Plot to Impeach Fubara Will Be Resisted, Says Political Pressure Group

 

A political pressure group under the aegis of Simplicity Movement, has threatened to resist an alleged plan by the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to impeach the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, over his long political battle with the 27 lawmakers of the state House of Assembly.

The group gave the warning yesterday while addressing journalists in Port Harcourt, on the alleged plot.

Spokesperson of the Simplicity Movement, Kelly Rufus who led the briefing on behalf of the group, said the plot if allowed has the potential to destabilise the ongoing progress and peace in the state.

Rufus alleged that the moves are being made by the PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, warning that any plot to remove Governor Fubara is not just an attack on him as an individual, but an attack on the will of the people of Rivers State. 

He said: “The recent accusations brought forward by opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives indicate a calculated attempt to weaken the PDP from within by collaborating with some members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“These actions, if true, represent a betrayal of the trust reposed in the PDP leadership by millions of Nigerians who look to the party to provide purposeful opposition to the government of the day, whose policies seem out of sync with the well-being of the generality of Nigerians.

“We cannot stand idly by while a few individuals, driven by personal ambitions, attempt to derail the progress and development of our state. Governor Fubara was elected by the people of Rivers State to serve, bring about positive change, and deliver the dividends of good governance. His mandate is sacred, and any attempt to subvert it is an affront to democracy itself.

“We are particularly troubled by reports that Damagum and Anyanwu are allegedly opposing the efforts of the PDP’s National Legal Adviser, who is working to ensure that the sacked pro-Wike 27 lawmakers who defected to the APC do not undermine the legal standing of the PDP in a high-profile court case.”

The group stated that a Rivers State High Court has already issued an ex parte order restraining the lawmakers from interacting with key state officials, stating they any move to weaken the legal standing would be a direct threat to the stability of the state.

“We must also address the actions of the immediate past Governor, Nyesom Wike, who is clearly seen as the one spearheading these sinister moves to oust Governor Fubara after losing his grip on the governor. 

“There is no gainsaying that Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, as amended, guarantees a maximum tenure of eight years in office for a state governor. Any attempt to extend one’s influence beyond this provision is not only unconstitutional but also an insult to the democratic process.”

Rufus said, “If Minister Wike wanted to extend his tenure beyond eight years during his time as governor, he had ample opportunity to amend the constitution. But any attempt now to continue ruling the state by proxy is not only impractical but will also be met with fierce resistance.”

The group, however, “call on all those involved in fomenting trouble in the state to put aside their personal interests and consider the greater good of our state. Rivers State is on a path of growth and development, and we will not allow anyone to derail us from this path.”.

They further urged the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), who recently visited Governor Fubara, not to stop at visiting the governor, but should take concrete steps to reaffirm the governor’s rightful place as the leader of the PDP in the state and restore confidence in the party as the leading opposition in Nigeria. 

“This is critical in maintaining the unity and strength of the party in the face of these challenges. The BoT should also use its position as the conscience of the party to ensure that the National Working Committee sanctions the National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, for their unholy alliance with Wike and his unlawful scribes and Pharisees, who are bent on causing political Armageddon in Rivers State.”

The group solicited President Bola Tinubu’s renewed intervention, saying the president should call the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to order for the alleged peace and political stability in the state.

“We call on President Bola Tinubu to, as a matter of urgency, call the FCT Minister to order and advise him to focus on his assigned responsibilities in FCT Abuja. His continued distractions towards Governor Fubara have far-reaching implications on the economic contributions of Rivers State to the country, as no meaningful economic activity can thrive in a chaotic atmosphere. 

“Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has shown an unparalleled capacity to govern Rivers State with notable achievements in the past few months he has truly held sway as an independent governor of Rivers State. 

But moreso, Rivers people are bound to reap much more landmark development under Sir Siminalayi Fubara in a more stable political atmosphere devoid of these unwarranted distractions being masterminded by the FCT Minister.”

Rufus added that “Rivers State belongs to the people, and the people have chosen Governor Siminalayi Fubara to lead them. Any attempt to remove him from office is an attempt to silence the voice of the people, and this we cannot and will not allow. We, the people of Rivers State, will rise to the occasion when real signs of such an attempt are made.”

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Christianity is crashing: Scotland offers one hundred churches for sale as the UK retreats from Christianity

Church of Scotland sell-off comes as most people say they have no religion

    The neo-gothic St Mary's Greyfriars in Dumfries is on the market for bids of more than £38,000

Have you transformed a former church into your dream home? Get in touch: money@telegraph.co.uk

The Church of Scotland is liquidating one hundred ancient structures in order to raise money following a sharp drop in clergy and congregants.

In what the Church has called a "painful" step, churches, land lots, and old council houses—some of which date back to the 1700s—have been put up for sale at prices starting at £35,000.

The organization stated that it currently owns "far more [churches] than is required" and that financial constraints had forced it to make "difficult" decisions about its future.

According to figures from the most recent census, the Church of Scotland has lost a million members since 2001, and the majority of Scots now identify as nonreligious.

It is also battling a decline in the number of clergy members. The Church disclosed in 2022 that it has lost forty percent of its ministers since 2000.

The Church hopes that by removing its centuries-old, energy-draining structures, it would be able to “reduce the pressure on congregational finances”.

A spokesperson for the Church of Scotland stated: "We recognize the full spectrum of feelings, including grief, guilt, rage, and relief that the weight of maintaining a place of worship with few patrons and little to no support from other community sources has finally been removed."

The Church possesses thousands of properties—many more than are necessary to fulfill our main goal of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.

"The Church is undergoing a metamorphosis, and it is crucial that it is adequately prepared to serve its function in the twenty-first century. While structures are treasured, advancement cannot be impeded by them.

St Marks in the heart of Aberdeen is the priciest property the Church of Scotland has listed for sale Credit: geogphotos /Alamy Stock Photo

A charming church in Laggan, Inverness-shire, is up for bids over £35,000, and the neo-gothic St. Mary's Greyfriars in Dumfries is out for bids over £38,000. Both historic buildings are on the market.

The striking town church, which will close to worshippers on Thursday, is just 594 square meters in size and costs a small portion of the £165,000 average house price in the neighbourhood. Nevertheless, with the lowest EPC score of G, its energy performance is appalling, much like the majority of churches on the market.

The most expensive house for sale is the renowned St Marks in the center of Aberdeen, which is advertised for £390,000. Kirkinner Church (£40,000) in Dumfries and Galloway and Kirknewton Church (£215,000) in West Lothian are two more houses of worship that are up for auction.

Since revealing its strategy to significantly slim down its portfolio, the Church has been accused of disrespecting country dwellers by forcing them to make lengthy trips to neighbouring parishes. 

The closure of the 900-year-old Birnie Kirk, Moray, caused uproar last year after being listed on the market. The historic church, which is one of the oldest in Scotland, is yet to be sold but will be released from ownership by 2027. “The patterns of Church life have changed over the decades and we recognise that the speed and pace of the change has been difficult, challenging and a painful experience for man,” a spokesman said.

Birnie Kirk's near 900-year run as a place of worship came to an end in November last year Credit: Peter Jolly/Northpix

The Church said its buildings “have the potential to be used for a variety of different purposes” – whether it be for residential, entertainment or education. But, Andrew Boast, of SAM Conveyancing, a panel of surveyors and solicitors, warned potential buyers to be careful. “No matter how enticing they may seem, you should err on the side of caution and not get too caught up in the excitement as churches can be far more tricky than the listing lets on,” he said. “Churches are notoriously chilly and good at losing heat, making them tricky and expensive to keep warm. “Converting them to residential or commercial buildings will involve navigating a complex maze of planning regulations and legal requirements – not to mention issues with conservation or significant historical statuses.”

Mr Boast said works are likely to be “met with a lot of bureaucratic red tape”, leading to lengthy delays and additional costs. His thoughts are echoed by Emma Myrie, of specialist insurer Homeprotect: “A church or chapel may seem like a bargain based on the sale price alone, but factoring in the challenges around conversion, maintenance and upkeep could make it a false economy.”

Dreams and Desperation: The Tragic Journey of African Migrants Across the Mediterranean

 

  Migrants stoked on the Mediterranean Sea 

The Mediterranean Sea, with its serene blue waters, holds a tragic story for many African migrants who embarked on perilous journeys from their home countries to reach Europe. Driven by desperation, these individuals risk everything in search of safety, opportunity, and a better life. Yet, for many, the journey ends in tragedy, as the sea claims thousands of lives each year. This article explores the reasons behind these dangerous migrations and the heartbreaking experiences of those who lost their lives along the way.

The Reasons for Leaving Home

The decision to leave one's home, family, and everything familiar is never an easy one. Yet, countless Africans make this choice, driven by a mix of despair and hope. The reasons for their journeys are as diverse as the continent itself, but several common factors compel them to undertake the dangerous trek across the Mediterranean.

1. Economic Hardship:

   • For many, poverty is the primary motivator. In countries like Nigeria, Senegal, and Ghana, the lack of economic opportunities, high unemployment rates, and extreme poverty leave people with little hope for a better future. The promise of employment and financial stability in Europe becomes a beacon of hope for those struggling to survive.

2. Conflict and Violence:

   • In regions plagued by conflict, such as South Sudan, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, war and violence are daily realities. People flee these areas to escape the constant threat of death, persecution, and human rights abuses. For them, the journey across the Mediterranean is a desperate attempt to find safety and peace.

3. Political Instability:

   • Political turmoil and oppressive regimes drive many to leave their countries. In Eritrea, for example, mandatory military service and severe repression have pushed thousands to flee. These migrants seek refuge in Europe, where they hope to find freedom and the ability to live without fear of persecution.

4. Environmental Factors:

   • Climate change and environmental degradation are increasingly forcing people to leave their homes. In countries like Chad and Niger, desertification and drought have decimated livelihoods, particularly for those dependent on agriculture. With no means to sustain themselves, many see migration as their only option.

5. Search for Better Opportunities:

• The allure of better education, healthcare, and living standards in Europe drives many young Africans to risk everything. For them, the journey represents a chance to build a future that seems unattainable in their home countries.

    Migrants

The Perilous Journey

The journey to Europe is fraught with danger from the very beginning. Migrants often travel through multiple countries, enduring grueling conditions in the Sahara Desert, where temperatures can soar above 50°C (122°F). Many fall victim to human traffickers, who exploit their vulnerability, subjecting them to abuse, extortion, and even slavery.

Libya, the main departure point for Mediterranean crossings, is particularly dangerous. Migrants often find themselves in detention centers, where they face overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and brutal treatment. Women are especially vulnerable to sexual violence, while men are often forced into labor or sold into slavery.

Despite these horrors, those who survive Libya's brutality eventually board overcrowded, unseaworthy boats, operated by smugglers who prioritize profit over human life. The Mediterranean crossing is perilous, with thousands drowning each year as their boats capsize or sink.

The Tragedy of the Mediterranean

For many African migrants, the Mediterranean Sea becomes their final resting place. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), over 23,000 migrants have lost their lives in the Mediterranean since 2014. These individuals set out with dreams of a better life but instead met with a tragic end.

One such story is that of Fatima, a young woman from Nigeria who fled her village due to Boko Haram attacks. She endured months of hardship, crossing the Sahara Desert and surviving abuse in Libya. But her journey ended in the Mediterranean when the boat she was on capsized. Fatima’s dreams of safety and a new life were lost to the sea.

Another tragic story is that of Moussa, a 17-year-old from Mali, who left his village to escape extreme poverty and help his family. He died in the Mediterranean, his body washed ashore in Italy. His mother, who still waits for news of her son, holds on to the hope that he might somehow still be alive.

These stories are not isolated incidents. They represent the harsh reality faced by thousands of migrants who, in their quest for a better life, pay the ultimate price.

A Call for Action and Compassion

The tragedy of African migrants crossing the Mediterranean is a humanitarian crisis that demands urgent attention. The international community must address the root causes of migration by providing support for economic development, conflict resolution, and political stability in African countries. Additionally, safe and legal migration pathways need to be established to prevent the loss of more lives.

There is also a need for increased search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean to save those in peril. The lives of these migrants should not be viewed as expendable; they are human beings with hopes, dreams, and loved ones waiting for them.

     Rescued Migrants

Conclusion: Honoring Their Memory

The Mediterranean Sea has become a symbol of both hope and despair for African migrants. The reasons for their journeys are complex, rooted in economic hardship, conflict, political instability, and the pursuit of a better life. But for too many, the journey ends in tragedy.

As we hear these stories, it is crucial to remember the human cost of migration. The lives lost in the Mediterranean should not be forgotten; they serve as a powerful reminder of the desperation that drives so many to risk everything in search of a brighter future. In honoring their memory, we must advocate for a world where such dangerous journeys are no longer necessary, and where all people have the opportunity to live in safety and dignity.

Pastor jailed eight years for raping member’s wife in Imo

 

       Rape

Desmond Eke, a pastor, was found guilty of raping the wife of a church member and given an eight-year prison sentence by Imo State High Court Judge T. N. Nzeukwu.

The woman who had placed so much trust in Eke, the founder of Deliverance Ministry of the Good Shepherd in Umuehieta Avu, Owerri West Local Government Area, Imo State, was revealed to have been deceived.

The defendant was found guilty on three counts that included sexually abusing the woman, who is a member of his church, and giving her a drug that rendered her unconscious and debilitated.

Chioma Emuka, the prosecution's attorney, claims that Eke took advantage of the woman who became conscious while he was still inside her while she was disoriented.

Justice Nzeukwu held, "There was no way injuries could result since there was no resistance since the woman was not completely conscious during the incident."

The defense attorney begged the judge to exercise mercy in addition to justice, pointing out that his client had behaved well and had appeared in court every day of the trial without violating any of the bail requirements.

He begged that his client be placed on probation rather than receiving a harsh penalty.

According to Global Metro, this is the state's first prosecution under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act.

Onurube, a civil society organization, reported on the issue and saw it through to the conclusion.

Speaking on the matter, Onurube convener Marjorie Ezihe praised the court.

Artistic swimming Olympics schedule: Men can compete for the first time in Paris in 2024.

 Artistic swimming Olympics schedule: Men can compete for the first time in Paris in 2024.

United States swim coach Andrea Fuentes saved two-time Olympic artistic swimmer Anita Alvarez after she fainted in a pool.

What to Know

• In artistic swimming, there are team competitions and duet competitions at the 2024 Paris Olympics
• Athletes make their routine look effortless but training for artistic swimming is grueling
• Check out the full artistic swimming Olympics schedule below

The introduction of men participants in artistic swimming, formerly known as synchronized swimming, is set to create history at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

At 1:30 p.m. ET on Monday, the Olympics Aquatics Center will host the inaugural competition of this unusual Olympic sport that blends music and water acrobatics. Three routines make up the team competition: an acrobatic, a free, and a technical routine. There is a technical routine and a free routine for the duet competition. This is the first time an acrobatic routine has been incorporated. According to NBC Olympics, the US will participate in the technical routine to the song "Smooth Criminal" by Michael Jackson as the eighth of ten countries.

A panel of judges assigns points to competitors based on their choreography, song selection, degree of difficulty, execution, and synchronization. In order to perform routines well, swimmers competing in artistic swimming must be flexible and maintain a high level of coordination and attention to detail.

OlympicsJul 17, 2023

Men to compete in artistic swimming at Olympics for first time in Paris

Aug 4, 2021

WATCH: The Most Breathtaking Artistic Swimming Routines You Have to See to Believe

Games July 17, 2023 For the first time ever, men will compete in artistic swimming at the Olympics in Paris.

“We're training eight-plus hours a day, treading water all day,” she said. “You have to be able to count time and work with music. You have to be able to watch your patterns and stay in line. We don't wear goggles when we compete. You're holding your breath. You don't touch the bottom. There are so many elements that go into it that people don't see.”

How to watch artistic swimming

You can watch the first competition live on Peacock or stream on nbcolympics.com starting at 1:30 p.m. ET or on E! at 2:00 p.m. ET.

Artistic swimming Olympics schedule:

Artistic Swimming at the 2024 Paris Olympics

Date	Event	Time (ET)
August 5	Team technical routine	1:30p-3:00p
August 6	Team free routine	1:30p-3:00p
August 7	Team acrobatic routine	1:30p-3:15p
August 9	Duet technical routine	1:30p-3:30p
August 10	Duet free routine	1:30p-4:00p

Since the sport of artistic swimming was added to the Olympic program at the 1984 Los Angeles Games, only female competitors have been permitted. But in 2022, the body that oversees the sport changed its regulations to let a maximum of two male competitors per country to compete in the team event. Though none of the ten teams that qualified were announced, it was anticipated that male competitors will compete in artistic swimming at the Olympics in Paris in 2024.

North American nations, in particular the United States and Canada, had early success in the Olympic swimming program. Ever since the 2000 Sydney Games, Russia (including the Russian Olympic Committee) has become the clear leader, taking home every gold medal in both sports. The streak will end, though, because Russia is not permitted to enter a team or duet in Paris as a result of an IOC ruling about the current conflict in Ukraine.

The United States will compete in the Paris Games' duet and team competitions for the first time since Beijing 2008.