• IPOB: Lalong relaxes curfew in Plateau
From Gyang Bere, Jos
National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, assured, at the weekend, that Nigeria will not breakup, despite agitations from some sections of the country.
Odigie-Oyegun gave the assurance at a grand reception and lifetime achievement award ceremony organised by the Inner Circle of Friends (University of Ibadan Alumni) in his honour, on his 78th birthday anniversary, at Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja, at the weekend.
The event was a gathering of political giants in Nigeria.
In attendance at the event chaired by former governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo, were four state governors; Mallam Nasir El-rufai of Kaduna State, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar of Bauchi, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano, and Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu of Ondo. Deputy governor of Benue State, Benson Abounu was also there to represent his boss.
Others included Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, FCT Minister, Mohammed Musa Bello, their Petroleum counterpart, Ibe Kachikwu, Senators Annie Okonkwo, Victor Ndoma-Egba, among others.
Odigie-Oyegun noted that while the President Muhammadu Buhari administration is aware of challenges faced by citizens and some interests resisting change, the current administration remains solidly committed in and focused on the task of building a new foundation for the country and delivering on election promises to the electorate.
“Yes, these are very challenging times, no question about it. The foundation of our nation is being rocked; very greatly. We promised change but, quite frankly, change of the immediacy that we promised has inevitably run against the kind of fight-back that we are having today.
“The powers of darkness are taking advantage of this to fight back in such a massive way that they are beginning to threaten the very foundations of our nation. But, let me say this, with all the emphasis at my command, that change there must be. This nation will stay united!”
Meanwhile, Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong, has relaxed the dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed in Jos and Bukuru metropolis, following upheaval which followed agitation by Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) in the South East, last week.
Lalong, in a statement signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Emmanuel Nanle, said the curfew has been relaxed from 10:00pm to 6:00am, with effect from yesterday.
“Lalong, having considered the improvement in the state of security, since the unfortunate incident of Thursday, September 14, 2017, which necessitated imposition of a dusk-to-dawn curfew, has, with effect from Sunday, September, 17 2017 approved relaxation of the curfew from 10:00pm daily to 6:00am until further notice.
“Lalong wishes to appreciate the swift response of security personnel and widespread community consultative meetings held by various community and religious leaders, which have come out with renewed commitments and resolve of all and sundry to be law-abiding and peaceful.”
He assured citizens that the Security Personnel will continue to patrol flash points within the greater Jos-Bukuru Metropolis, and will ensure that all security measures are put in place to guarantee peace and security of the people.
The governor urged security personnel in the state to ensure compliance with the new curfew order to avert any likely breach of law and order.
He enjoined all citizens to go about their lawful business with the assurance that their safety is guaranteed, and pleaded with all peace loving citizens to ensure that they cooperate with all Security Personnel and to report all acts by persons that are likely to constitute a breach to the hard earned peace in the State.