#EndBadGovernance: Obasa Applauds Lagosians For Peaceful Protest

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August 2, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly has showered encomiums on Lagosians. He commended them for the peaceful protest that began Thursday against bad governance, hunger and sufferings meted on the masses by the President Bola Tinubu administration.

Obasa described the peace experienced in the state amid a nationwide protest as commendable, applauding the peaceful conduct of the protesters in Lagos, the South-West region and the country’s economy hub.

He stated that the commendation was well deserved, and praised the citizens for hearkening to the voice of reason and wisdom.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Eromosele Ebhomele, the Speaker observed that the protesters mostly carried out their actions in accordance with the law allowing residents go about their activities in peace.

“The conduct of Lagosians since the nationwide protest began on Thursday is worthy of emulation. While many residents heeded the voice of reason and stayed away, those who decided to publicly express their grievances did so within the confines of the law.

“These grievances have been noted and I am convinced that the state and federal governments are not folding their arms in relation to making Lagos and Nigeria greater than we are currently witnessing.

“President Bola Tinubu is championing policies that ultimately have the tendency to move Nigeria to the level we all anticipate. In the meantime, he has taken steps to mitigate the challenge of food shortage upon which the protest is hinged.

“In Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu with the support of the House of Assembly under my speakership, has provided roadmaps for more developments aside sustaining standards,” Dr. Obasa said.

The Speaker noted that apart from touching every part of the state, Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration has continued to implement strategies to reduce hunger, especially with the Sunday Markets where there is a 25 percent discount on all major food items and which will soon be revived.

“The State Government has made further promises to continue extending the dividends of democracy to residents. The Medical Outreach programme through which many enjoy free treatments, the free delivery for pregnant women and the slash in fares on Government transportation facilities are some other actions being taken by the government,” Obasa said.

He assured that the House would not only collaborate with the executive arm to ensure that residents keep enjoying the administration, the legislative arm would continue to stand as one hope of the people of Lagos.

The Speaker, who had earlier met and secured the promises of residents of Agege not to participate in the protest, further thanked law enforcement agents in the state for conducting themselves professionally in the maintenance of law and order just as he praised religious leaders, traditional and community heads, development and related associations, market leaders and artisans for their understanding and support of the Government.

#EndBadGovernance: Sultan, CAN President Call For End To Nationwide Protest

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Akinwale Kasali

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August 2, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

As the Nationwide Protest tagged; #EndBadGovernance enters Day Two, with violence in, loss of lives and properties in some States, including those of Government, the Nigeria Inter-religious Council, NIREC, headed by the Sultan of Sokoto and President of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, have called for an immediate end to the ongoing protests across the country.

The Spiritual duo made the call on Friday in a statement which they jointly signed, alongside the Executive Secretary of NIREC, Prof. Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua.

The statement reads in parts:

“The NIREC observes with heavy heart the happenings in the country at the moment. The protest that commenced in a peaceful manner on Thursday, August 1, 2024 despite pleas from all quarters, took a turn for the worse and became violent later in the day.

“In just a few hours lives and property were lost due to this unfortunate scenario,” the statement read.

The organisation said it acknowledges there is hardship in the country but noted that civil unrest is not the solution, adding that it would only aggravate the already frail state of the nation.

“NIREC hereby calls on fellow citizens of Nigeria to please call off this protest and give the government a chance to redeem itself.

“In just one day lives and enormous amount of property have been destroyed. Imagine if this continues for a prolonged period of time, only God knows the extent of damage that would be incurred,” the council said.

The body also urged Security Agencies to be more professional in the discharge of their duties.

NIREC urged the Government to expedite action towards meeting the yearnings and needs of the citizens.

“We need a peaceful and tranquil nation we can be proud to call our own,” NIREC said.

Kwara To Pay New Minimum Wage, Sets Up Committee On Adjustment

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Ayodele Oni

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August 2, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

As preparatory to implementation of the new minimum wage, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved the constitution of a tripartite committee to work out the consequential adjustment component for other categories of workers.

In a statement, governor AbdulRazq spokesman Rafiu Ajakaye said the pegging of a new national minimum wage to N70,000, necessitated consequential adjustments for senior cadres of workers in the state.

The statement said the committee comprises of representatives from the state government, the labour centres, and the organized private sector.

The statement explained that the tripartite committee is chaired by the Head of Service and co-chaired by the Commissioner for Finance, while the Director (Establishment and Pension) would serve as the Secretary .

It noted that apart from the Federal Controller on Labour and Employment, the Labour is represented on the committee by the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Chairman of the Joint Negotiation Council (JNC), Chairman of COHESU, and Secretary of the JNC.

The statement revealed that private sector is represented by the Kwara Chamber of Commerce (KWACCIMA), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, (MAN) and the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises.

President Bola Tinubu had last week signed the new minimum wage of N70,000 into law, after passage of the bill by the national assembly.

Some states have cried out of their inability to pay the new wage citing low revenue for government.

Nationwide Protests: Atiku Asks Tinubu To Come Down From High Horse, Admonishes Security Agents, Protesters

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Ayodele Oni

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August 2, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has hailed ongoing protests against hardship in the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement on Friday, Atiku commended Nigerians for their courage while condemning the hoodlums who hijacked the protest in some states.

He also asked security operatives to be mindful of how they conduct themselves and cease harassment of journalists and reckless shooting.

The former Vice President asked the Tinubu administration to come down “from its high horse” and listen to the people.

“The commencement of public protests across the country yesterday is noteworthy. These demonstrations have opened a vital channel for the public to express disapproval of government policies, furthering the essential conversation about good governance in our nation.

“For the most part, protesters have conducted themselves with admirable peace and must be commended for their restraint and dedication.

“However, in some isolated instances, there have been reports of violence, leading to regrettable clashes and brutalities by the police.

“I urge the protesters to maintain their peaceful stance and call on more Nigerians to show solidarity and support for the #EndBadGovernance peaceful protest. This is a pivotal moment for our collective voice to be heard, and it must be done with dignity and respect for the law.

“I also call on the police to engage more professionally in managing these protests. The needless killing of innocent citizens by security agencies is unacceptable.

“The police must refrain from the molestation of journalists who are merely reporting the protest. It is imperative that security agencies exercise restraint while enforcing law and order.

“Security agencies are encouraged to identify and isolate the minority elements who are resorting to violence and looting, ensuring that the actions of a few do not tarnish the majority of peaceful protesters.

“To the government, I admonish you to heed the voices of the people and come down from your high horses. It is time to demonstrate a sincere commitment to addressing the demands of the protesters.

“The nation cannot afford further days of unrest; let this be the moment where leadership listens and acts with integrity and urgency.”

Jigawa: UNICEF Vows To Enforce Mandatory Breast Feeding Among Nursing Mothers

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Ayodele Oni

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August 2, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

United Nations Children’s Fund- (UNICEF), has taken campaign in support of breastfeeding to Jigawa state with a vow to strengthen support to improve the practice amongst lactating women in the state for the benefit of children’s health.

The Nutrition Officer, UNICEF Kano field office, Dr Abigail Nyam made this known at the launch of the World Breastfeeding Week in Dutse, Jigawa state capital.

Dr Nyam explained that although there are myths surrounding exclusive breastfeeding, mothers should listen to experts and those who have experienced exclusive breastfeeding.

She said that in Nigeria, breastfeeding is crucial for survival, health and well being of infants and young children.

Breastfeeding she said, provides essential nutrients and protection against illnesses, which are vital for child development.

According to her, “The 2024 focus of the week is on reducing inequalities that hinder access to breastfeeding support. Vulnerable mothers require additional assistance to ensure their children are well breastfed.

“By improving breastfeeding support in Nigeria, we address the social inequalities that stand on the way of sustainable development and public health.”

Breastfeeding Nyam said, acts as an equalizer in the society, offering every Nigerian child the start in life, regardless of socio-economic status.

The UNICEF representative commended the Jigawa State Government especially the first lady, for untiring support to UNICEF.

In his remarks, the Jigawa state Commissioner for health, Dr Abdullahi Kainuwa, quoted Quranic verses that order women to exclusively breastfeeding their babies.

He stressed that the act is important to protect children against child diseases and provides effective well being for the babies.

Also, the state Commissioner for local government, Mr Ahmad Garba, announced the donation of motherhood kits and cash token to about 500 lactating mothers.

He said that the Ministry supports the Ministry of health and the state Primary Healthcare Agency, to ensure safe motherhood.

Also speaking, the Jigawa First lady, Hajiya Hadiza Umar Namadi, pledged continuous support to the cause in Jigawa state.

Represented by the Commissioner Women Affairs, Mrs Hadiza Abdulwahab, Mrs Namadi advocated for exclusive breastfeeding for the babies for the first six months.

The 2024 theme for the World Breastfeeding Week is “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All.”

Nationwide Protest: MURIC Flays Destruction Of Public Properties, Calls Organizers To Stop Action

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Ayodele Oni

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August 2, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has affirmed that the ongoing nationwide protest has been hijacked and called on the conveners to stop the protest.

MURIC’s intervention was contained in a message circulated to the media on Friday, by the Founder and Executive Director of the organization, Prof Ishaq Akintola.

The statement noted that “As predicted and warned, the hunger protest which started yesterday turned violent in several states of the federation. Some lives were reportedly lost while properties worth billions of naira were destroyed.

“The hunger protest took place in several states of Nigeria yesterday, Thursday, 1st August, 2023. Although it was peaceful in some states, it became violent along the line in others with some lives allegedly lost and several buildings and vehicles torched and destroyed.

“Some residents were reportedly attacked in some places while cases of snatching of phones, harassment and intimidation of innocent passers-by were rampant.

“It was looting spree in some states with protesters seen carting away brand new executive chairs, standing fans, etc. There is no scintilla of doubt that this protest has been hijacked. The conveners are no longer in control.

“MURIC is vindicated. We warned earlier that this kind of protest was most likely to be hijacked but the conveners were adamant.

“Even attempts by the security agents to restrict the protest to designated places in order to minimize untoward incidents were rebuffed by the planners.

“We strongly condemn this blatant resort to violence without any provocation whatsoever. It is heartless, barbaric and demonic.

“Nonetheless, we commend those protesters in certain states who conducted themselves with decorum and salute leaders who controlled their followers effectively.

“In view of the tornado of violence and destruction unleashed on the nation on the first day of a demonstration which is scheduled to last ten days, in view of the fact that this protest has been hijacked and the conveners are no longer in control, we hereby charge the conveners, planners and leaders to immediately show maturity and responsibility by calling off the protest.

“The voices of the protesters have been heard and they have made their mark. A second or third day of protests is capable of setting Nigeria ablaze.”

Benue: Gov Alia Sacks Benue Electoral Commission Chairman

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The Source

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August 2, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has sacked the chairman of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC), Dr John Chen.

The decision of the governor was based on the recommendations of the State House of Assembly.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula explained that the governor accepted the resolutions of the Assembly and directed the Chairman of the commission to immediately hand over to the Administrative secretary of the commission.

According to the statement, “The Assembly accused the BSIEC chairman of lacking good judgement as to which decision will appeal to the greater majority of all stakeholders, and also that his actions so far in office fall short of the public interest.

“Governor Alia has accepted the resolutions and directed the Chairman of the commission to immediately hand over to the administrative secretary of the commission.”

Forex Windfall: Why Bank CEOs Are Angry, Shunned Meeting With President

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James Orji

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August 2, 2024

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More facts are emerging while some chief executive offices of commercial banks in the country shunned a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday over the recently imposed forex windfall tax.

The windfall tax, described by analysts as a higher tax was imposed by the government on commercial banks in the country for benefiting from favourable foreign exchange market conditions.

Recall that the national Assembly, had while amending the 2024 Budget last week, increased the share of the federal government from the windfall tax on banks’ foreign exchange (FX) gains to 70 percent giving the banks 30 percent.

According to the amended Act, passed by the Senate and House of Representatives last week, “a levy of 70 percent on the realised profits from all FX transactions of banks within the 2023 to 2025 financial years would be levied and paid to the benefit of the federal government”.

The Acts further stated, “The Federal Inland Revenue Service shall assess the realised profits, collect, account and enforce payment of tax payable under section 30 in accordance with the powers of the Service under the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act 2007.’

The federal government had earlier proposed a sharing formula of 50- 50 with commercial bank in the country.

The meeting of bank’s chief executive with President Tinubu on Wednesday, the magazine learned, was to seek the understanding of banks on the issue.

However, many chief executives of the banks in the country shunned the meeting with Tinubu, except Ladi Balogun and Tony Elumelu of the FCMB and UBA who attended the meeting with the president at the State House, Abuja.

Apart from Tinubu other top government officials who attended the meeting include Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President, Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and Zacch Adedeji, FIRS Chairman.

There are currently over 20 commercial banks operating in the country, according to checks from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.

Sources who spoke with the magazine said the absence of some bank chief executive at the meeting called at the instance of the federal government, was a clear “signal’ that the banks’ management are not happy with the decision taken by the federal government over the issue.

“The message from the administration to banks, is loud, and clear; it wants to stiffen their operations, bearing in mind that a huge chunk of the profit of commercial banks in the country is realised from forex as seen in the last year Profit declared by the banks. What this means is that they are being made to part with a larger part of that,” a financial expert said in anonymity.

According to the source “You don’t expect them to be happy with such decisions, even though the federal government said the period only covers from January this year. Many banks know they are not doing well due to the current economic headwind, so they will have to draw from their last year profit to meet the demand of the federal government”.
The federal government has threatened to sanction commercial banks which fail to remit the windfall to the federal Inland revenue Service, FIRS, before the end of the year.

The amended 2024 Finance Act had made December 31, 2024 as deadline for commercial banks to remit the funds to the federal government, failure which they will be forced to pay 10 percent per annum of the tax withheld or not remitted, while managers of such banks risks three months imprisonment.

The Act said defaulting banks “shall be liable to pay the tax withheld or not remitted in addition to a penalty of 10 percent of the tax withheld or not remitted per annum and interest at the prevailing Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) minimum rediscount rate and its principal officers are liable to be imprisoned for not more than three months

“This situation has really put the banks in a tight rope as some of them are panning to prepare their End of the Year full Report,” another source told the magazine on Friday.

President Tinubu has signed into law the Finance Act which took effect September 1, 2023.

Meanwhile, a top source said the banks decided to send representatives to the meeting with the president because “it would be crowdy for all the CEOs” to attend the meeting.

Nationwide Protest: “There Are Plans To Invade Kebbi” – Governor Idris Alerts

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Ayodele Oni

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August 2, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

The Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris has alleged that there are plan to import miscreants from other parts of the country into the state.

He warned those behind the plot to cause mayhem in the state to desist.

Idris gave the warning in a broadcast to the people of the state on Friday in a reaction to the first day protest.

The governor said: “Information available to us states that some people are trying to import miscreants from other places into Kebbi to cause mayhem, especially in Birnin Kebbi, Argungu, Jega, Yauri and Zuru town.

“Whosoever knows people of Kebbi State knew that they are people that always respect the laws of the land and protest in not in our character, but some people want to import it by force to achieve their personal aggrandisement.”

Idris, however said that as a responsible government, it would not allow those that do not have the interest of people at heart to use the protest for vandalism of public utilities, people’s shops and other property.

“Available information at hand states that some people want to go to waterboard to perfect their vandalism mission but it baffles me to hear that they are targetting waterboard, what do they want at a place that serves the general public water.

“This is a clear indication that some bad elements want to use the protest to undermine the peace the people of Kebbi are enjoying.”

He appealed to the protesters to see reason in keeping the state in peace and shelve the protest in the interest peace and progress of Kebbi.

“If you destroy public utilities, it belongs to Kebbi people, if you destroy people’s shop and steal their property, it’s the same Kebbi people that will suffer.”

He, however, assured that his government was doing everything possible to address the plights of Kebbi people.

“Therefore, we want to plead with the organisers of this protest to see reason in puting an end to it, they only know the begining but they won’t know its end.

“If you have a good motive behind the protest, some people may have ill motive and anything destroyed in the cause of the protest in Kebbi is to the disadvantage of Kebbi people.”

He added that credible information available to government revealed that the protesters would also destroy the solar street lights, lamenting that of what benefit would that be?

Obi Wants Genocidal Threats In Lagos Investigated And Tackled

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The Source

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August 2, 2024

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The Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi has expressed concerns at the growing tendency of some people to sow seeds of disunity in the country.

Writing against the backdrop of some persons threatening genocide against Igbos in Lagos, Obi said such divisive acts should be thoroughly investigated and swiftly nipped in the bud by leaders.

He said that these challenging times in our polity call for all hands to be on deck to reset the country for development, noting that all these alienating utterances from some misguided characters should be discouraged and stopped immediately

“Nobody is a better Nigerian than the other and this should inform our attitude while relating to one another.

Writing further on his X handle platform on Friday Obi said,

“I am deeply disturbed, reading some genocidal threats on X against the Igbo tribe, calling for their relocation.

“Let me respectfully warn that such rhetoric threatens our unity and is fundamentally opposed to our Constitution, which guarantees every Nigerian the right to live and work freely anywhere in the country.

“Those in authority must show leadership and urgently speak out against such divisive rhetoric. Immediate action should be taken to investigate, arrest, and prosecute those behind this heinous agenda, serving as a deterrent to others who might consider pursuing similar paths that threaten our national security and unity.

“I urge all Nigerians to stand united against this divisive rhetoric and to champion unity, tolerance, and understanding. Our future depends on our ability to live and work together harmoniously.

“The government and security agencies must act swiftly to protect this fundamental principle and ensure that every Nigerian can live free from fear of discrimination or persecution.