PDP SUMMONS WIKE OVER ANTI-PARTY ACTIVITIES
PDP SUMMONS WIKE OVER ANTI-PARTY ACTIVITIES The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has summoned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over alleged anti-party activities. Wike was summoned to appear before the PDP disciplinary committee. This was made known on Monday by the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Ibrahim Abdullahi, who disclosed in an interview with Channels TV that the former Rivers State Governor has been sent a letter to appear before the party’s disciplinary committee. Abdullahi added that Wike’s statement about “putting fire in their states” in reference to PDP governors is unacceptable. According to him, “Wike should be able to manage his words carefully; that was a very disappointing remark. We weren’t expecting him to say that, and we are not with him on that to be honest with you.” The position of the PDP was made known hours after Wike expressed his contentment with serving under President Bola Tinubu, despite the criticisms and speculations surrounding his appointment. The FCT Minister declared that anyone who is angry with his position in Tinubu’s government should go and hug the transformer. Wike, a longstanding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the only opposition member in Tinubu’s cabinet, addressed the issue during the PDP Congress in Rivers State.
PROTEST ROCKS ABUJA OVER FUEL SCARCITY
PROTEST ROCKS ANUJA OVER FUEL SCARCITY Scores of demonstrators took to the streets of Abuja on Monday, demanding the immediate dismissal of the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, over the ongoing fuel scarcity that has plagued the nation.The protest comes at a time when the NNPCL has admitted that its considerable debt to fuel suppliers is jeopardizing the sustainability of fuel supplies across the country. The corporation has highlighted that the financial burden is severely impacting its operations and could further destabilize the already fragile fuel supply chain. Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, who was recently a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today, also voiced concerns regarding the rising cost of living, the arbitrary hike in petrol prices, and the resulting scarcity. Falana emphasized the need to uncover what he described as the “monumental fraud” in Nigeria’s fuel importation process. During the protest, demonstrators chanted solidarity songs and displayed banners with messages such as “We are tired of fuel scarcity and stories on why refineries are not working,” “No direction under Kyari,” and “We want accountability in the affairs of NNPCL.” The protesters decried what they viewed as a dismal performance under Kyari’s leadership, calling for greater transparency and accountability. The Convener of the Coalition of Concerned Civil Society Organizations, Aminu Abbas, addressed the media at Unity Fountain after the rally, questioning why a country as rich in oil resources as Nigeria continues to face such severe fuel scarcity. Abbas called for immediate action to address the ongoing crisis and ensure that the country’s refineries are functioning efficiently. He said, “To President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and all those in positions of power, we say the time to act is now. Show us that you stand with the people, not those who profit from our misery. Mr Kyari must be shown the way out, and the NNPCL must be reformed to serve the interests of all Nigerians. We will not be silenced. “The fuel scarcity we endure today is not just a mere inconvenience; it is a calculated perpetuation of suffering. Under Mr Kyari’s leadership, the situation has gone from bad to worse, with no end in sight. What has he done to alleviate this crisis? It is clear he seems intent on maintaining a status quo that benefits only a select few while the masses suffer. “Why do we, the people, have to endure endless queues, inflated prices, and the daily uncertainty of whether we can fuel our vehicles or power our homes? The answer lies in the gross incompetence and mismanagement that have become the hallmarks of Mr. Kyari’s leadership.”
Dons Eze
- Foreign Affairs
- September 2, 2024
- 120 views
BRITISH NATIONAL HITS BACK AT FG OVER ALLEGATION OF PLOT TO OVERTHROW TINUBU GOVT
BRITISH NATIONAL HITS BACK AT FG OVER ALLEGATION OF PLOT TO OVERTHROW TINUBU GOVT A British national, Mr. Povey, also known as Andrew Wynne, has responded to allegations made by the Nigerian government that he was involved in a plot to overthrow the Bola Tinubu administration. In a statement, Povey denied the allegations, saying “PROTEST IS NOT TREASON” and calling for the release of all detainees. Recall that Povey’s bookshop, located at the Abuja headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), was earlier raided and sealed by the government. He was accused of enabling #EndBadGovernance protesters with the intent to destabilize Nigeria. In his statement, Povey described the government’s actions as repression, stating that the mass protests had frightened the government, leading to the murder of over 40 people, the arrest of thousands, and the detention of many. He criticized the government for turning to repression rather than addressing the people’s demands. The statement reads: “PROTEST IS NOT TREASON – release all the detainees! The mass protests over #EndBadGovernance and #EndHunger frightened the government. But rather than addressing the peoples’ demands, the government turned to repression. “Perhaps 40 people were murdered by the police and other security forces, thousands were arrested and many still remain in captivity. In Abuja, the authorities have attacked the so-called leaders and organisers of the protests. Ten people face ridiculous charges including treason, mutiny and levying war against the state. “The NLC promised a general strike to protect its President, Joe Ajaero, from arrest and detention in relation to similar charges. Despite the flimsy nature of the evidence against the detainees, they face long years in prison unless the trade union movement is prepared to protect them. On 7th August the NLC said it, “condemns in the strongest terms the human rights violations perpetrated by security forces against peaceful protesters.” “The first person to be arrested in this case was Eleojo Opaluwa. He is a former colleague of Joe Ajaero, working for NUEE, the electricians union, as an organiser in Abuja. He is also the Vice Chair of the NLC in Kogi State. He has now been detained for over 4 weeks with no tangible evidence. His family was told that he had received a WhatsApp message from one of the other alleged leaders. This was after Eleojo had actually been detained. “The ten detainees have been accused of conspiracy to commit a range of serious crimes. However, they barely know each other. Five of them may have been members of a WhatsApp group set up to organise the protests in Abuja. But the other five are unknown to these comrades. They may be a few of the flag waving protesters from Kano who were added to extend the range of the organizers to cover the main protests from Sokoto to Maiduguri “There appears to be a conflict between the government and the police investigating this case. The head of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) told the detainees’ lawyers that he would have released them, but that he had orders from above not to set them free. So the police have developed what appears to be a ridiculous case involving the owner of Iva Valley Books. They are claiming that he goes under the name of Andrew Povich, a Russian-sounding name, and that he has now left Nigeria for Russia. “Neither of these claims are true. Yomi, who works for Iva Valley Books, has, like the other detainees, been treated in a terribly inhumane manner. He was arrested in front of his wife and three-year old daughter. All their phones were confiscated by the police. This was despite appeals from his wife that they needed a phone to get money for food. “He was then imprisoned illegally and…
COURT REMANDS #ENDBADGOVERNANCE PROTESTERS IN KUJE PRISON
COURT REMANDS #ENDBADGOVERNANCE PROTESTERS IN KUJE PRISON Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of several protesters involved in the recent #EndBadGovernance protest. The remand is set at the Kuje Correctional Center in Abuja, pending the hearing and ruling on their bail application scheduled for September 11, 2024. This decision was made after the defendants pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge brought against them by the Federal Government, including allegations of terrorism. The charges were filed on August 30, 2024, and were signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Simon Lough, SAN, on behalf of the Inspector General of Police (IGP). During the proceedings, the defendant’s counsel moved an oral application for bail, which was opposed by the prosecution because some of the charges carry capital punishment. Despite the defence’s request for the defendants to be remanded in police custody, Justice Nwite ruled that they should be held at the Kuje Correctional Center, with the female defendant being remanded at the Keffi Correctional Center in Nasarawa State. The charges against the defendants include treason, destabilizing the country, intimidating the President, and destroying the National Communications Commission facility in Kano. The government also named a British citizen, Andrew Wynne (also known as Andrew Povich), as a defendant in the case. The bail hearing is set for September 11, 2024, when the court will decide on the defendant’s release pending trial.
NO RIFT BETWEEN PRESIDENT TINUBU, VP SHETTIMA – PRESIDENCY
NO RIFT BETWEEN PRESIDENT TINUBU, VP SHETTIMA – PRESIDENCY The Presidency has broken its silence on the alleged rift between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. In a statement released on Monday, September 2, to celebrate Shettima’s 58th birthday, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, said reports of a rift between the two leaders is false. Nkwocha described Shettima as a “colossal member” of the Tinubu administration, emphasizing that the Vice President enjoys the “total confidence and full support” of the President. He stated that Shettima’s loyalty to Tinubu is “absolute and unalloyed,” citing the Vice President’s recent praise for the President as proof of their cordial relationship. Nkwocha dismissed speculations of Shettima being sidelined as “illogical conspiracy theories,” stating that the Vice President has been making significant contributions to the administration. He stressed that Shettima’s role in the presidency is secure and that he continues to work closely with President Tinubu.
ENUGU GOVT TO CONSTRUCT 300-BED INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL
ENUGU GOVT TO CONSTRUCT 300–BED INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALIn line with the administration’s promise to reverse the flow of medical tourism and position Enugu State as the preferred destination for business, investment, tourism, and living, the Enugu State Government has announced that it is embarking on the construction of a 300-bed, ultramodern quaternary health facility to be known as the Enugu International Hospital.The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Emmanuel Obi, disclosed this at the end of the Enugu State Executive Council, EXCO, meeting presided over by Governor Peter Mbah at the weekend.Briefing Government House correspondents, Prof. Obi said that besides providing excellent and highly specialised medical services, the Enugu International Hospital, situated in the heart of Enugu city, would equally serve as a citadel of medical research and training.“This means that tomorrow is finally here in the health sector because primary healthcare is being addressed, secondary healthcare is being addressed, tertiary healthcare is also being addressed.“Now we are going to add quaternary healthcare to the scope, which simply means that an extension of tertiary care and advanced levels of medicine, which are highly specialised and not widely accessed, will be available in Enugu in no distant time. So, medical tourism will reverse our environment.The Enugu International Hospital is going to come up at Rangers Avenue. So, it will be centrally located in Enugu and easily accessible from the international airport.“It will be the type of place that will give excellent medical services, including research and training. It will be that type of hospital that people will no longer have any reason to leave the shores of Nigeria for healthcare,” Prof Obi stated.The Commissioner also informed that the meeting discussed measures to control the Mpox disease, previously known as Monkeypox, which he explained had become a major international concern. He added that EXCO directed a scale-up of an awareness campaign on the disease.“Mpox has now become a disease of public health of international concern, and the government of Enugu State has had discussions on how to ensure that effective surveillance, control, and prevention of any upsurge of Mpox in the state will be put in place.“The Ministry of Health is, therefore, working with the other health sector players, including the Akanu Ibiam International Airport’s Port Health Services, to ensure that Enugu citizens are aware, safe, and minimise their exposure to the Mpox,” the Commissioner concluded.In another development, the government also announced the constitution of a broad-based committee to accelerate the implementation of the Enugu State Geological Information System Service Law 2024.Briefing Government House correspondents, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kingsley Udeh, said the intent was also to enhance the value of land holding in Enugu State. Those who own a flat in the city or a piece of land in the village will be able to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy to make their property bankable because the entire state would be captured digitally.“With the implementation of the Enugu State Geographic Information System, the era of applying for a Certificate of Occupancy, which will take months to handle, will be a thing of the past because everything about land administration in the state will be managed digitally and electronically. This is a high-end technology, and we are not discussing what is far-fetched but what is already being implemented. So, EXCO approved strengthening and expediting the implementation.“So, it will be fully on stream and operational very soon. This will transform not just land holding and administration but also everything that relates to data concerning land. And all these are geared towards the Governor’s vision to eradicate poverty and also connected to growing our GDP from $4.4bn to $30bn,” Udeh stated.
- Foreign Affairs
- September 2, 2024
- 111 views
POLICE DECLARE BRITISH NATIONAL WANTED OVER PLOT TO OVERTHROW TINUBU GOVT
POLICE DECLARE BRITISH NATIONAL WANTED OVER PLOT TO OVERTHROW TINUBU GOVT The police high command, on Monday, declared Andrew Wynne (also known as Andrew Povich or Drew Povey), a British national, wanted for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government being led by President Bola Tinubu. It said the Force has specifically launched a comprehensive investigation on how foreign mercenaries and those it described as subversive elements plotted to overthrow the democratically-elected government of Nigeria. The spokesman of the force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who disclosed this at Force Headquarters, Abuja said the British rented a space at Labour House, Abuja, for an ‘Iva Valley Bookshop’ and established ‘STARS of Nations Schools’ as a cover for his subversive activities. Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner Commissioner of Police, told journalists that documentary evidence and confessions revealed that Andrew Wynne issued directives and monitored progress of the August protest. The senior police officer added that the foreigner provided finance and operational guidance to achieve unconstitutional regime change in Nigeria. He said, “The Nigeria Police Force has launched a comprehensive investigation into the activities of a foreign national and subversive elements plotting to undermine the democratically elected government in Nigeria through unconstitutional regime change and orchestrating violence across the country. “Following extensive intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies, nine suspects have been apprehended, who received substantial financial backing from foreign sources to destabilize the country. “Preliminary findings suggest they orchestrated and funded violent protests, disseminated false information, and engaged in other unlawful activities to create anarchy and justify their illegal plot to overthrow the democratically elected government.” The development comes after the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested some poles in Kano during the protest. Polish authorities had said their citizens had nothing to do with the Nigerian protest where flags were waved and were in Kano for an exchange course at Bayero University, Kano. However, they were released after weeks in detention. The police had also invited Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), over British National, who is a tenant at Labour House, Abuja. Although, Ajaero honoured the invitation last week, the police reinvited him.
ATIKU, OBI, KWANKWASO IN TALKS OVER 2027
ATIKU, OBI, KWANKWASO IN TALKS OVER 2027The three leading opposition figures in Nigeria are discussing the possibility of a merger to salvage Nigerians from hunger and widespread insecurity ahead of the 2027 presidential election, a spokesman for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said on Monday.PDP deputy national spokesman Ibrahim Abdullahi stated this on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Monday.He said the three opposition candidates in the last elections – PDP’s Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) – would put personal interests aside and form a formidable alliance to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) come 2027, and “salvage Nigerians from hunger”.Abdullahi said that had the party’s past leadership managed differences and party conflicts well, high-ranking chieftains like former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike, Kwankwaso and Obi would still be full-blooded members of the PDP and the party would have defeated Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last election.He said, “We’ve lost Kwankwaso, we’ve lost Peter Obi, all of these people, imagine if they are in the party, we will have gone to win the elections.“This APC said they defeated us with one million plus (votes), just one of these names that I mentioned would have covered that gap for us and we would have been in power today and certainly Nigerians would not have been confronted with this despair and despondency in the land.”Asked if the PDP is trying to get Obi, Kwankwaso, Wike and others back into the party, Abdullahi said, “Sure, discussion is ongoing. You will see Peter Obi discussing with Atiku, you will see Peter Obi meeting with (Nasir) El-Rufai. Party management is a very difficult thing and we are doing the best in the quagmire that we have found ourselves. Rest assured, there would light at the end of the tunnel. We have learnt our lessons in a bitter way.”In the 2023 presidential election, Tinubu, came out tops in 12 of Nigeria’s 36 states, and secured significant numbers in several other states to claim the highest number of votes — 8,794,726, almost two million votes more than his closest rival — Atiku Abubakar of the PDP.Atiku, who has ran for president six times, got 6,984,520 votes, while Obi, a first-time contestant, secured an unprecedented 6,101,533. Kwankwaso, former Kano State governor, finished fourth, claiming victory in his state — Kano. He secured 1,496,687 votes.Interestingly, Obi and Kwankwaso were PDP members months before the last poll but cited irreconciliable difference as reasons they exited the party.Who Will Step Down?Asked what would happen if Obi and the others returned to the PDP, he said, “One of them would concede for the other and then we would have a direction.“Our concern as a party and to these people that I have mentioned is to ensure that we salvage Nigerians from this despair and despondency, between maladies of hunger and frightening insecurity in the land. You could see cluelessness and ineptitude on the part of these people managing this country.”The PDP chieftain said salvaging Nigerians out of the present hardship is more important than the individual ambitions of the trio.He said, “Atiku is saying if it is better for him to get Nigeria out of this hopelessness, he would do so.“He (Atiku) must not be in the race. Atiku is saying that it is an entitlement to him as a democrat; the constitution provides for him that he could contest at any time.“What he is trying to say is that (there) is no ceiling stopping him from contesting. That is his fundamental democratic right but he is not saying that he will force it on the throat of the party or the country.“I am telling you clearly: Peter…
FG ARRAIGNS, CHARGES #ENDBADGOVERNANCE PROTESTERS DEMANDING GOOD GOVERNANCE FOR TREASON IN ABUJA
FG ARRAIGNS, CHARGES #ENDBADGOVERNANCE PROTESTERS DEMANDING GOOD GOVERNANCE FOR TREASON IN ABUJA The federal government of Nigeria on Monday arraigned 10 youths arrested in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano and Gombe for demanding for good governance during a protest tagged #EndBadGovernance for trumped-up charges bordering on treasonable felony before a Federal High Court in Abuja. The defendants while taking their pleas before the presiding judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, pleaded not guilty to the six counts filed against them. The defendants were brought to the court amidst tight security. A court document obtained by SaharaReporters on Sunday revealed that the charges were filed against 10 protesters listed as Defendants. They are Michael Tobiloba Adaramoye (aka Lenin), male, 28 years; Adeyemi Abiodun Abayomi (aka Yomi), male, 34 years; Suleiman Yakubu, male, 28 years; Comrade Opaluwa Eleojo Simeon, male, 50 years; Angel Love Innocent, female, 51 years; Buhari Lawal, male, 21 years; Mosiu Sadiq, male, 28 years; Bashir Bello (aka Murtala), male, 51 years; Nuradeen Khamis, male, 47 years; and Abdulsalam Zubairu, male, 37 years. Abubakar Marshal is appearing for 1st-4th defendants, Hamza is appearing for the 5th defendant, Deji Adeyanju is appearing for the 6th-8th defendants while Ahmed Abdulrahaman is appearing for the 9th defendant.
- Foreign Affairs
- September 2, 2024
- 129 views
TORONTO POLICE ARREST NIGERIAN WOMAN WHO THREATENED TO POISON YORUBAS EDO IN CANADA
TORONTO POLICE ARREST NIGERIAN WOMAN WHO THREATENED TO POISON, KILL YORUBAS, EDO IN CANADA The Toronto Police Service has arrested Amaka Sonnberger, the 46-year-old Nigerian woman who in a viral audio tape threatened to poison and k!ll Yoruba and Edo indigenes residing in Canada. In a statement released today September 2, the Toronto police said it arrested Amaka on September 1 after receiving reports that she posted online content on or about August 25, 2024, threatening d#ath to specific members of the Nigerian community. The police statement added that she has been charged with Uttering Threats. She is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice, 2201 Finch Avenue West on Monday, September 2nd, 2024, at 10:00am in courtroom 107. ‘’This investigation is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offence. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-3500, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com. When suspected hate-motivated offences are reported to police, the investigation could be led by a Divisional investigator with the support of the Hate Crime Unit (HCU), or in some cases, will be investigated exclusively by the HCU. If it is alleged a criminal offence was committed (such as assault or mischief) and it is believed to have been motivated by bias, prejudice or hate, the officer-in-charge may consult with the Crown. If a person is charged and convicted of the offence, the Judge will take into consideration hate as an aggravating factor when imposing a sentence. Wilful promotion of hatred and advocating genocide are hate propaganda (hate speech) offences which require the Attorney General’s consent to lay charges. These charges are often laid at a later time.” Amaka and her fellow compatriots were having a discussion on a TikTok space when she made the threat. According to her, other tribes have marginalized Igbos enough and it is time for them to be eradicated. The woman who resides in Ontario threatened to start poisoning the meals of her Yoruba colleagues at work when she resumed work the next day. Members of the House of Representatives and some other Nigerian groups called for her arrest. Amaka in another audio tape dismissed the calls for her arrest and deportation, According to her, she is a Canadian citizen and that nothing can be done to her.