Governor of Bayelsa state, Senator Douye Diri, has said the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad was a time for Muslim faithful to practice his teachings on unity, compassion and peace.

The Bayelsa governor gave the admonition in his Eid-el-Maulud greetings to adherents of Islam in the state and the country.

In a statement issued by his chief press secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, Governor Duri noted that the feast of Eid-el-Maulud was a celebration of love and the virtues of sacrifice.

He enjoined them to always strive for practical love, be their brother’s keeper and ensure peaceful co-existence with others.

“As Muslims across the world mark the birth of Prophet Muhammad, it is a time to reflect on his ideals and teachings on love, unity, compassion and peace.

“I urge adherents of the faith to demonstrate practical love, patriotism and ensure peaceful co-existence with others. The principles of good neighbourliness and being a brother’s keeper are best manifested at a season as this. 

“On this celebration of the Feast of Eid-el-Maulud, I felicitate with my Muslim brothers in the state and across Nigeria.

“May this celebration bring greater prosperity and joy to you all and to our state,” he stated.

2027: APC pardons Orji Kalu, others over alleged anti-party activities (5)

 The Abia chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has granted unconditional pardon to erring members ahead of the 2027 general elections.

However, the party vowed to maintain zero tolerance for future acts of indiscipline, disloyalty and anti-party activities among its members.

The decision was reached at the party’s post-primaries review and reconciliation stakeholders’ meeting held at its secretariat in Umuahia  recently.

Moving the motion, Uzor Azubuike, APC candidate for Aba North/South Federal Constituency, said unity required forgiving all members.

Azubuike said forgiveness was necessary to protect the party’s electoral prospects and strengthen its chances ahead of the 2027 elections.

He urged members to abandon past grievances and work together, regardless of whether they had remained loyal or previously erred.

The motion was seconded by Emmanuel Ndubuisi, member representing Bende South State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly.

Earlier, the APC state chairman, Chijioke Chukwu, said the party had concluded its primaries, describing them as the best in Abia’s political history.

Chukwu urged aggrieved members to forgive one another and channel complaints through established party structures rather than the media.

“Let’s chart a new course together. We cannot take over this state in disunity,”  Chukwu said.

He warned members supporting other political parties to desist, stating that such acts of disloyalty would no longer be tolerated.

Mr Chukwu also ruled out any alliance with another political party, urging members to remain committed to the APC’s objectives and programmes in Abia.

On Orji Kalu and Chris Nkwonta, Chukwu said the State Working Committee (SWC) chose reconciliation over sanctions after private engagements. (Premium Times)