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Kano Mobile Court Orders Detention Of Suspects Arrested During Protest

August 6, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Not less than 632 persons arrested in Kano for allegedly vandalizing public properties during the nationwide Protests are to remain in prison custody till August 19.

They were arraigned before a mobile court in Kano on Tuesday for alleged vandalism of public and government properties during the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protest.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN), the defendants are charged with criminal conspiracy, theft, unlawful assembly, inciting disturbance, trespass and mischief by fire.

The mobile court held its sitting within the premises of the state police command.

The court was presided over by three senior judicial officers, including senior magistrate Ibrahim Mansur-Yola, senior magistrate Hadiza Rabiu-Bello, and chief magistrate Abba Muttaka-Dandago.

The court adjourned sitting until August 19 for a hearing.

Earlier, the state director of public prosecution (DPP), Salisu Tahir, informed the court that the defendants committed the alleged offences on August 1.

He alleged that on the same date the defendants, during the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protest, trespassed and vandalised government and public properties in Kano.

“The defendants broke into people’s shops and looted their goods,” the DPP told the court.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened the provision of sections 97, 287, 229, 336, 349 and 247 of the Penal Code.

While some defendants pleaded guilty, others pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Speaking to journalists after the court sitting, Kano’s attorney general, Haruna Isa-Dederi, said the government constituted three mobile courts to prosecute the defendants.

Mr Isa-Dederi said, “I pleaded with the Kano state chief judge to allow the constitution of three Special Courts within the premises of the state police command because of the number of defendants involved.”

Mr Isa-Dederi noted that the case diary would be studied, and the ministry of justice would give appropriate advice before the next adjourned date.

Fmr Kogi Gov Yahaya Bello Distances Self From Nationwide Protest

Ayodele Oni

August 6, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The embattled, fugitive of the law, and mediate past Governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello, has, from his hideout, cried out over plan to link him with sponsorship of the ongoing nationwide Protests.

A statement from his media office, signed by Ohiare Michael explained that reaction to the allegation became necessary due to the implication of the current protest as regards the national security.

“We have uncovered a high-wired plan by some disgruntled enemies of the nation and persons on the Project Bring Down Yahaya Bello, to frame him up as one of the sponsors of the #EndBadGovernance protests across the country.

“It is pertinent to respond to the tirades of falsehood because it borders on national security. Our resolve is further strengthened by the condemnable act of some protesters displaying the flags of other nations.

“Yahaya Bello is a patriot who had devoted his time, resources and energy to building a united and prosperous Nigeria.

“It was Yahaya Bello who acted swiftly to resolve a major problem between the North and the South, which would have caused a major crisis in Nigeria.

“What threatened our fragile unity was resolved amicably on the negotiation table provided by Alh. Yahaya Bello when he mediated between the Northern food transporters and their Southern counterparts and brought them together as food exchange between the two regions was threatened.

“That move earned so much commendations by leaders of the country at that time.

“In the build up to the 2023 Presidential Poll, a number of impediments and political cum economic landmines were laid on the road, including the Naira Redesign Policy.

“It was the same Yahaya Bello with some of his colleagues then that dared the system and secured the judgement that set that aside at the Supreme Court. It was a landmark intervention at a time that the nation was almost collapsing.

“In the Presidential Poll, Alh. Yahaya Bello mobilized Kogites massively to deliver victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

“Can the masterminds of his persecution show the world the results in their state? He also mobilized the youth of the nation as the Youth Mobilization Committee Chairman because of his faith in the leadership capacity of Mr President.

“Former Governor Yahaya Bello is a patriot and democrat par excellence who will never do anything to upset Nigeria’s democratic status.

“More importantly, His Excellency Yahaya Bello invested his considerable energy, time and resources in supporting the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to whom he has remained loyal and committed to this day.

“We call on the Police, Department of State Services, and other relevant agencies to investigate the claims. This is a matter of national security, which must not be taken lightly.”

“Get Out From Villa High Gates, Go To Protest Grounds, Listen To Protesters, Talk Directly To Them” – Ezekwesili Tells Tinubu

Akinwale Kasali

August 6, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

To stem the current violent protests by many Nigerians against hunger, hardship, and bad governance under the Government of President Bola Tinubu, a former Minister for Education under the Government of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Mrs Obiageli Ezekwesili, has asked the President to step out of the high walls of the Presidential Villa, meet the Protesters at their protest grounds and speak with them.

Ezekwesisli urged the President and the 36 State Governors of the Federation to up the ante in order to bring to an end the ongoing hunger and bad governance nationwide.

The protest which began on August 1, 2024, has led to loss of lives and destruction of properties in some part of the country. It has also taken a ridiculous but ominous signs with some Protesters in the North, particularly in Kano and Kaduna, waving the Russian National Flag, and calling on the Nigerian Military to sack President Tinubu’s Government.

Both Tinubu and the Military have described both action and utterance as treasonable. The President has also ordered the arrest of those flaunting the Russian Flag. The Russian Embassy in Nigeria has distanced its Country from the bizarre action.

And, after an assessment of the situation, Ezekwesili said it is unwise for President Tinubu and the 36 state Governors to threaten, taunt, brutalise and shut up protesters demanding an end to bad governance and hunger in the country. She stressed that they have the right to protest and demand for good governance.

In a post on her X handle, the former Minister said Tinubu, governors, and other political leaders still have a slim window of opportunity to swiftly do the right things for their citizens. She asked them to end bad governance in Nigeria as the protest enters Day Six.

According to Ezekwesili, to take Nigeria and its citizens out of the unfortunate predicament the country found itself in, Tinubu and State Governors must be ready to listen to the protesters, engage them and persuade them with factual counterpoints.

She wrote, “Let me reiterate a possible Pathway for @NigeriaGov @officialABAT to take Nigeria and Nigerians out of the unfortunate quagmire the country finds itself:

“When Citizens tell their Leaders that they are hungry and angry due to #BadGovernanceInNigeria, the unwise thing to do was the orchestrated efforts of @NigeriaGov to shut them up, threaten, taunt, brutalize them and generally act detached from their suffering.

“Such triggering display of empathy deficit has obviously strengthened the resolve of the Protesters to continue into Day5 of their Protests as we can now all see.

“The @NigeriaGov @NGRPresident @officialABAT @nassnigeria @NGRSenate @HouseNGR and Governors of State and their State Assemblies still have a slim window of opportunity on this Day 5 of the nationwide protests to swiftly do the right things by their Citizens who are asking them to #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria:

“Go out NOW to their Protest Grounds across the Country and ENGAGE your Citizens. Hear them express their Demands to you directly. Do not lock yourselves away behind the High Gates of your publicly-funded State and Government houses enjoying indulgent lives while your Citizens are out there crying out in pain from the severity of economic hardship induced hunger and anger.

“The @NigeriaGov @NGRPresident @nassnigeria and Governors of State and their State Assemblies, go out NOW and start connecting with your Citizens:

“Listen. Listen. Listen”

President Tinubu, on Sunday, addressed Nigerians in a Nationwide broadcast. But that has not stemmed the protest. Instead, a couple of States in the North witnessed more violent protests than before, forcing their State Governments to declare 24-hour curfew.

“Obasanjo Faults Tinubu’s Abrupt Removal Of Oil Subsidy, Reveals Why Shell Rejected Offer To Run Nigeria’s Refineries

Akinwale Kasali

August 6, 2024

By Akinwale Kafsali

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has faulted President Bola Tinubu’s removal of oil subsidy without adequate preparations. Obasanjo, also, revealed that Shell Petroleum rejected his offer, when he was President, to buy a stake in Nigeria’s refineries and run them.

The former President also, after an analysis of the debacle between Africa’s Richest Man, Aliko Dangote, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL, on the Dangote Refinery alleged that there is a plot to frustrate the money man.

Obasanjo put that plot at the door steps of those he identified as “cabals in the cabinet of President Bola Tinubu”. He said they are bent on frustrating Dangote’s refinery.

The former President expressed concerns that those currently profiting from Nigeria’s profitable fuel importation sector may seek to undermine the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

It would be recalled that Dangote had accused certain ‘mafias’ of attempting to sabotage his $20 billion refinery project.

Obasanjo in an interview with the Financial Times said that if the refinery succeeds, it could boost investment from both Nigerians and foreigners.

His words: “Aliko’s investment in a refinery, if it goes well, should encourage both Nigerians and non-Nigerians to invest in Nigeria.

“If those who are selling or supplying refined products for Nigeria feel that they will lose the lucrative opportunity, they will also make every effort to get him frustrated.”

Recently, officials of the Dangote Group cried out that international oil companies are hampering the refinery by either refusing to sell crude or charging up to $4 above the standard price.

They also accused the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority of intentionally issuing licenses to individuals to import fuel.

The regulator denied this, saying Dangote diesel was inferior, when compared to imported ones.

The NMDPRA Chief Executive, Farouk Ahmed, also stated that the country would not stop fuel importation to avoid a monopoly by the Dangote Group.

But Obasanjo remarked that Nigeria made a critical error by focusing solely on oil, neglecting opportunities in gas and agriculture.

“I believe we made a very, very deadly mistake. We put all our eggs in one basket of oil. We even ignored gas. We were flaring gas, which is a very important commodity

“We ignored agriculture, which should have been the centrepiece of our economic development,” Obasanjo stated.

He recalled attempting to persuade Shell to operate Nigeria’s refineries, but the company refused, citing excessive corruption in the sector.

“When I was President, I invited shell to come and take equity and run our refineries for us. They refused and said our refineries were not well maintained. We brought amateurs instead of professionals. Then there was too much corruption with the way our refineries were maintained. They didn’t want to get involved in such a mess,’’ he said.

Obasanjo further criticized the Government’s approach to revitalizing the refineries, saying: t

“How many times have they told us that the refineries would be fixed, and at what price? Those problems, as far as the government refineries are concerned have never gone. They have even increased. And if you have such problems, and the problems have not been removed, then, it means we are not going anywhere.”

He also faulted President Bola Tinubu’s approach to removing fuel subsidies, arguing that the administration should have first considered the potential hardships and ways to alleviate them.

“There’s a lot of work that needs to be done. Not just wake up one morning and say you removed the subsidy. Because of inflation, the subsidy that we have removed is not gone. It has come back,” Obasanjo stressed

ECOWAS Sues For Peace, Urges Nigerian Protesters To Dialogue With Government

Ayodele Oni

August 6, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reacted to the ongoing protests in Nigeria urging protesters to heed the call for dialogue and peaceful resolution of their grievances.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the ECOWAS Commission expressed deep concern over the violence, fatalities, and property destruction that have marred the demonstrations

The commission extended condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in the protests and expressed sympathy with the Nigerian government and its people over the losses incurred.

The statement said, “The ECOWAS Commission has been closely monitoring the ongoing protests by citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and deeply regrets reports of violence in the course of the protests and the unfortunate death of some protesters as well as alleged looting and destruction of public and private properties.

“The commission extends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and sympathizes with the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria over the losses.

“The ECOWAS Commission recognises the right of citizens to peaceful protests, as guaranteed by the 2001 ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

“The Commission welcomes the State of the Nation address of August 4, 2024 by President Bola Tinubu and urges the protesters and all stakeholders to heed the President’s call for inclusive dialogue for the resolution of all grievances and the preservation of peace and security in Nigeria and the ECOWAS region at large.”

The hunger protests in Nigeria, which began as a peaceful demonstration against the rising cost of living and food insecurity, last Thursday, took a violent turn resulting in deaths and the burning of properties. It is scheduled to end on August 10.

Russian Flag: Tinubu Orders Arrest Of Promoters

James Orji

August 6, 2024

The Chief of Defense Staff, CDS, Gen Christopher Musa says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed security agencies to crack down on those flying Russian flags in the country.

The CDS said this on Monday while briefing State House correspondents after the National Security Council meeting.

The military chief said the president gave the order after he was briefed by security chiefs on the ongoing hunger protests in the country.

The magazine reported that many Nigerians are on the street across the country to force the government’s hands to intervene in the hardship in the land.

But some of the protesters, particularly in the northern part of the country have been waving the flags of the Russian federation, raising serious concerns of foreign interference in the protests.

“Initially, when the protest started, they said it was a peaceful protest, but we have realised that there are individuals willing to take advantage of it to cause mayhem,” Musa said.

“And we can see clearly what has happened since it commenced. Criminals have taken over, with a lot of looting, stealing, and all sorts happening.

“We are warning in clear terms, and the President has also said we should convey this: We will not accept anybody, any individual flying any foreign flag in Nigeria.”

The Russian Embassy in Nigeria said on Monday it has no connection with those flying the country’s flag in the country. It dissociated itself from any alleged interference and promotion of the protest.

Meanwhile, the Department of State Services, DSS, on Monday arrested one of the tailors sowing Russian flag in Kano state. He’s currently in the detention of the secret service.

Hunger: Civil Servants, Not All Nigerians Qualified To Buy Subsidized FG Rice

James Orji

August 6, 2024

More facts are emerging on the subsidised rice the federal government said have been released to cushion the effects of hunger in the country.

Some Nigerians have taken over major cities in the country to protest the current economic hardship in the country.

Last week, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration disclosed that it has thousands of bags of 50kg rice to be sold to Nigerians for N40,000 per bag.

The current market price is between N75,000 and N80, 000 per 50kg bag.

According to a letter from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, signed by the Director of Human Resources, Jaiyesimi Abimbola, civil servants were directed to complete a google form, made available on the OHCSF website to be eligible to purchase the bags of rice at the designated price.

The letter said the Office of the Heda of Service, OHF is working with the co-ordinating workers union body, the Joint Union Council to make the process seamless.

The letter said, “As part of the Federal Government’s efforts to alleviate the current food crisis in the country and its effects on the general population, I am directed to inform you that 50kg bags of rice will be sold at a subsidised rate of N40,000 only per bag to interested public servants in Abuja.

“For effective implementation, all interested staff are required to complete a Google form on the OHCSF website, https://www.ohcsf.gov.ng, print, and submit same to the Director, HR, for endorsement.

“Payment for and distribution of the rice will be coordinated by designated officials while the chairman, Joint Union Council of the Ministry is required to serve as an observer during the period of the exercise for the purpose of transparency.

“I am to add that each staff is only entitled to purchase one bag. Two or more staff may also jointly pay for a bag for sharing among themselves.

“Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of staff in your respective Departments/Units for information and guidance.”

Lst week, the Federal Government said that it had dispatched 20 trucks of rice to each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja to cushion the effects of hunger in the country.

Hunger Protests: Tinubu Meets Security Chiefs Amidst Coup Scare

James Orji

August 6, 2024

Nigeria’s Chief of Defense Staff, CDS, Gen. Christopher Musa has warned those pushing for a change of government vis a vis a military coup detat. This will not be allowed under the current democratic dispensation, the military chief said.

Gen. Musa gave the warning yesterday after a security meeting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had with top security brass in the country in view of the ongoing nationwide protest.

Apart from Gen Musa, other top security chiefs at the meeting with Tinubu include Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, Inspector General of Police, IGP, National Security Adviser, NSA amongst others.

The magazine reported that hordes of Nigerians under the #endbadgovernance have taken over major cities across the country to demand government’s intervention to end the economic crisis in the country.

The protest has entered the sixth day on Tuesday with reports of serious violence, arson, looting in northern parts of the country, with some of the protesters calling on the military to take over the rein of government.

In Kano and Kaduna, some protesters have also been waving the flag of the Russian Federation, raising serious concern in Abuja, the seat of power of possible foreign interference in what is currently going on in Nigeria.

Speaking after the security meeting with the president yesterday, the CDS warned those calling for a change of government, saying the military will defend constitutional democracy in the country.

He explained that the military is prepared to intervene, to stop miscreants from hijacking the ongoing protest, and from unleashing violence in the country.

Subversive elements will be made to face the full wrath of the law, he said.

Gen Musa said, “we can see clearly what has happened since it has commenced. Criminals have taken over, a lot of looting taking place, stealing and all sorts of things are happening.

“And besides, all of us have seen it where foreign flags have been flown within the sovereignty of Nigeria, and that is totally unacceptable.

“We are warning in clear terms and the President has also said we should convey this, that we will not accept anybody, any individual flying any foreign flag in Nigeria.

“That is treasonable offence, and it will be viewed and treated as such. So nobody should allow himself to be used by any individual.

“For those of them flying flags and if you’ll see a lot of them are kids being pushed to do that, we’re following up with those sponsoring them.

“Those who are pushing them because you know, flags were also made. We have identified those areas and we are going to take serious action against that.The President is clear on his instructions for us not to accept anyone that wants to disrupt the peace and tranquility of Nigeria.”

Some media reports (not The Source) claimed that Gen Musa was part of the military plan to take over the rein of government.

The magazine cannot independently verified the report.

Benue State PDP Suspends Chairman, Secretary

Akinwale Kasali

August 5, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Benue State Chapter, is enmeshed in crisis following the alleged suspension of John Ngbede, Chairman of the Party, Joseph Nyam, the State Secretary, and the State Organising Secretary, Moses Audu, by the State Working Committee, SWC, of the Party.

The alleged suspension of the trio was made known by Bemgba Iortyom, State Publicity Officer of the Party. He said that the leaders who would proceed with a one-month suspension were axed over alleged impersonation and instigating crises during the just concluded Ward Congresses of the Party, among other allegations.

They were, also, directed to appear before a Disciplinary Committee to answer the charges brought before them.

Part of the statement reads:

“The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Benue State has suspended three members of its State Working Committee from office for a period of one month with immediate effect.

“The affected officials are the State chairman, John Ngbede; the State Secretary, Joseph Nyam; and the State Organizing Secretary, Moses Audu.

“The action was carried at an extraordinary meeting of the State Working Committee of the Party on Saturday, August 3, 2024, during which nine out of the 13 members were present and assented to the decision.

“The suspended members are accused of forging and impersonating the State Working Committee to achieve their individual aims, instigating violence and crisis during the just concluded Ward Congresses of the party, and mismanagement of the finances of the party, among other things.

“They have been directed to appear before the disciplinary committee of the party to answer the charges brought against them within the period of their suspension.

“The State Deputy Chairman, Isaac Mffo, is now the State Chairman of the PDP in Benue State in an acting capacity. The PDP family and the general public should take note.”

However, Ngbede has debunked his alleged suspension.

He said “I don’t know about that Bemgba Iortyom is suspended by his ward, so he is not the Publicity Secretary of the party.

“We didn’t have any meetings, and there was no State Working Committee meeting, so where did they get that authority of suspending the Chairman?

“Uptil now, we have not seen anything. Most of them there claiming to suspend people have resigned their positions to contest for various positions in the coming congresses, so how can people who have resigned their positions come to hold a meeting to suspend the chairman?

“Who are they, and where do they hold the meeting? A lot of them have resigned. The state deputy chairman zone A, State Treasurer, and State Organising Secretary have all written letters resigning from their positions. So why are they suspending somebody who has already resigned?”

Uzodimma Makes OKOBI Programme Compulsory For All Imo communities

The Source

August 5, 2024

All the 655 autonomous communities in Imo State have been mandated to key into the One Kindred, One Business (OKOBI) programme of the State government as a model for employment generation in the locality and food security for the people.

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State gave the charge during an emergency Exco meeting on Monday, August 5, 2024, where he assured the Imo communities of government’s preparedness to ensure that the OKOBI programme becomes a huge success story in the State.

The Governor challenged the autonomous communities in the State to key into the programme as doing so also will make them owners of the businesses of their choice.

Addressing the media at the end of the emergency Exco meeting, the Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Prof. Kenneth Amaeshi, supported by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs. Rubby Emele, that of Rural Development and Empowerment, Chief Ifeanyi Oruh, the Chief Political Adviser and Head Political Bureau, Barr. Enyinna Onuegbu and the Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser to the Governor, Chief Oguwike Nwachuku, explained that “the Governor and the Executive Council have made it compulsory for every community in Imo State to identity a business they can own that the Government can support them.”

“The way forward now is to go back to the traditional rulers, the town union President Generals and the stakeholders of different communities and sit together and workout the modalities on what they plan to do and how government will support them,” Prof. Amaeshi said.

Giving more insight into what the OKOBI programme is all about, Prof. Amaeshi noted that “it is meant to encourage communities own businesses, as a way of democratizing business ownership in Nigeria, as well as a way of encouraging people to work in groups such as cooperative societies.”

Again, he said the programme will help in the creation of jobs for the people in the rural areas and assured that “government has given it full backing as an agenda.”

The Chief Economic Adviser pointed out that the Okpofe Community in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area has already taken off and excelled in the programme, hence their model can be good for others can emulate.

He recalled that on assumption office for a second tenure, Governor Uzodimma emphasised on the need to work with communities to identify their needs in the areas of businesses and acknowledged that “so far, up to 300 businesses have been identified for potential establishment in the communities of Imo State.”

The Exco also noted with sadness the demise of Chief Engr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the immediate past President General Ohanaeze Ndigbo Wordwide and commiserated with his family and the people of Imo State on the unfortunate incident.

Also, the Exco recalled with pain the sad development, weekend, when bandits killed without provocation eight persons in Umucheke Okwe in Onuimo Local Government Area of Imo State in the most dastard manner and observed a minute silence in honour of the deceased as well as commiserating with members of their families.

The Exco therefore used the opportunity to enjoin Imo people to always be vigilant and security cautious and report to the security agencies any strange movements or clandestine meetings by strange faces in their communities and areas of domicile.

The Chief Political Adviser/Head Political Bureau, Barr. Onuegbu while adding his voice appealed to Imo people to keep supporting the 3R government which he said “has continued to execute ongoing projects in the State,” noting that “no doubt, the rains are affecting the ongoing construction work on our roads but as soon as the rains stop construction will commence in ernest.”

He recalled that the Exco commended the Governor over the pace of work going on at the Control Post/Assumpta Cathedral Flyover and the ongoing bridge construction at Ihiagwa in Owerri West that links Nekede/Ihiagwa/Obinze/Port Harcourt road and assured that in few weeks time they will be completed.

He also noted that the inner ring roads leading to Timber Market Naze and Alaba Market are currently receiving attention by way of facelift, and enjoined the traders in the two markets to be patient with government, assuring that construction will resume in full force as soon as the rains are over.

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