DANGOTE: THE UNTOLD STORY
Dons Eze
- July 27, 2024
REINSTATE NDUME AS CHIEF WHIP, BORNO PROTESTERS URGE SENATE
REINSTATE NDUME AS CHIEF WHIP, BORNO PROTESTERS URGE SENATE Protesters from Borno South, on Wednesday, stormed Abuja demanding the reinstatement of Mohammed Ali Ndume as Chief Whip of the Senate. Ndume was removed for criticising the President Bola Tinubu-led government, following a letter transmitted to the Senate by the national leadership of the his party, All Progressives Congress (APC). He was also tripped of his position as Vice Chairman Senate Committee on Appropriations. Ndume was replaced by Senator Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North) as Chief Whip. But the protesters under the aegis of Borno South Development Association, who stormed the Unity Fountain in Abuja, asked Senate President Godswill Akpabio to reinstate Ndume. Addressing newsmen, leader of the protesters, Mohammed Ibrahim Biu, described Ndume is a vibrant Senator who has served his people effectively over the years and cannot be sanctioned for telling the truth.He said Ndume’s removal as Chief Whip is not in the interest of Borno South and Nigeria at large, stressing that justice must be done.
NAUS, NAPS, NANCES MOBILIZE FOR PROTEST, MONDAY JULY 29
NAUS, NAPS, NANCES MOBILIZE FOR PROTEST, MONDAY, JULY 29 THE leadership of the National Association of University Students (NAUS), National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), and the National Association Nigerian of College of Education Students (NANCES), have commenced mobilisation of their members for a nationwide protest beginning from Monday, July 29th, 2024. The trio of NAUS, NAPS and NANCES, declared the National Day of Protest for Nigerian Students starting from Monday, July 29th, 2024, over the failure of the Federal Government to address the hardships being faced by Nigerian students amidst the current economic crisis. This was conveyed in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja and jointly signed by Comrade Obaji Marshal National President, NAUS; Amb. Shuaib Ishaka Yahaya, Senate President, NAUS; Comrade Ridwan Opeyemi Munirudeen, National President, NAPS; Comrade Adeniji Boluwaji Temitope, Senate President, NAPS; Amb. Comrade Eegunjobi Samuel Oluwaseun National President, NANCES; and Sen. Kur Isaac Ushahemba, Senate President, NANCES. The statement indicated the decision to embark on the protest was reached after due and painstaking consultations on the way forward for Nigerian students in tertiary institutions. “More directly, the trio of NAUS, NAPS AND NANCES frowns at the I don’t care attitude or the government towards reducing the current hardship,” the students noted. The statement read in part: “We extend our sincere greetings to Nigerian students covering the aforementioned bodies, as well as, its affiliated associations across the country. “The purpose of this memo is to prepare the minds of Nigerian students across tertiary institutions in the country, on the collective decision made by the leaderships of the aforementioned associations, after due and painstaking consultations on the way forward for Nigerian Students. “The present economic quagmire occasioned by the rising cost of living, hike in cost of commodities, hike in petroleum price, hike in electricity tarriff, insecurity, poor funding of our institutions which presently affects more than 80% of the population in the country, is felt most by young Nigerians studying for various academic qualifications across tertiary institutions. “This development has led to poor socio-economic welfare for students, a loss of interest in academic activities and a fall in grades, an increase in crimes and criminality, and an increase in violence on campuses and their environs. “Furthermore, the inability of federal, state and local governments to provide adequate immediate and long-term palliatives, especially for Nigerian Students, to cushion the effect of the high cost of living, is rather disappointing and also raises the alarm of the student movement in the country, of a seeming lack of initiatives and ideas on the most effective approach to sustainable economic recovery and growth. “Hence, the trio of NAUS, NAPS and NANCES, representing the voices of millions of Nigerian students emphatically condemns the lackadaisical attitude of the Government and declares a National Day Of Protest For Nigerian Students starting from Monday, July 29th, 2024 till further notice having communicated the government through various means including media but nothing has been done. “This protest is to serve a way of exercising our right and driving home our demands to the Federal and state governments, to influence innovation, conceptualization and implementation of plans for the alleviation of the hardship suffered by Nigerian students. “The leaderships of NAUS, NAPS AND NANCES, therefore, urge all Nigerian students to prepare for the National Day of Protest coming up from the 29th of July, 2024.“With this notice, Student union officials are enjoined to be in touch with their respective associations for updates on the Protest, as security agencies will also been put on notice,” it stated.
FOREIGNERS ARRIVE KADUNA TO JOIN PLANNED PROTEST, GROUP ALLEGES
FOREIGNERS ARRIVE KADUNA TO JOIN PLANNED PROTEST, GROUP ALLEGES A group, Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Kaduna state, has alleged that reports reaching the executive has indicated that foreigners from northern neighboring countries had already arrived in Kaduna State ready to join the demonstration and make it violent. The group however, kicked against the move, saying it will jeopardize the safety of the event and compromise the message of the demonstration, according to the communique of the forum’s second executive meeting made available to newsmen Wednesday in Kaduna. According to them, “While the Kaduna State Chapter of the MBF acknowledges that peaceful demonstration is legitimate and necessary over the current hardships faced in the country and the need to draw government attention, the involvement of violent sponsored foreigners has raised genuine security concerns to the Chapter. “Consequently, the forum advised all our youth from the Middle Belt resident in Kaduna State to refrain from participating in the protest not only over security and safety concerns, but not to be used to achieve the curious objectives of the sponsors. Our youths, known for their orderliness, civility, and discipline, must not be associated with inappropriate acts. “The security situation has been reported to the national president of the MBF, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, who is currently gathering feedbacks from other states of the Middle Belt before issuing an official position on behalf of the entire Middle Belters. Earlier, the communiqué signed Yusuf Solomon Danbaki,Public Relations Officer (PRO), Kaduna State Chapter, MBF, stated that the meeting was chaired by Chairman of MBF, Kaduna State Chapter, Comrade Luka Binniyat, who relayed the congratulatory and goodwill messages of the President of the MBF, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, to the newly elected exco of the Kaduna State Chapter. “The Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Kaduna Chapter held its 2nd executive meeting yesterday in Kaduna. The meeting was chaired by Comrade Luka Binniyat, Chairman of MBF, Kaduna State Chapter. “Binniyat relayed the congratulatory and goodwill messages of the President of the MBF, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, to the newly elected exco of the Kaduna State Chapter. “According to him, Dr. Pogu regards the Kaduna State chapter as very critical in the scheme of the MBF, bearing in mind its strategic location in Nigeria and its cosmopolitan nature that accommodates a huge array of Middle Belters. “A key item on the agenda was the outreach to over 40 ethnic nationalities represented in various socio-cultural ethnic groups from the 14 Middle Belt States resident in Kaduna State and other 57 ethnic nationalities indigenous to Southern Kaduna, which make up the MBF, Kaduna State branch. “The meeting, which was attended by 22 out of the 27 exco members, agreed that it was time members of the Middle Belt resident in Kaduna State unite as a common front in the interest of their wellbeing, the progress and development of Kaduna State, and Nigeria as a whole. “With the permission of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the MBF, Barrister Catherine Doosuur Ishu from Benue State was nominated to serve as the Legal Adviser of the MBF, Kaduna State Chapter. “There was also an initiative for an upcoming Middle Belt Cultural Festival for Middle Belters resident in Kaduna State, for which a committee was set up to kick-start the process. “It is headed by the Organising Secretary of the Chapter, Hon. Ezekiel Babakarik. The aim is simply to celebrate the region’s rich cultural diversity, taking a break from lamenting the adversity that the Middle Belt has been plunged into for years now. “During the meeting, concerns were raised about the planned peaceful protest scheduled for August 1st – 10th, 2024. Reports reaching the exco indicated that foreigners from northern neighboring countries had already arrived in Kaduna State ready to join…
PLANNED PROTEST: GIVE US MORE TIME, FG BEGS NIGERIANS
PLANNED PROTEST: GIVE US MORE TIME, FG BEGS NIGERIANS In response to the increasing economic hardship and mounting calls for a nationwide protest against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the Federal Government has appealed to Nigerians for more time, promising that the situation is being addressed with urgency. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, conveyed this message on Wednesday in Abuja after a Federal Executive Council meeting convened by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. Idris described the planned protests as a “family matter” and reassured that the government is committed to resolving all issues in a manner that ensures peace and stability across the country. The Minister acknowledged the legitimate concerns of citizens and stressed that the administration is focused on implementing solutions to mitigate the hardships. He emphasized that dialogue and patience are essential during this period of economic transition. Idris, after the closed-door meeting, while addressing newsmen, said, “We came together to discuss. You can see that this is not happening at the Council Chambers, it’s happening at the office of the SGF, and many of the ministers are here. We have discussed issues of national interest, and all of us are working for Nigeria and we hope and believe that Nigeria is going to be great again. “No one is going to sleep. Those who are agitating and asking for protests are Nigerians, and they are our brothers, they are our sisters, they are all Nigerians and those in positions of authority; the ministers, the President, everybody, we are all Nigerians too. So, this is a family matter. This is a Nigerian family issue, and all of us are looking at this issue very well and we hope that peace will prevail at the end of the day.” Asked whether the government has been engaging with the stakeholders and organizers of the planned protest, Idris said engagement has always been an ongoing thing. “This is not a peculiar situation. Engagement has been ongoing. The President has met severally with all key stakeholders. I have also been meeting with stakeholders, and other government functionaries have also been meeting with other key stakeholders. “Engagement is going to continue and in the interest of Nigeria, we will continue to engage. We know this is the only country that all of us have, and at the end of the day, Nigeria is going to be better for all of us for it”, he stated. On the alleged insistence by some top Nigerians, including a Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN, Femi Falana, that the protests must go on, Idris said the senior lawyer was entitled to his opinion in a democracy. “He (Falana) is an individual. This is a democracy, and everyone is entitled to his opinion. The protesters are also Nigerians, and this is a democratic situation. What I keep saying is that we are all Nigerians and we are all acting in the interest of Nigeria, but suffice to say that yesterday, Mr President said there is no need for any protest, let us calm down. “A lot is happening, Nigeria is going to move and march on, and we believe that whatever government comes out with will be in the interest of Nigeria. We don’t think that there is a need for any protest, we are appealing for calm, we are appealing for a peaceful resolution or a peaceful approach to any issue. “If you have anything that you want to put out there, you are free to put it out there, but the government is insisting that we are all Nigerians; we have to be calm, we have to be patient and suffice it to say that let us give peace a chance. Mr…
WE CANNOT WITHDRAW FROM A PROTEST WE DIDN’T ORGANIZE – AJAERO
WE CANNOT WITHDRAW FROM A PROTEST WE DIDN’T ORGANIZE – AJAERO Labour said that it stands in solidarity with the Nigerian people over the current economic hardship and worsening hunger in the country but maintained that only the organisers of the protest can decide whether to pull out or continue with the protest. In a statement signed by Comrade Joe Ajaero, NLC President, labour said a news report of the withdrawal of the Nigeria Labour Congress from the widely discussed national protest has been brought to our attention. According to the statement, “The Nigeria Labour Congress debunks such story as patently false. The truth is that the Nigeria Labour Congress cannot withdraw from a protest that it did not organise. “It is only the organisers of the speculated national protest that can decide to pull out or continue with the protest. The Nigeria Labour Congress has internal trade union mechanisms especially leadership decision-making processes that its industrial actions such as protests pass through before such activities are undertaken. “Yet, the fad that the Nigeria Labour Congress is not the body organising the protest does not mean that Organised Labour is oblivious of the dire living conditions Nigerians have been subjected to by the harsh economic policies of government. “The Nigeria Labour Congress stands in solidarity with the Nigerian people In this very trying and excruciating times. “Pursuant to proactive engagement with the issues canvassed by the protest organisers, we have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to invite the leaders of the protest movement to dialogue on their demands. ‘We have advised that it would be counter-productive for govemment to meet the widespread anger in the land with brute force.”Once again, we implore the Federal Government and the sub-national governments to listen to the cries of the Nigerian people and do the needful. After all, it is said that the voice of the people is the voice of God.
THREAT WON’T STOP AUGUST 1 NATIONWIDE PROTESTS, IT’LL ONLY MAKE IT POPULAR – FALANA
THREAT WON’T STOP AUGUST 1 NATIONWIDE PROTESTS, IT’LL ONLY MAKE IT POPULAR – FALANA WARNS FG Prominent activist and human rights lawyer, Femi Falana has stated that no threats from the government or any other quarters can prevent the impending nationwide protests scheduled to commence on August 1. Despite statements from various organizations and the presidency condemning the planned protests, Falana said the demonstrations aim to draw attention to the prevailing hardship in the country. Speaking on Channels TV on Tuesday, Falana urged the Federal Government to take a proactive approach by identifying the protest organizers and engaging them in productive dialogue. “They have a way of contacting themselves and I think the government can draw some lessons from the 2020 (#EndSARS) experience,” Falana said. “Identify those who are planning the protest and then engage with them productively,” he added. Falana dismissed the threats by government officials, stating, “Threats will not work. In fact, the government’s actions often have a way of popularizing such protests. Nobody listens to such warnings. “This time around, the government should identify the leaders of the movement and have some dialogue with them. There are demands that are being raised, and the government should address those demands.”Falana’s comments come amid rising tensions and calls for action to address the economic difficulties faced by many Nigerians.
N5B DEFAMATION THREAT: ONANUGA ADAMANT, TELLS PETER OBI WE MEET IN COURT
N5B DEFAMATION THREAT: ONANUGA ADAMANT, TELLS PETER OBI, WE MEET IN COURT The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Communications and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has reacted to the threat by Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, to institute a lawsuit against him. Recall that Onanuga recently alleged that Obi and his supporters were responsible for the planned nationwide protests against the Tinubu-led government over the hardship in the country. But Obi, in a letter signed by his lawyer, Alex Ejesieme, to Onanuga, urged the presidential spokesman to retract the statement and tender an unreserved apology to him within 72 hours. Obi also demanded N5 billion in damages from Onanuga over the said allegation. Reacting, Onanuga, in a fresh post on his official X handle on Tuesday, said: “I am still waiting for the letter from Peter Obi’s lawyer threatening a N5 billion suit and demanding an apology to Peter Obi over the planned ‘revolution’.“Let me just tell Obi and his lawyer: I am not afraid of any legal action. We shall meet in court.”
#ENDBADGOVERNANCEINNIGERIA: PROTESTERS LIST DEMANDS
#ENDBADGOVERNANCEINNIGERIA: PROTESTERS LIST DEMANDS. As the planned nationwide protest against bad governance and economic hardship gathers momentum, protesters have listed out their demands. The protest has been scheduled to be held across all states of the Federation as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, in August. Food and basic commodities prices have skyrocketed recently. Nigerians are facing one of the worst inflation and economic crises due to the government’s removal of petrol subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates. As a result of this, Nigerians have decided to hit the streets to make their voices heard. Protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations until major changes are made. The protesters have also declared that if any protester is killed, maimed, or arrested during the protest, they will not back down until Tinubu and his entire cabinet resign. Below are the Protesters’ Demands: Fuel Price Reduction: Revert petrol pump price to N100 per litre. Address Insecurity and Hunger: Combat insecurity and hunger by closing all IDP camps and resettling the campers. Electoral Reform: Implement total electoral reform and conduct an independent probe into the electoral budget of N355 billion. Release #EndSARS Detainees: Immediate release of all #EndSARS protesters still in detention. Living Wage: Implement a living wage with a minimum of N300,000. Free Education: Compulsory free education from primary to secondary school, and an education grant at the tertiary level. Public School Mandate: Ensure that children of all public office holders attend public schools in the country. Support Local Products: The government must patronize made-in-Nigeria goods. Unicameral Legislature: Transition to a unicameral legislature. Judicial and Constitutional Reforms: Implement thorough judicial and constitutional reforms. Additional Demands: New Constitution: Scrap the 1999 Constitution and replace it with a people-made constitution through a Sovereign National Conference, followed by a National Referendum. Abolish Senate: Eliminate the Senate, retain the House of Representatives, and make lawmaking a part-time endeavor. Higher Minimum Wage: Set a minimum wage of at least N250,000 monthly for Nigerian workers. Education Investment: Invest heavily in education, ensuring free and compulsory education across Nigeria. Release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu: Unconditionally release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and demilitarize the South East. Renationalize Enterprises: Renationalize publicly owned enterprises sold to government officials and cronies. Subsidy Regime: Reinstate a corruption-free subsidy regime to reduce hunger, starvation, and poverty. Corruption Probe: Probe past and present Nigerian leaders who have looted the treasury, recover their loot, and reinvest it. Restructuring for Diversity: Restructure Nigeria to accommodate its diversity, resource control, decentralization, and regional development. Security Reforms: Reform security agencies to stop human rights violations and enhance citizens’ physical security. Energy Fund: Establish a Special Energy Fund for power sector development. Electoral Body Reconstitution: Reconstitute INEC to remove corrupt and partisan officials. Public Works Investment: Invest in public works and industrialization to employ Nigerian youths. Judiciary Overhaul: Shake up the judiciary to remove corrupt judges and officers, ensuring real justice for citizens. Diaspora Voting: Introduce diaspora voting to allow Nigerians abroad to vote.Smoking and drinking have been prohibited on the protest grounds.
WIKE DOES NOT BELONG TO OUR PARTY – RIVERS APC CHAIRMAN
WIKE DOES NOT BELONG TO OUR PARTY – RIVERS APC CHAIRMAN The All Progressives Congress (APC) announced on Tuesday that former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, does not influence decisions made by the Rivers State chapter of the party. The APC clarified that Wike is not a member of their party and does not attend their political meetings. Tony Okocha, Chairman of the Rivers APC caretaker committee, addressed the media at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, describing Wike as an “unrepentant” member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Okocha stated, “When I hear this, I laugh because Wike is a member of PDP, unrepentant PDP. We are APC here. Will anybody suggest that because Mr. Wike is a minister under our government of APC, we should be at daggers with him? “Wike doesn’t attend our meetings. We have held meetings with stakeholders, but Wike was never there. So at what point does he influence APC in Rivers State? His influence is because he is a minister under an APC government. We can’t be in enmity with him. But to say that he influences us, how? Does he pay our bills or attend our meetings? The answer is no.” Regarding the membership of former Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Okocha stated, “On the issue of Amaechi, I have no question to answer. I was Chief of Staff to Rotimi Amaechi. Recall that at one point, he got into law school and for that one year became incommunicado. After the presidential primary election, he disappeared into thin air. “Whether he is still a party member or not, I wouldn’t know because in all the meetings we called, he didn’t show up. For example, we called a meeting for all former governors and ministers, and he (Amaechi) sent a message to the party secretary, warning him never to send him a message about the party again.“So when you meet him, ask him where he belongs. As for me, I don’t know where he belongs.”
58 COUNTRIES BACK OKONJO-IWEALA FOR SECOND TERM AS WTO DG
58 COUNTRIES BACK OKONJO-IWEALA FOR SECOND TERM AS WTO DG Fifty-eight of the 164 member states of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) members have voiced support for a proposal from the African Group backing incumbent Director General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to serve a second term. The 58 member countries of the trade association made this known at a July 22 meeting of the WTO General Council, according to a statement by the world trade body. “The African Group requests that the current Director-General make herself available to serve a second term, and has proposed that the process of reappointing the Director-General should be started as soon as possible,” the statement partly read. “Fifty-eight members, several speaking on behalf of groups of members, took the floor to comment and express their support for the African Group proposal. They called on DG Okonjo-Iweala to make her intentions regarding a second term known as soon as possible. Most of these members praised the DG’s hard work and her achievements during her first term. Okonjo-Iweala, 70, said she was very grateful for the support from members. “Everything that I’ve accomplished, we’ve accomplished together,” she said. The director general said that she took the call of members very seriously and was favourably inclined. She said she would get back to members very soon regarding her intentions. Okonjo-Iweala, the seventh WTO boss, took office on March 1, 2021 for a single term of four years which will expire on August 31, 2025. She is eligible for a second term. The former Nigerian Finance Minister navigated stiff opposition to become the first woman and the first African to serve as WTO Director-General. Before her current appointment, she twice served as Nigeria’s Finance Minister from 2003 to 2006 and from 2011 to 2015. She also briefly acted as Foreign Minister in 2006, the first woman to hold both positions.The skilled negotiator had a 25-year career at the World Bank as a development economist, rising to the number two position of Managing Director, Operations.