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Obi to Tinubu: ”Your Address Failed To Address  Harsh Realities And Critical Issues That Triggered The Protest”

By
The Source
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Peter Obi and Bola Tinubu

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 poll, Peter Obi, has reacted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broadcast to the nation, saying the address failed to address the issues that triggered the protest.

Writing on his X handle on Monday titled ‘My Response to the President’s Address’ the LP standards bearer said:

“Having led the call for the President to address the nation and respond to the demands of the people, and having listened to the belated speech, I needed to delay my response to see if my understanding of the address was aligned with

others.

“I hesitated to respond immediately, as I felt it could have been perceived as another attempt by Peter Obi to sway public opinion, especially since I was initially accused of sponsoring the protest.

“However, I must begin by thanking the President for finally addressing the people, albeit belatedly, which might have prevented the unnecessary loss of innocent lives, including those of our security agents.

“While I had hoped that, in consoling the families of those who lost their loved ones in the protest, he would also show some empathy towards those who were injured, arrested, and detained due to the overzealous and unprofessional conduct of some security operatives,

this was unfortunately not the case. It is the responsibility of the government to identify criminal elements attempting to disrupt the protest through looting and other unlawful behaviours and to protect those genuinely exercising their democratic rights.

“Nigeria must embrace all tenets of democracy, including the right to protest, without selective adherence. I also appreciate his condemnation of the ethnic bigotry being propagated by some individuals against other ethnic groups.

“However, I had hoped for more decisive action, such as the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible, to demonstrate that such intolerance will not be tolerated in today’s Nigeria.

“The President’s address regrettably appeared disconnected from the harsh realities faced by the people and failed to address critical issues that initially triggered the protest. It either reflects a lack of awareness among his advisers regarding the scale of anger, hunger, and hardship in the country, or a deliberate choice to disregard it. At this point, I strongly advise the President to distance himself from sycophants and surround himself with individuals who will present the unvarnished truth.

“While the President’s speech focused on the past, the people are concerned with the present and the future. He should begin by addressing pressing issues such as the exorbitant cost of governance, measures to tackle corruption, the high cost of living, and directing resources effectively towards critical areas like health, education, and poverty alleviation. I respectfully reiterate that the President should declare a war on insecurity, the economy, poverty, unemployment, and the power sector.

“Persistent issues of corruption and mismanagement of public funds must be addressed decisively. As is done in other nations during such times, regular briefings, whether quarterly or biannually, from the President are essential to clearly communicate the visible and verifiable measures being taken to revive the nation from its current state of hopelessness, restore hope, and rebuild trust in our country.

“I also humbly request that the President reduce the repetition of how dire the situation is; every Nigerian is already aware of the extent of the problems. Mr President, you and your team were elected not just to witness the protests but to alleviate the suffering of the people.

“Nigerians do not expect the President to solve the nation’s problems overnight, but we do expect a concerted effort to address the mismanagement of public resources, reduce the high cost of governance, and tackle issues like insecurity, corruption, electricity, agriculture, and productivity to set the country on a path to recovery and growth. By doing so, the President can restore hope and rekindle the people’s faith in our dear country Nigeria.

A new Nigeria is Possible”.

Group Demands Wike’s Sack Over Incessant Attack On Women

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister

By Akinwale Kasali

A Group, Renewed Hope Change Ambassadors has called for the immediate removal of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike from office.

The Group lamented Wike’s continued incessant attacks on women’s rights and the demarketing of President Bola  Tinubu and his Government as the main reasons for the call.

In a statement issued on Monday, and signed by its President, Dr Florence Adenifuja, the group claimed that Wike has a history of violence against women.

Adenifuja emphasized that Wike’s “anti-people’s actions” are a threat to society.

The statement reads in part: “The Renewed Hope Change Ambassadors can no longer afford to be silent in the face of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike’s recurring attacks on women. We have watched him over the years repeatedly abuse women in every office he has held.

“It’s an open secret that Wike constantly terrorized women during his tenure as the Chief of Staff to former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi. Women in Rivers State faced the worst during Wike’s tenure as Governor of the state.

“He has now brought the same abusive behaviour into the FCT Ministry since he was appointed Minister. Female staff members of the Ministry not only work in fear due to his abusive tendencies towards women, but some are now resigning for the sake of their sanity and mental well-being.

“If the Minister can constantly attack the Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Ireti Kingibe, imagine what ordinary women go through in his hands.

“Wike has repeatedly undermined the power of the FCT electorates by vowing that he would singlehandedly stop Kingibe’s re-election in 2027. He has made himself a dictator, blatantly disregarding the fact that he is just a member of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s executive council.

“His latest attack against Sen. Ireti Kingibe is the dubious allegation that she is the one sponsoring the protest in Abuja. Whereas, it was Wike’s irresponsible comments that ignited the rage of the youth.

“At this point, it appears the Minister is deliberately trying to discredit President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his government by inciting the youth to protest. His insensitive comment, stating that youths cannot peacefully protest in the FCT under his watch, significantly contributed to the later violence of the protests.

“His anti-people’s actions pose a threat to society. The current political crisis and instability in Rivers State are a result of his selfish actions. If he is not stopped, Wike will turn the FCT into a war zone as he did in Rivers State. FCT residents, especially women and youths, have already lodged thousands of petitions against him.

“Therefore, we urge President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to heed the people’s voices and stop tolerating Wike’s insubordination and irresponsible behaviour by dismissing him now! This is the same Wike who has been falsely claiming that he brought President Tinubu to power when, in fact, it was the President’s graciousness that pulled Wike from political oblivion by appointing him as minister.

“The President should be cautious of Wike. He has a history of betraying his benefactors. In the recent history of Rivers State, we witnessed how he betrayed and antagonized the man who propelled him to political fame, former governor Rotimi Amaechi. His betrayal often begins with clandestine actions against his benefactor and public statements, similar to what he is doing now.

“However, he will fail this time because Nigerians are now familiar with his tactics and stand firmly behind our President. While we would have requested him to resign honourably, his lack of honour prevents this, so we call on the President, once again, to dismiss Wike to prevent a national disaster and restore the confidence of women and youths in this administration.”

Edo, Ondo Guber, INEC Releases Newly Registered Voters

By
Ayodele Oni
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Prof Mahmood Yakubu

By Ayodele Oni

Additional 119,206 voters are expected to participate in the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo state while 58,708 will join the Edo voters.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), disclosed the number of new voters ahead of the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo States.

The Commission explained that the figures did not include applications for transfer within the two states because they were already captured on the voter register.

This was made known in a statement by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, on Monday.

Olumekun said the commission will release the comprehensive and final register of voters to be used for the 2024 governorship elections for each of the two states in the next few days.

“The number of new voters for Edo State is 119,206 and 58,708 for Ondo State. These figures do not include the 8,847 applications for transfer into Edo State and the 3,132 into Ondo State from other states of the Federation.

“Similarly, they do not include applications for transfer within the two states because they are already captured on the voter register.

“The figures of the new voters and inter-state transfers integrated into the existing register. In the next few days, the Commission will release the comprehensive and final register of voters to be used for the 2024 governorship elections for each of the two states.

“Meanwhile, the analysis of new voters for Edo and Ondo States, indicating their distribution by local government areas, gender, age, occupation and disability, has been uploaded to our website and social media platforms for public information.”

Autonomy: Oyo APC Warns LG Bosses About Plan By Gov Makinde To Compromise Law

By
Ayodele Oni
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Seyi Makinde - Governor of Oyo State

By Ayodele Oni

The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has accused Governor Seyi Makinde of disrespecting the Supreme Court over its judgement on local government autonomy.

The party warned Chairmen and career officers in  the 33 local government areas in the state to distance themselves from the spirited efforts by Governor Seyi Makinde to subvert the judgment of the Supreme Court.

Elected local government chairmen in Oyo state had resolved over the weekend to continue to receive allocations to their councils directly from Governor, Seyi Makinde contrary to Supreme Court judgement which granted autonomy to the third tier of government.

They also agreed to pull out of the Association of Local Government Chairmen, (ALGON) and float another body.

APC in a statement on Monday by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, said toeing the line of the governor could land them in jail sooner than later.

The Supreme Court had early last month ruled that it is unconstitutional for governors to withhold funds earmarked for local government councils thus granting full autonomy to the 774 council areas in the country.

Sadare maintained that Makinde has emerged the lone voice among the 36 state governors condemning the Apex Court’s verdict as he was quoted to have described it as a distraction.

He noted that the governor also inaugurated a special committee to review the judgement and mandated members of the committee to come up with recommendations which would enable him maintain the status quo as it concerns the joint account arrangement between states and local government councils.

The APC scribe also accused the governor of covetousness and lack of  respect for constitutional democracy and the rule of law as well as having inordinate ambition to make Oyo state a separate republic from Nigeria with a view to making himself a demi-god that would be worshipped by all and sundry.

The statement read, “The whole world did not realize the magnitude of damage done to the third tier of government in Oyo State in the last 62 months until Governor Makinde came out openly to castigate both the federal government and the Judiciary on the issue of financial autonomy.

“The governor has been fighting tooth and nail to promote unpopular call for a reversal of the verdict which has been described, by most people, as a victory for the masses.

“Unfortunately for Governor Makinde, his recent actions have confirmed the allegations bothering on the embezzlement of council funds being leveled against him by our party (APC) and others.

“It is now crystal clear that the PDP governor had mapped out an eight-year plan aimed at looting LGA funds but got his dream truncated by the celebrated verdict of the Supreme Court.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the decision of the Apex Court remains sacrosanct even if he (Makinde) refused to agree to it. Meanwhile, Oyo State is a fraction of the nation called Nigeria and it is wrong for a governor to claim ‘sovereignty’ even as he depends on the federal government handouts and allocations to pilot the affairs of his state.

“On the final note, the reported withdrawal of the imposed 33 Council Chairmen from ALGON is just a smokescreen as we are aware of a script already handed to them by their principal.

“There is absolutely nothing Governor Makinde can do to make him the recipient of the allocations due to 33 LGAs again and any Chairman or career officer who compromise the provision of the law on account of blind loyalty or unfounded fear would pay for it as efforts are also in top gear to make the governor and other accomplices account for the trillions of naira already mismanaged at the expense of the LGAs.”

As Huge Erosion Threatens Aba, Gov. Otti Orders Evacuation

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Abia Erosion

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

With a huge gully erosion in the Ovom Ogbo Hill area of Aba, the commercial enclave of Abia, threatening the lives of thousands of residents and several high profile properties, the  State Government has ordered the evacuation of the area.

The State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, on an on-the-spot assessment tour of the site Sunday evening, August 4, 2024, also directed an immediate action to remedy the dangerous situation.

The Source reports that the deep and long  erosion site gully site has cut the road into two, created a long valley with several buildings and other landed properties lost.

Governor Otti has directed the General Manager of the Greater Aba Development Authority, GADA, to interface with his office, with a view to mobilizing experienced engineers and other relevant professionals  to find a lasting solution to the problem.

Speaking with the Media after the assessment tour, the Governor expressed concern that unless urgent steps are taken to arrest the development, more damage will be wrecked.

“It is very unfortunate that erosion has dealt a deadly blow to this area and the way it is going, if not controlled immediately, it will not only affect all the buildings around but, also the opposite side of the road where we are building roads.

“So, we need to come very quickly, and I have given the directives to the General Manager of Greater Aba Development Authority ,for him to see me later this evening (Sunday) so that we will start solving the problem in the next few weeks.

“We are starting immediately after engaging engineers and other professionals. We are not going to use direct labour

“We need professionals who understand what to do. And I strongly believe that it is something that we should deal with before the end of this year.

“I have asked the GM of GADA to evacuate those living around the area. If you  look around these buildings, there is nobody in there.

“Those who are very close, I had already evacuated them, and it is my hope that nobody goes back there again, because it is very dangerous.” Governor Otti stated.

“On the assessment tour with the Governor were the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, the lawmaker representing Aba Central State Constituency Hon. Ucheonye Stephen, the GADA GM, Arch. Uche Ukeje, the Acting Chairman of the Labour Party LP Abia State and others.

The Source reports that erosion has been one of the most pronounced ecological problems facing most parts of Abia state .

Worst hit, however, are communities in the Abia North Senatorial District, particularly, in Isukwuato Local Council.

Successive administrations had paid lip service to the menace leading to the escalation of the problem over the years.

Uzodimma Appoints Okoye Acting Chairman Imo State Internal Revenue Service

By
The Source
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Mr Remigius Justice Okoye

Governor Hope Uzodimma has approved the appointment of Mr Remigius Justice Okoye as the Acting Chairman of Imo State Internal Revenue Service (IIRS).

The appointment is with immediate effect.

Okoye, a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Accountants (FCA) comes into the office with a rich résumé in accounting and related discipline that spans many years.

Governor Uzodimma urged him to deploy all available frameworks within the disposal of his agency to enhance the revenue generation capabilities of the IIRS, thereby improving the financial base of the State Government to enable her provide the much needed dividends of democracy to the citizens.

The Governor further congratulated Okoye on his appointment.

Tinubu’s Achievements Under-reported, Unemployed Graduates To Get Stipends-Minister

By
James Orji
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Prof Tahir Mamman - Minister of Education

The Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman has dislcosed plan by the federal government to commence payment of a monthly stipends to unemployed graduates in the country.

The minister spoke on Monday while addressing a delegation of youths who visited him in his office.

His comment comes on the heels of the ongoing nationwide protest, predominantly by youths across the country over the economic hardship in the country.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said in a nationwide broadcast on Sunday that the demands of the protesters are already being adrressed.

According to Mamman, graduates in the country will now be paid some money until they are able to secured jobs, as part of the Tinubu administration plan for them to fight poverty, adding that most laudable policies of the adminsitration have been under-reported by the media.

“The government has committed a certain allowance for every unemployed graduate in Nigeria. This is very important for graduates and every Nigerian to know,” he said.

President Tinubu on Sunday said he has approved an additional N40 billion to be disbursed under the  Nigerian Education Loan Fund to assist students in  the tertiary institutions.

Atiku Tears President Tinubu’s Speech Says It Failed To Convince Nigerians

By
Ayodele Oni
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Atiku Abubakar

By Ayodele Oni

The Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed the broadcast by President Bola Tinubu to Nigerians on the Nationwide Hunger Protest as no use.  Atiku said the address to the  Nation overlooked the severe economic challenges of Nigerians.

In a statement on Sunday, Atiku pointed out that average Nigerian families have been confronted with hardship since the beginning of Tinubu’s administration.

He stated: “This address lacks credibility and fails to offer any immediate, tangible solutions to the Nigerian people.

“Given the extensive publicity surrounding the protests and the threats issued by government officials against demonstrators, one would have expected President Tinubu to present groundbreaking reforms, particularly those aimed at reducing the exorbitant costs of governance.

“But alas, no such announcements were made. The President ignored the protesters’ demands, such as suspending the purchase of aircraft for the President, downsizing his bloated cabinet, or even eliminating the costly and burdensome office of the First Lady, who has been indulging in extravagant trips at the nation’s expense.

“In his lacklustre recorded speech, President Tinubu offered a superficial account of his so-called reforms, revealing his own tenuous grasp of policy as he failed to convince his audience.

“While the President has spoken, it is unfortunate that his words lack substance and respect for the protesters’ sentiments, leaving Nigerians with little faith in his reform agenda – if one exists at all.

“We urge the President and his team to own up to their failures over the past 14 months and abandon the absurd theory that the protests are orchestrated by the opposition.

“This administration has failed on all fronts, even in the simple task of keeping a presidential speech confidential.

“Typically, presidential addresses are shared under embargo with media houses. However, the premature leak of this speech, allowing Nigerians to read along with the President in real-time, starkly illustrates the media, nay Nigerians dwindling confidence in this administration.”

NANS South West Kicks Against Expulsion Of Students Over Protest, Demands Removal Of Rector

By
Ayodele Oni
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Dr Sani Man Yahaya

By Ayodele Oni

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Southwest zone has called on the federal government to remove the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, in Osun State, Dr. Sani Man Yahaya, over alleged unlawful expulsion of students.

NANS Southwest also issued five days ultimatum within which the demand should be met.

The Students’ body request was contained in a statement on Monday signed by its leadership.

Signatories are Alao John,

Coordinator; Sanni Olamide;

Secretary; and Bamigboye  Oluwadamilola,

It reads “The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Southwest is issuing a stern ultimatum to the Federal Government regarding the unlawful expulsion of students from Federal Polytechnic, Ede.

“We demand the immediate removal of the current Rector, Dr. Sani Man Yahaya, who has orchestrated these unjust actions against our members.

“This five-day ultimatum, starting from today 5th August 20th – 9th August, 2024 Monday-Friday, aims to correct this gross injustice, failing which we will mobilize to shut down the institution on Monday August 12, 2024.

“The recent expulsions, following the peaceful protest of May 9, 2024, represent a flagrant violation of the fundamental rights of the students involved.

“These students were exercising their right to protest against legitimate concerns, and their expulsion without due process or fair hearing is a severe breach of justice and equity.

“It is unacceptable that students are being punished for their involvement in peaceful demonstrations, a cornerstone of democratic expression and civic engagement.

“Educational institutions are meant to foster critical thinking and active citizenship, not to suppress voices of dissent through draconian measures.

“The current administration at Federal Polytechnic, Ede, under the leadership of Dr. Sani Man Yahaya, has clearly failed in this regard, choosing instead to undermine the academic and personal development of its students.

“We call on the Federal Government to act swiftly and decisively. The removal of Dr. Sani Man Yahaya and the immediate reinstatement of the expelled students are non-negotiable.

“Failure to meet these demands within the stipulated five days will compel NANS Southwest to take decisive action, including the shutdown of Federal Polytechnic, Ede, starting August 12, 2024.

“We urge all stakeholders, including parents, alumni, and civil society organizations, to support this just cause.

“The integrity of our educational system and the future of our students are at stake. NANS Southwest remains committed to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerian students and will not relent until justice is served.

Northern Group Applauds Gov Nasir For Making Kebbi A Model, Peaceful State

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nasir Idris - Governor of Kebbi State

By Ayodele Oni

Concerned Northern Forum has applauded Kebbi state Governor, Nasir Idris for transforming the state through inclusive governance.

The forum recommended the governor to President Bola Tinubu for special recognition, not only for foiling the recent protest in his state, but also for transforming the state.

Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to Kebbi State Governor disclosed this in a statement made available to Newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.

Idris quoted Abdulsalam-Mohammed-Kazeem, Spokesman of the forum as saying this while addressing a press conference in Kaduna on Monday.

The spokesman said: “Contrary to what is happening in other states across the federation, Kebbi State remains a model.

“Kudos to the dedication and commitment of the Executive Governor, Comrade Dr Idris Nasir, who prevailed on the youths and people of his state to have shelved the senseless nationwide protest.

“It means that he has channeled the revenue, palliatives and other incentives meant for his people towards alleviating the hardship occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy and other timely economic reforms of the current administration.

“Dr Nasir Idris therefore deserves commendation for upholding the ideals of the Renewed Hope Agenda and aligning his state to take advantage of all the interventions of Mr President.”

He described the governor as one who prioritizes his people above his personal gains, adding that it was evident by the transformation recorded in infrastructural landscape of the state in just one year in office.

According to him, Gov. Idris has also revolutionized education, healthcare, agriculture, security and other key sectors of the economy.

“With his kind intervention, the people of Kebbi State owe it a duty to obey him and refrain from unleashing mayhem on their state as happened elsewhere.

“If all state governors and other elected representatives will decide to act responsibly and avoid the temptation for wealth accumulation, Nigerians would have chosen to side with the truth as against the faceless, deceptive protest organisers.”

The spokesman advised the federal government to consider punitive measures against states where sensitive government property and infrastructure were destroyed by relocating the affected facilities to neighbouring states with functional governors to serve as reward for hard work and dedicated stewardship.

He cited an example of the Digital Innovation Park in Kano, built to support Mr President’s 3 Million Technical Talent accelerator (3MTT) which was set ablaze and looted in Kano, describing the situation as unfortunate and uncalled for.

In view of this, he said, such facility should be relocated to Kebbi State, saying: “It  will be a great injustice for the federal government to consider rebuilding such a gigantic and strategic facility in a state where the governor is working at cross purposes with the federal government and does not have the grip on his citizens.

“Kebbi State is also part of the North-West and it won’t be fair if this great Comrade Governor is not rewarded for his sterling leadership and support for the policies and programmes of the federal government.

“With the youthful population, economic viability and eagerness for job creation by the Comrade Governor and his people, relocating this project to Kebbi will boost the economy of the state and increase its internally generated revenue by over ₦300 billion.

“Indeed, Kebbi State needs interventions like this more than Kano State in addition to the governor’s high impact governance.”

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