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Rivers Re-Run: PDP Wins 2 Senate Seats, APC 1

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Rivers Re-Run: PDP Wins 2 Senate Seats, APC 1

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Despite the alleged killings and wide-spread rigging in the parliamentary re-run elections in Rivers State, the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, have produced winners.

48 hours after the election, The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC,  declared the PDP candidate, Osinachukwu Ideozu, winner of the of the Rivers West senatorial district.

Ideozu was announced winner on Tuesday afternoon with 107,166 votes as he defeated Otelemaba Amachree of the APC, who got 48,898 votes.

Also, the PDP candidate in the Rivers East senatorial district election, George Sekibo was declared winner by INEC on Monday afternoon.

Sekibo defeated Andrew Uchendu of the All Progressives Congress, APC. He polled 93,098 votes to defeat . Uchendu who had 34,193 votes.

Earlier on Sunday, INEC declared the candidate of the APC,  Magnus Abe, duly elected to represent the Rivers South East District at the Senate.

INEC’s returning officer, Gideon Onukwuisi, while announcing results at the collation centre in Bori, explained that, of the 154, 703 cast votes, 152,706 were valid, while 2,627 were rejected. Abe was said to have polled 125, 938 votes to defeat his PDP rival, Olaka Nwogu, who polled 25,394.

In the other results announced on Sunday, the APC candidate for Khana 2 Constituency,  Friday Nkeeh, was declared winner of the House of Assembly election having scored 15,000 votes to beat his PDP rival, Dinebari Loolo, who scored 4,000. Similarly, Innocent Barikor, APC, was declared winner of the Gokana State Constituency having polled 24,624 votes.

APC candidates, Barry Mpigi and Maurice Pronen, were declared winners of Tai/Oyigbo/Eleme and Gokana/ Khana Federal constituencies respectively. Mpigi scored 48,760 votes while Pronen had 68,219 votes.

However, PDP candidate for Bonny State Constituency, Abiye Pepple, scored 6,610 to defeat APC’s, Henry Halliday, who scored 2330.

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike had on Sunday called on INEC to declare the outcome of Rivers East Senatorial District and Rivers West Senatorial District, which he believed PDP candidates clearly won based on results from polling units.

Wike also called on INEC to immediately release the results of Andoni /Opobo-Nkoro Federal Constituency and Andoni State Constituency which he said were also won by the PDP.

According to him, the outcome of Rivers East has been held down by a plot of INEC, the Army and the Police to manipulate the results of Emohua and Ikwerre Local Council Areas in favour of the APC.

Before the result of Rivers East Senatorial seat was declared, Premium Times reports that there was confrontation between PDP members led by Governor Nyesom Wike and security operatives before the final result was declared at the Port Harcourt City Council Hall.

Wike mobilised his party members to the venue of the collation centre to demand declaration of the result. The people defied security operatives who were shooting sporadically.

Meanwhile the Nigerian military confirmed the death of two policemen during the election but denied involvement in any electoral malpractice as alleged by the PDP and the state government.

Also confirming the death of the two policemen, the Inspector-General of Police Ibrahim Idris, expressed his sadness at the loss of the officers, ordering an investigation into the circumstances of the killings while ordering that the killers must be fished out and brought to justice.

The army said it recovered the body of DSP Alkali Mohammed of Mobile Police Unit 48 who was beheaded along with his orderly.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division Nigerian Army,  Kasim Abdulkareem, a Major General in a press statement in Port Harcourt on Sunday also denied that the army was involved in illegal activities during the elections.

A Federal High Court in Abuja had in December 2015 ordered reruns for 22 State House of Assembly, 12 House of Representatives and three senatorial seats.

INEC’s attempts to conduct the polls on March 19, 2016 were disrupted by widespread violence that forced the commission to suspend elections in some areas.

Effort by INEC  to conclude the controversial elections by July 30 was again foiled as INEC was forced to suspend the rerun indefinitely due to what it said was an arson attack on its office in Bori, Khana Local Government Area.

The commission eventually fixed the re-run for December 10 after the Senate gave an ultimatum to that effect.

2017 Budget Will Get Nigeria Out Of Recession

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2017 Budget Will Get Nigeria Out Of Recession
President Muhammadu Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has promised that the 2017 budget proposal which he intends to present to the National Assembly on Wednesday will get the country out of recession.

The promise was contained in the President’s goodwill message to Nigerians on the occasion of the Eid-El-Maulud celebration on Monday.

Buhari appealed to citizens not to lose faith in his administration’s ability to make a difference in their lives.

“As we use the memorable occasion of this (eid-El-Maulud) celebration to reflect on our current challenges, I urge you not to lose faith in the ability of this administration to make a difference in the lives of our people,” the President wrote in his message.

“The 2017 Budget proposals, which I will lay before the National Assembly on Wednesday, will contain measures that we are confident will get the nation out of its economic woods.”

The president said that the occasion of the Prophet’s birth is a period of celebration, and deep reflection.

“Celebration, because we are marking the birth of Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him), and deep reflection, because it is another opportunity of pausing, taking a deep breath and reflecting on the current realities before us,” he explained.

Buhari noted that the teachings of the great Prophet Mohammed, especially on peaceful living, tolerance, sobriety, generosity, sacrifice and honesty, and wisdom, have helped Nigeria in building a harmonious and prosperous society.

“Against all odds, we have used these pillars of strength in securing a just and fair society, and our efforts are beginning to yield dividends in curbing terrorism, militancy, corruption and other crimes that devalue our humanity,” he said.

President Buhari called on Nigerians not to allow the temporary challenges facing the country to dampen “our hope, reverse our collective will to succeed, or divide us” but rather, it should challenge us “to stay together, fight together and succeed together”.

“As we look forward to 2017 with hope and huge expectations, let me assure you that with collective dedication and hard work, we will overcome the mountain of economic difficulties, and return our country to the path of prosperity,” he promised.

FG Denies Dropping Service Chiefs

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FG Denies Dropping Service Chiefs

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The Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, has refuted reports making the rounds in some online publications to the effect that the federal government has dropped two of the country’s service chiefs.

According to Dan-Ali, the reports claim that he had sent letters to  the  Chief of Defence Staff, Abayomi Olonisakin and the Chief of the Naval staff, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas directing them to hand over their offices on or before Friday, 16 December.

However, in a statement issued on Monday by Tukur Gusau, the Public Relations Officer to the Defence Minister, Dan-Alli advised media practitioners to always balance their stories in order to avoid mischief.

He stressed that “there was no such communication between the office of the Honourable Minister of Defence and the service chiefs directing any one of them to hand over his office and proceed on retirement.”

“The appointment and replacement of service chiefs is a prerogative responsibility of the office of the President and Commander in Chief,” the statement added.”

Similarly, the Defence Headquarters, through its Director of Information, Rabe Abubakar, refuted the claims that some Service Chiefs have been retired and replaced.

Abubakar described the rumours as baseless and unfounded, adding that the service chiefs are still discharging their official responsibilities.

“It is disturbing and embarrassing the cooked up stories going round in the social media,” he said.

“There is no iota of truth in the misleading information. We ask the public to ignore the report as baseless and unfounded,” he added.

The media reports had claimed that Olonisakin and Ibas were retiring having attained the official years of retirement from the military.

Neither Sunni Nor Shiite – But Muslim

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Neither Sunni Nor Shiite – But Muslim

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Yushau A. Shuaib

The Nigerian government officially declared Monday, December 12, 2016 as public holiday to mark the Eid-El Maulud in commemoration of birthday of Prophet Muhammad..

The gesture of the government could mean different things among the Muslim community because Prophet Muhammad and his Companions never observed or celebrated his birthday even after his demise. However, some religious zealots describe the celebration as unlawful and un-Islamic while other extremists condemn those celebrating the Maulud as unbelievers.

The major challenge in the contemporary Muslim world is the different interpretations on simple modes of worship by various Islamic scholars and rulers. Such divergent elucidations breed misunderstandings, unnecessary conflicts and violent protests.

The Iraq-Iran war in the 80s, as a battle of regional supremacy between an Arab country and Persian nation, was largely a clash of ideological differences between the Sunni and Shiite. The crisis has since become global a phenomena after the 9/11 attacks in United States of America.

The historic background of the Sunni–Shia divide occurred when Prophet Muhammad (SAW) died, leading to a disagreement over his successors, known as caliphs in various Islamic communities. The clash intensified after the Battle of Karbala, in which Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet and his household were killed by the ruling Umayyad Caliph Yazid. The clamour for retaliation divided the early Islamic community into Sunni, Shiite and few others.

Although all Muslims believe in divinity of the Quran, as the Holy Book from Almighty Allah, different scholars have different opinions and interpretations of Hadith which is a collection of traditions containing sayings of the Prophet and accounts of his daily practice. The Hadith constitutes the major source of guidance for Muslims apart from the Holy Quran.

All Muslims including those that referred to themselves as either Sunni or Shiite observe the five pillars of Islam which are: Faith in God Almighty; Regular Prayers; Providing charity to the needy; Fasting in the month of Ramadan and performing pilgrimage to Mecca for those that can afford.

Therefore, the Sunni-Shiite power struggles, are more political and ideological than spiritual. The conflict has so far created acrimonious and hostile relationship especially among major sponsors: Saudia Arabia, the promoter of Sunnism and Iran the backer of Shiitism. The antagonism culminates into sectarian violence through what is now known as Saudi-Iran proxy wars in some countries including Syria, Iraq, Yemen, parts of Libya among others.

Unfortunately, some atrocious acts of terrorism which are wrongly attributed to Islam, the religion of peace, have direct and indirect connection to the major regional players in the conflict.

Nigeria, as a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious society has witnessed decades of peace and tranquility among various groups. Muslims in Nigeria have not only lived peacefully among themselves and with adherents of other religions. Majority of Nigerian Muslims do not allow sectarian dogmas to divide them as they pray in every mosque without questioning the sect of Imam who leads prayers.

It is rather unfortunate that in recent times, some parts of the North have witnessed the same Sunni-Shiite conflict resulting in the killing of significant members of Sheikh Ibrahim ZakZaky led Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN). One could better imagine the consequences of the officially acknowledged killing of 347 mostly Muslims in Zaria if President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Nasir El-Rufai are Non-Muslims.

As a Muslim born into a family of Islamic scholars and having the privilege of attending popular  Quranic kindergarten, Arabic Secondary School and studying Islam in the university all in Kano, never have I been taught that one should be a Sunni or Shiite before practicing Islam.

The Muslims in Nigeria should use the period of Eid-Maulud public holiday to reflect on how to resolve this untoward development and caution political elites and religious leaders who use the Sunni-Shiite conflict to further create disharmony and hatred in the community.  It is commendable the recent position of Borno Elders Forum who called on President Muhammadu Buhari to move quickly and resolve the Kaduna-Shia crisis in the North-West before it snowballs into another insurgency like Boko Haram in the North-East.

The level of religious intolerance and antagonism which have led to too much bloodshed in Northern Nigeria, are borne out of ignorance of noble Islamic teachings. The South-West which has more private Islamic institutions, especially universities than the entire geo-political zones in the North, also has large Muslim population who demonstrate greater understanding of Islam, especially on religious tolerance. Socio-cultural and political differences should not be associated with any religion.

Muslim community should also use the period of Moulud to advise public officers to desist from issuing provocative statements, caution religious leaders against inciting sermons and warn their social media warriors from engaging in alarming campaigns of calumny, especially over Sunni-Shiite controversy and Kaduna-Shiate crisis. Nigeria should never be a battle ground for a proxy war in West Africa.

A true Muslim must be guided by the Quran and Hadith and not by following different sects that celebrate divisions. Muslims should observe the five pillars of Islam and emulate the great qualities of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) who encourages mercy, tolerance, peaceful coexistence and forbids extremism. We should practice Islam like the early Muslims who were neither Sunni or Shiite but simply Muslims.

 

Yushau A. Shuaib can be contacted through www.YAShuaib.com or yashuaib@yahoo.com

Shettima Convokes Emergency Security Meeting Over Insecurity In Borno

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Shettima Convokes Emergency Security Meeting Over Insecurity In Borno

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Following Sunday’s twin bomb blast in Maiduguri, Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State has summoned various stakeholders in the state to brainstorm on how to tackle the ugly development which is becoming frequent.

According to the governor, the emergency security meeting will be attended by officials of all markets, motor parks, shopping complexes, football fields and other places of public gatherings in Maiduguri.

Heads of security agencies and the Civilian JTF are also expected to attend the meeting which will hold on Monday, December 12.

The stakeholders are expected to gather at the Borno Government House in Maiduguri, to discuss how to improve the security of the town and checkmate suicide bombing.

Governor Shettima was speaking after he visited the scene of ‎the suicide attacks as well as the Accident and Emergency ward of the Maiduguri Specialist Hospital where some of the injured victims were being treated.

“Tomorrow, we will be having an emergency security meeting involving management of all the markets, motor parks, shopping centres, football fields and other attack prone areas and we will invite the Civilian JTF and of course our security officials so that we cross pollinate ideas and come up with some new measures that will strengthen our existing security structure around markets,” Shettima said.

He added that “we have been taking different steps as the insurgents change their ways, we will all meet and come with measures that will not be made public.”

The governor was told that three persons among the injured were undergoing emergency surgery at the hospital’s theatre.

Spokesman of the National Emergency Management Authority, NEMA, Sani Datti, also revealed that one of the seventeen injured victims of the explosion died at the hospital.

Shettima commiserated with families of the injured victims, adding that steps will be taken to stop the menace.

“This suicide attack is highly unfortunate, I condole and commiserate with the families of the victims.

“Insha Allah, we will always do the best we can to prevent this kind of blood bath,” he said.

Maiduguri’s Monday Market had been targeted on several occasions by Boko Haram insurgents, using suicide bombers  who concealed bombs and pretended to be buyers of wares at the market.

Bauchi Police Clash With Kidnappers, Rescue Victims

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Bauchi Police Clash With Kidnappers, Rescue Victims

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The Nigeria Police Force, Bauchi State Command has narrated how some of its personnel in collaboration with a local security outfit called, Danga security, attacked a kidnappers’ hideout at Buzun forest in Ganjuwa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

Haruna Mohammed, a Police Superintendent and the Public Relations Officer of the Command explained that the operation was following intelligence report from members of the public.

“On sighting the Police, hoodlums opened fire and a fierce gun battle ensued which lasted for more than an hour, PPRO stated.

“As a result, two suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded while one Mustapha Sarkin Bindigan Gali, a member of Danga Security, sustained gunshot injury.

He added, however, that two women hostages were rescued from the kidnappers and one suspect was arrested.

The rescued victims are, Maryam Alh Shu’aibu Hauwa’u Karfe both from Nasarawa ward of Ganjuwa LGA, Bauchi State.

Mohammed also disclosed that, one k2 rifle with beech no. 2016576; one magazine; 15 rounds of live ammunition and other incriminating items were recovered from the kidnappers den.

He noted that “all the Casualties including the rescued victims were taken to General hospital Kafin Madaki for medical attention.”

“The two suspected kidnappers and one member of Danga Security were certified dead by a medical doctor, while the rescued victims are in stable condition,” the Police spokesman disclosed.

He also said that the body of the dead local security man has been released to his relatives for burial after postmortem examination was conducted.

Mohammed also said that investigations are being intensified to apprehend other fleeing suspects and bring them to Justice.

He commended the members of the public for cooperating with the police, urging them not to relent in  providing useful information to enable the Police provide Safety and Security in the State.

DSP Beheaded, Corps Members Kidnapped In Rivers Re-run Election

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DSP Beheaded, Corps Members Kidnapped In Rivers Re-run Election

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The General Officer Commanding, GOC, of  the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has narrated how a Deputy Superintendent of Police was beheaded alongside his orderly, as well as ho scores of corps members who were kidnapped in the legislative re-run elections in Rivers State on Saturday.

Kasimu Abdulkarim, a major general, made the chilling revelation as he refuted allegations that soldiers from his division were involved in ballot box snatching, illegal escorts of some politicians, killing and mass arrests  and detention of voters during the polls.

He described the allegations as mere farce, false and an attempt by desperate politicians to garner public sympathy at the expense of the integrity and good name of the Army.

Narrating some of the incidents, the GOC said: “Several shooting were recorded in some communities such as Bodo, the home town of the secretary to the State Government, B-dere and Mogho in Gokhana LGA, including snatching of ballot boxes.

“The most brutal incidence occurred at Ujju Community near Omoku in Onelga where a police patrol team was ambushed. In the ambush, 10 policemen scampered into the bush.

“The Mobile Police organized a rescue mission. Regrettably, the team discovered that DSP Alkali Mohammed of Mobile Police Unit 48 was beheaded along with his orderly.

“The patrol vehicle was taken away with weapons, 3 policemen escaped while 5 were missing in action.”

Abdulkarim recalled that “this is the same area where soldiers of 34 Brigade were ambushed on 20 November 2016 where a soldier was killed.

“Also on 21 November 2016, 4 personnel of NSCDC were killed and their weapons carted away,” he said.

Narrating further, the Army commander said: “In Abonema at 0730 hours today, there were 3 explosions that created bedlam. Subsequently, 11 NYSC members were abducted along with electoral materials.

“However, 10 of them were rescued 2 hrs later by the soldiers while one was rescued about 8hrs later.”

“At Emouha, Mr Oblewaremu abducted 5 NYSC members with election materials in a Sienna bus. The corps members were rescued while the suspect was handed over to the Police.”

Abdulkarim stated categorically that “the 6 Division (of the) Nigerian Army remained apolitical in the conduct of the election.”

“Its soldiers provided perimeter defence to ward off hoodlums and miscreants.  Nigerian Army troops were in no way involved in any form of ballot box snatching, neither were they involved in the escort of politicians as alleged.

“They acted swiftly in response to security breaches in order to enforce the law, provide aid to the Nigeria Police and other security agencies especially in areas like Abonema, Etche, Gokhana, Ikwere, Eleme, Tai, Khana and Omoku amongst others.”

The GOC expressed concerns that the weighty nature of these allegations could cause members of the public to view soldiers negatively, hence the need to correct the wrong impression being created of the Nigerian Army by some desperate politicians.

Abdulkarim explained that the areas where the Army beefed up security were “rift with armed men” and warranted the provision of adequate cover for the electoral officials, voters, international and local observers, in conjunction with other security agencies.

He added that despite the various attacks by hoodlums on security agents, the soldiers “acted with civility and professionally guaranteeing peaceful election.”

The GOC stated that “the Rivers State Re-Run Election was adjudged credible, free, fair and peaceful in many parts of the State.

“Accusations of soldiers’ partisanship therefore was a sham and phony.

“The Division would continue to maintain apolitical posture in discharge of its roles to ensure provision of adequate security in Rivers State,” he reiterated.

3 Suicide Bombers Attack Maiduguri, Injure 17

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3 Suicide Bombers Attack Maiduguri, Injure 17

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Three people have been confirmed dead in Sunday’s bomb explosion in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

Bello Danbatta, an official of the local vigilante group commonly called the Civilian-JTF, confirmed the development to journalists.

“So far, three persons are dead,” Danbatta said, before adding that “It was a suicide bomb attack, we are trying to ascertain the actual number of those injured in the hospital now,” he added.

The Civilian JTF had been involved in the rescue and evacuation of victims of the blasts.

Also an official of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, confirmed the casualty figure.

NEMA’s national spokesman, Sani Datti, explained that “three of the dead persons are female bombers, while 17 persons that were injured have been evacuated to hospitals in Maiduguri.”

The twin explosions occurred on Sunday morning in a crowded area near Maiduguri’s main market.

Police spokesperson, Victor Isuku, said the explosions took place near the Old NEPA office, which is not far from the Monday market.

Few days back, Madagali, a town in Adamawa State was also attacked by suicide bombers suspected to be members of the Boko Haram Terrorist group.

Officials say 30 people lost their lives in the attack while a lot more were wounded.

Despite claims by the Nigerian government and the Military authorities that the Boko Haram insurgency has been largely decimated, the terrorists continue to carry out bomb attacks and ambushes especially in the stronghold of Borno State, North East Nigeria.

Official Results Still Being Awaited In Many Areas In Rivers State

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Official Results Still Being Awaited In Many Areas In Rivers State

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The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, seem to be having a tough time in the Rivers legislative re-run elections as official results are yet to be announced in some areas, more than 24 hours after voting.

This may not be unconnected to the insecurity that expectedly, but unfortunately, characterized the entire process.

There were widespread reports of violence, ballot box snatching, kidnap of electoral officials and killings of security agents.

The GOC of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Kasimu Abdulkarim, in a statement revealed that a Deputy Superintendent of Police was beheaded alongside his orderly after their convoy was ambushed by hoodlums.

However, The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate for Bonny State constituency, Abinye Pepple, has been declared winner of the election.

Journalists obtained INEC document signed by the returning officer, Ekuka Kalu.

Pepple got 6,610 votes to defeat his All Progressives Congress’, APC, opponent, Henry Halliday, who came second with 2330 votes.

Bonny is part of Rivers West senatorial district.

On the other hand, the APC won in Khana, Gokana state constituencies.

Friday Nkeeh – Khana and Innocent Narikoh – Gokana, were declared winners and have been returned elected by INEC.

Official results in the other areas where elections were conducted are still being awaited as at the time of this report.

How I escaped Death In Collapsed Church Building – Gov Udom

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How I escaped Death In Collapsed Church Building – Gov Udom

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Akwa Ibom State Governor, Emmanuel Udom, has confirmed that he was present at the Reigners Bible Church building when its roof collapsed on Saturday, killing scores of people.

The church collapsed during a ceremony in which the pastor of the church was to be ordained a bishop.

“Pastor Akan Week was being consecrated today so the programme was holding inside the Church when suddenly, the whole building collapsed,” an eye witness said.

He added that the Church was being renovated and upgraded because of the  number of guests expected at the ceremony.

Other eye-witnesses had also told journalists that the governor and other dignitaries escaped unhurt because they were seated at the ‘high table’ in front of the building while the building caved in from the middle.

In a state broadcast later on Saturday, the governor said though he was unhurt, he was still traumatised after the incident.

“I was present at the church during the incident and shared in the agony of the moment,” he said, adding that he “personally supervised rescue operations and evacuation of the injured to the hospital.”

“I directed all emergency organizations, agencies of government and corporate organizations especially the construction companies to be involved in the exercise.

“They acted promptly and I commend their sense of patriotism and gallantry,”Udom Said.

The governor said that the state government  will set-up “a high-powered panel of inquiry to ascertain the immediate and remote causes leading to the collapse of the building with a view to forestalling the recurrence of such incident and bring to book persons found to have compromised professional standards in the construction of the building.”

He promised that the State will also foot the medical bills of the injured victims.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhri has made a phone call to Governor Udom to felicitate with him and his family on their lucky escape from the unfortunate incident.

Presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu made this known in a statement late on Saturday.

Shehu stated that President Buhari on behalf of all Nigerians also sympathized with people of Akwa Ibom State, especially members of the Church and families of victims who either lost their lives or were injured in the incident.

He prayed for the soul of the dead to rest in peace while also urging the people to rally round the injured ones in order to ease their pain and hurt.

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