60% OF NIGERIANS LIVE IN POVERTY – PETER OBI
OVER 60% OF NIGERIANS LIVE IN POVERTY – PETER OBI Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in last year’s general election, Peter Obi, has said the security challenges bedeviling Africa are directly linked to poverty, with over 50% of the population multi-dimensionally poor. Speaking at the weekend in Athens, Greece’s capital, at an international dialogue of global leaders that includes former Presidents and top government officials, Obi also listed unemployment, corruption, poverty, and inequality among the variables militating against security and peaceful co-existence in Africa. “I joined global leaders, former presidents, prime ministers, serving and retired senior government officials, military chiefs, renowned academics, sports personalities, and others in Athens, Greece, for a Leadership Dialogue focused on governance, particularly in the areas of security and the economy in today’s world, and the lessons for future leaders. “In my brief presentation, I emphasized that as leaders, we must acknowledge the profound global and generational transformations confronting us. Despite vast human and material resources, there remain significant unmet needs in global governance,” Obi said in a statement signed by his spokesman, Ibrahim Umar on Saturday. The former Anambra State governor said that urgent attention must be given to enhancing collective security, lifting people out of poverty, and reducing injustice and inequality in society. He said, “In Africa, we face high levels of insecurity, alarming corruption, worsening poverty, huge youth unemployment, and gross inequality. Over 50% of the world’s multidimensional poor live in Sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria and Congo both have over 60% of their populations living in poverty and suffer from unacceptable levels of inequality. “Non-state actors have now taken over the security in some African nations. Furthermore, many African countries underinvest in critical areas of development, such as health and education.” Obi said that future African leaders must take bold, accelerated, just, and transformative actions to achieve far-reaching, people-centered development. “They must confront insecurity head-on and reassure citizens of the state’s ability to maintain security without being undermined by non-state actors. Corruption must be tackled with vigor. Leaders must invest in critical areas of development to improve health and education while addressing poverty, unemployment, hunger, and other pressing societal challenges. “Nigeria has all the resources needed to move in this direction, and we remain committed to placing the nation on the right path,” Obi said.
IS NIGERIA A NORMAL COUNTRY, A ZOO, OR A JUNGLE?, BY SESUGH AKUME
IS NIGERIA A NORMAL COUNTRY, A ZOO, OR A JUNGLE?, BY SESUGH AKUME When last year, the Benue governor, Fr Hyacinth Alia, violated the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, by sacking democratically-elected local government officials and dissolving their executive and legislative councils, in a bid to appoint illegal, unlawful, unconditional caretaker stooges, I went to court with simple, straightforward questions, and made specific prayers. In the matter of Sesugh Akume v Governor of Benue and 4 Others (MHC/346/2023), I asked the court to do its singular most important duty, and both uphold the Constitution and prevent itsabuse. After numerous unnecessary delays, the case just stopped. Thejudge hearing the case, Justice P T Kwahar, eventually left the Benue judiciary. For the matter to be assigned since then to another judge to hear it has become another issue altogether. Thiscase has entered voicemail because the governor is involved. The signalling is that a governor is above the law, and can do and get away with anything. In March 2023, the military attacked my community in Sankera(Benue). I reported it to the National Human Rights Commission(NHRC), whose job is to investigate the matter, make a determination, and get the offended justice. My prayers are very clear. The evidence is irrefutable. They refused to do it because the military is involved, and in fact, the officer handling it told me so. The signalling is that if you’re the military or of the military, you can do anything and get away with it. I took the commission, the chair of its governing council, and executive secretary to court for refusing to do their job, and exposing me to all sorts in the process, in the matter of Sesugh Akume v National Human Rights Commission and 2 Others (FHC/ABJ/CS/1135/2024). The court gave the date to begin the case. They were duly served all court processes, but on the day of the hearing they didn’t show up, filed nothing, and the judge himself refused to hear the case and returned it for reassignment, possibly to another court. If you’re a government agency, you can do anything and get away with it, is the image this casts, and the government agencies get it. There are many other instances but I’ll stay with these few, just for illustration purposes. Many others have worse stories to tell, and it’s no news. The dictionary defines ‘the law of the jungle’ to mean ‘might is right’. The bigger, stronger, more powerful gets away with anything and dominates all others. It’s survival of the fittest. Humans too once lived like this until they agreed that we are not beasts and should have rules to regulate our societies and relationships with one another, therefore, the ‘rule of law’ which makes everybody subject to the law, no matter who they are, and none is above it. This, in contrast to beasts of the jungle, where the mightiest is the law themself, and can do and undo. A zoo may be composed of animals of all kinds, some even wild, but is well regulated. Each animal species is in their own habitat and taken care of. On no occasion can another animal trample onanother or invade another’s space. It simply doesn’t happen. Even the strongest animals can’t just do anything they want. That is for a zoo, and these are animals in a regulated environment, not beasts in the wild. Each one is to objectively take their pick and determine whether Nigeria is a normal society, a zoo, or a jungle. I don’t like lying to myself and have since taken mine. Take yours. On this issue of Nigeria, this, in my opinion, is where to begin. From a point of truth, and it’s okay for…
WE’RE SORRY, FUBARA’S KINSMEN APOLOGIZES TO WIKE. IT’S NOT IN OUR NATURE TO PAY EVIL FOR GOOD
WE’RE SORRY, FUBARA’S KINSMEN APOLOGIZES TO WIKE: IT’S NOT IN OUR NATURE TO PAY EVIL FOR GOOD The Elders Forum of the Peoples Democratic Party has apologised to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for the ongoing rift between him and his successor, Siminalayi Fubara. The elders, led by the Executive Director of Finance at the Niger Delta Development Commission, Boma Iyaye, apologised to Wike on Saturday at the Rivers State Ijaw Peoples Congress organised in his honour in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. Iyaye stated that the Ijaw people were sorry for the embarrassment and public display of disregard for the minister by Fubara. He said, “On behalf of our people, we are apologising to you for what our son is doing to you. We are sorry. We are sorry, because it is not in our nature to pay evil for good. You have done well for us, and we will continue to say thank you. “Your Excellency, do not, because of this bad behaviour of our son, run away from us. Continue to be our brother. Continue to have us in mind. We have never set our feet on the number one seat of Rivers State. You made it possible for us to become the governor of Rivers State.” The Chairman of the Elders Forum, PDP Rivers State, Ferdinard Anabraba, berated the Fubara government, saying that the Ijaw nationality would not forget Wike. “The aberration we are seeing in the administration of Rivers State is only a demonstration of lack of political discharge of an individual, and by no means the opinion of Ijaw people. “We, the Ijaw, see you as the light of Rivers State. You are indeed a notable strategist in Nigeria’s contemporary politics. And without doubt, you are the most celebrated Ijaw politician of national recognition,” he said. i
I’M BIGGER THAN ALL OF YOU PUT TOGETHER – WIKE TELLS PDP GOVS BACKING FUBARA
I’M FAR BIGGER THAN ALL OF YOU PUT TOGETHER – WIKE TELLS PDP GOVS BACKING FUBARA The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has hit back at Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governors who are supporting Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State. Wike said the governors must be sick if they do not recognize that he (Wike) is bigger than all of them put together. Adamawa State Governor, Umaru Fintiri, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and other members of the former G5 were in Port Harcourt on Saturday for a grand reception in honour of Wike, who was hosted by the Rivers Ijaw Peoples Congress. “Don’t ever think they are fighting me; they are not fighting me. I’m too big,” Wike said while addressing the crowd at the event. “If you don’t recognize someone who is bigger than you, then you are sick. I’m far far (bigger than) all of them put together. “Let nobody threaten anybody; all those threats are empty. Soon we will know who is relevant. “I said nobody will take over the structure of the party. You can have all the money; if it didn’t dey, it didn’t dey.”
NEW COVID-19 VARIANT EMERGES IN EUROPE, US
NEW COVID 19 VARIANT, XEC, EMERGES IN EUROPE, US A new strain of COVID-19 which has been predicted to become the dominant variant globally in the next few months, is rapidly spreading through Europe and the United States. The new variant, known as XEC, was first detected in Germany in June but has spread across 27 countries, including France and the US, infecting more than 600 people. XEC is the latest in a long list of past and current COVID variants being monitored as the COVID-19 virus naturally evolves. The strain has been described by health experts as a recombinant variant. Recombinants can occur naturally when a person is simultaneously infected with two different COVID-19. The XEC variants, health experts say, is a product of recombination between two hybrids of previously discovered omicron sub-variants – KS.1.1 and KP.3.3. These two parent variants are closely related, having both evolved from JN.1, which was the dominant variant around the world at the start of 2024. Researchers detect XEC cases through the Gisaid public database, where viral genetic sequences are submitted for examination. This platform enables the identification of mutations in SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. Currently, the US has reported 118 XEC cases, the highest globally. Germany has 92 XEC cases, the UK has 82, Canada has 77, and Denmark has 61 cases according to media reports but actual figures are likely to be higher in nations that do not regularly sequence COVID samples. Mutation In Europe and North America, the dominant variant is KP.3.1.1, while Asia is primarily affected by the closely related KP.3.3 variant. XEC has not been reported from any African country, but experts suggest that the strain is likely to become the dominant variant globally in the next few months. Compared to other strains, XEC is said to have a higher growth advantage, spreading much more rapidly than the others. Experts said XEC has this advantage because of its relatively rare T22N mutation (inherited from KS.1.1) combined with Q493E (from KP.3.3) in the spike protein. The spike protein is said to play a crucial role in helping the virus attach to human cells, allowing it to enter and begin replication. However, the impact of the T22N mutation on the virus’ ability to replicate or spread among individuals remains largely unclear. The first strain of COVID-19 and the first known case of the virus emerged in December 2019, with initial cases reported in the city of Wuhan, Hubei province, China. The virus, later identified as SARS-CoV-2, rapidly spread worldwide, leading to the pandemic declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020. In Nigeria alone, at least 267,000 COVID-19 cases were recorded with a case fatality rate of 1.2 per cent. How XEC spreads Since the initial outbreak of COVID-19, several new strains, or variants, of the SARS-CoV-2 virus have emerged due to mutations. These variants reflect the ongoing evolution of SARS-CoV-2, with some causing more severe waves of infection than others, often influenced by their ability to spread and evade immunity. The newest coronavirus variant, XEC, spreads mainly via respiratory droplets released into the air when an infected individual breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes. Though the virus can persist on surfaces, surface transmission is said to be less frequent compared to airborne spread. As a result, health authorities recommend maintaining social distancing, wearing masks in public settings, and regularly using hand sanitiser to minimise the risk of infection. The XEC variant PREMIUM TIMES is aware, does not have any unique symptoms. Like other variants, XEC can lead to symptoms like sore throat, fever, fatigue, and muscle aches, which typically emerge within two to 14 days after exposure. These symptoms are often mild, but the severity can range widely. High-risk…
PRESIDENCY MOVES TO STOP OCTOBER 1 PROTEST
PRESIDENCY MOVES TO STOP OCTOBER 1 PROTESTOrdinarily, Tuesday, the 1st of October, 2024 will pass on as a day of merriment, in line with tradition, to celebrate Nigeria’s independence from colonial rule in 1960.But there are signs that aside the expected burst of conviviality, pomp and panoply, this year’s Independence Day, the 64th, may be different.As the government, on one hand, is trying to mark the day with the usual formalities, though on a low key, certain individuals and groups have slated it as a day to begin a sustained match in protest against the current hardship in the country owing to what they describe as ‘bad governance.’A similar protest held between August 1 and 10, with thousands of people across several states of the country pouring into the streets to protest, among other things, reversal of government policies, prominent among which is the removal of subsidies on petrol, floating of the naira and increase in electricity tariffs despite passionate pleas, intense lobbies and not so subtle cautions from various authorities on citizens to reconsider the action.People used the opportunity of the protests to express their grievances with the policies of the current administration and in many instances the protests became violent with attacks on persons and infrastructure and in the extreme, call for a regime change while waving Russian flags. The violence was more pronounced in the northern part of the country.President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who addressed the nation then, said though his government was feeling the pain of citizens, the measures his government had taken were necessary to guarantee better living standards for the people.The organisers, obviously not impressed with the government’s reaction, had since then promised another round of protests.The October 1 planned mass action tagged #FearlessInOctober, and in some instances EndBadGovernanceProtestInNigeria 2.0, is to be the promised sequel.The prelude to the Tuesday protest is, however, nowhere near the last one in which several efforts were made to stop the protests, using clerics and other respected personalities.But the government said it is talking with the organisers of the proposed protest with a view to reaching an understanding with them before October 1.Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, while reacting to enquiries from Weekend Trust, said the security agencies are already engaging some of the organisers.“Government is not against any peaceful protest by Nigerians. After all, it is their fundamental right to stage any protest.“But government is always apprehensive about such protests degenerating into a riot as we experienced in August or the 2020 EndSARS protest in many parts of the country.“Security agencies have been discussing with some of the organisers and they are being monitored so that they do not plunge the country into chaos or allow themselves to be used by internal and external forces which want to subvert the country and the 16-month-old administration”, he said.Onanuga added that the Tinubu administration has always acknowledged the difficulties citizens are facing, adding that hard times are transient as the economic reforms being implemented have started to yield dividends, based on economic indicators published by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).“The government wishes to assure Nigerians that there is already light at the end of tunnel and seeks the patience and understanding of our compatriots,” he said.The organisers, however, insist that the protest would hold and that there is no going back.Political activist, Omoyele Sowore, who has been at the forefront of calls for the planned mass action, said: “I can tell you that there will be protests. I can also confirm to you that I will be out there on the protest lines, joining my voice to that of other Nigerian patriots, to denounce the anti-people policies of…
Dons Eze
- Foreign Affairs
- September 28, 2024
- 163 views
THERE’S NO PLACE IN IRAN THAT WE CANNOT REACH – ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER, NETANYAHU
THERE’S NO PLACE IN IRAN THAT WE CANNOT REACH – ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER, NETANYAHU Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has vowed that Israel will continue its military operations until its objectives are met, even as tensions escalate on both the Gaza and Lebanon fronts. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Netanyahu issued a stern warning to Iran, stating, “If you strike us, we will strike you.” “There is no place in Iran that the long arm of Israel cannot reach, and that’s true of the entire Middle East,” Netanyahu declared during his address, as delegates from Lebanon and the Palestinian territories walked out in protest, AFP reports. Earlier, protesters gathered outside Netanyahu’s New York hotel, demanding an end to the ongoing violence in Gaza and Lebanon. The protests came in response to continued cross-border exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israel, which began after Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel. Netanyahu reaffirmed his stance against a ceasefire, despite a 21-day truce proposal put forth by the United States and France. “It is an American-French proposal, which the prime minister has not even responded to,” said a statement from Netanyahu’s office. Israel has intensified strikes on Lebanon, where over 700 people have died in recent bombings. The UN called the situation Lebanon’s “deadliest period in a generation,” with a death toll exceeding 1,500 people after nearly a year of clashes.
STOP BLOCKING ROADS DURING PRAYER SESSIONS – APPEAL COURT PRESIDENT TELLS MUSLIMS, CHRISTIANS
STOP BLOCKING ROADS DURING PRAYER SESSIONS – APPEAL COURT PRESIDENT TELLS MUSLIMS, CHRISTIANS President of the Court of Appeal, Monica Dongban-Mensem, has appealed to both Muslims and Christians to stop blocking roads during their Friday and Sunday services Speaking on Thursday during the 2024 Mega Town Hall Meeting organised by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) FCT command in Abuja, with the theme “Road Safety; A Collective Responsibility, Dongban-Mensem said those actions during Friday Muslim prayers and Sunday Church Services were against fundamental human rights. “When you block the road, you have created dangers for other road users. I think it is necessary to encourage these worshippers. All of us are worshippers in one way or the other. “We should let them know that they have no right to block the roads. They should rather employ the services of special marshals and other road safety officials to come and regulate the roads around their area. “It is inappropriate, very dangerous and insecure for other road users when everywhere seems blocked with vehicles and the like,” she said. The Court of Appeal President also stressed the need for construction companies to stop dumping materials in unauthorised places to ensure effective traffic control, especially in the FCT. Dongban-Mensem, however, solicited the support of Nigerians through volunteer service to enhance road safety work in Nigeria. In his keynote address, the FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed said that the corps was strengthening its collaboration with all armed security agencies. Mohammed, who was represented by Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM), in charge of Operations, Hyginus Omeje said that the collaboration aimed to combat security challenges posed by individuals. This, he said includes those using their vehicles for kidnapping, robbery, one chance and other nefarious activities in the FCT. The FRSC Corps Marshal said that the corps had increased its visibility and strengthened enforcement to check the excesses of road users, especially commercial drivers. “Our officers have been working tirelessly across the country, clearing obstructions, enforcing traffic regulations, issuing licenses, and responding to Road Traffic Crashes(RTCs). “We should remember that road safety is not a slogan; it is a way of life. ” We must commit to prioritising safety on our roads, adhering to traffic regulations, and taking responsibility for our actions behind the wheel. “Let us work together, government, citizens and stakeholders, to create a safer future on our roads. Together, we can make a difference,“ he said. Mohammed, however, said that the corps would not relent in coming up with initiatives and measures to bring sanity to all Nigeria roads. Earlier, the FCT Sector commander, Chorrie Muta’a said that FCT had complex traffic issues caused majorly by behavioural factors, especially by commercial vehicle operators. Corrie, however, believed that there was a need for stronger partnerships and collaboration to achieve efficient and effective traffic control in the territory. “Poor parking of vehicles, non-adherence to designated parks, use of phone while driving, overloading and lane indiscipline are the most challenges that must be tackled head-on.” Chorrie assured that the FCT command would continue to promote responsible driving and strengthened traffic enforcement to deter reckless driving and other unsafe behaviours. Relevant stakeholders at the meeting pledged to support FRSC in its quest to check the excesses of road users and make roads safer for socio-economic activities.
- Spirituality
- September 28, 2024
- 132 views
PASTOR DIES IN ABUJA WHILE FASTING, PRAYING
PASTOR DIES IN ABUJA WHILE FASTING, PRAYING A pastor identified as John Ogbonna has reportedly died while fasting and praying over the situation of things in Nigeria. The deceased hailed from Ohazara in Ebonyi state. A disturbing video obtained by SaharaReporters shows the lifeless body of Ogbonna on a mountain along Arab Road in Abuja. According to reports, the deceased was fasting and praying in the area before meeting his untimely demise. “Ebonyi people, Ohaozara people, see where our brother ended. Pastor John Ogbonna. He is on mountain along Arab Road in Abuja, where he died since yesterday (September 22). Today is the 23rd day of September, 2024. Please spread this information to reach his family or anyone who knows him,” a voice is heard speaking in Igbo. Speaking to SaharaReporters, a follower of the deceased pastor said, “His lifeless body was discovered alongside his Bible and other prayer materials, causing sorrow among his congregation, who were awaiting his return. “He was known for his deep faith and commitment to spiritual retreats, often going to the mountain for extended periods of prayer. “The church community is mourning the loss of their spiritual leader, praying for his peaceful rest.”
WHY BOBRISKY WAS SEPARATED FROM OTHER INMATES – PRISON EXPERTS
WHY BOBRISKY WAS SEPARATED FROM OTHER INMATES – PRISON EXPERTS Prison experts have clarified why controversial crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, was separated from other inmates at the correctional centre while denying claims of a VIP section. Speaking on Arise TV’s The Morning Show on Friday, the Director General of the Prison Rehabilitation Mission, Bishop Kayode Williams, explained the accommodations provided for inmates based on different categories. He said, “There are accommodations for condemned prisoners, those sentenced to death, who must not mingle with other inmates. The second accommodation is convicted inmates, who are the owners of the prison.” Addressing Bobrisky’s situation, Williams added, “The accommodation that is provided for males, are they going to bring Idris with his transgender body /look to go and sleep in the general cell? The first thing they do is decide how to treat someone like that. “They provided him a special place for protective custody because, with his appearance, he would be in danger. He looks like a woman, moves like a woman, and there are homosexual inmates who would be willing to take things to extreme lengths.” Former National PRO of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Francis Enobore, corroborated Williams’ comments, explaining that the service profiles each inmate for both their safety and the general prison environment. “Yes, he confessed in court that he is a man but he came in bodily showing that he is a woman. Some of the people behind bars are unrepentant homosexuals. There is no doubt that if care is not taken, we will have a very serious security situation on our hands,” he said. However, Enobore refuted claims of Bobrisky being given a private section, stating, “There’s no such thing as a private apartment or anything special in the prison.” Controversy around Bobrisky’s incarceration began earlier in the week after Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, shared a voice note in which Bobrisky allegedly claimed that following his conviction for abuse of naira notes in April, his godfather, along with the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, arranged for him to serve his six-month sentence in a private apartment. Meanwhile, the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board announced on Thursday the suspension of two deputy controllers in charge of the Kirikiri Medium Custodial Centre in Lagos, in connection to Bobrisky’s alleged bribery claims.