The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for thorough investigation into the killing of a 16-year-old boy, Isma’il Muhammad in Zaria during the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest.
The commission expressed deep concerns over the killing, during the 24-hour curfew imposed to curtail the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest in the state.
The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Mr Tony Ojukwu, made the call while reacting to the incident that led to the killing.
He said it is particularly troubling given the commission’s previous advisory on the excesses of law enforcement agencies during the protests.
He reiterated that the right to life is sacrosanct and cannot be violated under any circumstances.
“The use of lethal force against unarmed civilians, especially minors, is unacceptable and a clear violation of international human rights standards.
“We demand a thorough and transparent investigation into this incident and call for the soldier involved to be held accountable” he said.
Ojukwu said, this is not an isolated incident, and the NHRC will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary steps to ensure that human rights are protected and promoted in Nigeria.
He therefore, urged the authorities to take concrete measures to address the systemic issues leading to these violations.
“The authorities should ensure that law enforcement agencies operate within the ambit of the law and respect human rights.”
While commiserating with the family of Isma’il Muhammad, Ojukwu said the Commission will leave no stone unturned in investigating this killing and several other violations that took place during the protest.
Recall that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has ordered for the arrest of the soldier who accidentally killed Mohammed.
The Director of Army Public Relations, Maj Gen Onyema Nwachukwu in a statement explained the cause of death of the teenager.
He added that the soldier involved has since been arrested and undergoing interrogation.
NHRC demands thorough investigation into killing of 16-year-old by soldier in Kaduna
NHRC demands thorough investigation into killing of 16-year-old by soldier in Kaduna
Keep supporting our athletes, sports minister urges Nigerians
The Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, has called on Nigerians to support Nigerian athletes participating in the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympics.
According to a post on his X account on Thursday, he said, “Our athletes are giving their best and making us proud. D’Tigress made the nation proud, and there’s no shame in losing to the world’s number 1 ranked team. They struck a high note and made a statement even at the quarterfinal match with 74 – 88.
“The first African team ever to get to the quarter-finals, they have moved four ranks up on the power ranking table. We are proud of them. Their games have been spectacular.
“Ese Ukpeseraye was the only African cyclist amongst the 30 cyclists at the Olympics. Uchenna Ogazi, after 36 years, made the finals of the men’s 400m race, and Favour Ofili had a good run and has shown great dexterity.
Let’s keep rooting for our athletes.”
Similarly, in a statement issued by the Director of Information, Ministry of Sports Development, Kehinde Ajayi, and obtained from the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation’s X account on Wednesday, the minister urged Nigerian athletes to persist and exhibit their talents and tenacity in the true spirit of Nigerian sportsmanship.
Emphasising the significance of resilience and determination in the face of the challenging events, Enoh expressed his confidence in the athletes’ potential to secure medals, given the unwavering support they have gained.
“We take pride in each athlete representing Nigeria. You carry the aspirations and ambitions of the nation, and we stand firmly beside you as you strive for greatness. Let the world witness the fortitude and resolve of Nigerians,” he affirmed.
The Nigerian athletes encountered setbacks in the track and field events on Friday, as the nation’s hope of crowning its first woman to qualify for the final in the high jump dimmed early at the Stade de France.
High jumper Temitope Adeshina, failed to clear the 1.97m qualification mark set for the event, falling short of the top 12 competitors progressing to the finals.
Adeshina, who had previously set a Nigerian record of 1.97m in the event less than two months ago, struggled to surpass 1.92m after successfully clearing 1.88m on her second attempt, ultimately finishing 19th in the final standings. She now joins Doreen Amata as the two Nigerians who have participated in the event without achieving the height required to secure a spot in the finals. Amata’s attempts in the event in 2008, 2012, and 2016 did not match her feat at the World Championships in 2011, where she reached the final in Daegu, South Korea.
Prior to Adeshina’s setback, sprinter Tima Godbless stumbled at the initial hurdle in the 100m semifinal.
As the 2024 Paris Olympic Games enters its 12th day, Team Nigeria is set to compete in a series of exciting events across athletics, wrestling, cycling, and basketball. Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress will face the USA in a thrilling quarterfinal matchup, while Samuel Ogazi will attempt to win a medal in the men’s 400m final event.
Also, queen of the tracks, Oluwatibiloba Amusan, will compete in heat 1 of the women’s 100m hurdles, as she attempts to win her first Olympics medal.
Protest: Kaduna residents recount experiences after 24-hour lockdown
Residents of Kaduna State on Thursday morning recounted their experiences after the state government reviewed the 24-hour curfew, which now runs from 6 pm to 8 am.
Several residents, who spoke to DAILYPOST correspondent in Kaduna, said the 24-hour lockdown served as a serious lesson, stressing the importance of imparting this knowledge to their children to prevent future occurrences.
DAILYPOST recalls that following the hunger protest, which was hijacked by criminals who destroyed government property and looted individual shops, the state government imposed a 24-hour curfew on Zaria and Kaduna.
The curfew lasted for two days. During this period, hunger worsened as businesses were paralysed and security operatives enforced the curfew.
On Tuesday night, the state government reviewed the curfew, allowing residents to search for means of livelihood.
Speaking to TVN at the roadside of Kaduna Central Market on Thursday morning, Mrs Ruth Babale said she had to fast during the lockdown because she could not go out to provide for her five children.
She said, “Since the day of the lockdown, I had no food because I could no longer go out. I sell food ingredients in the early morning and use the money to buy food for the family.”
Mr Joseph, a vulcanizer, said he had no food during the lockdown.
“As a vulcanizer, I am paid daily for the work I do. Since the 24-hour curfew, the hunger surpassed even the Hunger Protest.” He prayed that such protests never happen again.
Mr Joseph Alibaba expressed gratitude to God and Governor Uba Sani for reviewing the curfew for the benefit of residents.
He said his wife went into labor early Wednesday morning, but he was afraid to take her to the hospital due to the lockdown. With the curfew review, he was able to take her to the hospital on Thursday morning.
Other residents shared similar experiences and vowed that such a situation would never repeat itself in the state.
Protest: Kaduna residents recount experiences after 24-hour lockdown
Israel revokes diplomatic status of Norwegian envoys
Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz said Thursday the diplomatic status of Norwegian envoys to the Palestinian Authority would be revoked over Oslo’s “anti-Israel behaviour” since the Gaza war began in October.
“I ordered the termination of any representation on behalf of the Norwegian Embassy in Israel vis-a-vis the Palestinian Authority”, Katz said in a statement, adding that “there is a price for anti-Israel behaviour”.
AFP
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BREAKING: Gov Mutfwang reviews curfew on Jos-Bukuru metropolis
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State on Thursday further relaxed the curfew imposed on the Jos-Bukuru metropolis.
He also stated that residents are allowed to go about their lawful activities between 12 noon and 6 pm until further notice.
DAILYPOST recalls that the state government had, on Sunday imposed a 24-hour curfew on the aforementioned areas, citing the need to enhance security and maintain public order.
The curfew was reviewed on Wednesday, allowing residents to move between 2 pm and 6 pm.
The further relaxation of the curfew was announced in a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Gyang Bere, and made available to journalists in Jos, the state capital.
It reads: “In light of the improved security situation in the Jos-Bukuru metropolis, the Plateau State Government has further relaxed the curfew, effective today, Thursday, August 8, 2024.
“Residents are now permitted to move freely for their lawful activities from 12 noon to 6 pm daily until further notice.
“The State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, in consultation with security agencies, has authorized this relaxation.
“He assured the public that the government will continue to make decisions in the best interest of the people.
“The Governor, however, commended the residents for their peaceful conduct during the curfew and appealed for continued cooperation with security agencies to ensure the safety and security of the state.”
BREAKING: Gov Mutfwang reviews curfew on Jos-Bukuru metropolis
NLC demands policy reversal, condemns govt’s response to #EndBadGovernance protests
The National Executive Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress has issued a strong condemnation of the Federal Government’s handling of the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests, calling for an immediate reversal of the policies that have plunged the nation into economic hardship.
The NEC convened an emergency meeting on Wednesday to assess the impact of these policies on Nigerian workers and the broader population.
In a communiqué signed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, the NEC expressed deep concern over the government’s response to the mass protests, which began on August 1, 2024.
The protests, triggered by widespread discontent over the government’s economic policies, have been met with violence, resulting in the deaths and injuries of several civilians at the hands of the police.
“The NEC is deeply troubled by the government’s high-handed and mismanaged response to the peaceful #EndBadGovernance protests. Instead of addressing the legitimate and fundamental grievances of the people, the government has resorted to violence,” the communiqué stated.
The NLC criticised the government’s decision to implement policies based on advice from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which it described as “anti-poor.” According to the statement, the labour union had previously warned that these policies would lead to severe hardship, but its concerns were dismissed by the government.
The NEC also condemned the government’s trivialisation of treasonable felony charges, which it argued were being used indiscriminately against peaceful protesters.
“The continuous trivialisation of treasonable felony by Government operatives abuses and makes a mockery of it as a high crime against the state,” the communiqué said.
In response to these issues, the NLC issued several resolutions, including a demand for the reversal of the government’s economic policies and the implementation of immediate relief measures to alleviate the suffering of workers and the general populace.
The NLC also called for a National Day of Mourning to honour those who lost their lives during the protests and demanded an independent investigation into the killings and maiming of protesters.
Furthermore, the NEC urged the federal government to engage in meaningful dialogue with representatives of the protesters, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to resolve the ongoing crisis. The NLC warned that failure to do so could compel the union to direct its members to stay home for their safety.
“The NEC-in-session urges the federal government to engage in meaningful dialogue with representatives of the protesters, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to resolve all the issues at stake to end the national carnage. This is to avoid NLC being compelled to direct its members to stay home for the safety of their lives,” the communiqué said.
The NEC also expressed strong disapproval of the government’s interference in the affairs of the NLC, particularly the actions of the Minister of Labour and the Registrar of Trade Unions.
The communiqué called for the immediate withdrawal of a “politically motivated” letter sent to the NLC by the Registrar of Trade Unions.
NSCDC parades fake naval officer in Anambra
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State Command, has arrested a suspect impersonating Nigerian Navy personnel and engaging in fraudulent activities in Anambra State.
The suspect, Chukwugozirim Christian, a 39-year-old male from Nnobi in the Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, was apprehended at Kwata Junction in Awka on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, by NSCDC operatives on a routine visibility patrol.
The Anambra State NSCDC Commandant, Maku Olatunde, while parading the suspect at the command headquarters in Awka, on Thursday, said preliminary investigations uncovered that the suspect, had been masquerading as a naval officer, duping innocent civilians and engaging in a string of criminal activities.
Olatunde commended the NSCDC operatives for their vigilance and professionalism in apprehending the suspect.
He said, “On Tuesday, August 6, 2024, our personnel were on patrol to enforce the directive issued by the Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, to prevent undesirable elements and undemocratic forces from causing chaos and disrupting the peace among law-abiding residents of the state, particularly during the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protest.
“The suspect was observed exhibiting an unusual appearance while impersonating military personnel, and his dubious behaviour caught the attention of our operatives, who promptly pursued and apprehended him, subsequently bringing him in for questioning at our office.
“Upon questioning, the suspect alleged to be a naval rating, prompting the command to contact the Naval Base in Onitsha for verification. However, the Naval authorities confirmed that he was an impersonator, with no affiliation to the Nigerian Navy.
“A search of the suspect’s residence yielded a trove of incriminating evidence, including various military gear like a walkie-talkie, a black beret and belt, a complete blue combat uniform, a lanyard, a camouflage top, a matchet, a white naval shirt and a blue belt.”
He added that the parade of the fake naval rating serves as a testament to the relentless pursuit of the NSCDC to stop those using the cover of security personnel to perpetrate criminal acts in Anambra.
“The Corps remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the citizens of Anambra State from impostors and criminals, and we will continue to take decisive action against those who threaten the security and well-being of Anambra residents,” he added.
Meanwhile, the NSCDC state boss has directed the Intelligence and Investigation Department to launch a comprehensive investigation aimed at identifying and apprehending the suspect’s accomplices, who are currently a large and upon the conclusion of the investigation, the suspect will be charged in court.
He assures members of the public that the command under his watch will leave no stone unturned in the fight against crimes and criminality in the state, urging them to remain vigilant and provide the command with timely and accurate information that will lead to the arrest and prosecution of criminal elements.
Court insists Ecobank deposit N1.089bn to settle former Oceanic Bank staff pending final judgment
A National Industrial Court in Lagos has mandated that Ecobank Nigeria deposit N1.086 billion into the account of the Chief Registrar of the National Industrial Court.
This decision comes as the court hears Ecobank’s appeal against a previous judgment.
The order, issued by Justice R. Gwandu, was made in response to Ecobank’s request for a stay of execution regarding a judgment requiring the bank to pay N1,086,611,589.11 to 1,742 former Oceanic Bank employees. The employees had alleged that the bank had failed to pay their Staff Savings and gratuities.
Additionally, the court had previously issued an order nisi for the attachment of all outstanding funds held by Ecobank with the Central Bank of Nigeria and other banks in Nigeria to ensure satisfaction of the judgment debt.
In its recent ruling, the court denied Ecobank’s application to stay the execution of the judgment and upheld the order nisi, requiring the judgment sum to be deposited into the Chief Registrar’s account until the appeal is resolved.
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The case began when the 1,742 ex-Oceanic Bank employees filed a suit against the bank for not providing their entitled benefits. The National Industrial Court subsequently ordered Ecobank to pay the specified amount.
Displeased with this decision, Ecobank filed an appeal and requested a stay of execution. In response, the former employees sought an order nisi for the attachment of funds to satisfy the judgment.
Justice Gwandu, in ruling on both the stay application and the order nisi, stated: “Bench ruling read on motion for stay, order nisi is granted as prayed, stay of execution is denied.”
He further emphasized the court’s responsibility to protect the integrity of its judgment and ensure the subject matter is preserved during the appeal process. The judgment debtor was instructed to pay the amount into the Chief Registrar’s account pending the appeal’s outcome.
The representative action was filed by Mr. Nwabu Okoye, counsel for Mr. Babajide Bayode, Yemisi Adesote, Adeboyejo Oladimeji, Seun Aina, Yusuf Kadiri, Segun Alasan, Adetayo Familugba, and Lolade Olaribigbe, who represented themselves and 1,733 other ex-employees of Oceanic Bank, now Ecobank Nigeria Limited. The claimants had sought various orders from the court.
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Hardship: Prioritise Nigerians’ welfare – NLC tells federal govt
The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has urged the Federal Government to implement policies that would alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.
President of NLC, Mr Joe Ajaero, said this in a communiqué jointly signed by Mr Emmanuel Ugboaja, NLC General Secretary at the end of an emergency meeting on Wednesday in Abuja.
The communiqué was issued at the end of an emergency meeting of the National Executive Council, NEC, to assess the welfare of Nigerian workers and the general populace in light of the hardship.
Ajaero said that the NECin session demanded the reversal of all the “ill-conceived policies” that have led to the current economic crisis.
He said that for accountability, NEC calls for an independent investigation into the killings and maiming of protesters.
“Those responsible for these heinous acts must be held accountable, and justice must be served to the victims and their families.
“All the peaceful protesters held illegally and unconstitutionally in government’s custody must be free without delay,” he said.
He urged the Federal Government to engage in meaningful dialogue with representatives of the protesters, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.
Ajaero called on the government to implement immediate relief measures to alleviate the suffering of workers and the general populace.
He said these include the provision of direct food aid, subsidies on essential commodities, and other social safety nets.
He added that NEC directs all workers across the country to continue to keep themselves safe in the posttest as the masses try to make their voices heard.
“You must maintain our commitment to non-violence and ensure that our actions are lawful and disciplined as the people protest,” he said.
Hardship: Prioritise Nigerians’ welfare – NLC tells federal govt
Net FX flows increase by 55% to $25.4 billion in six months
The Central Bank of Nigeria has revealed that the net foreign exchange flows into the country increased to $25.4bn in the first six months of 2024, marking a 55 per cent increase from the figure recorded year-over-year.
It stated that the evident progress is a result of its policy measures.
This new development comes against the backdrop of its $876m auction to 26 banks to resolve unmet FX demands.
A statement from the apex bank on Thursday noted that this growth has been fueled by a rise in capital importation, which reached $6bn in June 2024, and record inflows from diaspora remittances through formal channels.
The statement read, “The CBN’s policy objectives are yielding tangible results and bolstering market confidence. Net foreign exchange flows rose to $25.4bn between January and June, marking a 55 per cent year-over-year increase.
“This growth has been driven by a rise in capital importation, which reached $6bn in June 2024, and record inflows from diaspora remittances through formal channels.”
The CBN further noted that over $305m of foreign exchange has been sold to authorized dealers in the last three weeks through a two-way quote system, which has been deployed over the past few months to enhance liquidity in the interbank market.
According to the statement, the CBN offered $876m to meet bids submitted by customers during an auction concluded on Wednesday, August 7, 2024.
This was done through the Retail Dutch Auction System, which is designed to facilitate FX sales to end users directly, promoting a more transparent market, reducing information asymmetry, and aiding in price discovery.
The statement read: “In the latest testament to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to support the proper functioning of the foreign exchange market by enhancing liquidity when necessary, the apex bank offered $876m to fulfil bids submitted by customers at an auction concluded on Wednesday, August 7, 2024.
“In line with its pledge to provide transparent access to foreign exchange for all legitimate customers, the CBN’s leadership has introduced an additional mechanism through the Retail Dutch Auction System to directly facilitate FX sales to end users.
“This approach aims to foster a more transparent market, reducing information asymmetry and supporting price discovery. It complements the two-way quote system deployed over the past few months to enhance liquidity in the interbank market, through which over $305m of foreign exchange has been sold to authorised dealers in the last three weeks.”
The apex bank also said that it contributed less than 5 per cent of the $43bn foreign exchange turnover recorded on the official market as of July 2024.
In its statement, the CBN noted that the FX market is showing signs of improvement and increased depth, with more robust and diversified sources of liquidity contributing to the sustained convergence of exchange rates across all market segments.
The statement added, “The foreign exchange market is also showing signs of improvement and increased depth, with more robust and diversified sources of liquidity contributing to the sustained convergence of exchange rates across all segments of the market. The official market recorded a turnover of $43 billion in customer transactions by the end of July 2024, with CBN-supplied liquidity representing less than 5 per cent of total market activities.”
The CBN also stressed that it is committed to fostering a transparent, market-driven foreign exchange environment and will continue to strengthen the market’s capacity to meet the needs of all legitimate participants.
Since he assumed office last year, the CBN under the leadership of Olayemi Cardoso, has employed a variety of policies to stabilise the foreign exchange market and boost productivity.
While government officials claim there have been massive improvements, the lives of average citizens have yet to improve due to soaring inflation and the high cost of living.