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Reconcile With Nigerians Before It Is Too Late, LPPMC National Secretary Tells Political Leaders
By Amos Tauna, Kaduna
The National Secretary of the Liberal Progressive and Patriotic Members Congress (LPPMC), Eld. Yusuf Solomon Danbaki, has urged Nigerians in positions of authority—whether at the federal, state, or local government level—to confess and reconcile with the populace regarding their wrongdoings before it is too late.
He stated, “IBB’s decision to finally accept responsibility for his actions, although long overdue, is a courageous step that deserves commendation. It serves as a reminder that truth and accountability, regardless of how delayed, are essential for healing and progress.”
Danbaki described the June 12, 1993 election as a dark stain on Nigeria’s democratic history, symbolising the betrayal of the people’s will and the truncation of what many consider the freest and fairest election in the nation’s history.
In a statement on Saturday, he alleged, “The 2023 general elections, much like the June 12 election, have been marred by allegations of manipulation and irregularities. Many Nigerians believe that the current government came to power through questionable means, and the wounds from that process remain unhealed. It is disheartening to contemplate that it might take another 32 years for those in power today to acknowledge their role in undermining the democratic process, just as it took IBB decades to confront his past.”
He explained that IBB’s acknowledgment came at a time when he had the opportunity to make amends with God and history, stressing that for many of those in power today, time is not on their side, as by 2050, most of them will no longer be alive to seek redemption or reconciliation.
He reiterated that the luxury of waiting decades to accept responsibility is one they may not possess, stating, “This is why I call on all Nigerians, especially those in positions of authority illegally at the federal, state, or local government, to confess and reconcile with Nigerians over their wrongs before it is too late.”
According to him, Nigeria is at a crossroads, and the path to progress lies in unity, accountability, and genuine reconciliation. He emphasised that the lessons of June 12 and the recent gathering of former adversaries should serve as a wake-up call for all Nigerians.
“We must learn from the past, confront the present, and work together to build a future where the will of the people is respected, and the common good is prioritised over personal or partisan interests,” he observed.
He urged all Nigerians to embrace the spirit of reconciliation and hold their leaders accountable for their actions, asserting that they should not wait another 32 years to address the injustices of today. He believes that the time to act is now, for the sake of Nigeria and future generations.
The event, as described by former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, brought together former adversaries to celebrate a fellow statesman, highlighting the power of reconciliation and the importance of setting aside past grievances for the greater good.
Danbaki stated, “It was a moment that showcased the possibility of unity, even among those who once stood on opposite sides of Nigeria’s political divide. While the gathering was symbolic, it also revealed a glaring omission: the failure to address the current divisions and enmities that continue to plague Nigeria’s political landscape.”
He remarked, “Osinbajo’s speech, though eloquent, did not acknowledge the present-day enmity in Nigeria’s journey, including his own relationship with his political godfather, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This omission is particularly striking given the history of their relationship. Once seen as allies in the struggle for a better Nigeria, their bond has been strained by the realities of power and politics. The same can be said for many others in positions of authority today, who were once united by a common vision but are now divided by personal ambitions and partisan interests.
The Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Maj.-Gen. Folusho Oyinlola, has decried the influx of large number of cattle into Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.
Oyinlola, who doubles as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, said this on Tuesday during an engagement with stakeholders in Barkin Ladi.
He noted that the influx of the cattle was constituting a major security threat to the locality and the state in general.
According to him, the isolated attacks, farm destruction, and other illegal activities are as a result of the unhealthy development.
“I must express the concerns of security agencies about recent developments in parts of Barkin Ladi.
“There is a growing unease about the influx of large number of cattle into farming communities.
“While the movement of livestock in Barkin Ladi and indeed Pateau in general is not unusual, the scale and timings of this new influx raise legitimate security concerns.
“Unfortunately, this development has already resulted in adverse outcomes, including farm destructions, isolated attacks, and attacks on livestock.
“The impact of this action on food security, economic stability, and social harmony cannot be over emphasised,” he said.
The commander, who also expressed deep concerns over the recent killings in the locality, called on the stakeholders to unite and fashion out ways to end the violence.
He, however, promised to fish out the perpetrators of the heinous crime, who would be made to face the full wrath of the law.
Oyinlola explained that the stakeholders’ engagement was aimed at ensuring a successful and peaceful farming season in the locality.
“The faming season is already ongoing, and for many families, this is a period for securing their livelihood.
“Therefore, any disruption of farming activities now will have dire consequences for the rest of the year and beyond.
“To this end, this engagement is convened to hear from you, all stakeholders, to listen to your concerns,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the meeting had in attendance heads of security agencies, government officials, traditional and religious leaders, among others.(NAN)
The Catholic Church’s cardinals issued an urgent appeal for peace on Tuesday, one day before they retreat into the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope.
In a joint statement, they called on all warring parties worldwide to “achieve a lasting ceasefire as soon as possible.”
The statement, released by the Vatican, said the cardinals note “with regret” that there has been no “progress in promoting peace processes in Ukraine, the Middle East and many other parts of the world.”
On the contrary, they said, attacks have intensified, especially against the civilian population.
The cardinals called for ceasefires “without preconditions and without further delay” in order to negotiate “the peace long desired by the affected populations and the whole world.”
They also appealed to believers, asking them to intensify their prayers for a just and lasting peace.
The statement was delivered during the General Congregation of the College of Cardinals, the last meeting of the cardinals before the start of the conclave.
Starting on Wednesday, eligible cardinals under the age of 80 are to vote to elect a successor to pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says on Tuesday that more than 30-year difference in life expectancy between the richest and the poorest countries highlights global health inequities.
The global health body stated this in its ‘World Report on Social Determinants of Health Equity’ launched on Tuesday by its Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus.
The report revealed that where one was born could be the difference between living over three decades longer than someone else from a poorer country lacking safe housing, good educational opportunities and access to decent jobs.
According to the report, people in the country with the highest life expectancy will, on average, live for 33 years more than those born in the country with the lowest life expectancy.
It further revealed that lack of safe housing, good educational opportunities and access to decent jobs could be responsible for a reduction in life expectancy in both rich and poor countries alike.
“Our world is an unequal one. Where we are born, grow, live, work and age significantly influences our health and well-being,” said Ghebreyesus.
The report found that inequities in health were closely linked to degrees of social disadvantage and levels of discrimination.
“Health follows a social gradient whereby the more deprived the area in which people live, the lower their incomes are,” the UN global health agency said.
It stated that inequities’ were exacerbated in populations that face discrimination and marginalisation, such as Indigenous Peoples, who had lower life expectancies than their non-Indigenous counterparts.
According to the report, this is the case in both high and low-income countries.
The study was the first to be published since 2008 when the WHO Commission on Social Determinants of Health released its final report.
The report laid out targets for 2040 for reducing gaps between and within countries in life expectancy, childhood and maternal mortality.
It showed that these targets were likely to be missed and in spite of a scarcity of data, there was sufficient evidence to show that health inequities were often widening.
“For example, children born in poorer countries are 13 times more likely to die before their fifth birthday than in wealthier countries.
“Moreover, modelling shows that the lives of nearly two million children annually could be saved by closing the gap and enhancing equity between the poorest and wealthiest sectors of the population within low- and-middle-income countries.”
Additionally, while maternal mortality declined by 40 per cent between the years 2000 and 2023, the majority of deaths, 94 per cent, still occurred in low and lower-middle-income countries.
WHO called for collective action to address economic inequality and invest in social infrastructure and universal public services.
The agency also recommended other steps, including overcoming structural discrimination and the determinants and impacts of conflicts, emergencies and forced migration. (NAN)