By Uchenna Ugwu

Sen. David Umahi, Minister for Works, has praised the harmonious relationship between Muslims and Christians under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

He said the cordial interfaith atmosphere within the administration reflects a broader national unity that must be sustained.

Umahi made these remarks when members of the Muslim community paid him a Sallah homage at his residence in Abakaliki.

He welcomed the delegation warmly and expressed appreciation for their visit, noting it as a symbol of continued peace and cooperation among different faiths.

The minister observed that the Tinubu-led government has contributed significantly to promoting religious tolerance across the country.

According to him, such tolerance is essential for national development and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, regardless of their religious backgrounds.

He emphasised that no meaningful development can occur without mutual respect and understanding between diverse religious groups.

“We are pleased with the interfaith unity between Muslims and Christians across the country,” Umahi stated.

He expressed confidence that sustained cooperation between the two communities would contribute to national stability and collective progress.

Alhaji Danjuma Gambo, leader of the Hausa Community in the state, thanked Umahi for his ongoing support to the Muslim population.

Gambo described the minister as a true statesman who embraces all communities, regardless of their religious affiliation.

He noted Umahi’s consistent acts of generosity during festive seasons and his open-door policy in addressing the needs of all groups.

Gambo also praised Umahi’s commitment to fairness, adding that the minister has never discriminated against Muslims in any form.

Alhaji Sule Mohammed, a former Technical Assistant on Sports, also spoke during the visit, acknowledging Umahi’s effective performance in office.

He commended the minister’s infrastructure projects and pledged the community’s continued solidarity with the present administration.

Mohammed stated that Umahi’s leadership style has inspired confidence and unity among the people of Ebonyi.

He urged all communities to keep supporting government initiatives that promote peace and national growth. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

By Emmanuel Antswen

The Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Benue Chapter, has rejected calls by some of their colleagues for the declaration of a state of emergency rule in the state.

State Overseer of the conference, Archbishop Alexander Nyoonkyegh, said on Saturday in Makurdi that Gov. Hyacinth Alia was their brother in the vineyard and must be protected by true men of God.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some bishops had earlier called for an emergency rule in Benue over growing insecurity.

But Nyoonkyegh said that Benue does not need emergency rule but a united front to confront the common enemy.

The archbishop said what the state needed at this crucial moment was unity and support for the governor to succeed.

“What we need now in Benue is unity and support for the governor to succeed. Let us help him to succeed because he is heading in the right direction.

“We cannot continue to talk about military takeover or emergency rule in Benue. We are not even sure that a Benue son will be appointed as the sole administrator.

“Look at what happened in Rivers. A sole administrator was appointed for Rivers who is from another state,” he said.

He also stated that even the Bible has admonished them to be submissive to authorities, adding that only God gives authority to people.

“As fathers of faith, when you have a son and brother in the vineyard and they are doing well, you say, brother, keep it up. Recently we were here crying on the issue of insecurity, and there were reasons to support our cries.

“Fr Alia is our brother in the vineyard, and we will continue to pray for him to succeed. What we know is that there is no authority that is not given from God.

“And the Bible says we must be submissive to the authorities. Yes, we are prophets, but we are submissive to the authorities here on earth too.

“What we need here is development, and the governor is developing the state, so what else can we ask for?

“Apart from issues of insecurity, which he is trying, and we are seeing some of his efforts, what fundamental offence has he committed?” he asked.

Nyoonkyegh further commended President Bola Tinubu for continually standing with Benue people and currently directing the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, to relocate to the state and address the growing insecurity.

“We cried with faith in God, and he is hearing our prayers, and we believe that this mystery that we have witnessed in the last few days since the arrival of the Chief of Army should continue.

“Since his arrival, we have not heard of any further attack on our people. Let the peace be maintained, he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Constance Athekame and Peter Amine

By Deji Abdulwahab

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says no lives were lost in the fire incident in an hotel accommodating 484 Nigerian pilgrims in Makkah on Saturday.

NAHCON said this in a statement by its Assistant Director, Information and Publications Division, Hajiya Fatima Usara.

Usara said that the fire incident occurred at Imaratus Sanan Hotel at noon on Saturday, while Nigerian pilgrims were fulfilling obligations in Mina.

“NAHCON regrets to inform the public of a fire incident that occurred earlier Saturday around 12:00 noon (KSA time), at one of the hotels accommodating Nigerian pilgrims on Shari Mansur Street in Makkah.

“The affected hotel, Imaratus Sanan, was hosting about 484 pilgrims from six Nigerian Private Tour Operator Companies. Thankfully, no lives were lost, and all pilgrims are safely in Mina.

“Immediate emergency response by Saudi authorities and the hotel management helped to contain the fire swiftly and prevent it from spreading all over the building,” Usara said.

According to her, following the incident, the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh, visited the location promptly to assess the situation and ensure that the welfare of the affected pilgrims is prioritised.

She said that Saleh was accompanied by Commissioner Policy Personnel Management and Finance, Alhaji Aliu Abdulrazak and Deputy Makkah Coordinator, Director Alidu Shutti.

Meanwhile, Saleh ordered for immediate relocation of the affected pilgrims to a new accommodation.

The NAHCON chairman commiserated with the affected pilgrims, while assuring that the commission will provide every possible support within its capacity to cushion the impact of the incident.

He expressed thanks to Allah that no life was lost in the unfortunate incident.

He promised that NAHCON would work with the affected tour operators to ensure that pilgrims were relocated and provided with the necessary assistance.

The chairman and his team appreciated the prompt response of the Saudi emergency services and the cooperation of the hotel staff in managing the situation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Editted by Kadiri Abdulrahman