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NIGERIA PRESIDENT, BUHARI RESPONDS TO YOUTH’S AGITATION
Following widespread protests across the country, Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari has in a 27-paragraph statement, addressed the nation on Thursday.
Below is the full text:
Fellow Nigerians,
It has become necessary for me to address you having heard from many concerned Nigerians and having concluded a meeting with all the Security Chiefs.
2. I must warn those who have hijacked and misdirected the initial, genuine and well – intended protest of some of our youths in parts of the country, against the excesses of some members of the now disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
3. On Monday 12th October, I acknowledged the genuine concerns and agitations of members of the public regarding the excessive use of force by some members of SARS.
4. The choice to demonstrate peacefully is a fundamental right of citizens as enshrined in Section 40 of our Constitution and other enactments; but this right to protest also imposes on the demonstrators the responsibility to respect the rights of other citizens, and the necessity to operate within the law.
5. As a democratic government, we listened to, and carefully evaluated the five-point demands of the protesters. And, having accepted them, we immediately scrapped SARS, and put measures in place to address the other demands of our youth.
6. On approving the termination of SARS, I already made it clear that it was in line with our commitment to the implementation of extensive Police reforms.
7. Sadly, the promptness with which we have acted seemed to have been misconstrued as a sign of weakness and twisted by some for their selfish unpatriotic interests.
8. The result of this is clear to all observers: human lives have been lost; acts of sexual violence have been reported; two major correctional facilities were attacked and convicts freed; public and private properties completely destroyed or vandalised; the sanctity of the Palace of a Peace Maker, the Oba of Lagos has been violated. So-called protesters have invaded an International Airport and in the process disrupted the travel plans of fellow Nigerians and our visitors.
9. All these executed in the name of the ENDSARS protests. I am indeed deeply pained that innocent lives have been lost. These tragedies are uncalled for and unnecessary. Certainly, there is no way whatsoever to connect these bad acts to legitimate expression of grievance of the youth of our country.
10. The spreading of deliberate falsehood and misinformation through the social media in particular, that this government is oblivious to the pains and plight of its citizens is a ploy to mislead the unwary within and outside Nigeria into unfair judgement and disruptive behaviour.
11. On the contrary, both our deeds and words have shown how committed this administration has been to the wellbeing and welfare of citizens, even with the steadily dwindling revenues, and the added responsibilities and restrictions due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
12. Government has put in place measures and initiatives principally targeted at youths, women and the most vulnerable groups in our society. These included our broad plan to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next 10 years; the creation of N75 billion National Youth Investment Fund to provide opportunities for the youths and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Survival Fund, through which government is:
a. paying three months salaries of the staff of 100,000 micro, small – and medium – enterprises,
b. paying for the registration of 250,000 businesses at the Corporate Affairs Commission,
c. giving a grant of N30,000 to 100,000 artisans; and
d. guaranteeing market for the products of traders.
13. These are in addition to many other initiatives such as;
a. Farmermoni,
b. Tradermoni,
c. Marketmoni,
d. N-Power,
e. N-Tech and
f. N-Agro.
14. No Nigerian Government in the past has methodically and seriously approached poverty-alleviation like we have done.
15. With regard to the welfare of police personnel, the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission has been directed to expedite action on the finalization of the new salary structure of members of the Nigeria Police Force. The emoluments of other paramilitary services are also being reviewed upwards.
16. In order to underscore the importance of education in preparing youths for the future, this administration has come up with a new salary structure and other incentives for our teachers.
17. Let me at this point reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment to preserving the unity of this country.
18. We will continue to improve good governance and our democratic process, including through sustained engagement.
19. We shall continue to ensure that liberty and freedom, as well as the fundamental rights of all citizens are protected.
20. But remember that government also has the obligation to protect lives and properties, as well as the right of citizens to go about their daily businesses freely and protected from acts of violence.
21. To our neighbours in particular, and members of the international community, many of whom have expressed concern about the ongoing development in Nigeria, we thank you and urge you all to seek to know all the facts available before taking a position or rushing to judgment and making hasty pronouncements.
22. In the circumstances, I would like to appeal to protesters to note and take advantage of the various well-thought-out initiatives of this administration designed to make their lives better and more meaningful, and resist the temptation of being used by some subversive elements to cause chaos with the aim of truncating our nascent democracy.
23. For you to do otherwise will amount to undermining national security and the law and order situation. Under no circumstances will this be tolerated.
24. I therefore call on our youths to discontinue the street protests and constructively engage government in finding solutions. Your voice has been heard loud and clear and we are responding.
25. And I call on all Nigerians to go about their normal businesses, and enjoin security agencies to protect lives and properties of all law abiding citizens without doing harm to those they are meant to protect. Let me pay tribute to officers of the Nigeria Police Force who have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty.
26. I would like to thank those state Governors, traditional and religious leaders who have appealed for calm and restraint. I also thank youth leaders who have restrained their followers from taking the law into their hands.
27. This government respects and will continue to respect all the democratic rights and civil liberties of the people, but it will not allow anybody or groups to disrupt the peace of our nation.
Thank you all. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Supreme Council of Sufi Orders has officially recognised the Akbariyya Hatimiyya Order, marking a significant step in the regulation of Sufi practices and reinforcing what the Council describes as its commitment to a moderate religious approach.
Sheikh Sayyid Ayman Hamdi al-Akbariyya, head of the Akbariyya Hatimiyya Order, met with Dr Abdel-Hadi al-Qasabi, Grand Sheikh of Sufi Orders and President of the Supreme Council, where he presented the official recognition decree.
With the issuance of the decree, the Akbariyya Hatimiyya Order becomes one of the officially recognised Sufi orders in the Arab Republic of Egypt, joining 80 other orders operating under the Council’s umbrella.
According to officials, the recognition follows a period of organisational and administrative work by the Order’s leadership, including compliance with legal requirements and regulatory standards approved by the Council. The move is expected to strengthen the Order’s institutional presence and enhance its religious and spiritual role within Egyptian society.
Rooted in the Legacy of Ibn Arabi
The Akbariyya Hatimiyya Order derives its methodology from the teachings of the renowned Sufi master Ibn Arabi, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Islamic mysticism. The Order has followers in Egypt and across several countries in the Islamic world, with a notable presence in parts of Europe and Asia.
Its teachings emphasise love, spiritual purification, tolerance and deepening the spiritual dimension of Muslim life.
During the meeting, both sides stressed the importance of adhering to the moderate Azharite approach and strengthening the role of Sufi orders in promoting sound religious awareness, ethical values, coexistence and social peace.
The Influence of “The Greatest Sheikh”
Born in 560 AH in Murcia, Andalusia, Ibn Arabi — whose full name was Muhyiddin Muhammad ibn Ali ibn Muhammad ibn Arabi al-Hatimi al-Ta’i al-Andalusi — grew up in a scholarly and spiritual environment. He later travelled extensively across North Africa and the Levant before settling in Damascus, where he died in 638 AH/1240 CE. His shrine in Damascus remains a well-known landmark.
Often referred to as “The Greatest Sheikh,” Ibn Arabi’s school of thought came to be known as the Akbariyya. Among his most celebrated works are Al-Futuhat al-Makkiyya (The Meccan Revelations), Fusus al-Hikam (The Bezels of Wisdom), and Tarjuman al-Ashwaq (The Interpreter of Desires).
His writings are characterised by philosophical depth and a mystical exploration of divine love, spiritual purification and the concept of the “perfect human being.” His influence has shaped Sufi thought across the Islamic world and extended into intellectual circles in Europe and Asia.
The formal recognition of the Akbariyya Hatimiyya Order reflects Egypt’s continued effort to regulate religious institutions while preserving the rich spiritual traditions rooted in centuries of Islamic scholarship and mysticism.
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- Summary
- * Tottenham slip closer to the relegation zone
- * West Ham denied at the death by Man Utd
- * Chelsea held at home by Leeds
Yet another Premier League home defeat left Tottenham Hotspur looking over their shoulder at the relegation zone and manager Thomas Frank nearer the exit door on Tuesday as Newcastle United eased their own slump with a 2-1 victory in north London.
Last season’s Europa League winners and qualifiers for this season’s Champions League last-16 were booed off after Jacob Ramsey sealed a rare away win for Eddie Howe’s side.
Tottenham would have found themselves only three points above the drop zone had it not been for Manchester United’s Benjamin Sesko scoring a stoppage-time equaliser to deny 18th-placed West Ham United a 1-0 win.
The 1-1 draw kept United in fourth place although it ended caretaker manager Michael Carrick’s 100% record since taking over in January.
Another unblemished record went at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior dropped his first league points since replacing Enzo Maresca, his side drawing 2-2 at home to Leeds United having led 2-0.
Bournemouth came from a goal down to win 2-1 at Everton with second-half goals by Brazilian teenager Rayan and Amine Adli. Everton, who had led through Iliman Ndiaye’s first-half penalty, ended with 10 men after Jake O’Brien was red-carded.
Tottenham have not been relegated from the top flight since 1977 but such is the present malaise at the club it is now becoming a genuine fear as they are in 16th place, five points above West Ham whose form is on the up.
They have not won a Premier League game since December 28 and have managed only two victories from their 13 home league games this season. To make matters worse, their next fixture is at home to north London rivals and leaders Arsenal.
‘UNDERSTAND THE FRUSTRATION’
Whether Frank is still in charge then is beginning to look increasingly unlikely. Not for the first time this season, the Dane left the pitch to chants of ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ from Tottenham’s fans.
“I understand the frustration and the easiest thing is to point at me,” Frank said of the fans. “That’s part of the job unfortunately. I will work day and night to turn this around but it is not just one person. There is no doubt we need to improve and I need to be part of that.”
Newcastle completely dominated the first half and the only surprise was it took them until stoppage time to get ahead as defender Malick Thiaw stabbed home a rebound.
Injury-hit Tottenham were marginally better after the break and Archie Gray levelled. But Newcastle deservedly took the points when Anthony Gordon teed up Ramsey for a cute finish, his first goal since joining from Aston Villa.
Newcastle moved up to 10th in the table on 36 points. Tottenham have 29 points from 26 games, with Nottingham Forest, who play bottom club Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday, on 26 from 25. West Ham have 24.
SESKO SALVAGES POINT FOR MAN UNITED
West Ham were seconds away from a fourth win in five league games as they led with Tomas Soucek’s strike early in the second half after good work by Jarrod Bowen.
United had an effort from Casemiro ruled out but salvaged a point when substitute Sesko struck at the death.
Carrick’s side have 45 points, one more than Chelsea who will be kicking themselves after drawing with Leeds.
“It is a tough place to come and we didn’t have that sharpness to find the answers,” Carrick said. “Great spirit again and we will take the point and move on.”
Chelsea appeared to be cruising with goals either side of the interval from Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer who scored his third penalty in two games.
But they threw away two points as Moises Caicedo fouled Jayden Bogle and Lukas Nmecha converted a penalty before Noah Okafor poked in an equaliser after Chelsea failed to clear a ball into the area.
“If we want to improve and get to where we want to be, we have to make sure we’re switched on for 90 minutes. It’s as simple as that,” Rosenior said afterwards.
The draw lifted Leeds above Tottenham into 15th.
-Reuters
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Rivers United’s campaign in the CAF Champions League suffered a major setback on Sunday after the Nigerian champions fell 1–0 at home to Zambia’s Power Dynamos.
The defeat, recorded in Uyo, leaves Rivers United anchored at the bottom of Group A with just one point from four matches, severely denting their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage.
With only two matches left in the group, the Port Harcourt-based side now faces an uphill task, as both remaining fixtures are against the group’s leading teams; Morocco’s RS Berkane and defending champions Pyramids FC of Egypt.
Sunday’s result boosted Power Dynamos’ chances, as the Zambian side moved up to third place in the group with four points, three adrift of second-placed RS Berkane. Berkane’s position was weakened earlier in the day after they were thrashed 3–0 by Pyramids in Egypt.
Pyramids FC continued their impressive run in the group, tightening their grip on the standings with 10 points from four matches to remain firmly on course for qualification.
For Rivers United, the loss marked another frustrating night in their continental campaign, with hopes of a late revival now resting on unlikely results against Africa’s in-form clubs in the remaining group fixtures.
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