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Sports minister links terrorism in Nigeria to Religious bigotry, negative religious ideologies

**Advises youths to shun bigots, sponsors of violence
The minister of Youth and Sports Development Sunday Dare has linked the insurgency and terrorism that has been ravaging the Northern parts of the country to activities of religious bigots who feed some gullible individuals with negative religious ideologies and fundamentalism.This the Minister said can easily instigate them into taking up arms against their fellow human beings particularly people that have divergent views from their belief.The minister spoke at the National Programme on preventing and countering violent extremism among Youth (PCVE) in collaboration with the office of the National Security Adviser to the President held on Wednesday at the Cinema Hall,Cyprian Ekwensi Center for Arts and Culture in Abuja.According to the minister, the issue which was previously addressed as mere religious intolerance has snowballed into violent extremism with its global dimension of terrorism”You may wish to recall that this agitation has birthed the dreaded Bokoharam, which has ravaged the country, particularly in the North East part of the country, in the last 13 years.
he therefore admonished the youths to shun such bigots and sponsors of violence in their own interest as they do not mean well for them and the country.
“This sect has launched several attacks by bombing places of Worship, Public buildings, Security formations, Police Headquarters, including the UN building.
“The dastardly activities of this terrorist group have destroyed severa! billion naira worth of properties, and more devastatingly sent several thousands of people to their early graves, while many communities have been sacked, turning people there-from into IDPs, with its attendant implications.
“The whole of North East was almost overwhelmed at a point, when the daring Bokoharam sect was hoisting its flag in some local government areas in the North East, Borno State in particular.
“Alongside the terrorist activities of Bokoharam are also the farmer-herder clashes that have also resulted in killings of many farmers and sacking of several ones from their farmland, with the resultant implication of high prices of food items, due to
insufficient supply, as Most of the sacked farmers have been turned to IDPs and could not go back to their farms.
“While the country was yet contending with the harrowing and devastating effects of the activities of Bokoharam and herdsmen, another terrorist group by the name ISIS/ISWAP invaded the North West, kidnapping and abducting people for ransom to the tune of tens to hundreds of millions of naira; killing victims whose ransom could not be paid in the process.
“I am glad to inform you that currently, the Ministry has started synergizing with the Office of the National Security Adviser to the President, hence the collaboration between the Ministry and ONSA for this important programme.
“Violent Extremism is one of the terrible security challenges facing the world today, and they are attributable to some human factors, such as socio-economic inequality, ethnic jingoism, religious fundamentalism or fanaticism and political ideological differences.
“Although, it is a global phenomenon, Nigeria has however been bedeviled with violent extremism in recent years, which is being sponsored or executed by some ethnic bigots or religious fundamentalist.
“What could have been regarded as genuine and lawful agitations have been hijacked by some unscrupulous individuals, sponsoring misguided youth to foment violent destruction and killings, in the name of seeking redress for being marginalized in the scheme of things.
“Hiding under this pretext, public facilities have been attacked, vandalized and destroyed; as we have witnessed in the cases of Police stations and INEC offices across some states of the country.
“As you may also be aware, some private individuals and security personnel have fallen victims as casualties of the dastardly acts of these violent agitators.
“The youth being used to perpetrate these heinous maiming, killings and destructions are ignorant, and not wary of their unpatriotic sponsors, whose actions in most cases are borne out of hatred, and attempts to settle business or political scores.
“The wicked money bags usually exploit the high unemployment and appalling socio-economic status of the unsuspecting youth, who are full of vigour, vibrancy and energy, to be lured into violent.
The Moderator/Lead Facilitator,
Theophilus Ekpon said the workshop on Preventing and countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) is designed to strengthen resilience in communities and among youths with the aim of forging responsive actions.
“We wish to understand what the youths are doing on PCVE in terms of early warming and response, multi-stateholders engagementand social cohesion and countering terrorists narratives and ideologies.
“We are hopeful that information on what the youths are doing on PCVE will help the government and stakeholders to support them technically and financially to ensure peace and security in Nigeria.
He said the workshop is also part of the implementation of UN Secretary General ‘Plan of action to prevent violent extremism’
He said it is worrisome that Nigeria continued to face profound terrorism challenges, the third highest in the world according to the Global Terrorism Index 2020.
“From the advent of Boko Haram in 2009 to the infamous kidnapping of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014 and the growth of the Boko Haram splinter group, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Nigeria-based terrorist groups have risen to international prominence.
“Moreover, the terrorist threat originating in Nigeria has evolved into a transnational terrorist challenge threatening the security of civilian populations in Nigeria and its neighboring countries, especially Cameroon, Chad and Niger.
“In May 2014, Boko Haram was added to the Security Council’s Al-Qaida Sanctions list and, in 2015, Boko Haram pledged alliance to ISIS/ISIL.
“Since Boko Haram rose to prominence, the Government of Nigeria has been working to address the challenges posed by the terrorist threat through counter-terrorism legislation and related action plans.
“In 2011, the Terrorism Prevention Act was passed, followed in 2013 by its Amendment Act.
“In addition, the Nigerian government has also developed a National Counter-Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST) which was adopted in 2014 and revised in 2016, and a National Countering Violent Extremism Programme in 2016, with a Policy Framework and National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism launched in 2017.
“Both documents address a broad range of areas which are important to countering terrorism and addressing the conditions conducive to terrorism.”
According to him the Ministry of Youth and sports Development is a member of the Steering committee on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, “Thus the onus is on us to contribute our quota through ensuring the implementation of the National Action Plan for PCVE through well thought-out programmes which will promote youth inclusiveness in affairs that affect them, most especially in maintenance of peace and security.”
News
CUPP lampoon Reps over move to investigate Ugochinyere, others for visit to Fubara

**Calls for reversal of the ill-informed Move by the House of reps
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has Condemned the attempt by the House of Representatives to refer Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere and other members to the Committee On Ethics for probe over their Solidarity Visit to the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Fifty members of the House of Representatives hadq paid a solidarity visit to the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to celebrate his one year in office.
The lawmakers, who consist of members of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP), Labour Party ( LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party ( NNPP), All Progressives Grand Alliance ( APGA) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) also include the spokesman of opposition coalition, in the House, Ikenga Ugochinyere..
Ugochinyere had explained on the sideline of the thanksgiving service in Port Harcourt that federal lawmakers were in Rivers to solidarilize with Fubara and celebrate with him on his one year of transformational leadership.
But the House had referred the Honourable members to the Committee on Ethics for disciplinary action over their visit
However, the chairman,
Media Committee of the
Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) Chief Barr. Chukwudi Ezeobika in a statement has tackled the leadership of the House for the action which he said clearly cast doubt on its integrity in the observance and or adherence to the laws which they enact/promulgate.
“Relying on the point of order/ privilege raised by Yusuf Gagdi of the All Progressives Congress, Plateau State to arrive at such decision is erroneous and grossly misleading.
“The House, by this very action, has impugned on the integrity and sacredness of Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) especially Sections 39 and 40 which guarantee Freedom of Expression and the Press as well as that of Peaceful Assembly and Association respectively.
“We, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), hereby call on the leadership of the House of Representatives to, without further delay retract its ongoing steps in the purported probe of these Honourable members by its Ethics Committee and not engage in any act that may violate the fundamental rights of its members or any member of the public.
News
Kano Police counter reports that Emir Bayero will lead Jumma’t prayer

the Kano State Police Command has countered reports that Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero will lead Jumma’t Prayers at Kofar Kudu Central Mosque, Kano, where Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, Emir of Kano, leading prayer at the moment.
The reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and the dethroned Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, have been laying claim to the throne, creating confusion in the city.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had dethroned Ado Bayero and asked him to hand over within 48 hours.
But the dethroned monarch in defiance returned to the town under military protection and has been operating from the mini palace since then.
In a statement by Abdullahi Kiyawa, spokesman of Kano Police Command, said, “The Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Usaini Gumel, FIPMA, psc further assured that all necessary security arrangements have been made for Alhaji Aminu Bayero to observe his Jummah Prayers in the Mosque where he lives at the Nasarawa Palace.
“The CP also assured that the Police and all other state security agencies will provide adequate security at the Palace where Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II is expected to observe his Jumma’at Prayers.
“Members of the public are therefore advised to ignore the false reports and misinformation circulating on social media and to go about their activities without fear of molestation or intimidation assuring that the Police will continue to provide the necessary security for ensuring that residents observe their Friday congressional prayers peacefully and without threats to their lives and property.”
The emirate tussle has continued to linger since the reinstatement of Sanusi and dissolution of the five emirates.
There have been cnflicting court orders for and against
Based on the conflicting orders, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kayode Ariwoola, had summoned the head of the Federal High high Court and Kano Chief Judge.
The Police statement reads,
KANO STATE POLICE COMMAND
31ST MAY, 2024
The Kano State Police Command is hereby advising all residents to disregard the false information circulating on social media that Emir Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero will lead Jumma’t Prayers at Kofar Kudu Central Mosque, Kano.
2. The Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Usaini Gumel, FIPMA, psc further assured that all necessary security arrangements have been made for Alhaji Aminu Bayero to observe his Jummah Prayers in the Mosque where he lives at the Nasarawa Palace.
3. The CP also assured that the Police and all other state security agencies will provide adequate security at the Palace where Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II is expected to observe his Jumma’at Prayers.
4. Members of the public are therefore advised to ignore the false reports and misinformation circulating on social media and to go about their activities without fear of molestation or intimidation assuring that the Police will continue to provide the necessary security for ensuring that residents observe their Friday congressional prayers peacefully and without threats to their lives and property.
SP ABDULLAHI HARUNA KIYAWA, ANIPR, MNISMA,
POLICE PUBLIC RELATONS OFFICER,
FOR: COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, KANO STATE COMMAND.
News
Royal turbulence gets messier as emirs Sanusi II, Bayero move to hold prayer at Palace Mosque

As the royal turbulence continue to shake the foundation of the city of Kano, the ancient city is tension soaked as the two contending Emirs- the reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and the dethroned Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, have indicated their determination to hold Jumaat prayers at the Palace Central Mosque.
A press statement issued Thursday night, signed by Danburan Kano, Munir Sanusi Bayero, spelt out the itinerary of the reinstated Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II to the Mosque to lead the Jumaat Prayers.
The statement explained that Emir Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, who resides in the Palace, and is closer to the contending Mosque, is expected to lead the two rakat Friday prayers.
Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II has been leading the Jumaat Prayers at the Palace Central Mosque as the Amir of the City, a statement explained.
The statement by Danburan invited Kano residents to come and listen to the sermon to be delivered by the Emir Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II.
However, another statement from an aide of the deposed Emir, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero invited residents to join him at the Emir’s Palace Friday Mosque to observe the Juma’at prayer.
It stated that the movement to the Emir’s Palace Mosque starts at 12.30 pm.
However, the police are yet to comment on the development.
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