STOP POLITICIZATION OF RELIGION -- OSIBANJO

     Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has asked Nigerians to rise up against all divisive actions.

     At the Interdenominational Church Service to herald Nigeria’s 55th Independence celebration, Professor Osinbajo implored religious and  political leaders to stop the politicization of religion.

     He stressed that the current terror activities in parts of northern Nigeria goes beyond ethnic or religion.  Professor Osinbajo said improving the livelihood of  the very poor Nigerians must be central in our thoughts. 

He took time out to commiserate with victims of the stampede in the Mecca stampede. Professor Osinbajo prayed that at 55, Nigerian should experience double favours, as the figure five stands for grace.  In a sermon earlier, the Catholic Bishop of Kafanchan, Joseph Bagobiri chided Islamic clerics and political leaders in northern Nigeria for failing to condemn insurgency, when it mattered most. Bishop Bagobiri said as a nation, Nigeria must begin to do things right, for God to renew his blessings for us. 

                                   

Prof Yemi OSIBANJO, Vice President Fed. Republic of Nigeria

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has appealed to Nigerians to support current efforts at ending insurgency in the country.    

The Theatre Commander, Operation “Lafiya Dole”, Major-General Yushau Abubakar, made the request in a press interview. He said the military cannot succeed alone, without useful information from the public.

Major-General Abubakar equally appealed to affluent organisations and individuals to help the military with logistics to aid the anti-terror campaigns. He further appealed to Nigerians to be extra vigilant.

Meanwhile, the 7^th division of the Nigerian Army has lifted the restriction of movement in Borno and Yobe states. The restrictions were imposed before the Eid-el-Kabir festivities to forestall terror attacks.  A statement by the military urged residents to go about their lawful activities and to be extra vigilant.