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FG dismisses CSU certificate saga, says no time for frivolities

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In the midst of the controversy over President Bola Tinubu’s academic records released by the Chicago State University (CSU), the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has indicated that the Federal Government can not dwell on frivolities

Tuggar who appeared on Channels Television’s breakfast show, Sunrise Daily, said the certificate saga has not in anyway distracted the President nor tainted his recent engagements at the global stage.

The Minister, who noted that former President Muhammadu Buhari faced a similar attack from political opponents, said, “There is a tendency to always try to distract people with such frivolous issues as opposed to facing the major issues of development.

“We don’t have time to waste on that. Nobody is wasting time about certificate qualification for somebody who has been a Governor of a state, served two terms, and has been on the national stage as a politician.

“You remember that (former) President Buhari had to go through the same thing, where people were actually questioning whether he went to secondary school or not. Someone who had classmates and was the captain? He was a head boy.”

He insisted that during President Tinubu’s recent international meetings, no one showed interest in the controversy,
“The foreign leaders that we’ve been engaging and the international organisations clearly are interested in wasting time on such. We pay no mind to that.”

He said given the critical situation of the nation, Nigerians should concentrate more on development rather than mundane things such as obsession with so-called certification.

According to him; “With the economic challenges we are facing, we shouldn’t be wasting time about some certificate; whether there is a ‘T’ missing or an ‘I’ hasn’t been dotted. That shouldn’t be our primary focus at the moment.”

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COP28: Frank tells Tinubu to apologise to Nigerians over ’embarrassing speech’,  1,400 delegation  

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, must apologise to Nigerians for his speech described as “one of the most embarrassing speeches ever, filled with inconsistency and totally out of point” at the ongoing COP 28 climate change event in Dubai, political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has indicated.

Frank also condemned over 1,400 government officials and individuals in the President delegation to the international event.

In a statement released Tuesday in Abuja, Frank pointed out that the large number “is not only embarrassing to Nigerians, but a shame to a government who promised to cut down on spending, but rather encouraging Estacode spending by different agencies and parastatals whose attendance has no significant benefit to the Nigerian people.”

According to Timi Frank, the speech delivered by the President, which has now become a subject of caricature to many Nigerians worldwide has cost Nigerians over $20m, as the only African country and the 3rd nation, with a large delegation of over 1,400 persons whose impact cannot be felt and has only succeeded in squandering government funds unnecessarily.

He observed that China & Brazil which are world economies had about 1,600 delegates and 1500 respectively, with Nigeria coming 3rd.

“It is sad to see many at the international event wondering how the President of Nigeria would deliver one of the most embarrassing speeches ever, filled with inconsistency and totally out of point, being presented by a world leader at this auspicious World event.

“Moreso, that this is coming at a time when many Nigerians are languishing in pernury because of the untold hardship associated with the coming of this government.

“If this speech that was read at the COP 28 was what was given to him by the experts, then they should immediately be fired for leading him astray. Nigerians cannot continue to be a joke internationally, after spending such a huge amount only to embarrass the country in this manner

“Other countries were there with very few delegations and achieved so much, but in our case it was partying and shopping without being visible in the event proper. Afterall, Nigeria has no significant carbon footprints to allow for such a huge delegation to grace the event.

“Therefore, I call on the President to immediately apologize to Nigerians and explain why the embarrassment on Nigerians in an international event. These are the reasons why investors continue to reject the idea of investing in Nigeria, because of our lack of seriousness in leadership.

“Other world leaders were very visible, initiating deals on the sidelines whereas.the delegation from Nigeria where partying and shopping around Dubai and nowhere to be found.

“This is the reason why Nigerians must support the upcoming grand diaspora protest, of Tinubu must go as this is the only way the people can have their say and save the nation.

“We are hopeful that some day, Nigerians would witness a true leader who would change the narrative for the better.”

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Akpabio expresses hope of a united Nigeria where all tribes will speak in one accord

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The President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio has expressed the optimism that a day will come in Nigeria when all tribes and tongues will come together in patriotism to push the country to its Eldorado
Akpabio spoke on Sunday at the Occasion of the NTA Carol Night, 2023.
“I believe that one day, Nigerians of all tribes, peoples and tongues will come together in unity and patriotism, and share the love of Jesus Christ.
He indicated that Nigerians are in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest ever ensemble of Christmas Carol Singers.
Explaining further, he said the feat was attained when he was the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
“We wanted to have a taste of Heaven when the Bible says in Revelation 7:9 that “… a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands.”

He recognised Former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon as he thanked him as grand patron for being steadfast uptil  today
“I used to ask my self a question, what if we were not praying? In a difficult time such as we faced during the COVID a lot of people in the world thought Nigeria was going to go down with every household carrying dead bodies but God though otherwise because of the prayers of the Church abd prayers of good men who struggled with the believe that God will definitely intervened and God intervened nit just for Nigeria but for the reat of the world.
“The administration of Preaident Tinubu believes strogly in renewing the hope of all Nigerians so it is coming very apt at this time. Our hope is being rwnewed in the activities going on.
“The joy if this Christmans starting from the 3rd day of December shows us clearly that you have been steadfast for 20 years
While commeding the NTA, Voice of Nigeria and the FRCN who put the event together and have been doing it for the past two decades, he said, “I am thrilled that at your 20 anniversary, you are the senate president who believes so much in Chrismas Carols.
“I have this believe that the only reason that God made man was for man to praise and worship God and therwforewhen I had the opportunity to be Governor between 2007 and 2015, I drew the attention on yearly bases of about 59 countries to know that Jesus has come and therefore we organised the largest choir on earth and we broke the guinness book of records and it is still there till today. My people named it after me, Godswill Akpabio Choir.
“Just as the star led the way to the humble manger in
Bethlehem, Jesus continues to light the path for those who place their trust in Him. “His birth represents a promise, a divine covenant calling us out of darkness into His marvelous
light. His life exemplifies limitless compassion, forgiveness, and unwavering love.
“By embracing Jesus as our hope, we discover strength, redemption, and the promise of eternal
life.
“In Nigeria, the power of hope resonates deeply within us. We have faced our fair share of trials and tribulations, but our faith and the hope found in the message of Jesus have kept us resilient.
“In a world grappling with uncertainty, strife, and challenges, Jesus remains the beacon of hope, offering solace and assurance to all who seek Him.

“Today, as we celebrate Christmas in unity and love, let us rekindle that hope within our hearts, inspiring change, forgiveness, and compassion towards one another.
“This Christmas carol event, graciously organized by the
Nigeria Television Authority, serves as a reminder for us all that our hope in Jesus shall never fail because God’s word shall never pass away.
“His love which was made manifest In Christmas shall never cease and it brings good will and peace
to all of mankind.
“In celebration of this, we have come to witness the power of music, transcending barriers, and touching the depths of our
souls.
“We are reminded of the angelic music the shepherds heard when they heralded his birth. As we embrace these harmonious melodies, let us remember that they, too, carry the message of hope through the ages, reminding us of Jesus’ everlasting impact on humanity.
In this season of joy, may Jesus’ birth echo within us all, guiding our thoughts, our words, and our actions. May “His hope reignite our spirits, encouraging us to spread love and kindness to those around us.
“Each small act of goodwill can illuminate a life, bringing light to the darkest corners of our world.
“As we sing our carols and rejoice together, may Jesus, our eternal hope, fill us with renewed faith, strength, and
purpose.
“Let us carry His message of love and hope throughout the year, illuminating our homes, communities,
and our beloved Nigeria.”
“As we gather here today, united in celebration and joy, we are reminded of the true essence of Christmas — the birth of Jesus Christ, our eternal hope.
Let us, therefore, reflect upon
this profound theme of “Jesus Our Hope,” and embrace His love and grace.
Christmas is a time when hope fills the air, when merriment and goodwill permeate our hearts. Yet, amidst the glittering
lights and festive cheer, it is essential to remember the
reason for this season — the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

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Senator Kadiri eulogises ex-president Shagari for initiating Ajaokuta Steel company

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***Says, Kogi governorship election was a sham

An All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Senator Alex Kadiri has eulogised late former president, Alhaji Shehu Shagari for several infrastructural development initiated by his administration, notable among which is the conception and construction of the Ajaokuta Steel Company, in Kogi State.

Senator Kadiri who represented Kogi East in the Senate from 1999 to 2003 said the Shagari administration made giant strides towards the advancement of the Nigeria with a nationalistic view

The steel complex which was said to have been about 90% completed in 1984 by late Nigerian first executive President Alhaji Shehu Shagari had been abandoned by successive administrations and the gigantic project has been lying fallow almost in the shadow of its potentials.

He lamented that if subsequent governments after the Shagari administration in 1983 had been sincere in completing the project, it would have taken Nigeria to its Eldorado.

Senator Kadiri spoke to journalists receltly in Abuja after a trip to his hometown Odu in Dekina, Local Government of Kogi State.

He urged Nigerians to pray for the late president Shagari because the level his government left Ajaokuta as the president of Nigeria is where it is today as he described the gigantic project as a national disgrace and shame.

“Nigerians, we are so wasteful, so indecent. I don’t think Nigerians deserves any good thing,” he said.

He said the road leading to Lokoja the Kogi State capital has been under construction for the past seventeen years, yet the road has no portion that can be said to have been concluded.

“There’s no other state capital that looks like mine. Which was also the first country’s capital. I passed through that road with tears in my eyes.
“It’s very unfortunate for me that my party is APC. It has not done any thing across the river Niger for the past eight years.

“God knows, we know, If this is democracy, then we are not practicing such in that part of kogi state. Nigerians resources were just wasted by INEC by conducting a sham election.

“Once I arrived at my village, everyone was looking very frail and impoverished and dispirited in a country in which they live. They can’t go elsewhere, they’re stuck.

“I’m even mocked by my children about the fact that I speak about such things and I’m being paid with a deaf ear. They feel that I’m criticizing the government too much and should just keep quiet like every other person, because that’s what Nigeria wants.

“Nigerians are bing treated like conquered slaves. We’ve not conquered Nigerians. We’ve not conquered Kogi State. We’ve not conquered the Igala people. We’ve not conquered the individuals. We’ve forced them and this force cannot be sustained.”

According to him, the November 11, governorship election was a rape of democracy as nobody voted for anyone, adding that there was no election.

“The government will feel like, they in control of all the local governments, we’ve all the councils, all the chairmen.
He pleased with God to forgive him, his family because we know not what we’re doing. We’re taking Nigerians as nothing, and in fact they have no choice. They can’t protest.

He blamed the National Assembly members from Kogi State who want to play roles of the executive.

“They now want to construct boreholes, roads, schools and so on, which are the functions of the executive. They are supposed to make laws for good governance of the country, the state and the local governments. They are not expected to do such.”

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