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Days Of Rage: Tinubu Addressing Hunger, Hardship He Inherited – Tompolo Tells Protesters

July 27, 2024

Repentant militant leader Government Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo has called on the organisers of the nationwide protest planned for next month to shelve their plan.

According to Tompolo, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has heard the voices of Nigerians loud and clear that things are currently hard in the country, and is addressing the problems.

The magazine reported that some angry Nigerians are planning a 10-day protest to drive home their demand on the federal government to address the problem of economic hardship in the country.

The protest is slated for August 1-10.

Those angry with the administration insist that the austerity measures introduced by President Tinubu , such as, the removal of petrol subsidy and floating of the Naira are to blame for the current hardship Nigerians are going through.

As the protest draws close, some prominent traditional and religious leaders in the country have called on prospective protesters to shelve their plan in the interest of the country, saying the timing is wrong.

Pleading with the protesters to have a change of heart, Tompolo, in a statement he shared on his X handle said the demands of the protesters are already being considered by the president who he said “has heard the voices of prospective protesters”.

He said Tinubu inherited some of the problems in the country “because hunger and hardship did not start today,” adding that the president is already tackling the problems through “well-thought-out policies and programmes”.

The statement: “I wish to add my voice to all well-meaning Nigerians, including our revered traditional rulers, on the call to shelve the proposed hardship protest billed to start on August 1, 2024.

“It is true that there is hunger and hardship in the country. However, it must be pointed out that hunger and hardship did not start today.

“President Tinubu is working hard to revamp the economy with well-thought-out policies and programmes in addressing the issues of the economy and security, which are the basis of other problems in the country.

“I am aware of Mr. President’s efforts to get things right in the country, and truly things are getting better. For instance, there has been a great improvement in the oil and gas sector in the last year, which is still the main source of our economy.”

“However, the organizers must know that the timing is wrong; the protest may cause more harm than good, as security reports have indicated that the protest will be hijacked by unscrupulous elements.

“Against this background, I have joined other Patriotic Nigerians to appeal to prospective protesters to call off the proposed protest and engage governments at all levels to find lasting solutions to the country’s problems. You must agree that the threat of protest only has achieved its aim, as Mr. President has said loud and clear, that he has heard the voices of prospective protesters.’

The magazine reports that some prominent political and religious leaders in the country have joined the government to appeal for the protest to be canceled in the interest of the nation.

Onne Port: Customs Intercepts N11.2b Banned Drugs, Generates N312b

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 27, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Onne Area 2 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has warned that it will not tolerate any actions capable of compromising the economy and security of the country.

This is just as it announced the collection of over N312 billion in revenue within the first half of 2024.

The Command’s warning is coming on the heels of the interception of seven containers laden with prohibited and dangerous drugs with a street value of over N11 billion.

At a media briefing on Thursday, July 25 2024, the Comptroller, Mohammed Babadede expressed concern that despite the tough posture of the service and past humongous seizures, some unpatriotic and die hard elements still persist in engaging in illegal importations.

He however vowed that they will continue to make life difficult for the unrepentant smugglers.

“You are aware that on the 1st of this month, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, was at the Command and he addressed members of the fourth realm on recent significant developments in our operations to secure our nation’s borders and ensure public safety.

“Despite his warning on that day, it is unfortunate that some saboteurs have continued to engage in the unpatriotic act of undermining the importation processes, guidelines and procedures.

“Notwithstanding, in the face of challenging security situation in the country, the Area 2 command of the Nigeria Customs Service has continued to step up its security functions in the area of policing our Seaports in such a way that those who do not wish our nation well will not have their way.

“In line with the CGC’s policy trust of Collaboration and consolidation, the Command, on receipt of credible intelligence on some 40 feet containers sprang into action.

“In collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Onne port command, seven containers were identified positioned and jointly examined in the presence of sister agencies.

“A total of seven seized containers were made. These containers were found to contain 1,054,400 bottles of different cough syrup codeine (100ml), 9,100 pieces of Chilly Cutter, 2,175,000 tablets of Hydergra (200mg), and 1,300,000 tablets of Really Extra Diclofenac pain relief tablets (50mg).

“The above seizures are estimated at 11 billion,Two Hundred Million ( N11,200 ,000,000) which represents a huge loss on the part of those involved. Despite that fact, a jail term awaits any of them who will be arrested as a result of further investigation.

“It is worrisome that some Nigerians remain unrepentant even as they continue to lose.

“The seized Cough Syrup Codeine and tablets would be handed over formally to the NDLEA in due course for further investigation,” Comptroller Babadede stated.

The Comptroller noted that the over N312 billion realized in the first half of the year (January to June) as revenue, represents about 50.5% of the total revenue target given to the Command.

He announced that the Command, also, has generated over N48 billion for the month of July alone.

He assured that the Command will continue to increase its revenue generation profile. without compromising the security and economic interests of the country.

Iwuanyanwu: Abaribe, Deputy Speaker Mourn

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 27, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Senator representing Abia South District, at the National Assembly, Enyinnaya Abaribe, has described the death of Elder Statesman and President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, as a huge loss.

This is even as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, expressed shock and sadness over the death.

Chief Iwuanyanwu’s death was announced by his family on Thursday, July 25, 2024. He passed at the age of 82 at a hospital in Abuja.

Abaribe in a statement issued in Abuja by his media aide, Uchenna Awom, said Iwuanyanwu was a consummate Nigerian patriot who was also a heavyweight intellectually, financially, politically, culturally and socially in Igbo land and the entire Nigeria.

Abaribe expressed sadness over the death of the Igbo leader who he regretted left at a very crucial time, when he, alongside, other patriots started a process that would enthrone a lasting peace and harmonious relationship in Nigeria, especially in Igboland

“Chief Iwuanyawu was an all- rounder who never glossed over responsibilities that would be beneficial to all irrespective of tribe and or religion.

“Thank you for all you did for our people. We will miss your wise counsel and your focused leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo” Senator Abaribe stated.

The Deputy Speaker in a statement by his Media Adviser, Levinus Nwabughiogu, likened Inwuanyawu’s death to a fallen Iroko tree.

He noted that the late President General of the umbrella body of Ndigbo Worldwide, contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

Kalu also recognized the patriotic and philanthropic gestures of Chief Iwuanyawu which he exemplified through the Iwuanyawu National Ambulance that catered for accident victims all over Nigeria, among others.

Rt Hon Kalu who represents Bende Federal Constituency Abia state similarly, applauded the leadership style of Chief Iwuanyawu at Ohaneze Ndigbo which he noted was aimed at uniting and promoting the socio-political wellbeing of the people of Southeast.

“It is sad news for the people of the South Eastern Region, because Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu remained one of the brightest stars from the region, who actually proved himself in business, political leadership and community leadership.

Chief Iwuanyawu was a great champion who also designed a platform for the voice of Nigerians, especially, the Igbo ,to be heard using his Champion Newspaper” the Deputy Speaker said.

NFVCB Wades Into Controversy Over Use Of Niqab In Nancy Isime’s upcoming movie, As MURIC Calls For Its Ban

Akinwale Kasali

July 27, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Controversy has continued to trail Nancy Isime’s yet to be released movie. It stemmed from Nsime’s use of a Niqab in a robbery scene. That has sparked outrage among Muslim faithfuls and Groups.

The Director General of Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, has called for the ban of the movie, which he stressed puts the Islamic Religion in bad light.

The group described the movie as ‘satanic’, adding that it depicts Muslim women as criminals and incites the public against them.

This development prompted the leadership of the National Film and Video Censors Board, NFVCB, to wade into the matter. It has reached out to the producers of Blood Brothers over the use of the niqab in the robbery scene of the movie.

A statement by its Director General, Shaibu Husseini, said that contact had been made with the producers to address the contentious issue.

This is as he also reiterated that the said film has yet to be released.

Husseini added that it made contact with the Producers to address the contentious issue.

The statement said, “The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), the statutory regulatory agency for film and video works as well as exhibition and distribution in Nigeria, have received complaints about an upcoming Nigerian movie that associated the Hijab, an outfit attributed to Muslim women that symbolises respect, modesty and religious devotion, with negative moral vices.

“Our check revealed that the movie has not been released, and it has not been submitted to the NFVCB for classification as required by law and our mandate.

“However, we have been able to reach the Producers of the film and have taken steps to address the concerns raised with the producers.”

Husseini stressed that the agency will not tolerate any film or video content that disrespects religious, cultural, or ethnic sensibilities.

It read further, “We restate that as a classification agency, the NFVCB will not overlook any film or video works, including dramatized short contents (skits) that abuse, denigrate, or undermine religious, cultural and ethnic sensibilities.

“We commit to contributing to the positive transformation of the Nigerian society through classification of films and video works whilst balancing the need to preserve freedom of expression within the law, and limit social, cultural and religious harm caused by films.”

The National Film and Video Censors Board is the regulatory body set up by Act No.85 of 1993 to regulate the film and video industry in Nigeria.

The NFVCB is empowered by law to classify all films and videos whether imported or produced locally.

It is also in the purview of the NFVCB to register all films and video outlets across the country and keep a register of such registered outlets among other functions across the country and to keep a register of such registered outlets among other functions.

A niqab is a type of Islamic garment worn by some Muslim women as part of their modesty practices.

It is a face-covering that leaves only the eyes visible, and it is typically worn over the headscarf (hijab) and other traditional clothing.

The niqab covers the entire face, except for the area around the eyes, and it can be paired with other garments like a long dress or abaya.

The choice to wear a niqab varies based on personal, cultural, and religious beliefs.

Olympics: President Tinubu Sends Message Of Hope To “Team Nigeria”

Ayodele Oni

July 27, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has sent a message to the Nigerian Team at the ongoing 2024 Paris Olympic Games to cheer up members spirit.

A total of 88 Nigeria athletes, including 63 women and 25 men, are proudly flying Nigeria’s flag in 12 sports at the Paris Olympics.

Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngalele, in a statement on Friday, the day the games kicked off stated: “On behalf of all Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu sends his best wishes to Team Nigeria at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

“The President assures these bold and courageous ambassadors representing the country of his full support and that of over 200 million Nigerians back home, praying and cheering for their success.

“As the Games officially opens on Friday, July 26, (yesterday) with the ‘Parade of Nations’, President Tinubu looks forward to watching the Nation ’s Flagbearer, Ms.Tobi Amusan, the current world record holder in the 100 metres hurdles, and other athletes compete with honour and dedication on the international stage.

“The President enjoins the athletes to exhibit the resilience, courage, respect, self-control, and good sportsmanship that Nigerians are known for.

“President Tinubu urges the coaching crew, support staff, and Nigerian spectators who will be watching the Games in Paris to remain worthy ambassadors of the country.”

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024, and will include 10,714 athletes from 206 countries.

Foreign Forces Behind Proposed Nationwide Protest – IGP Egbetokun

Ayodele Oni

July 27, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has given an update on the proposed nationwide protest during which he directed organisers of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest to submit their Organisation’s names and other details to the Commissioners of Police in their respective States.

IGP Egbetokun who gave the directive while addressing Journalists on Friday, in Abuja, noted that the directive was to guarantee a peaceful protest.

The IGP also mandated all protesters and individuals to submit their names and location for protest for proper protection on protest day.

“To facilitate a successful and incident-free protest, they should please provide the following information: state the proposed protest routes and assembly points; expected duration of the protest; and names and contact details of protest leaders and organisers.”

According to the IGP, to maintain public safety, the police would be able to deploy enough manpower and resources from the information provided.

He added that to prevent clashes with other events or activities, the Police needed to be aware of the precise routes and locations for the demonstrations.

Additional directives from Egbetokun include creating open lines of communication with protest organisers to resolve any issues or concerns that may come up and reduce the likelihood of violence, property destruction, or other criminal conduct.

He urged all demonstrators to collaborate with law enforcement agencies, follow international best practices for peaceful assembly, and obey the law.

Egbetokun told journalists that intelligence at the disposal of the Force revealed that foreign mercenaries were involved in the proposed nationwide hunger protest.

He urged every Nigerian to proceed with caution and reconsider decision to join the protest, the IGP said the Force had been monitoring development surrounding the protest threats.

“While some groups call for violent protests, emulating Kenya’s recent events, others advocate for peaceful demonstrations.

“However, some individuals promote peaceful protests with violent undertones, raising concerns about their sincerity.

“We have our history of violent protests in Nigeria, and I don’t believe we have to look to other countries to note the dangers of unchecked demonstrations.”

Fmr Ekiti Gov Fayemi Faults Supreme Court Judgement On LG Autonomy, Says It Won’t Work

Ayodele Oni

July 26, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Immediate past chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Kayode Fayemi, has declared that local government autonomy is not a solution to myriads of problems facing Nigeria.

He described autonomy for the third tiers of government as a misnomer and aberration which will not work in a federal system of government.

Fayemi, ex governor of Ekiti state and a former Nigeria’s Minister of Mines and Steel Development, spoke at the launch of St. Racheal’s People Consulting 2024 Leadership and Economic Summit-1.0 Thursday night in Lagos.

Speaking on how the country could navigate out of its current socio-economic and security challenges, Fayemi said the federal government’s suit against state governors and the ruling in its favour was not going to work.

“We cannot return to a unitary state. But unfortunately, we are gradually going back to a unitary form of government even though it is being dressed up as restructuring.

“The President (Bola Tinubu) is a federalist, he is a leader in my party, we share quite a lot in common, but I do not know any federal entity anywhere in the world where the federal government becomes the driver of what happens in the local government.

“It does not happen anywhere in the world and the Nigerian Constitution in Section 2 is very clear that Nigeria is a federation of the federal (central government) and the state. it is not three-tier.”

Fayemi, a visiting Professor at the African Leadership Centre, said it was a display of ignorance to describe the local government as the third tier of government.

He added: “The principle of federalism is clear, it is a principle of dual federation units.

“Anywhere in the world where we have federalism, it is the state or province or region either in India, U.S., Canada, or Australia.

“It is now up to the state to determine whether it wants to have 20 counties, or 50 or 200 local authorities based on its own local needs. This is a misnomer, it does not happen anywhere in the world.

“With this latest strategy, I assure you, in the first instance, I don’t see how workable it is; it’s not going to work.”

He said that if some governors had not done well in the administration of local governments, solutions should be proffered and tamper with what federalism entails.

“This is not the solution, we are unitarising the country instead of decentralising the country.

“If we can address this problem that we have all identified, we will see that Nigeria will be better.

“We cannot solve all the problems from Abuja, particularly the two critical problems of security and energy.

“We need to really drill down to the local level in order to resolve those two problems. if we fix those two problems, electricity and security, Nigeria will fly.”

Northern Senators Commend Gov Yusuf’s Efforts In Reviving Kano Moribund Dams

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 26, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Spokesperson for the Northern Senators Forum, Senator Abdulrahman Suleiman Kawu Sumaila, has lauded Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for approving the release of N2.5 billion for the rehabilitation of the moribund Kafin-Chiri irrigation scheme in Kano State.

In a statement issued on Friday, July 26, 2024, the Senator representing Kano South Senatorial district noted that the move will exact positive impacts on the agricultural sector.

The Source reports that the Kano State Government on Thursday July 25 ,announced the approval of the sum, as parts of its wider efforts to guarantee food security, amidst growing scarcity and rising costs of essential food items.

A statement issued by Ameen Yassar, the Project Communication Assistant to the Kano State Agricultural Development Programme KSADP, said the initiative aims at boosting agricultural produce in the area ,as well as creating job opportunities for the teeming youths.

The programme is jointly funded by the Islamic Development Bank, the Lives and Livelihood Fund and the Kano state Government.

The Project Coordinator Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, informed stakeholders in Garko Local Council of the State that about 419 hectares of land will be cultivated during dry season farming through the instrumentality of the irrigation scheme when operational.

” Initially our plan was to develop additional 1000 hectares of land at the Watari Irrigation project. But shortly after the commencement of the work ,we discovered that the Federal Government has awarded a similar contract in the vicinity ,which extends to a portion of our designated area of work.

“Therefore ,we obtained approval from the Islamic Development Bank to use part of the funds saved from the Watari project to develop 419 hectares elsewhere and the state Governor gave us the go -ahead to develop agricultural land in the vicinity of Kafin Chiri Dam” the KSADP statement noted .

The statement further noted that all farm owners within the vicinity of the irrigation scheme, will be clearly enumerated, so as to ensure that nobody is short- changed when the project is completed.

Highlighting some of the gains of the scheme to farmers, Project Engineer Zahraddeen Hamisu Zerewa, explained that part of the proposal for the project is for water to be conveyed from the Dam and be distributed to all the farms through a network of canals using gravity.

” This means that farmers will no longer buy fuel to power water pumps.They will be saving a lot of money ” he noted .

Senator Sumaila described the extension of the kano irrigation scheme to Garko Sumaila axis a pivotal initiative that will create over 500 direct and indirect jobs, thereby uplifting livelihoods and promoting economic growth.

The Northern Senators Spokesman, further emphasised that the project has the potentials of enhancing food production and guarantee food security not only in kano state ,but in the country at large.

He appealed to farmers in the area to make maximum use of the opportunities presented by the project.

” I urge the farming communities to collaborate with the authorities, embrace farming techniques and capitalize on this generous gesture by the Government.

“The people of the area should join hands in celebrating this land mark initiative and strive towards a future of abundance harvest and economic prosperity”, Senator Sumaila enjoined.

Kano Judicial Service Commission Sanctions Six Over Extortion, Forgery

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 26, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In a bid to sanitize the Judicial system, the Kano State Judicial Service Commission, JSC, has wielded the big stick against some Judiciary Staff.

Six Staff members of the Kano High Court Registry Division found to be wanting in the discharge of their duties have been visited with varying degrees of disciplinary actions.

A statement issued on Friday, July 26, 2024, by the Spokesperson for the JSC, Baba Jibo Ibrahim, said the disciplinary actions against the erring staffers were taken at the 174th meeting of the Commission held on July 22, 2024 .

At the meeting, the Commission deliberated on the report of the Judiciary Public Complaint Committee, JPCC, which investigated two Court Registrars – Mustapha Makama and Yusuf Muhammad Yankasai – over allegations of official misconducts.

They were alleged to have conspired and extorted N130,000 from the petitioner, under the pretext of perfecting bail applications, which eventually turned to be a hoax.

According to the statement, the Investigative Committee found them culpable of extortion and involvement in unlawful receipt of funds.

“Consequently, the JSC have directed for the immediate compulsory retirement from service of Makama, as he has been found to be unfit to continue as a staff of the Judiciary.

“For being an accessory after the misconduct, Yakassai was down graded by a level, with a warning .

“Similarly, the JSC also considered another report by the JPCC, on a petition against a suspected syndicate operating within the state’s Judiciary.

“The syndicate comprised Bilya Abdullahi ,Ismail a Garba and Auwalu Ibrahim Khalil all court registrars .

“The investigation revealed that their actions amounted to conspiracy ,forgery and cheating through the issuance of forged bank reversal court order and forgery of a magistrate’s signature .

“The Judicial Service Commission acting on the JPCC’s recommendations has suspended the staff with immediate effect” the statement noted .

The Kano State JSC’s statement further noted and assured that it will not relent in the efforts to sanitize the system ,through the sanctioning of all erring staffers.

Governor, Sultan Dissociate Sokoto State From August 1 Protest, Warn Move Not In The Interest Of Nigeria

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 26, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Much as it is true that the country is passing through a challenging situation in all fronts, Sokoto State Stakeholders have stated that the State will not be amenable to participating in the August 1 scheduled nationwide protest.

At an interactive session on Friday July 26, 2024, Governor Ahmed Aliyu, former Governor Aliyu Wamakko Magatakarda, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar, Minister of State, Water Resources, former Minister for Police Affairs Muhammadu Maigari, and a host of others, collectively echoed their misgivings and that of the larger part of the State populace about the upcoming protest.

According to them, it has the huge potentials of compromising the peace and security of the country.

Governor Aliyu, speaking on behalf of the stakeholders which also featured Islamic

scholars, informed that Sokoto State has resolved to distance itself from the planned protest.

He stated that various stakeholders cutting across religion, Civil Society groupings, Labour Unions, Student bodies, and Community leaders have all registered their opposition to the protest.

Governor Aliyu insisted that instead of solving any problems, the protest march will lead to some unintended consequences that may serve as a serious set back to the country’s quest to pull itself out of the wood.

According to him, the protest move can potentially jeopardize national interest, development, security and the over all peaceful co-existence in the country.

“We in Sokoto have distanced ourselves and eschew all acts of lawlessness. Nigeria remains the only and loving country we belong to” he stated

While appreciating President Bola Tinubu for taking some bold steps towards arresting the current harsh economic situation, Governor Aliyu noted that the State Government has already embarked on several moves to improve the living conditions of the people.

The Sokoto State Governor particularly referred to the introduction of students loan scheme , the actualization of Local Council Autonomy, periodic support of States etc, as some of the sincere steps taken by the president to cushion the effects of the current hardship.

He, therefore, called for understanding on the part of Nigerians ,towards restoring normalcy to the system.

Both the South-east Leadership (as represented by the five Governors and Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide) and Afenifere, have warned against the planned protest and emphasised it not in the interest of the Nation.

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