrest, officials transported him to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja for questioning over alleged bribery claims involving the commission.

The allegations arose when social media critic Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, released a voice note reportedly featuring Bobrisky’s voice. In the recording, Bobrisky allegedly claimed he had bribed EFCC officials with N15 million to drop money laundering charges.

However, late on Friday, November 1, authorities processed Bobrisky’s bail, and he regained his freedom shortly after. EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the release on Saturday but declined to provide additional information.

A source close to the case disclosed that Bobrisky denied all bribery allegations in his official statement. He also challenged the voice note’s authenticity, urging the individual who shared it to prove the claims.

According to the source, Bobrisky asserted that no EFCC official had solicited money from him and insisted he had not offered any bribe.

Through this statement, Bobrisky maintained his innocence, asserting that the bribery accusations were baseless. Meanwhile, the EFCC has yet to comment further on the case. This leaves questions about the voice note’s origins and the nature of the allegations still unresolved.

BREAKING NEWS

Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson’s Producer, Dies At 91

Published

18 hours ago

November 4, 2024

Reporter

Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson's producer, dies at 91 | fab.ng

Quincy Jones, a legendary music producer renowned for his collaborations with iconic artists, passed away on November 4, 2024, at the age of 91.

His publicist, Arnold Robinson, confirmed the news. Jones’ family released a heartfelt statement, expressing their grief and celebrating his extraordinary life and enduring legacy.

They said,

“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing. And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”

They added, “We take comfort and immense pride in knowing that the love and joy, that were the essence of his being, was shared with the world through all that he created. Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’s heart will beat for eternity.”

Born in Chicago in 1933, Quincy Jones’s lineage was a complex tapestry of history. His mother descended from slave owners, while his father, half-white, was the son of a Welsh slave master and one of his enslaved women.

Jones’s early exposure to music began at home, where his mother’s singing and a neighbour’s piano ignited his passion. At the tender age of seven, he started learning to play the piano.

Following his parents’ divorce, Jones and his father moved to Washington State. There, he joined his high school band, mastering the drums and various brass instruments.

His musical journey took a significant turn at the age of 14 when he began performing in Seattle bars. A remarkable moment arrived in 1948 when he backed Billie Holiday, sharing the stage with a young Ray Charles.

After a brief stint at Seattle University studying music, Jones ventured to Boston to complete his education. His illustrious career, spanning over seven decades, was marked by groundbreaking collaborations with legendary artists.

He worked alongside Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and many others. Indeed, one of his most iconic achievements was producing Michael Jackson’s historic album, “Thriller.”

Check out more news updates here.

MOVIES

AMAA 2024: “The Weekend” & “Jagun Jagun” Take Home Major Wins

Published

18 hours ago

November 4, 2024

Reporter

AMAA 2024: The Weekend & Jagun Jagun Wins Big | fab.ng

The 20th edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) took place yesterday, November 2nd, 2024, at the Balmoral Convention Centre in Ikeja, Lagos.

This year, the AMAA 2024 ceremony honoured first-time winners and celebrated the best in African cinema. This brought filmmakers from across the globe together under one roof.

Notably, Nollywood actor Segun Arinze and Ghanaian actress Joselyn Dumas hosted the event. In addition, legendary Afrobeat musicians Femi Kuti and Yinka Davies performed, adding a unique flair to the ceremony.

A line-up of pan-African artists, including Narh Tettey, Bedwei Kwaku, and Adina Thembi, further entertained the audience.

Leading the jury, filmmaker and curator Dorothee Wenner, along with a distinguished panel, reviewed the nominated films, recognizing exceptional talent and storytelling in African cinema.

Among the major highlights in AMAA 2024, the Nigerian-directed drama “The Weekend” dominated the evening. It won the “Best Film Award” for both Nigeria and Africa.

Furthermore, Femi Adebayo won the “Best Actor in a Supporting Role” award for his performance in the historical thriller “Jagun Jagun.”

Notably, after receiving seven nominations, the film also claimed awards for Achievement in Visual Effects and Make-up.

Meanwhile, Elsie Abang earned “Best Actress in a Supporting Role” for her performance in “KIPKEMBOI.” Likewise, Michell Lemuya claimed the “Best Young Promising Actor” award for her role in “NAWI.”

In the leading roles category, South Africa’s Zolisa Xaluva took home “Best Actor in a Leading Role” for his work in “The Queenstown King.”

Similarly, Ghana’s Jackie Appiah won “Best Actress in a Leading Role” for her performance in “Red Carpet.”

Continuing the list of accolades, “Letters to Goddo,” directed by Harry Bentil, won the “Best Feature Film by a Director” award. Meanwhile, Jahmil X.T. Qubeka earned the “Best Director” title for his work on “The Queenstown Kings.”

In recognition of lifelong achievements, the Academy presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to notable filmmakers Souleymane Cissé from Mali, Nacer Khemir from Tunisia, and Haile Gerima from Ethiopia.

Additionally, Alain Gomis from Senegal and Gabon, along with Zimbabwean author and filmmaker Tsitsi Dangarembga, received special recognition awards in AMAA 2024 for their valuable contributions to African cinema.

See the full list of AMAA 2024 winners below: