CAN accuses Borno State Govt of plotting to demolish churches/schools Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has alleged that the planned demolition of churches and schools will worsen the security in the state and create unnecessary tension amongst residents of the state.The development has, therefore, continued to fuel speculations to Islamize the country, beginning from Northern Nigeria. It was learnt that those to be affected by the planned demolition have been served with quit notices, as the state government has declared that they are interested in using the said plots of land for the construction of an estate. A leaflet from the office of Borno State Ministry of Lands and Survey, dated August 20, and signed by one Musa Ummate (O/C Land Administration) on behalf of the commissioner, was obtained by newsmen, yesterday, in Abuja. The leaflet is entitled, “Notice of acquisition and assessment/valuation of structures on proposed site for 1,000 housing units along Gubio road.” It read: “I am directed to refer to you farmers and holders of structures on the proposed site for caption matter above and regret to inform you that the executive governor has on the power conferred on him by Section (2)b of the Land Use Act 1978 has directed through high powered committee on Construction Ref. no: HPCC/2500/HE/S/TEC/1 to notify you of his intention to acquire your farmlands and assessment/valuation of the structures on the proposed site situated along Gubio road, Maiduguri. “The acquisition is necessary, in view of requirements of the land by the state government for overriding public interest to construct housing estate. The affected farmers and holders of structures are to take note and appear on site for the above exercise, please.” Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, yesterday, said the demolition was another plot under the guise of public interest to persecute Christians in the state, saying it would not take it lightly. The General Secretary of CAN, Dr. Musa Asake, who confirmed the development when contacted, called on Borno State government to have a rethink. Dr. Asake said: “We have seen the eviction notice from Borno State government. We are Nigerians and there are other places where the state government can develop. The areas being earmarked for demolition are already developed with churches and schools. “We condemn the action and I think government should be sensitive to what the Christians in that state are going through not to come and add another problem, through demolition. “Christians have suffered enough in Borno State. If the state government wants to destroy churches and build any housing estate, no Christian will see it as a sign of progress.” Although, Asake disclosed that they had not been able to authenticate the source of the letter, he added “we are going to reach out to the state government to make sure that Christians don’t lose their churches and lands. “But we have no reason to doubt the source of the letter. We have suffered enough in Borno State and enough of all these things which are coming in another disguise. “Borno State government should reconsider the decision to demolish churches and property because in Borno State, there are many vast lands. They should do that instead of going to these areas where Christians have settled. We are asking the Borno State government not to try it.” Story 4. U.S Based NGO Plans To Create 10m Jobs In Nigeria U.S based United African Diasporan States (UADS) says it plans to create 10 million jobs in Nigeria within 10 years. The Executive President of the organisation, Prof. Brimmy Olaghere, announced this in Abuja on Monday. UADS was established in 2001 by Africans based in the U.S. to partner with New Economic Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) in the area of job creation. The organisation is also to assist African states in the area of socio-economic growth, development projects and programmes, among others. He said that when operational, the scheme would engage Nigerians, especially youths in meaningful sources of livelihood. According to him, UADS will establish many industries and mechanised farms, where many Nigerian youths will be engaged in various jobs. Olaghere added that it would reduce poverty, stop youths from roaming the streets and stem the tide of insecurity to the barest minimum. He said unemployment and poverty were some of the factors responsible for the high rate of insecurity in the country. ``As Nigerians, we are all aware of the unprecedented violence plaguing our country in recent time.' He, however, urged Nigerians not to allow poverty to push them into terrorism, adding that such act was capable of plunging the country into jeopardy. He said it was unfortunate that Nigerians were not willing to cooperate with the government to end insecurity and other challenges. According to him, security is a collective responsibility, therefore, it should not be left in the hands of governments alone. Olaghere said without peace, security of lives and property, no nation could achieve any meaningful development. He urged the Federal Government to create environment conducive for investors, especially foreign ones, to tap the rich natural and human resources of Nigeria for its mutual benefit. He also advised Nigerians to take community policing seriously, adding that it would go a long way to reduce the rate of crime, criminality and insurgency. “Government on its part must also be sincere and honest in its quest to salvage the situation of insecurity in the country. “Government must ensure that it arrests criminals and deals with them in accordance with the law of the land to deter potential criminals. Olaghere also urged the government to give priority attention to agriculture, to boost food production and provide employment to Nigerians. He also called on the government to empower women and create job opportunities for the teeming population, especially the youths to avoid restiveness. Olaghere commended the State Security Service (SSS) for its ``professional and patriotic' service on intelligence gathering. He expressed optimism that the effort would boost the fight against terrorism and other form of criminality in any part of the country. ``The nation’s security agencies also need to be more proactive in order to reduce the spate of kidnappings and other anti social vices. `` Our security agencies should apply more intelligence sharing and also network effectively as quick response to threats, and to intervene at potential flash points.'
Posted on: Mon, 09 Sep 2013 14:37:03 +0000
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