House Of Reps Faults Call For Removal Of Kyari, Farouk

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August 1, 2024

House of Representatives members, on Thursday, described the recent call by Hon. Philip Agbese for the removal of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mallam Mele Kyari and the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), as premature and against parliamentary culture.

Leading a 50 member strong House of Reps group, Hon. Billy Famous Osaware (Edo State) told journalists in Abuja that it is against the rules of the House to jump into conclusions in a matter that is still under investigation by designated House Committee.

Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, had asked President Bola Tinubu to immediately dismiss Kyari, for allegedly stifling the economy’s growth due to the oil sector issues.

But reacting to the call, Osawaru
said it is in the parliamentary culture to afford parties in investigation the right for fair hearing and called on the committee handling the probe to be impartial.

He said, “Nigerians will recall hike in fuel prices and associated challenges are fundamental concerns. The House of Representatives vide its resolutions mandated the joint committee of the house on Midstream and Downstream Petroleum to investigate issues in the oil.and gas sector.

“We are aware that investigation is ongoing and final decision has not been reached. However, our attention has been drawn to some media reports calling for the removal of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL and the Chief Executive Officer of NMDPRA while the above investigation is subsisting.

“We wish to state that it is in the parliamentary culture to afford parties in an investigation that right to fair hearing. Therefore, the cal for removal of anyone while investigation is pending is premature.

“We Therefore call on all Nigerians to be patient and law abiding in expectation of a better Nigeria.”

The lawmakers also expressed concern about the ongoing protests in the country, saying they converged to further appraise the situation as it affects the well-being of Nigerians.

They appealed for calm and begged all Nigerians to bring the protests to an end.

ENDS

Looted Bags Of Rice Not Our property – Edo Govt

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Ayodele Oni

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August 1, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Edo State government has clarified that bags of rice looted by protesters on Thursday in the state capital are not its property.

The State commissioner for Information and Orientation Chris Osa Nehikhare said government has received information about looting of bags of rice from unidentified truck and private residences in parts of Benin City in the wake of the #EndBadGovernance protests adding that government does not have a warehouse in that location.

This was contained in a press statement signed and made available to the press in Benin City by the commissioner.

According to the statement, “the Edo State Government has received information about the looting of bags of rice from unidentified truck and private residences in parts of Benin City in the wake of the #EndBadGovernance protests.

“The videos making the rounds are said to have emanated from the Urora axis of Ikpoba Hill, Benin City, and government does not have a warehouse in that location.

“The government supports the vulnerable with relief materials through religious organisations particularly the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and the Edo State Muslims Pilgrim Welfare Board.”

The statement further added that the government doesn’t keep any relief materials meant for the people

“The State government does not keep any relief material by itself but reaches out to the people through these channels.

“We will not put this tactic past the All Progressives Congress (APC), which is spreading malicious content to score cheap political points. This condemnable action is intended to cause chaos in the state and the APC is discouraged from such ignoble practice.”

He therefore advised the people to disregard the message intended to mislead the unsuspecting members of the public.

“The public is enjoined to disregard the malicious message that these people are trying to send with the video.

“We want to once again urge protesters not to attack or destroy the property of others as they go about their demonstration in a peaceful and orderly manner.”

Hunger Protest Day 1: Wike Makes U-turn, Begs Protesters To Dialogue With Govt

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James Orji

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August 1, 2024

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Amidst the ongoing demand for governance in the country by protesters Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, has appealed to Nigerians to dialogue with the government.

The minister made the appeal on Thursday following the nationwide protests by Nigerians under the aegis of #endbadgovernace, demanding from the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to end the economic hardship in the country.

The Source Magazine has reported that some civil societies organisation in the country had declared a 10-day protest to drive the demand home, for government to make life easy for Nigerians.

]The protest started today and has been spreading across the country including the FCT.

Recall also that the FCT minister had earlier warned that protest will not be allowed in the nation’s capital, and had also denied the prostesters’ demand to use the Eagle Square as a place of convergence.

The minister’s actions have been widely condemned by Nigerians who said the Square is a public property and does not belong to the former Rivers state governor.

However speaking today while presenting staff of office to the four newly appointed graded chiefs of Karu, Kwali, Pai, and Yaba in the territory, the minister said the government is ready to dialogue with the protesters.

According to him peace is still the best option because “it is better to dialogue with the government and keep the peace,” adding that the Tinubu administration has not been well understood by Nigerians.

Wike said: “Let me take this opportunity to commend the people, the youths of Abuja for not being violent. We have said severally that it is better to dialogue with the government and keep the peace. He who makes peace will at the end of the day enjoy the dividends of peace. I still want to talk to our people that we are still ready to sit down and dialogue with them and let them know things that they may not know because information is power. I commend the protesters in Abuja who have refused to be violent.”

Meanwhile, the magazine learnt that more state governments are planning to follow in the foot steps of Kano, Gombe, and Borno states which have already declared 24-hour curfew after the protests turned violent in their states.

Edo APC Asks Gov Obaseki To Account For Financial Support, Palliatives From FG

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Ayodele Oni

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August 1, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

The All Progressives Congress, (APC) in Edo state has accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of aiding diversion of food palliatives allocated to the state by the federal government.

The party was of the view that corrupt administration, bad agricultural policy coupled with diversion of federal government palliatives are responsible for hunger in Edo State.

The allegations is coming amidst looting of bags of rice by protesters in Benin city on Thursday allegedly hidden at a private residence which belongs to the governor’s relative.

One of the protesters, in a viral video had diverted the attention of other protesters to a building, which belongs to one of the governor’s relations and they stormed the premises to loot bags of rice kept there.

The All Progressives Congress in a statement by the chairman, Jarrett Tenebe expressed concern over plan by Governor Obaseki and his faction of the People’s Democratic Party to frustrate the genuine efforts of the Federal Government to considerably reduce the impact of economic hardship on Nigerians, especially here in Edo State.

The governor was accused of refusal to account for the various financial grants and other palliatives his administration has received from the Federal Government.

“Instead, as usual, he wobbled and fumbled while struggling to blame his failure on his imaginary fictional story of plans by APC to attack government institutions in Edo State.

“For the avoidance of doubt, we are once again calling on Edo people to hold their governor, Godwin Obaseki responsible for the hardship in their state, including the collapse of physical infrastructures across the state.

“The various initiatives put in place by the Federal Government have been frustrated by Obaseki and PDP in Edo State. For instance, the FG extended relief in the transportation sector, where citizens from States without rail lines were directed to pay 50 percent of transport fares at selected private transportation companies in Edo State for a specific period.

“Obaseki collected the reimbursement from Federal Government for services that were not provided on the pretence of free ride by Edo City Transport Service.

“Like the ostrich, Obaseki has been one double-face so called economic expert in the vanguard that pushed for subsidy removal but later acted like chameleon that he has become, and has been demonizing President Tinubu for refusing to put easy money in the pockets of few Nigerians.

“Obaseki and his PDP in Edo State had earlier commended President Tinubu for the decision to remove fuel subsidy and floating of the Naira.

“The PDP had said that, the two economic policies were spot on, and that it is the best way to go round the economy that had been grounded before the present Federal Government came on board. The PDP position was voiced by Tony Aziegbemi, it’s state chairman.

“For clarity sake, the APC on behalf of Edo people are asking Obaseki to give account for the financial, sectoral and institutional support from the Federal Government, World Bank and other bilateral agencies.”

South-east Shuns Nationwide Protest On Day One, As Gov Uzodinma Preaches Restraint

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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August 1, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

On day one of the #EndBadGovernance protest, the South-east region made good their resolve to shun the exercise.

The Source reports that in most parts of Abia, Imo, Ebonyi, Enugu and Anambra states, residents preferred to remain indoors .

Their position to remain at home, it was gathered, stemmed more from being proactively cautious.

But a few also opened their business premises for normal activities, amidst near empty streets and roads, with a few vehicular traffic recorded .

In all, the region acted positively to earlier admonitions by its leaders and opinion moulders who had collectively and individually urged a refrain from the protest .

Most commercial banks, public offices and institutions were equally deserted.

Public and private educational institutions had, before now, been closed.

The people on their own had exacted self restraint on the grounds that such past protests resulted in them being made the sacrificial lambs.

The South-east Governors, Ohaneze Ndigbo, National Assembly members from the region, Community and religious leaders in the count down to the August 1 commencement date of the protest had all called on the people not to participate in the exercise.

Much as they acknowledged the hardship in the land, and the right of the people to protest, they insisted that the exercise was prone to hijack by hoodlums.

Early Thursday morning, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo state and Chairman of the Southeast Governors Forum reiterated his earlier call for patience and restraint.

Writing on his official site after a meeting with stakeholders, the Imo state Governor appealed for patience and understanding on the part of the people.

Rather than engaging in protest, he urged everyone to put heads together on how to come out of the present situation.

He wrote: “The economic challenges Nigerians face are complex and cannot be resolved within a year.

“However, with collective support and understanding, all can work towards sustainable solutions, navigate these trying times and emerge stronger as a nation.”

During the meeting with the State’s stakeholders, Governor Uzodinma also urged the people of the State not to participate in the nationwide protest.

He further expressed the fear that the protest may be hijacked by undesirable elements, which can lead to dire consequences for both the state and the country.

“My message is clear. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is deeply attuned to the plights of our citizens. He has initiated numerous interventions and programmes aimed at providing immediate relief while laying the groundwork for long term solutions.

“These efforts demonstrate the Government’s commitment to addressing our concerns and improving our collective wellbeing.

“Therefore, I urge all stakeholders to convey this message of patience, trust in the Government’s plans to their constituents.

“This was the highlight of my engagement with various stakeholders in our state ,urging our people to reconsider participating the planned nationwide protest.

“I emphasised the potential dangers of hijacking the protest which could lead to unintended consequences ,despite their legitimate right to peaceful protest” Governor Uzodinma wrote

#EndBadGovernance Protests Turn Violent As 3 States Declare 24-Hr Curfew

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James Orji

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August 1, 2024

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Three states have declared 24-hour curfew in view of the ongoing nationwide protest by Nigerians who are demanding good governance.

The states are Kano, Gombe and Borno where some protests have turned violent with the governments in those states saying the only way to contain the violent protest from spreading is the declaration of state of emergency.

Report claimed that some protesters have looted and destroyed public property apart from attacking security agencies in these states since the protest started today.

For instance, hoodlums were reported to have looted the multi-million naira National Communication Commission, NCC Industrial building in Kano State apart from destroying other public properties.

In response, Governors Babangana Zulum, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya and Abba Yusuf of Borno, Gombe and Kano have declared 24-hour emergency citing their powers as chief security officers of their states.

The magazine reported that angry Nigerians have planned a 10-day protest from August 1-10 to call government’s attention to the economic hardship in the country which they blamed on the austerity measures imposed by the Bol Ahmed Tinubu administration.

The hunger protest tagged Endbadgovernance effectively started today in some states and it’s fast spreading to other parts of the country even as the government continue to appeal for calm.

Speaking on why the state of emergency was imposed, Governor Yusuf said the measure is necessary to restore order and peace in the commercial city, adding that the government must also protect lives and property apart from protecting government-owned institution.

According to governor Yusuf in a statement issued by his spokesman, Sunusi Tofa, the government would not allow the state to be taken over by anarchy.How We Spent 24 Years In Prison For A Murder We Didn’t Commit – Ex-inmates

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Part of the statement said: “The imposition of this curfew is a necessary measure to restore order and ensure the safety of our communities.

“It is paramount that we protect our citizens from further harm and preserve the sanctity of our state’s institutions and businesses,” he said.

“Let us not allow the actions of a few selfish individuals to divide us.

“Together, we can navigate these challenges and fortify our resolve to build a stronger, more resilient Kano State,”

PSC Promotes 7,194 Police Inspectors To ASP

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Ayodele Oni

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August 1, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

The Police Service Commission, (PSC) has approved the promotion of 7,194 Inspectors of Police to the next rank of Assistant Superintendents of Police, ASP II.

This was contained in a Press Statement signed by Head, Press and Public Relations, PSC, Ikechukwu Ani in Abuja.

The officers were products of the recently concluded Inspectors Board interview which took place in all the Police Zonal Command Headquarters in the country.

He noted that Nigeria is currently undergoing some positive restructuring which may have come with temporary discomfort and people’s anger, but called on the Officers to join hands in ensuring that the nation’s nascent democracy is preserved.

The chairman promised that the Commission will continue to ensure that promotions in the Nigeria Police Force are timely and predictable.

Argungu however cautioned that this gesture should however not be taken for granted as the Officers must reciprocate by conducting themselves within established laws and ensuring that banditry and terrorism are eliminated.

The Commission’s approval has been conveyed to the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun for implementation.

Fears, Panic Trail Nationwide Protest In Kano, Other Northern States As Looting, Vandalization Reign

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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August 1, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Strong indications have emerged that unless the organizers of the ongoing nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest, stakeholders and security agencies produce uncanny dexterity in crowd control and crisis management, the exercise is poised to produce unintended results in most parts of Northern Nigeria.

Fears are rife, that the much touted peaceful protest, may snowball into violent demonstrations when the people congregate for the Jumat prayers on Friday.

The high apprehension of possible violent eruptions are premised on the high level of hunger and general hardship among a larger part of the populace.

Not a few are doubting the abilities of both the protest organizers and security agencies to manage the situation, post Friday prayers.

Already, on day one of the protest was overshadowed by invasions, vandalizations and outright looting of some public facilities by mostly hunger-ravaged participants .

More of such hunger- induced wanton destructions are expected from day two, unless there is a change of approach and/or an outright suspension of the protest.

In Kano on Thursday, protesters vented their frustrations on the multi million naira National Communication Commission NCC-ICT edifice.

The building just awaiting commissioning was raided bare by scavenging protesters.

An attempt was also made to penetrate the Kano State seat of power, just a trekking distance by same protesters. They were resisted by Security Agents.

Elsewhere, economic activities, both private and public, bore the brunt of day one of the protest march in the commercial centre of Northern region.

On his official site ,the Minister of Digital Economy Bosun Tijani, lamented the destruction of the NCC building located on State Road Nassarawa area of Kano .

He described the vandalization as a huge set back to efforts to empower the youths through technology.

“Sad to learn that our Digital Innovation Park in Kano slated for launch next week to support our technical talent accelerator (3MTT) has been set ablaze and looted by protesters .

“Along side #3MTT, this building is set to host our buildathon holiday maker programme for secondary school kids starting next week.

“A slight setback for our journey to deepen our workforce for technology while creating job opportunities for the youths. Millions of Naira down the drain”, the Minister lamented .

The Kano State Police Command said about 13 persons have been arrested for alleged destruction and vandalization of some vehicles at the High Court premises.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Salma Dogo Garba, who announced the arrest, also, noted that some proactive measures are in place to guarantee the protection of lives and properties of residents.

“The police in collaboration with sister security agencies are conducting intensive patrols to guarantee the safety of the residents and protesters.

“The collaboration aims to maintain law and order in the state during the duration of the protest.” CP Garba stated.

Nonetheless, the police ,and other Security Agencies may have to think out of the box to be able to contain the situation, particularly the one that may be presented before, during, and after Friday prayers.

Ondo Collaborates With Investors To Revive Ailing Industries

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Ayodele Oni

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August 1, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has disclosed his administration’s engagement with investors to revive ailing industries in the state.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, those to be affected are Ifon Ceramic Company, Okitipupa Oil palm, bitumen exploration and other moribund industries in the State.

The Governor said the decision to revive the companies is hinged on the determination of his administration to provide employment opportunities for the youth and enhance the economy of the State.

This is in addition to the ongoing efforts to reach agreement with other investors in developing the Sea Port, bitumen exploration and waste to energy initiative.

The Governor disclosed this in Akure, during a consultative meeting with religious leaders in the state.

Aiyedatiwa, who briefed the clergymen on the activities of his administration so far, thanked them for their support and prayers, as well as their contributions in maintaining peace and tranquility in the State.

The Governor emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence among residents and stressed the need for dialogue in resolving the current economic challenges facing the nation and its people.

“We must prioritize dialogue to address the economic challenges facing our nation and its people. In light of global economic realities, it’s crucial that we increase production to help lower the high prices of commodities.”

In response, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state, Anselm Ologunwa, expressed gratitude to the governor for organizing the meeting and recognizing the contributions of religious leaders.

“Thank you, Mr. Governor, for convening this meeting and for the recognition given to religious leaders.

“It is important that we understand the root causes of the current challenges we face. We appreciate the palliative measures provided to us and acknowledge the government’s efforts in advancing our state.”

#EndBadGovernance: Thousands Of Youths Join Protest In Rivers, Shops, Offices Under Lock

By

Akinwale Kasali

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August 1, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

Thousands of enraged youths stormed the streets of Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, on Thursday to express their displeasure with Nigeria’s current economic situation under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and his policies.

The aggrieved youths carried placards with different inscriptions, and wrapped themselves with the Nigerian flag. They called an end to bad governance and blamed the Federal Government and the All Progressives Congress Federal Government for the current economic woes bedeviling the nation.

The inscriptions on the placards read: “We deserve better governance not corruption,” “Nigerians are dying daily, let us take it back,” and “we are saying no to high fuel prices, food prices, hunger, and bad governance”. They began the protest around the Rumuola axis of the Port Harcourt-Aba motorway and ended at the Government House.

The protesters stated that they were not protesting against the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, but against the Federal Government.

Spokesperson for the protesting youths stated: “We are not here to protest Governor Fubara; rather, we are here to protest Tinubu’s bad government; we want Tinubu and Akpabio to resign.”

Addressing the crowd, the Governor urged the youths to be peaceful. He, however, expressed fear that the peaceful protest could be hijacked by enemies of the State, and urged them to be civil and peaceful with their protest.

He, however, promised to relay the youths’ concerns to President Tinubu.