Dons EzeROYAL FATHERS WARN AGAINST HIJACK OF AUGUST 1 PROTEST BY HOODLUMS
ROYAL FATHERS WARN AGAINST HIJACK OF AUGUST 1 PROTEST BY HOODLUMS Royal fathers from across the country, who met with President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, warned against protests that may be hijacked and violent. Their meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja came against the backdrop of the protest planned by some youth to take place on August 1. Speaking to correspondents after the meeting with the president, the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, affirmed that it is the civic right of Nigerians to protest, but they must be sure that it will not be hijacked. He said, “People that are out there to protest, it’s their civic right, but let them put a face to it and don’t let it be hijacked by people that have ulterior motives. That is our stand. “We condemn such acts fully; we traditional rulers are not engaged in people, especially the youth, coming out to start looting and to start breaking down law and order. “We are parents; we are traditional rulers; we are closer to them; we are going to go back home and continue to engage them. “It is very difficult to build, but it is the easiest to destroy. We are all stakeholders in this country; we should be stronger as a nation together than individually. “The President has said it, and he will continue to say it. Any leader that you don’t like, wait and vote him out. He is open to dialogue. “We know that challenges exist in Nigeria; we know that, but are we going to destroy our nation by ourselves? Is that what we’re all after? “We should talk to ourselves. It’s important for us to know that today, it’s a completely different spin. The government, ably led by the President, is willing to engage and dialogue and bring governance very close to the people.” The Ooni stressed the commitment of President Tinubu, saying that he has carried the traditional rulers along in governance in a way that has never been done by previous administrations. Oba Ogunwusi added: “Today it’s a new twist and a new spin from the political leadership of our dear country. For the very first time, the traditional rulers were properly engaged in terms of the plans of government and governance, their achievements so far, and where they were having challenges. “This is long-awaited. We’ve been waiting for it, but today we’re very excited because we’re closer to our people and we can bring that feedback back home. “Stewardship from the Federal Executive Council, directly to the traditional rulers, has never happened in our nation before. This is the first time we’re all experiencing it. “We have traditional rulers who have been on the throne for 40 or 50 years; today is the very first time we will be addressed properly by the Federal Executive Council. So there is a proper bridge between the governed and the people in charge of government. “So, it’s a very beautiful take-home for us because we don’t lock our palaces; we are more exposed to the people that we actually rule over. So, it’s a different twist and spin from our dear President, and I want to use this medium, on behalf of all traditional rulers, to appreciate him. No leader in Nigeria has ever done it. So for us, it’s all-encompassing.” On his part, Dein of Agbor, Keagborekuzi 1 Ikechuku Gbenoba, revealed that, from what the president told the monarchs, the government is finally recognising that the country is in dire straits. He warned that care must be taken not to set the country on fire. The Agbor King stated: “The take-home message for me is that, hearing from Mr President directly, I can see the passion.…
I ENGAGED IN PROTESTS BUT WITHOUT VIOLENCE – TINUBU
I ENGAGED IN PROTESTS BUT WITHOUT VIOLENCE – TINUBU President Bola Tinubu has acknowledged his participation in various protests throughout his political career but stressed the importance of maintaining non-violence during demonstrations. The President made these remarks while receiving the Letter of Credence from the newly appointed United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Mills Jr., at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. During the ceremony, President Tinubu emphasized the critical role of peaceful protests in a democratic society, highlighting that they are a fundamental aspect of democracy and a legitimate way for citizens to express their grievances. However, he noted that no government would tolerate protests that escalate into violence, leading to the destruction of lives and property. The President reiterated his commitment to sustaining democracy and its institutions in Nigeria, ensuring that citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and expression are protected. He expressed optimism about the continued partnership between Nigeria and the United States, particularly in areas of democratic governance and institutional support. The President said, “Our relationship with America is rich. We believe in democracy and freedom. Some of your predecessors worked hard during our transition to democracy, and we remember the likes of Ambassador Howard Jeter. “We look forward to Nigeria and the United States continuously working to expand cooperation on shared goals and democratic values. “During the military era, we made our voices heard against dictatorship, and I was part of the group that engaged in peaceful protests without resorting to the destruction of property. We have worked hard to ensure 25 years of unbroken democracy, and I will continue to maintain this democracy.” The President said in as much as he believes that demonstrations are part of democracy, “we will never encourage any protests that lead to the destruction of lives and property”. Welcoming the U.S. State Department’s acknowledgement of Nigeria’s strategic role on the continent as Africa’s largest democracy, President Tinubu called on the U.S. government to pay more attention to Africa. He further stated, “Nigeria is ready to play its role as the largest democracy in Africa that is worthy of emulation to other African countries, but we need more U.S. partnership on the continent that is beneficial to both sides. We believe in freedom, and we are providing the leadership to make Nigeria’s economy grow.” Ambassador Mills affirmed U.S. support for Nigeria’s democracy and pledged support for bigger roles for Nigeria in the international arena. Mills said, “Nigeria is crucial to the United States because we share democratic values, and we are ready to give you all the support. “I am here to make sure that the relationship blossoms both on democracy and the economic side.”Expressing the United States’ commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria on cybercrimes, the Ambassador announced the establishment of a special office at the Embassy to work closely with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
HOUSE OF REPS MEMBERS MOVE TO TAKE OVER RIVERS ASSEMBLY OVER LINGERING CRISIS
HOUSE OF REPS MEMBERS MOVE TO TAKE OVER RIVERS ASSEMBLY OVER LINGERING CRISIS Some members of House of Representatives have initiated a move to take over the Rivers State House of Assembly due to the lingering crisis in the state. Rivers State is currently experiencing political tensions, with two factions of the State House of Assembly holding separate sittings. The former Speaker Martins Amaewhule and 24 others had defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The state high court initially declared their seats vacant, but the Court of Appeal later ruled that it lacked jurisdiction to hear the case. The Victor Oko-Jumbo led State House of Assembly has since filed an appeal at the Supreme Court to challenge the Appeal Court’s judgement. The Court of Appeal upheld the lawmakers loyal to Nyesom Wike as valid members of the House of Assembly last week. This has led to a stalemate, with the state government and the Assembly unable to function properly. However, the House of Reps members led by the member representing Edu/Moro/Patigi of Kwara State, Ahmed Adam Saba, in a statement on Thursday said the crisis had become “shameful, disgraceful, and inimical to the health of the nation.” Saba explained that the group was standing for justice, and would do everything within its powers to ensure that the state was governed properly. He said, “It will put an end to the lingering crisis in the state, and ensure that the government is run smoothly. “It will also send a strong message to other states that the National Assembly will not fold its arms and watch while a state is plunged into chaos. “We are not taking this move lightly, but we believe it is necessary to restore peace and stability in Rivers State. We will not be intimidated or deterred from taking this move, no matter the opposition we may face. “Section 11 (4) and (5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) gives instances the National Assembly can take over state House of Assembly until the challenge facing it is resolved.” He continued, subsection (4) provides, “At any time when any House of Assembly of a state is unable to perform its functions because of the situation prevailing in that state, the National Assembly may make such laws for the peace, order and good government of that state concerning matters on which a House of Assembly may make laws as may appear.” Subsection (5) reads, “For the purposes of subsection (4) of this section, a House of Assembly shall not be deemed to be unable to perform its functions as long as the House of Assembly can hold a meeting and transact business.” “This is not the first time the National Assembly is intervening in Rivers State Assembly crisis. In July 2013, it passed separate resolutions to take over the legislative functions of the state legislature pending the resolution of the crisis rocking it and restoration of peace in the state. “The action followed a bloody crisis which erupted in the Assembly when five of its members led by Evans Bipi attempted to impeach the Speaker, Otelemaba Amachree. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the people of Rivers State deserve better. “They deserve a government that is functional, effective, and accountable. The plot to take over the Rivers State House of Assembly may be the necessary step to achieve this goal,” the statement added.
WHY WE SENT JUNE’S LG ALLOCATION TO STATE GOVERNORS – FG
WHY WE SENT JUNE’S LG ALLOCATION TO STATE GOVERNORS – FG The federal government has explained why the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) failed to obey the Supreme Court judgment directing that allocation from the federation account be paid directly to local government accounts. The disclosure was made by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun. Edun attributed the delay to the inability of the Attorney General of the Federation to obtain a certified true copy of the Supreme Court judgment. He assured that once the judgment is received, payments will be made directly to local governments. The Supreme Court had affirmed the financial autonomy of Nigeria’s 774 local governments, directing that allocations be paid directly to their accounts from July 11. However, findings revealed that the recent payment by FAAC was made to the state and local governments’ joint account controlled by governors. Edun said, “As far as the Supreme Court ruling on local governments, Mr. President, as a democrat believes in federalism, he believes in fiscal federalism, he fought for it as a state governor. And so what has come to pass now is a new regime, a new fiscal regime where through the state joint local government account funding will go directly to local governments. “There is a committee composed by the federal honorable Attorney General as well as representatives of the local governments, the states, and of course, the federal government within the context of the Federation Account Allocation Committee. That is the practicality of moving to what the Supreme Court has said. “There are impediments, practical impediments to immediate implementation, such as the fact that and the governments or governors have moved immediately to hold local government elections because the funds have to go to elected governments, but it’s also in practical terms. “There was a Federal Account Allocation Committee meeting just last week, but it could not get implemented because in fact, the judgment, the actual proceedings had not been handed down. They were not in the hands of the Attorney General for him to start implementing. So what is going to happen is on the presidency that believes in the rule of law, the supreme court judgment on local governments will be faithfully implemented.” A total of N1.35 trillion was shared among the Federal Government, States, and Local Government Councils last week, with the Federal Government receiving N459.77 billion, States receiving N461.97 billion, and Local Government Councils receiving N337.019 billion.
BREAKING: PRESIDENT GENERAL OF OHANAEZE NDIGBO, IWUANYANWU IS DEAD
BREAKING: OHANAEZE PRESIDENT GENERAL, IWUANYANWU, IS DEAD The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, is dead. The elder statesman passed on in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, on Thursday. Iwuanyanwu is the second President General of Ohanaeze to die in quick succession. He succeedeed the late Professor George Obiozor, who died a few years ago. The death of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was confirmed in a statement on Thursday by Jide Iwuanyanwu, his son. According to the statement, the 82-year-old Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday after a brief illness. “The Iwuanyanwu family of Umuohii Atta, in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State announces the demise of our patriarch, Engr Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu-Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo,” the statement read. “Chief Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday July 25, 2024 after a brief illness. He was aged 82. Chief Iwuanyanwu before his death was President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide and President of Owerri Peoples Assembly,” he wrote. The late Chief Iwuanyanwu was the publisher of Champion Newspapers.
FIFTH COMMUNISTS PLANNING TO HIJACK PROTEST, CLAIMS EX-APC WOMAN LEADER
FIFTH COLUMNISTS PLANNING TO HIJACK PROTEST, CLAIMS EX-APC WOMAN LEADER A former women leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the executive director, Business Development of the Nigerian-Export Import Bank (NEXIM), Hon Stella Okotete, has warned that fifth columnists are planning to hijack the proposed nationwide protest over the hardship in the country. She said the fifth columnists are politicians who are set to pull down the President Bola Tinubu-led government because they have lost out. She stated this while appealing to aggrieved Nigerian youths to rethink their decision to embark on the proposed protest. Okotete, who was a ministerial nominee last year, urged Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu, adding that the Nigerian economic situation was not an isolated one but a global phenomenon. Plans to have a nationwide protest over the situation in the country have been rife. The protest is said to begin on the first of next Month. Reacting in a statement, however, Okotete said as much as the protest was to draw the government’s attention to the suffering of the downtrodden in the country, and in spite of the organisers’ good intentions, fifth columnists are planning to hijack the protest and turn it into a demonstration that may be uncontrollable. Ad Okotete however assured that President Tinubu is working hard to build a stronger economy that will bring prosperity to all its Citizens. The statement reads in parts: “Thus, the essence of any protest is not to destroy public or private properties acquired with hard earned money. It is to urgently draw government’s attention to address a pressing situation urgently. Protest should therefore not be an avenue for those who lost elections or who are unhappy with the faces of those in government to ventilate their grievances. The proper way to ventilate such political grievance is to mobilize the citizens to believe in the ideals of your political party and its manifestos. “Therefore, it must be noted that politicians who are unsatisfied with the government out of no other reason but the fact that they are not in government are pushing hard to achieve what they couldn’t achieve through the ballot. We must therefore resist this selfish attempt to destroy our thriving democracy. No politician is worth dying for. “The government is doing its best to revive our economy by taking hard decisions such as fuel subsidy removal that has been draining our Treasury over the years. With the fuel subsidy removal, states and Local Government Councils are now receiving more money from the federation account. In the months to come our ailing refineries and the Dangote refinery will come on stream to put an end to importation of fuel which will save huge chunk of our forex that will stabilize and strengthen the Naira against the Dollar. “It is imperative to be circumspect at this crucial time by being strategic. The saying goes that peace is better than war. Let us give this government a little chance to carry out its agenda. The economic policies of this government are yielding results gradually and steadily. The optimal result is not what can be experienced overnight. It will require a little time from now to start experiencing the economic prosperity and transformation promised by this government in the Renewed Hope Agenda. “It is on this score that I most humbly appeal to all those planning to protest next week to reconsider this plan. The consequences of such protest are dire as it may as usual lead to wanton destruction of lives and properties in a regrettable manner. This is the time to dialogue and not to provide an avenue for the enemies of Nigeria to strike. “I implore you all to think twice and consider the…
FG PANICS, DIRECTS MINISTERS TO RETURN TO THEIR STATES TO STOP PLANNED PROTEST
FG PANICS, DIRECTS MINISTERS TO RETURN TO THEIR STATES TO STOP PLANNED PROTEST The Federal Government has reported directed ministers to return to their respective states between Wednesday (July 24) and Thursday, August 1, when the planned nationwide protests are scheduled to begin. The decision was made at an emergency meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, with the Federal Government saying it is open to talks with the leaders of the planned nationwide protests slated for August 1-10. The protest tagged ‘EndBadGovernance’ has gained traction on social media and has been scheduled to hold across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The directive given to the ministers was for them to dialogue with their people and see a way to stop the proposed protests. Also, some select ministers will meet with state governors at the 143rd session of the National Economic Council at the Council Chamber of the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, on Thursday (today) to find a way round the situation. This formed part of the action points from the emergency meeting between the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and all ministers in Abuja on Wednesday morning. A circular showed that Special Advisers to the President on Policy and Coordination, Ms. Hadiza Bala-Usman; Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga and former Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare, were among those invited for the meeting convened to discuss the ‘Planned Nationwide Protest.’ The circular read, “I am directed to invite you to attend a meeting with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on the above subject slated as follows: “July 24, 2024, Time: 10 am Prompt, Venue: Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Conference Room. Attendance is mandatory. Please accept the warm regards of the Secretary to The Government of the Federation.” The report further noted that although journalists were not granted access to the SGF Conference Room, the venue of Wednesday’s meeting, sources privy to the discussions told The Punch that a planned nationwide broadcast by President Bola Tinubu was part of the issues discussed. The source said, “All ministers were present. They suggested that there should be a national address. It was suggested that the President himself should do it. But the suggestion will have to reach the President first. “They also asked ministers to put together three key achievements they have made in the past year. They will compile these achievements and present them to Nigerians. “In fact, tomorrow (today), the Minister of Finance will be briefing the media on the state of the economy. But those achievements will be compiled for a separate presentation.” “The government stands for dialogue. They will get the leaders (of the protest) to meet with the government for discussions. “All the ministers will also go back to their states to engage their people so they won’t be misled into joining the protests. That is between now and the protest date.“Some have been engaging their people before. But this time, everyone has been asked to go back there,” the source added.
THREE COMMISSIONERS QUIT ALEX OTTI’S CABINET WITHIN ONE WEEK
THREE COMMISSIONERS QUIT ALEX OTTI’S CABINET WITHIN ONE WEEK One week after two of Commissioners quit the Abia State Executive Council, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo, has followed suit and resigned her appointment from Governor Alex Otti cabinet. This was contained in a statement by the chief press secretary to the governor, Ctz. Ukoha Njoku-Ukoha, which was made available to the journalists in Umuahia, the State capital, on Wednesday. Okoronkwo, who began as adviser to the governor on Health Matters, was earlier suspended from office last month over alleged gross abuse of office. “The suspended Commissioner for Health, Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo, has tendered her resignation letter to the governor, Dr Alex Otti,” the statement noted. It said that while accepting her resignation, Governor Otti thanked her for “her modest achievements in repositioning the health sector for better service delivery in the last one year.” The statement, entitled; “Resignation of Commissioner for Health, Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo”, further said the governor wished her well in her future endeavours.Recall that two of her former colleagues, who resigned earlier, were Commissioners for Science and Technology, Mr Chima Oriaku, and that of Agriculture, Prof Monica Ironkwe.
WE DON’T KNOW WHAT NIGERIANS ARE PROTESTING FOR – APC GOVS
WE DON’T KNOW WHAT NIGERIANS ARE PROTESTING FOR – APC GOVS Governors elected on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have said the lack knowledge of the reason for the planned nationwide protest in the country. Some persons are mobilising for nationwide protest slated for August 1 to August 10, 2024. Speaking after a closed-door meeting of the Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF) held in Abuja, the PGF Chairman and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, said: “We don’t know what they are protesting for. “We invite all of them to sit down with us in a room so we can discuss and agree on the issues, what they are and proffer solutions. “We as a body, we are committed to the unity of the country, we are committed to whatever thing that makes Nigerians live better lives, bring prosperity, jobs to be created for young boys and girls who graduated to be employed.” The governor further stated that it was unwise at this moment for the country to have any demonstration by any group, urging Nigerians to shelve the planned protest. He also enjoined Nigerians to be patient with the government, saying efforts are underway to ameliorate the economic hardship experienced in the country. Uzodimma added: “We think it is not wise at this moment for any demonstration by any group of persons be it in whatever guise. “This is so that we can manage the challenge of insecurity, the challenge of national minimum wage, the challenge of food security and then the struggle to come out of the current economic recession. “We are using this opportunity to also advise our young boys and girls to desist from being instigated into causing crisis or chaos in the country. “Already, Nigerians have suffered a lot; the global economic recession, the insecurity in Nigeria, the political tension occasioned by instigations and campaign of calumny by opposition parties, the social media attacks on various policies of government.“We want to advise for the interest of the country and as a show of patriotism, our citizens must take ownership of this country because we have no other country we can call our own outside Nigeria.”
NIGERIAN GOVT RESUMES MASS TRIAL OF TERRORISM SUSPECTS
NIGERIAN GOVT RESUMES MASS TRIAL OF TERRORISM SUSPECTS The Federal Government of Nigeria has resumed mass trials of persons allegedly involved in terrorism and suspects of other heinous crimes against the Nigerian State. This was disclosed in a statement by the Head of Strategic Communication, National Counter Terrorism Centre – Office of the National Security Adviser, NCTC-ONSA, Michael Abu, on Wednesday in Abuja. Abu said the resumption of the trials was in pursuance of the government’s commitment to promoting social justice by entrenching a transparent administrative system. He said the ongoing trials are in line with the International Criminal Justice System and were being administered by the Federal High Court of Nigeria. He added the Complex Casework Group (CCG) of the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and other critical stakeholders were also involved. According to him, the trials are being prosecuted under the coordination and supervision of the NCTC-ONSA. Abu said that more than 300 suspects were on trial, with five reputable judges manning the five courts and chambers set up for the speedy administration of justice. He further disclosed that the trial involved multiple stakeholders, CCG prosecutors and defense counsel from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACON). “Before now, more than 800 case files had been reviewed, and charges were drafted for efficient prosecution to ensure that justice is appropriately served. “Between 2017 and 2018, the trials so far resulted in 163 convictions, 882 discharges, and 5 acquittals. “Suspects that are inculpable are being deradicalized, engaged in profitable ventures, and efforts to reintegrate them are being sustained.“The NCTC-ONSA is working assiduously with relevant authorities in fulfilling its mandates and to boost efforts of the incumbent administration towards realizing good governance and a just society,” Abu added.