Obi Wants Genocidal Threats In Lagos Investigated And Tackled

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August 2, 2024

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.

Hunger Protests: Gov Abiodun Under Attack For Calling Nigerians “Sore Losers”

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James Orji

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August 2, 2024

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Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has been trenchantly ciriticised for describing Nigerians as ‘ sore losers” in his response to the ongoing hunger protest in the country.

The governor spoke on Channels Television on Thursday Night amidst the ongoing 10-day protest by Nigerians over the current economic hardship.

Not a few Nigerians have blamed Governor Abiodun party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, for the hardship and hunger in the land.

The magazine reported that pro-democracy bodies, working under #endbadgovernance in the country have declared August 1-10 as days of protest to force government’s hands to reverse some of its policies that aggravated hunger across Nigeria.

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led APC has come under attack from not a few Nigerians for removing fuel subsidy and converging the foreign exchange market which led to the devaluation of the Naira, for the hardship Nigerians are facing.

The protersters have stormed the major city capitals in the country on Thursday to demand the reversals of the policies which they insist have brought untold hardship to them.

Speaking yesterday Governor Abiodun said the Tinubu administration could not be soley blamed for the hardship, citing various interventionists programmes the government have introduced to ameliorate the sufferings.

The governor, however, blamed those that lost the 2023 elections for the anger in the country, describing them as ‘losers’ who did not want to accept the fact that Tinubu won the election.

He said the economic problem facing the country is a global one, saying the promoters of the protest are ‘faceless’ persons who want to remove Tinubu from power.

According to him, “The problem we have today is that Nigerians are sore losers. Rather than accept that If you want a regime change, wait till 2027. Don’t begin to sponsor faceless, leaderless protests under the guise that you are dissatisfied. The current realities are not peculiar to Nigeria alone.”

Reacting an X user @OPE97yemi said “We should be expecting nothing but absolute jagbanjantis from Eleyi of ogun state.”

KETAPUNK.eth @KETAPUNK_art “It’s time our governors take accountability of what is in their hands.”

On his part, Ede Mike @EdeMike27303 “The problem we have today, Is leaders who are not in touch with their people but looting the treasury dry, so hunger is not their problem.”

According to Dr FAYINKA JOHNSON @dr_fayinka “APC’s audacity to keep gaslighting the victims of their callousness is jaw-dropping in its inanity. The People permitted this crass insensitivity thus far, and the day we have the epiphany that our collective power is second only to Almighty God, this madness ends.”

While Adebola Adeyemi @mcobyemm said “Bitter truth by the governor of Ogun state. Yes, the economy isn’t great at the moment, but the president didn’t promise magic in 365 days. He and his team will try to make it work, and if after 4 years, nothing concrete has happened, then vote them out. It’s so simple.”

Governor Abiodun and other 35 state governors in the country have come under serious attacks from not a few Nigerians, who described them as massively corrupt because of the suggestion that they have cornered the funds in their states, which ought to be used to provide basic amenities for their people.

Lagos: Sanwo-olu Calls On Security Agencies To Arrest #Igbomustgo Promoters

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James Orji

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August 2, 2024

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Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu has condemned the the post on the social media calling on Igbo to vacate Lagos and south west of Nigeria.

A post by social media user LagosPedia on X had called for the hashtag #IgboMustGo protest from August 20 and 30 from the state and region.

Reacting to the post, Governor Sanwo-olu described the post as divisive and dangerous, noting that the state remains home to all Nigerians regardless of where they hail from.

The governor’s remark is contained in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Gboyega Akosile late Thursday night.

Governor Sanwo-olu condemned the post saying such is capable of disrupting the peace in the state and the south west in general, calling on the security agencies to apprehend and deal with whoever is trying to cause tension in the state.

The statemen said, “The Governor of Lagos State and indeed, Lagos State Government wish to distance themselves from the reckless, divisive and dangerous rhetoric, saying Lagos remains home to every Nigerian citizen regardless of their ethnic nationality.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu views the post as not only reckless and divisive but an attempt to sow a seed of discord between the Yoruba in the Southwest and other tribes, especially those who have made Lagos their permanent place of abode.

“The Governor appeals to Lagosians not to allow any person or group of individuals to create tensions in the State, calling on the security agencies to promptly investigate those behind the handle and bring them to justice.

“Mr. Governor enjoins Lagosians to ignore the post and any post of that nature, promising to double his efforts towards ensuring lasting peace in the State.”

Recall that during the 2023 general election Igbo in the state were prevented from voting by some non-state actors, believed to be supporting the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

House Of Reps Faults Call For Removal Of Kyari, Farouk

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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August 1, 2024

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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

By

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.