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Catholic link Newspapers, 32 Harbour Road, Port Harcourt (2026)

14/09/2018

Editorial
Enough of these onslaughts against Catholic Priests.
The Catholic Priesthood over the years has been an honorable vocation, with a unique feature and attributes; as such any family or community that produces a Catholic priest is highly regarded in the comity of communities and families.
But in recent times, the Priests have become target for kidnapers and armed robbers, and many have lost their lives in Nigeria in the hands of these men of the underworld.
From the killing of two Priests in Benue State by suspected Fulani herdsmen who were yet to be arrested, to the kidnapping and eventual death of Fr. Cyriacus Okonkwo, of Orlu Diocese in Imo State, the killing of Fr. Michael Akawu of Archdiocese in Abuja, and recently the gruesome murder of Fr. Jude Egbo. The list is endless.
The dangerous trend is a serious source of worry and concern for millions of Catholic faithful in Nigeria, who are looking up to the priests for words of consolation and encouragement especially in the face of current hardship and high level of government insensitivity to the plight of the people.
It is therefore inline with the current situation that the Catholic Bishop's Conference of Nigeria rose from their Second Plenary session in Sokoto Diocese, Sokoto State to encourage Catholic faithful and Nigerians not to be afraid or discouraged.
The Bishops described the current situation as a trying moments in the Church, but insisted that as the Shepherds of the people, they will continue to protect to the best of their abilities, the people entrusted to their care.
The Priests are the mouth piece of the people; they intercede on behalf of the people both in spiritual and socio-economic matters, which is why it has become a dangerous trend that needs the authorities to take serious measures to stop.

The government may claim that it is doing its best in securing the lives and property of Nigerians, but the increased spate of violence across the country as noted by the Bishops that has seen the frequent murder of unarmed Nigerians and most recently the priests, suggests that no serious work is being done in that regards by government.

The circumstances that usually surrounds the kidnapping or killing of priests has always suggested that a lot of youthful, energetic, willing and desperate hands are idle; hence there is need for government to become more creative and find a way of creating sustainable means of livelihood for these mass of youths.

It is no longer news that even if the Military, the Police, SSS, DSS, Air Force, Navy and all other security agencies in Nigeria are deployed to protect the nation and her citizens without a sustainable way of reducing the number of able but idle hands in the country, crimes such as kidnapping and killing of priests and other class of citizens will continue.

As Christians, especially Catholics, we remain resolute and will continue to listen to the instructions of our leaders, we will continue to offer prayers for Nigeria in distress, but government will be failing in her duties if she fails to rise up to the occasion and put to an end these onslaughts against our Catholic Priests and other citizens of the country.

06/07/2018

When will these killings end?
Less than two months ago, Nigerians were shocked with the news that the murderous and rampaging Fulani herdsmen invaded a Catholic Church in Benue State, killing two Catholic Priests and 17 other members of the Church who had assembled for morning worship.
That killing was not the only such killings witnessed in Benue State, and other parts of the North. Similar mass murder had taken place in places like Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Zamfara, Adamawa, Yobe Bornu among others.
Just as the people of the affected States and Nigerians were yet to come to terms with the motive behind the killings, the same suspected Fulani herdsmen, invaded several communities, cutting across three Local Government Areas in Plateau State killing over 200 persons including men, women and children, destroying property worth millions of naira.
The question as to when and how the killings in the country can be brought to an end remains one that appears to have no answer as the security chiefs and their men, seem to be oblivious of the killings since no one has been, prosecuted and convicted so far.
In the words of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), “words are no longer enough for the President and his service chiefs to convince the rest of the citizens that these killings are not part of a larger religious project”.
The Catholic Bishops in a recent press statement, lamented on what it called double standards been applied by the police, accusing them of responding faster when the herdsmen are the ones in the receiving end and appealed to the police to be fair to all and rise up to their responsibility.
If the Catholic Bishops as well as other concerned Nigerians have called for the resignation of President Mohammadu Buhari, it is not because he is a Muslim, a northerner, or a Fulani, but because the president have not shown that he has the capacity to put an end to these killings, or that he knows what actually is the problem.
The 1999 constitution of Nigeria states that the security and welfare of the citizens shall be the primary assignment of government. The killings in the land today, are enough for one to demand the resignation of the present leadership having failed to protect the people it swore to protect.
It is more worrisome that the value of human life in Nigeria is now been compared to the value of cows, yet the current administration is busy talking of re-election in 2019. This, is the height of insensitivity on the part of the government
If the present administration concentrates its activities in campaigning for their re-election bid, and the terrorists are moving about killing, sacking communities and renaming them unchallenged, then it means, that the end to killings in the land is not in sight.
The insinuation in several quarters that these herdsmen are enjoying the support and backing of President Mohammadu Buhari will continue until he and his security chiefs takes a decisive, effective, coordinated and people-oriented approach to the issue with a view to stopping the herdsmen.
The current administration has the responsibility to deal with these criminals in the garment of herdsmen before they do more damage to the collective interest of Nigeria, and Nigerians.

22/06/2018

SENTENCING OF 5 CHRISTIANS TO DEATH IN ADAMAWA STATE
One of the very sensitive issues trending in the Nigerian polity in the last one year has been the murderous activities of Fulani herdsmen in many parts of the country especially, in the North East and North Central Zones.
Since the increase in the number of killings recorded as a result of the attacks by the herdsmen and killings of innocent Nigerians especially in Benue, Traba, and Admawa States, many have called for the proscription of the Fulani herdsmen as a terrorist organization, while others have insisted that the failure of the security agencies to apprehend those behind the killings was due to the complicity on the part of the security agencies.
But all these seems to have fallen deaf ears, as the killings have continued, and no one have either been arrested or punished by the law.
The situation has given credence to the insinuation from certain quarters that the current Mohammadu Buhari led federal government was nursing the ambition of withdrawing the secular status of the country, which will now set the stage for full Islamisation agenda to be implemented in the land.
The government on her part has always denied any act of Islamicsation of the country in her agenda, insisting that it remains committed to religious tolerance and freedom of worship for al.
However, a Yola high court presided over by Justice Abdulazeez Waziri on the 11th June this year, passed death sentence on 5 Christian youths in Adamawa state on the ground that they conspired and killed a Fulani herdsman is one that is not only unacceptable, but a clear statement that justice in the country is been thwarted along religious lines, and there might be some elements of truth in the Islamisation allegation.
It is very shocking and a clear sign of deliberate attempt by Justice Abdulazeez Waziri and the prosecutors to annihilate Christians in Adamawa State by the swift nature of the hearing and pronouncement of judgment on the matter, when despite all the killings alleged to have been committed by these herdsmen, nothing have been done to check their activities.
The question on the lips of many Christians as well as human right watchers is this; how come the alleged killers of a herdsman have been found, arrested, tried and sentenced to death while no one have been arrested for killing of hundreds of Christians across the country by suspected herdsmen?
This judgment is not only a danger signal, but a call on all Christians especially those serving in the current government starting from the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Oshibanjo, speaker of the House of Representatives Mr Yakubu Dogara, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu the Chief Judge, Justice Walter Onogen, Central Bank Governor Mr Godwin Emefiele and Minister of Finance Mrs Kemi Adeosun among others to rise up and speak for their fellow Christians.
The Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN and all other Christian bodies must rise up at this point prevail on President Mohammadu Buhari to reverse the judgment until further examination of ruling is carried out.
The death sentence on Alex Amos,Alheri Phanuel, Holy Boniface, Jerry Gedion and Jari Sabagi cannot be justified if none of the killer herdsmen have been brought to justice by the courts and the security agencies.

12/02/2018

St Francis Parish Rumuokwuta holds New Year retreat.
Thousands of parishioners and non parishioners have participated in the special New Year retreat held at St Francis Catholic Church Rumuokwuta with the theme; “Comfort My People” form 31st of January to the 2nd of February.
Guest preacher of the three day retreat, Rev. Fr. Martins Alokwe said the sub themes of the programme which includes; Let God Judge Us, You Are Not Alone and Comfort My People, were carefully selected to give the parishioners and all those who took part in the retreat the confidence to face and conquer all challenges that they may face in course of the year.
Fr. Alokwe who is currently studying at the Catholic Institute of West Africa stated that all sorts of evil have befallen Nigerians as a result of bad politics and bad leadership; hence the general theme of the retreat was very apt
He said despite the evils and difficulties of the present society, God will never forsake his people, adding that God has a way of providing for his people, despite all odds.
Fr Alokwe reminded the parishioners that comfort can only come from God who will always provide perfect gifts for his people, and God’s blessing is always balanced and comes with satisfaction of body and spirit.
According to Fr Alokwe, for Christians to live in comfort this year, they must trust in God, hold onto their faith, wait on the Lord, read the word of God, speak the word of God, stop complaining and be positive in their approach to life.
In his remark, the host Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Dr. Patrick Eluke said it was a thing of joy that the parish held the retreat to formally begin the year with God, adding that it was always a thing of joy to see parishioners happy after been fed spiritually.
“if you parishioners are happy , we are happy” he said.
Fr Eluke declared that within the three days of the retreat a number of miracles had taken place and more will still take place
While appreciating the guest speaker and praying for god’s blessings on parishioners this year, Fr Eluke said the choice of the guest speaker was divinely inspired and he was able to carry all of us along with his infusion of Pidgin English in his teachings while the retreat lasted,
The Parish Priest concluded by assuring the parishioners of abundance of God’s blessings during the course of the year.

12/02/2018

Governor Wike 2018 Budget into Law
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has signed the N510billion 2018 Appropriation Bill of the state into law following the passage of the state appropriation bill by by the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Signing the budget in the presence of members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the State Executive Council at the Government House Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Governor Wike assured that the budget will be implemented diligently.
The governor assured that his administration will fast track the implementation of the budget, which will lead to greater development of the state and commended the state lawmakers for their swiftness in the passage of the bill.
"Your passage of this budget means that we will expedite action on several areas of development. At present, we have already started work".
The governor also called on members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to work with relevant agencies to implement their respective constituency projects.
He said that funds for the implementation of the 2017 constituency projects have been released, while that of 2018 will be released after proper account is given for that of last year.
Other bills passed by the state legislature and accented to by the governor includes: the Keenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic Law No. 3 of 2018, Rivers State Waterways Law No. 4 of 2018 and Rivers State Local Government Law No. 5 of 2018.
Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Ikuinyi Ibani described Governor Wike as a just leader who is working selflessly for the good people of the state and assured him that the State Lawmakers are committed to the development of the state.
The lawmakers noted that the bills that were accented to by the governor, passed through rigorous legislative processes including the public hearings for the input of the generality of the members of the public.

26/01/2018

No land for cattle colony in Rivers State- Gov. Wike
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has joined the growing number of state governors who are rejecting the proposed colony by the federal government insisting that there is no land that can be given out for creation of the proposed cattle colony
The governor assured the people of the state that that he will defend the interest of the state at all times, emphasizing that he will not allow the state to be controlled by external forces.

Governor who spoke when he granted audience to D-Source Connect Group, urged Rivers people to always focus on the development of the state.

"We will not allow our state to be controlled by external forces; we will not be drawn into debates on cattle colony. We don't have land for any cattle colony in Rivers State ". He said:

The governor advised Rivers people to mobilize for the 2019 General Election, vote and defend their votes.

"Our people should continue to mobilise for the 2019 election because it will not be business as usual where people think that they will use security to rig. That will not happen", he said.

He said that the APC has done nothing in Rivers State to merit any vote, adding that the party has destroyed the country.

Governor Wike commended D-Source Connect Group for their commitment to the development of New Rivers.

He assured that the administration will always accommodate youths in the development process. The governor added that members of the group will be considered for appointments.

Earlier, the Coordinator of D-Source Connect Group, Mr D**e Vincent Amadi reiterated the endorsement of the Rivers State Governor by the group for a second term saying that the governor been prudent in the management of resources which has led to an explosion of projects across the state.

He noted that members of the group will mobilise Rivers people across the state to vote for the Rivers State Governor and also defend their votes.

12/01/2018

Editorial:
Support for anti open grazing law in Nigeria.
The year 2018 began on a very sad note for the people of Guma and Loko Local Government Areas of Benue state as the killer herdsmen once again attacked villages in both Local Government Areas killing over 80 people and destroying houses and farmlands.
The attacks is one of the most deadly in recent times, and has raised serious concerns over the inability of Federal Government and the various security agencies to provide permanent solution to the nefarious activities of the herdsmen.
Today, two states in Nigeria, Ekiti and Benue states have enacted anti open grazing laws in their states which make it a criminal offence for anyone or group of people to move cows about in the name of grazing as a way of checking the menance.
The law attaches various degrees of punishment to anyone who violates it and encouraged the cattle breeders to adopt modern ways of ranching to take care of their livestocks.
Open grazing in Nigeria has caused untold hardship to many, especially farmers whose crops are usually destroyed by the cows, and in many case they lose their lives for daring to resist the invasion of their farmland by the cattle.
It has also presented the country in a shameful way as the cows are often grazed on major high ways, University Campus, Government Reserved Areas among other places which are not meant for cow grazing.
Recently, cows numbering about fifty took over two major roads in Port Harcourt causing traffic build up and wasting man hours in the process, while picture of how the cows invaded the Abia state secretariat is currently causing ripples on social media.
It is however sad and inhumane that in spite of the atrocities committed by these herdsmen or criminals disguising as herdsmen, some persons are asking the state governments which have enacted anti open grazing laws in their state to drop such laws.
This must never be supported.
The recent event in Benue state is rather a wakeup call for all the states in the country to enact same law, and allow security agencies to handle anyone who parades cows on the streets, major highways and on farmlands as a criminal.
The Federal Government must at this point rise up to her responsibility as the activities of the herdsmen run contrary to the diversification agenda of the present administration in the country.
Open grazing should be outlawed everywhere in Nigeria because it is not only a major threat to national security, it is also a major source of conflict between farmers and heeders and it is against the aim of the federal government to make agriculture the mainstay of the nation’s economy
On the other hand, ranching should be encouraged because it promotes peaceful co-existence, provide jobs for the communities hosting the ranches, ensures healthier cows, meat and more nutritious cow milk for industrial and domestic use.

12/01/2018

Suspected ritual killer, Ifeanyi D**e collapses in court during trial

A mild drama occurred on Friday at Rivers State High Court 9 as the suspected ritual killer Ifeanyi D**e collapsed following the commencement of his trial by the Rivers State Government before Justice Adolphus Enebeli.

The suspect Ifeanyi D**e allegedly murdered Late 8-year old girl, Chikamso Favour in August 2017, after ra**ng her and harvesting her ge****ls.
After listening to the charges against him, the suspect gave a loud shout and collapsed after he refused to take his plea, thus prompting the Court to enter a plea of not guilty for him, while his counsel Mr. Lizinna Ameeugua to urge the court to order for a mental examination of the suspect to ascertain the state of his mental health, a plea which was refused by the Justice Enebeli

Also arraigned before Justice Adolphus Enebeli are: Ogochukwu Nnamiro (Second Accused Person) and Sergeant Johnbosco Okoroeze (Third Accused Person). They were arraigned as accessories after the fact.

Earlier in the court, Counsel to Ifeanyi D**e, Suspected ritualist, Lizinna Ameegua raised objection to the trial on the ground that the information filed by the prosecution was incomplete. He urged the court to discharge the first accused person his objection was however dismissed by the court.
The matter was adjourned to January 16, 26 and 29, 2018 for definite hearing. Justice Enebeli said that the matter would be heard on a day to day basis.

Addressing journalists after the adjournment, Rivers State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Emmanuel Aguma (SAN) said he expects the case to be heard expeditiously.

He said that no party in the case is entitled to more than three adjournments in the course of the hearing adding that the reasons for the adjournment on Friday was for Ifeanyi D**e to get medical attention.

11/01/2018

Rivers state to spend 510 billion naira in 2018
By Kingsley Izejiobi
Rivers state governor nyesom wike has presented a 510 billion naira budget estimate for the 2018 fiscal year to state assembly in Port Harcourt.
The governor stated that the 2018 budget was aimed at consolidating and advancing the state’s investments on infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security, as well as in growing the economy to create jobs and empower our people. Hence, it is christened: “Budget of Consolidation, advancement and empowerment.”.
The governor said the proposed capital expenditure would be N379, 997,687,404.00 while Recurrent Expenditure is put at N132 billion
“The priorities of this budget are aimed at achieving four major goals. First, is to grow and expand the economy to attract investments and create jobs for our people. Second, to strengthen and advance educational opportunities for our children and deliver quality healthcare to all residents. Third, to improve the safety, security and general wellbeing of all Rivers people, including residents and visitors; and finally, to ensure the completion of all ongoing projects that have reached advanced stages of completion “he said.
The budget according to the governor is expected to be funded through the following: federal allocation 40 billion naira, 13% derivation 120 billion, internally generated revenue igr 132 billion, reimbursements seventy billion, domestics and international credits 70 billion and capital receipts 20 billion naira.
According to the governor, the current administration in the state was committed to solving most of the problems facing it, adding that the state deserves development which his administration must endeavour to deliver.
He said that the administration is committed to the completion of key projects in different parts of the state. The projects include: Dualization of Sapkenwa – Bori road; Dualization of Slaughter – Trans Amadi – Garrison road; Dualization of Elelenwo – Akpajo road; Dualization of Oil mill - Woji – Elelenwo – Akpajo road Dualization of Professor Tam David West (Obiriikwerre – Airport) road; The Andoni – Opobo (Unity) road; and Internal road network in Abonnema in Akuku Toru Local Government Area, Amadi-Ama in Port Harcourt Local Government Area, Okochiri in Okrika Local Government Area, Elele and Isiokpo in Ikwerre Local Government Area, among others.
Other key projects also earmarked for delivery in 2018: Bonny – Bile Waterside jetty; Mile one market, phase 2; Reclamation works in Abalama in Asari Toru Local Government Area, Ogu town in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Bakana in DegemaLocal Government Area, and Ogbumnabali in Port Harcourt Local Government Area; Constituency projects; Real Madrid Football Academy; Luxury living quarters for Judicial Officers from the State, among other projects; and the cinema and restaurant project in the Pleasure Park among other projects.
“It is important to note that we have prepared the budget with conservative revenue projections and assumptions, although we still choose to be bullish with our projections for IGR despite our failure to meet the anticipated targets in 2017” he said..

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