ALLEGATION OF MONOPOLY MOST UNFAIR – DANGOTE
Dons Eze
- July 27, 2024
YOUTH MOBILISES KANO RESIDENTS FOR #ENDBADGOVERNANCEINNIGERIA PROTEST AT POPULAR MARKET IN KANO
YOUTH MOBILISES KANO RESIDENTS FOR #ENDBADGOVERNANCEINNIGERIA PROTEST AT POPULAR MARKET The mobilisation of Nigerians for the forthcoming nationwide protest, dubbed ‘EndBadGovernance’ has continued to reach more people in the grassroots in Kano State. In a video, a concerned youth was seen using a sound amplifier to enlighten people and traders inside the popular Gaya market in Kano State on the need for them to massively join the planned nationwide protest. He told Kano residents that it is the best opportunity for them to stand against agelong bad governance in Nigeria, urging them not to be intimidated by what the ruling class may have said about the protest. He said, “This is your opportunity. It is remaining four days until the day of protest; come out and protest. Men and women, children and adults, boys and girls come out and protest. This is your opportunity. “Where are the people they kidnapped or killed their relatives? This is your opportunity to protest. Come out and protest in order to remove bad governance. Come out and protest.” Thousands of Nigerians have begun mobilising for a nationwide public protest, dubbed ‘EndBadGovernance’, to demand change. The protest is aimed to express displeasure over the hardship under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Also, organisers of the planned nationwide protest had written to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, seeking that Eagle Square be made available for the peaceful demonstration between August 1 and 10, 2024. In a letter signed by Damilare Adenola, Director of Mobilisation for the Take It Back Movement (TIB) in Abuja, the protesters demanded unrestricted access to the venue 24/7 throughout the protest, and possibly even after it concludes.Meanwhile, the Nigerian Defence Headquarters had claimed that some miscreants were plotting to attack religious houses, shops and business centres during the planned nationwide protests.
TINUBU REBUKES PROTEST SPONSORS, SAYS THEY DON’T LOVE NIGERIA
TINUBU REBUKES PROTEST SPONSORS, SAYS THEY DON’T LOVE NIGERIA In a strong rebuke of planned nationwide protests, President Bola Tinubu has accused the organizers of harboring ill intent towards the country. Speaking to a delegation of Islamic leaders on Thursday, Tinubu claimed the sponsors of the demonstrations do not truly love Nigeria and instead have their sights set beyond the country’s borders. According to reports from Channels TV, the President went on to allege that these protest backers are holding virtual meetings across the world, suggesting their loyalties may lie elsewhere. Tinubu’s comments come as Nigeria braces for a wave of nationwide protests over the state of the economy. The President sought to frame the planned demonstrations as driven by “politics of hate, and anger” rather than legitimate grievances. He cautioned such protests could “degenerate into violence and set the country backward.” In an attempt to get ahead of accusations of cronyism, Tinubu also used the meeting to forcefully rebut claims that he has a “cabal” or external sponsors.He maintained that his victorious presidential campaign was self-funded, stating: “The money I spent on the elections was my personal fortune.”
SUDDEN SURGE IN NIGERIA’S PETROLEUM IMPORTS FROM MALTA
SUDDEN SURGE IN NIGERIA’S PETROLEUM IMPORTS FROM MALTA Nigeria’s petroleum importation from Malta surged significantly to $2.8 billion in 2023. Nigeria is one of Africa’s biggest oil-producing nations — but it lacks local refining capacity. Speaking at an event in May, Vice-President Kashim Shettima had said over $25 billion is expended on the importation of refined petroleum products yearly. The Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited is the sole importer of petroleum products in the country. According to data from Trademap, a database on international trade statistics, between 2017 and 2022, there were no imports of the commodity from Malta — an island country in Southern Europe located in the Mediterranean Sea. However, the value of imported petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals was $13.32 million in 2016. This represents a 20,921 percent increase compared to the amount ($2.8 billion) recorded in 2023, according to TheCable Index analysis. Further checks showed that the importation of petroleum products from Malta gulped $47.5 million in 2013. The amount increased to $59.98 million and $117.01 million in 2014 and 2015, respectively. Similar import figures were also shared on social media by StatiSense, a data company. On July 22, Aliko Dangote, chairman of Dangote Industries Limited, said some personnel of the NNPC Limited, oil traders and terminals have opened a blending plant in Malta. “Some of the terminals, some of the NNPC people and some traders have opened a blending plant somewhere off Malta,” the billionaire had said. “We all know these areas. We know what they are doing.” In response to Dangote’s allegation, Mele Kyari, the group chief executive officer (GCEO) of the NNPC, said he does not own a blending plant in Malta.An oil blending plant is a facility which has no refining capability but is either capable of producing finished motor gasoline through mechanical blending or blends oxygenates with motor gasoline.
AGF WARNS LOCAL GOVT CHAIRMEN: TAMPER WITH FAAC ALLOCATIONS AND GO TO JAIL
AGF WARNS LG CHAIRMEN, TAMPER WITH LOCAL FAAC ALLOCATIONS AND GO TO JAIL Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has vowed to prosecute local government chairmen and councillors who tamper with FAAC allocations meant for their jurisdictions. Fagbemi emphasizes the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on local government autonomy, aiming to ensure funds allocated to local governments are directly received and utilized by them, not state governments. He highlights the absence of immunity for local government officials and warns of jail term for those found misappropriating funds, urging them to prioritize local development and governance. The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has vowed to ensure the conviction and imprisonment of any serving local government chairmen or councillors tampering with the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations to the LGs. He disclosed this on Thursday at the 17th-anniversary annual lecture event of the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) in Abuja, attended by Nairametrics. His latest reaction comes a few days after he instituted an LG autonomy suit at the Supreme Court and defeated the state governors’ legal team who unanimously opposed it at the apex court. Why FG Opted for Supreme Court Instead of NASS Fagbemi narrated to the audience that for over two decades, governance in most of the 774 local governments, the third tier and closest level of government to the grassroots, has been almost crippled, and all efforts by previous administrations to solve this problem had been frustrated. He said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, being conscious of the linkage of governance with security and human rights, took the bold decision to approach the Supreme Court of Nigeria on the issue of LG autonomy. He stated that the singular judgment of the apex court would not only improve governance at the local government level but would also significantly enhance security and access to human rights. He explained that prior to the Supreme Court judgment, it was expected that authorities at the state level would allow the local government to function as described by the 1999 Constitution, but that failed to happen. He said the option of going to the Supreme Court was due to the roadblocks associated with the Constitution amendment in the National Assembly. He said, “The money meant for the local government was not given to the local government, and if we had gone via amendment of the Constitution, whoever that Speaker was, who attempted to allow an amendment of the Constitution to give serious autonomy to the local government if he survived that term, he is not coming back. That one is sure. “We now thought, this money is still coming from the federation, and in a way, the money is meant for the local government; the federation now says, states be our agents, hold this money for onward transmission to the local government. “There are two issues: the states were the agents of the federation; when the money got to the states, they became trustees of the local government so either way, they are to do their utmost to ensure that the funds were not tampered with. “But what do we have? If you go to some local government today, some have grown with weeds. “At that stage, we felt it is no longer possible to persuade the states to follow the Constitution except there is an order.” Jail threat for serving LG Chairmen Fagbemi continued that while credit must be given to the Supreme Court for providing a resounding judgment in favour of local government funds immediately going directly to the local government, there are still some issues. He observed that local government chairmen may want to divert the funds amid state pressure. But…
AUGUST 1 PROTEST: MANY POLITICIANS HAVE BOOKED THEIR FLIGHTS TO LEAVE NIGERIA – ACTIVIST
AUGUST 1 PROTEST: MANY POLITICIANS HAVE BOOKED THEIR FLIGHTS TO LEAVE NIGERIA – ACTIVIST Popular Nigerian activist, Comrade Israel Joe, has alleged that many politicians have made plans to leave the country ahead of the planned nationwide protest slated for August 1. He stated that the leaders are the cause of the problems in Nigeria but would be taught a lesson by the hungry masses. According to him, there would be anger in the nation until hunger is addressed. “All the politicians in Nigeria are scared of protest. National Assembly have taken a break. Majority of the politicians have booked their flight out of the country all before 1st of August,” he wrote in a Facebook post on Thursday. “The leaders are the cause of the problems they are running away from. A lot of youth leaders have come out to denounce and distanced themselves from the protest but they can’t even get close to the venue of any protest ground. “The hungry Nigerians would teach them a lesson. They can only be in their houses observing from afar because make who get mind come stop the anger in the youths.”Until hunger is addressed, anger is inevitable in Nigeria. The leaders are not aware that Nigerians have gotten to the biblical point of “If I perish I perish”
DON’T DETAIN ANY SUSPECT BEYOND 24 HOURS – AGF CAUTIONS SECURITY AGENCIES
DON’T DETAIN ANY SUSPECT BEYOND 24 HOURS – AGF CAUTIONS SECURITY AGENCIES The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has cautioned security agencies in the country against detaining suspects beyond the time allowed by law. Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, specifically admonished security agents to always abide by the provisions of Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution in relation to the rights of suspects in their custody. Section 35(3) provides that an arrested person has the constitutional right to be informed within 24 hours, in a language he understands, of the facts and grounds for his arrest and detention. Speaking on Thursday in Abuja at the yearly lecture of the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), Fagbemi threatened to severely sanction any security agents found detaining suspects longer than the constitutionally permitted period. His lecture revolved around ‘Governance, Security, and Human Rights’, which he claimed to be momentous as it addressed some of the most pressing issues facing the country today. AGF said that law enforcement agents must do due diligence before arresting anyone, adding that situations where people are languishing in detention cells beyond the time allowed under the Constitution or by order of the courts will no longer be tolerated. Fagbemi warned that appropriate sanctions would be meted out to those found guilty of unlawful detention. According to him, the government of President Bola Tinubu will not condone any reprehensible action, and as the Chief Law Officer of the country, he will ensure no one tramples on the rights of another person. The justice minister said, “I wish to remind our law enforcement agents that they must respect the laws of the land and not keep people in detention beyond a reasonable time as stipulated in Section 35 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999. “Law enforcement agents must do due diligence before arresting anyone. Situations where people are languishing in detention cells beyond the time allowed under the constitution or by order of the courts will no longer be tolerated, and appropriate sanctions shall be meted out to those found guilty of contravening the laws of the land. Fagbemi said, “the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not condone any reprehensible action, and as the chief law officer of this country, I will ensure no one tramples on the rights of another person. “The collaboration of HURIWA in this endeavour cannot be overstated. Your tireless advocacy and public education are vital to the advancement of human rights in Nigeria. “As we commemorate this 17th lecture series, let us renew our commitment to working together for a Nigeria where good governance, security, and human rights coexist harmoniously. “Let us strive to create a society where every Nigerian can live free from fear and oppression, where their rights are respected, and where justice prevails, Fagbemi said.” Ahead of the planned nationwide demonstration over economic hardship in the country, the military has warned organisers of the protest against any form of violence.The police had also warned against violent protests in August.
LEAKED MEMO: IGP EGBETOKUN DIRECTS PERSONNEL TO WORK WITH MILITARY, OTHERS TO PREVENT ANY PROTEST
LEAKED MEMO: IGP, EGBETOKUN, DIRECTS PERSONNEL TO WORK WITH MILITARY, OTHERS TO PREVENT ANY PROTEST The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has directed that no form of protest must be allowed between August 1 and 10, 2024. This comes amid plans by Nigerians to hold nationwide #EndBadGovernnaceInNigeria protests during the period. The Nigerian government through the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, has insisted that citizens have the right to protest but that it must be peaceful, as violent protests would be frowned upon. This position is contrary to a memo from police commissioners to state criminal investigation departments and other police units, stating that no form of protest should be in states. The leaked memo noted that the directive came from the Inspector General of Police through the Department of Operations in Abuja. It said that information received “reveals that some unidentified groups are mobilising for mass protest nationwide from 1st to 10th August 2024, find attached handbill for details of their movement, “The INGENPOL (inspector general of police) directs that you be proactive X mobilise well kitted and equipped personnel yours X synergies with other sister agencies and the military X take over all strategic points in your AOR (Areas of Responsibility) x deploy undercover for intelligence gathering x disperse unlawful gathering x be in heart-to-heart conversation with community stakeholders x no form of protest must be allowed during the period.”
ROYAL 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.