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‘Sickening Cycle Of Escalation’ In Mideast Must Stop, UN Chief Says

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UN chief Antonio Guterres called Wednesday for an end to the “sickening cycle of escalation” in the Middle East, while specifically condemning Iran over its latest missile attack after facing harsh criticism from Israel.

The secretary-general was speaking at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, called after Iran on Tuesday launched a massive missile barrage at Israel, which has ramped up its offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

“It is high time to stop the sickening cycle of escalation after escalation that is leading the people of the Middle East straight over the cliff,” the UN chief said.

“This deadly cycle of tit-for-tat violence must stop.”

Israel’s pledge to respond to the Iranian missile attack has raised fears of a spiralling region-wide war, sending diplomats scrambling for options to de-escalate the situation.

Iran in turn said it would launch an even bigger attack if Israel makes good on its pledge.

Israel shifted its focus last month from the war in Gaza, which was sparked by the October 7 attacks by Iran-backed Hamas, to securing its northern border with Lebanon.

As the Security Council met, Israeli forces were battling Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, following “targeted ground raids” across the border by Israel on Tuesday.

More than 1,000 people have died since last week, in fighting that has included Israeli strikes on Beirut and its southern suburbs.

Earlier Wednesday, Israel had declared Guterres “persona non grata” for failing to specifically condemn Iran’s missile attack when he condemned on Tuesday the “broadening conflict in the Middle East.”

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“Anyone who cannot unequivocally condemn Iran’s heinous attack on Israel does not deserve to step foot on Israeli soil,” said Foreign Minister Israel Katz in a statement.

Guterres addressed the diplomatic dust-up at the Security Council, saying “as should have been obvious yesterday in the context of the condemnation I expressed, I again strongly condemn yesterday’s massive missile attack by Iran on Israel.”

The UN chief also reiterated his call for a ceasefire.

“Since last October, Israel has conducted in Gaza the most deadly and destructive military campaign in my years as secretary-general,” he said.

“Simultaneously armed Palestinian groups have also used violence. Hamas has continued to launch rockets,” he said, adding Iran’s missile attack did “nothing to support the cause of the Palestinian people or reduce their suffering.”

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Rev. Joseph Habap Elected Chairman Of Northern CAN

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By Abubakar Yunusa

A The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has elected new executives, with Rev. Joseph Habap emerging as Chairman.

The new leadership will oversee the association’s affairs for the next five years.

In his acceptance speech during the unopposed election in Abuja, Rev. Habap reaffirmed his commitment to integrity, unity, and transparency.

He emphasised that his administration would not be driven by greed but by service to the Christian community and Nigeria as a whole.

“We will not allow greed to take over our conscience. We will always be proud of you, and we will make you proud. I want my children to grow up and be proud of their father, son, and son-in-law with integrity,” he said.

He stressed that CAN is an organisation for Christians, believers, Nigerian unity, and progress. He assured members that his leadership would foster dialogue and cooperation with churches across different denominations.

Rev. Habap acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing leadership and called on them to support the new administration. He urged Christian leaders to respect leadership transitions and avoid conflicts during handovers.

“This was not a coup. It was simply a day for them to leave. If we start respecting leadership transitions, we will set a good example for others. Unlike the political class that seeks tenure elongation, we will serve our term and leave,” he stated.

He also underscored the role of the church in promoting truth, peace, and unity, assuring that CAN would engage constructively with the government without hostility.

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“We will speak truth to power, but we are not enemies of the government. We want every administration to succeed, and we will contribute to that success by offering honest counsel,” he added.

Bishop Stephen Adegbite, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), congratulated the new CAN leadership and reiterated the importance of religious harmony.

He highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting both Christian and Muslim communities.

“Mr. President is not a religious bigot. What he promised Muslims, he has also done for Christians. We have ensured that chairmen from all states can participate in pilgrimages free of charge. Nigeria remains one indivisible entity, and we must stay together,” he said.

He further urged prayers for the country’s leadership, adding that his office would continue to promote interfaith relations in line with the president’s vision.

Some of the newly elected officials include:Chairman: Rev. Joseph John Habap,Vice Chairman: Rev. Dr. Jonah Samson TEKAN (ECWA, FCT),Secretary: Bishop Mohammed Naga (PFN/CPFN, Borno State),Assistant Secretary: Ven. Tajudeen Azeeze Afolabi (OAIC Bloc, Zamfara State),
Treasurer: Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo (CSN Bloc, Plateau State), and Director, National Issues: Pastor Dr. Simon A.S Dolly (CCN Bloc, Nasarawa State)

The new leadership has pledged to strengthen CAN’s presence in Abuja, ensuring that Northern CAN is more visible at the national level.

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Senate accuses CBN of obstructing probe into N30trn Ways and Means

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The Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Ways and Means Advance has accused the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) of frustrating its investigation into the N30 trillion Ways and Means Advance and the Anchor Borrowers’ programme under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

The committee made the accusation after receiving an interim report from its consultants at a meeting where they expressed frustration over the bank’s failure to provide crucial documents required for the probe. The committee, which was inaugurated a year ago by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, stated that the delay has significantly stalled progress on the investigation.

Chairman of the committee, Senator Isah Jibrin, criticised the CBN for withholding vital information, despite multiple requests, revealing major infractions with the preliminary reports of the CBN.

He dismissed speculations that the Senate had been compromised or gone to sleep, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency in the management of public funds.

“The information we have here is not different from what we have heard all along. What we did was to hand over the documents to the consultants, and when the consultants made available to us this interim report, our intention was to hold onto the interim report on the final report,” he said.

“But we’ve been compelled to make available this interim report to the general public so that they know that we let them know where the problem is, and the problem is that the Central Bank of Nigeria has denied us consistently the documents that we need to complete this assignment. That is the truth.

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“It was at the CBN sometimes, I met Bala the deputy governor. And they promised, but nothing came out of it. The Clerk has been there several times. Nothing has come out of it. The consultants themselves even took it upon themselves to go with CBN directly, because we introduced them to CBN and nothing has come out of it.”

Although Hamisu Abdullahi, the Director of Banking Services at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), claimed that the apex bank had provided all the requested documents, Senator Isah Jibrin, the committee chairman, refuted the claim, insisting that the facts tell a different story.

The committee issued a strong warning to the CBN representatives, emphasizing the need for full disclosure of how the funds were utilized to address Nigeria’s economic challenges.

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Police begin recruitment medical screening

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The Zonal Police Command, Onikan, Lagos, has announced the start of medical screening for constables as part of the police recruitment process.

The Zonal Public Relations Officer (ZPRO), CSP Umma Ayuba, confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

Ayuba confirmed that the medical screening would begin on Wednesday

The police recruitment medical screening for constables will take place nationwide from Feb. 26 to March 12.

Prospective candidates from Lagos and Ogun States should note that the screening will be held at Police College, Ikeja.

Candidates are advised to visit the recruitment portal at https://apply.policerecruitment.gov.ng to verify their status, date, time, and other requirements.

Applicants must appear in a clean white T-shirt and shorts, bringing their national identity card, medical examination slip, and all necessary documents.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 2, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, wished all candidates success in the screening process.

Fayoade also reminded candidates that the screening exercise is free of charge and warned them not to make any payments to anyone.

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