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

By
Ayodele Oni
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EndBadGovernance Protest

By Ayodele Oni

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Russian Flag: Tinubu Orders Arrest Of Promoters

By
James Orji
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Protesters Carrying Russian Flag

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By
James Orji
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Seized bags of rice

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hunger Protests: Tinubu Meets Security Chiefs Amidst Coup Scare

By
James Orji
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Tinubu and Security Chiefs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The magazine cannot independently verified the report.

Benue State PDP Suspends Chairman, Secretary

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Peoples Democratic Party - PDP

By Akinwale Kasali

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

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

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

Part of the statement reads:

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

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

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

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

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

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

However, Ngbede has debunked his alleged suspension.

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

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

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

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

Uzodimma Makes OKOBI Programme Compulsory For All Imo communities

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma- Governor of Imo State

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Protest: BUK Suspends All Academic Activities

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Bayero University Kano - BUK

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Following the precarious situation presented by the ongoing EndBadGovernance nationwide protest, the authorities of the Bayero University, Kano, BUK, have halted all academic activities forthwith.

In a statement issued on Monday, August 5, 2024, by Lamara Garba, a Deputy Registrar Public Affairs, on behalf of the Registrar ,and made available to The Source the Management, however, enjoined on campus students to remain calm and law abiding.

The BUK authorities, while expressing concern about the safety of lives and property, called on the University community to be  cautious and vigilant.

Kano, the host State of the University, has been the worst hit by the spate of violence, arson, looting and destruction that have formed the larger part of the ongoing nationwide hunger protest .

The Management assured that academic activities will resume, as soon as normalcy returns.

Below is the full text of the statement.

“The Management of Bayero University, Kano  wishes to commend members of the University community for their support and  cooperation of maintaining a peaceful atmosphere on its campuses.

“After a careful review of the situation in Kano State as a result of the National Protest, the University Management has directed that all scheduled lectures should be suspended forthwith.

“However, as soon as normalcy returns, all academic and administrative activities will resume fully.

“Students residing on the campuses are advised to continue to remain calm and law abiding, as adequate arrangements have been put in place to ensure their safety.

“The  Management in particular, is concerned with the safety of lives and property and, therefore, enjoins the members of the University community to continue to be cautious about their movements  outside the campuses in order to avoid exposure to any possible danger.

“Signed:

“Lamara Garba,
Deputy Registrar, Public Affairs,
For: Acting Registrar”

Russian Flags: Kano Distances Government  From Protesters

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Protesters Carrying Russian Flag

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Government has strongly distanced itself from the  EndBadGovernance  protesters brandishing and waving the Russian National Flag during the ongoing nationwide protest.

This is even as it announced on Monday, August 5, 2024, plans to carry out a thorough inquest into the remote and immediate causes of the violence and looting that characterised the protests on day one.

The State Government informed, also, that about 632 persons, suspected to be part of the massive looting spree, arson and destruction of private and public properties in the state during the protest have been arrested and arraigned.

In an official bulletin, the State Government noted that the protesters spotted with Russian flags are in no way associated with it.

It insisted that those found to be remotely and directly involved in the wanton destruction and looting during the protest will be made to face the full weight of the law.

The Source reports that Kano, more than any state across the country, witnessed massive arson, looting and wanton vandalism, particularly, on day one of the nationwide protest.

But the State Government has assured that it is unwaveringly committed to prosecuting culprits to underscore its determination to maintain peace and order.

To this end, a Committee, according to the Government is to be set up to investigate the causes of the violence and looting.

“The Committee’s main objective is to determine the root causes of the violence, identify those responsible and ascertain the extent of the damage caused”, Government noted.

The 632 arrested suspected vandals have been arraigned before various Courts across the state, the State Authorities stated .

However, the State  Government assured that the demands by genuine protesters have been collated, and will soon be. forwarded to President Bola Tinubu for appropriate action.

Uzodimma Unveils Amuneke Technical Manager Heartland Football Club Owerri

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma and Emmanuel Amuneke

The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has unveiled a renowned football administrator and tactician, Mr. Emmanuel Amuneke as the Technical Manager of Heartland Football Club Owerri, Imo State.

He did at the New Executive Council Chambers, Government House Owerri on Monday (August 5, 2024), where he said that the idea was to “reposition the Heartland Football Club for a brighter future to the happiness of Imo people and football enthusiasts in particular.”

The Governor recalled that on assumption of office in 2020 his administration met a Heartland Football Club that was relegated and that he made frantic efforts to bring it back to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPF).

He however regretted that recent events  show that the Football Club has gone back to the drain again, “and can only come back to life by reorganising the administrative structure and reposition the management and technical team of the Club.”

The Governor said to deal with the situation on ground, he has been able to identify one of Nigeria’s best in football management and technical administration/know-how, in the person of Mr Emmanuel Amuneke, to manage and bring back Heartland FC to her past glory.

Governor Uzodimma therefore expressed joy that Amuneke has graciously accepted and agreed to take up the responsibility, noting

that the “target of the technical team is that they must win the Premiership and go for Continental competition.”

The Governor assured that his government is commited towards “providing the necessary needs that will enable the technical team succeed and put joy and smile back on the faces of our people and bring back what Heartland FC used to be.”

To make Amuneke’s job effective and seamless, devoid of unnecessary bureaucracy, the Governor offered to deal directly with his Management team through direct reportage to his office.

Responding to the offer, Mr Amuneke thanked the Governor, government and people of Imo State for the privilege to serve and promised to do his best, humanly possible, to achieve the set target of bringing Heartland Football Club back to where it used to be.

He described the assignment as  homecoming for him, noting that the assignment to succeed is a collective thing and that he is driven by the objective of ensuring success at any point in time because “the people deserve to have happiness and joy on their faces always.”

The unveiling was witnessed by all members of Imo Executive Council in attendance for an emergency Exco sitting of the State.

The football tactician was accompanied by the management and staff of the Ministry of Sports Development in Imo State.

Kaduna Imposes 24-Hour Curfew, As Nationwide Protesters Dare  President Tinubu

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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EndBadGovernance Protest

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Amidst escalating protests in the State’s major cities with concomitant looting and destruction of properties, the Kaduna State Government, on Monday August 5, 2024, imposed  a 24-hour curfew on the restive State.

President Bola Tinubu had on Sunday, August 4, in a nationwide broadcast, sued  for peace and cessation of protests across the country.

The President’s appeal came on the heels of a 10- day long nationwide protest declared across the country to protest against hunger and bad governance.

But while, President Tinubu’s address appeared to have stolen a great measure of tempo from the protests particularly in most North- West State’s, protesters in their numbers continued on Monday to hold down many parts of Kaduna State .

Majorly, in Zaria and Kaduna metropolis, protesters, as early as 8.00am, took over major roads and streets, making bonfires,destroying and looting shops.

The protesters waving Russian flags, in their  thousands, disrupted commercial activities and vehicular traffics.

In a statement, the officer-in-charge of the Kaduna State Ministry for Internal Affairs. Samuel Aruwan, said the imposition of 24-hour curfew on the State has become absolutely imperative in the face of the huge threat posed to the security and peace by the  rising wave of the EndBadGovernance protest.

“The Kaduna State Security Council under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani, following a review of the security situation in the state, hereby notifies citizens of the following.

“There is sufficient evidence to clearly indicate that the ongoing protest has been hijacked by criminal elements who have resorted to looting of shops and destruction of private and public properties.

“In view of this unfortunate development, the Kaduna State Security Council has unanimously resolved to impose a 24 hour curfew on Kaduna and Zaria metropolises and environ with immediate effect.

“Citizens are advised to remain indoors while security forces continue to work to maintain peace and security..

“Monitoring will be sustained for review of the curfew as required.” the statement reads .

Instructively, the imposition of 24-hour curfew on Kaduna is coming just at the same  time that Kano, and Yobe, two states that first embraced the option were relaxing theirs.

Following the spate of wanton destruction, arson and looting that characterized the day one of the protest on Thursday August 1, the two States slammed a 24-hour curfew to contain the situation.

But in  separate statements on Sunday, August 4, slight reviews were made by the two States.

While Kano’s will now run from 2pm to 8am ,Yobe residents are to  operate between 12 noon and 5 pm..

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