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No rift between speaker, deputy over oil committee dissolution — Reps

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No rift between speaker, deputy over oil committee dissolution — Reps

The House of Representatives has clarified that there is no rift between the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, and his deputy, Benjamin Kalu, following the dissolution of the ad-hoc committee investigating oil theft and the importation of adulterated fuel.

In a statement by its spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, on Wednesday, the House observed that certain media outlets had speculated about tensions following the committee’s dissolution. Akin stressed that the leadership’s action aimed to ensure the efficacy, independence, and effectiveness of the investigations.

Akin stated, “Some have speculated about a rift between the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker, and others have alleged inducement for the appointment of a committee chairman. These claims are baseless. The House’s leadership acted within its rights, as provided by Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which allows the House to regulate its procedures.”

He added that the House reserves the right to dissolve an ad-hoc committee when necessary. “The dissolution of the ad-hoc committee on Oil and Gas Investigation did not contravene any rule or law. No one received an inducement to appoint a committee chairman. The Selection Committee of the House, comprising members from each state, executed the assignment diligently between June and July 2023.”

Akin further said, “There is no rift whatsoever between the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker. They enjoy a robust and cordial relationship, with mutual respect. The public should disregard the unfounded speculations in some media sections.”

The House spokesperson urged journalists and the Nigerian media to verify their facts before publishing, advising them to crosscheck with appropriate quarters to avoid spreading falsehoods.

“The House operates an open-door policy and remains open to the Nigerian public and the media regarding its activities,” Akin concluded.

#EndBadGovernance Protest: Plateau govt relaxes curfew on Jos/Bukuru metropolis

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#EndBadGovernance Protest: Plateau govt relaxes curfew on Jos/Bukuru metropolis

The Plateau State government has relaxed the 24-hour curfew earlier imposed on the Jos/Bukuru metropolis to enable residents to go out for some hours.
Gyang Bere, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the State Governor, Caleb Muftwang, in a statement issued on Wednesday afternoon said: “Following the improvement in security situation within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis, the Plateau State Government has announced a relaxation of the earlier imposed 24-hour curfew.
“Effective from Wednesday, August 7, 2024, residents of the area can now move freely between the hours of 2 pm and 6 pm daily until further notice.
“Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who ordered the relaxation after consultation with the security agencies, praised them for their diligence and commitment to ensuring strict compliance with the curfew.
READ ALSO: Plateau govt confirms 200 pupils trapped in collapsed school building
“He emphasized the importance of maintaining vigilance to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order and assured that the government will continue to review the curfew as the situation improves.
“The governor urged residents within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis to cooperate with security personnel and report any suspicious activities for prompt action. He assured the public of the government’s unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of all citizens and commended the residents for their patriotism in observing the curfew, noting that their cooperation is vital for the collective interests of the State.”
The protests in the Jos-Bukuru metropolis had turned violent as angry youths vandalised properties and caused tension in the state.
Hence, the government imposed the curfew to restore peace and order in the state.
The post #EndBadGovernance Protest: Plateau govt relaxes curfew on Jos/Bukuru metropolis appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Protests: DSS grills seven Polish nationals arrested in Kano

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Protests: DSS grills seven Polish nationals arrested in Kano

The Department of State Service, DSS, says it is currently investigating seven Polish nationals arrested in connection with the violent #EndBadGovernance protests in Kano.
The spokesperson of the DSS, Peter Afunanya, revealed this when the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, held a meeting with members of the Diplomatic Corps on Wednesday.
Reacting to questions, the DSS representative explained that the Polish nationals were picked up over the display of foreign flags during the protests in parts of the North-West.
According to him, those picked up are being investigated, further assuring that their arrest was not a targeted attempt on Polish nationals.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, a representative of the National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police and the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs.
TVN meeting followed the nationwide protest across the country, which commenced on August 1, 2024.
The Foreign Affairs minister highlighted the Federal Government’s efforts to enhance socioeconomic development, which he says had resulted in the reduction of the country’s debt servicing spending from 90 percent to 68 percent.
He added that the government had initiated other interventions to ensure food security, create jobs and promote investments.
Tuggar stated that the past few days have witnessed bad narratives on the social media which he said are currently threatening the peace and stability of the nation.
The minister, however, assured that the Federal Government remained committed to protecting members of the Diplomatic Corps, as well as Nigerians in line with international laws.
He warned that the government would not spare anyone found guilty of funding the protest both from within and outside the shores of the country.
Protests: DSS grills seven Polish nationals arrested in Kano

Why I appointed 50 aides — UNICAL first female SUG President

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Why I appointed 50 aides — UNICAL first female SUG President

The first female President of the Student Union Government, University of Calabar, Blessing Alims, has explained why she appointed 50 individuals for advisory roles in her administration.

Alims, who recently gained the attention of netizens after being announced the President in the university’s 49-year history, announced the appointment of the aides in a viral letter dated August 1, 2024.

UNICAL President letter

However, her decision has sparked controversies on social media, with many saying that she probably imitated her leadership style from what they described as a “wasteful government” bedevilling Nigeria.

Reacting on Wednesday in a statement signed by her Press Secretary, Madueke Chinenye, the newly elected SUG President said her decision was not unconnected to the effective governance, catering to the welfare status of the over 42,000 students from 20 faculties and over 110 departments of the institution.

UNICAL President letter (2)

In the statement titled, ‘Addressing concerns on appointment,’ She said, “The Students’ Union Government is tasked with ensuring the welfare and progress of our entire university community. Just as a single tree does not make a forest, effective governance for a student body of over 42,000 requires a collaborative effort. It is essential to have a strong and diverse team to implement our initiatives successfully.

“With over 20 faculties and over 110 departments, the University of Calabar is a complex institution.

“Appointing aides ensures representation from each faculty and department, which is crucial for effective student mobilisation and governance. This approach allows us to address the unique needs of each segment of our student population.”

Alims noted that the appointments were strictly voluntary and came with no financial compensation, stressing, “They are designed to foster career development, instilling a sense of duty and motivation in the appointees. Each aide underwent a rigorous screening process by the Senate Committee, took an Oath of Office, and is eager to contribute their skills and creativity to the administration.”

The President further maintained that the selection process was merit-based and that each of the appointees brings valuable expertise to support her administration’s goals.

She commended some of the appointees who, she said, have received national and international recognition for their voluntary work while assuring the university community that the aides would deliver.

Alims, a student of Peace Studies and Conflict Resolutions at the Department of Political Science, was elected SUG President on June 14, 2024.

Regina Daniels fires back after receiving hard knocks from critics over comments on nationwide protests

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Regina Daniels fires back after receiving hard knocks from critics over comments on nationwide protests

Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has taken to social media to fire back after receiving hard knocks from critics over comments on nationwide protests against bad governance.
Recall that the actress, in a post shared on her official Instagram page while sharing her thoughts on the protests, condemned acts of violence carried out by some protesters.
“Today is August 1, the first day of the national protests in Nigeria. We all know that the masses are suffering and want a better living, hence the protest. There is nothing wrong with protesting, but there is everything wrong with violence,” she began.
“Once violence gets involved, it defeats the whole purpose of the protests. I urge everyone to try and make this protest as peaceful as possible.” The thespian wrote on Instagram.
The comments made by the actress were met with disdain by some critics on social media who berated her for making such comments knowing fully well that she is married to a billionaire and does not necessarily feel the suffering of the masses.
See selected comments targeted at Regina Daniels by critics on social media;
@bluespet.ng wrote; ‘‘If to say the country good, you for marry your grandpa, anuofia
READ ALSO:Actress Regina Daniels welcomes second child for Ned Nwoko in Jordan
@empress_official_2: Madam I don’t think you are qualified to give anyone advise now! If Nigeria was better, will you marry your ancestor for survival?!
“Take the video down, you’re too young to advise your elders, if the country was good you wouldn’t marry your grandfather,” said an outraged Instagram user in the comment section.
“You? Advise Nigerians??Omorrr ������No be your fault sha….If no be Ned, you for still Dey do Spider-Man for Asaba,” commented another user.
In reaction to the comments targeted at her by critics, Regina in a video shared on Instagram on Wednesday, drew the attention of Nigerians to what has been happening in the North where some persons have been hoisting the Russian flag and calling on the Russian government to “come and save them.”
In the video, while Asking if this is what Nigerians want, the actress said; ‘’Hoisting the Russian flag! Is that what we want? Mind you, whatever happens in the North can get to you. I preached against violence and ignorant Nigerians said it’s because I am privileged and opportune. Yes the fact remains that I am privileged and opportune.
‘‘But that doesn’t stop me from understanding that my nanny needs to be paid extra or that my gate man or my cooks need to be catered for because of insecurity and extra bills to be paid in Nigeria.
‘‘The point remains that Nigeria cannot be changed in a day and not by one man. I am not speaking for the government, neither am I speaking for you people to love me because I don’t need it. I am just stating the obvious fact and that is the truth.
The post Regina Daniels fires back after receiving hard knocks from critics over comments on nationwide protests appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Cocoa tussle: Indigenes of Cross River community cry out over intimidation by soldiers

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Cocoa tussle: Indigenes of Cross River community cry out over intimidation by soldiers

Residents and cocoa farmers in Etung LGA of Cross River State have alleged that they are being assaulted by soldiers from Afi Barracks in Edor community of Ikom LGA.
They pleaded that the soldiers should stop attacking them, alleging that a rich cocoa farmer was behind their predicament.
Speaking to journalists on behalf of the cocoa farmers, the youth leader in Agbokim Waterfalls in Etung LGA, Comrade Williams Akan Takon, said there have been facing intimidation from the soldiers.
He called on the Nigeria Army 13 Brigade Calabar to caution its personnel from the Afi Barracks against intimidating the indigenes of the community.
The youth leader also reacted to the presence of military personnel in the community, noting that their numbers keep increasing on a daily basis.
The youth leader claimed that the residents of the community are always intimidated at the slightest provocation.
He cited an instance where the uniformed men stormed the community at an unholy hour, claiming they are looking one of the youths, Mr Akem Aganchawa.
According to the youth leader, the soldiers broke into Aganchawa’s house in his absence.
He lamented that the peaceful relationship that existed between the members of the community and the soldiers has suddenly disappeared.
“We used to have some peaceful military men who were friendly and approachable. They were like brothers to this community, unfortunately the reverse is the case now.
“The military personnel have been entering our community since July 2024. They now come with hostility, intimidation and sometimes would be flogging the community locals, especially if they were unable to apprehend the individual that had been penciled down for arrest.”
Also speaking on alleged harassment and intimidation, a farmer, Mr Asu Njoh, said it was unfortunate that people who were supposed to protect members of the community are now assaulting them.
Cocoa tussle: Indigenes of Cross River community cry out over intimidation by soldiers

PROTESTS: Python Dance would be a joke if the Russian flags were found with an Igbo man —Eedris Abdulkareem

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PROTESTS: Python Dance would be a joke if the Russian flags were found with an Igbo man —Eedris Abdulkareem

Eedris Abdulkareem, a former band member of the defunct music group The Remedies, has said that operation ‘Python Dance’ by the Nigerian Armed Forces would have been a joke if the Russian flags were found with an Igbo man in the East.
The veteran musician, who was reacting to the shocking use of Russian flags by #EndBadGovernance protesters in a post on his Instagram page, said that the situation would have been different if Igbos were at the center of the act.
READ ALSO:Singer Eedris Abdulkareem tackles Adeboye over silence on Tinubu’s govt (Video)
According to multiple award-winning artiste, if that was the case, then, Python Dance would be a joke as it would be a ceaseless ‘gwo gwo’ dance in that part of town.
‘‘Let’s assume that the Russian flag was found with an Igbo man? Python Dance will be a joke, it would be a ceaseless ‘gwo gwo dance,’’ Eedris wrote on his Instagram page.
The post PROTESTS: Python Dance would be a joke if the Russian flags were found with an Igbo man —Eedris Abdulkareem appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Hardship: Calls for coup no longer acceptable – Abacha’s ex-CSO, Al-Mustapha

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Hardship: Calls for coup no longer acceptable – Abacha’s ex-CSO, Al-Mustapha

Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, former Chief Security Officer to ex-Military Head of State, late General Sani Abacha, has described the calls for a military takeover in the country.
Al-Mustapha described the calls as a misplaced priority, adding that there was no longer room for military intervention in Nigeria’s political affairs as democracy had come to stay in Nigeria.
Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja, he advised coup agitators to channel their energies into investing in military subordination to democracy.
He stressed that military rule was no longer fashionable around the world.
The retired Nigerian Army Major, intelligence officer, and politician, however, opposed both the parliamentary and presidential systems of government which Nigeria is practicing, saying it was strange to the historical backgrounds of the people of Nigeria.
He said he was now a Democrat and would not subscribe to any insubordination to democracy in whatever guise, asking those calling for a coup to drop the idea and rather work to deepen the nation’s democracy.
“I am by definition today, a politician. I am looking at this country today from a democratic sense. We have invested in it and we are investing in it. Our research is all towards the investment of democratic excellence in Nigeria.
“Military subordination to democracy is a clear direction as the world is today. But when you have democracy, the type that we are operating -presidential system,” he said.
Hardship: Calls for coup no longer acceptable – Abacha’s ex-CSO, Al-Mustapha

UK reassures Nigerians on safety amidst unrest

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UK reassures Nigerians on safety amidst unrest

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has assured the Nigerian diaspora in the United Kingdom of their safety following recent unrest in various cities across the country.

Montgomery gave the assurance during a meeting with the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

Montgomery, in a statement signed by one of the media and Public Relations Unit staff members of the commission, Gabriel Odu, on Wednesday addressed concerns about the disturbances affecting 12 towns in the UK.

He revealed that the UK government was implementing measures to restore order, including the establishment of a special task force of 60 courts with police and legal operatives to tackle the criminal activities linked to the unrest.

Montgomery emphasised the UK’s commitment to being an inclusive and tolerant society, reaffirming that the country will not accept discrimination or attacks against any community.

The British High Commissioner stated that the government is also taking steps to address online incitement and misinformation.

“We will not as a country accept discrimination or attacks against any community,” he was quoted to have said.

The statement noted that Montgomery reported that around 430,000 Nigerian visa applications were successful this year. He advised applicants to apply directly and be cautious of using agents.

Dabiri-Erewa commended the UK government for its swift response and noted that, to date, no Nigerians have been reported harmed or affected by the disturbances.

She reiterated the importance of the travel advisory issued by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and advised Nigerians in the UK to remain vigilant and cautious.

The meeting also included British Deputy High Commissioner Gill Lever, First Secretary Political Natalie Palmer, and staff members from NIDCOM.

Countries including Nigeria, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, and Canada have warned their citizens against travelling to the United Kingdom following violent riots across the country.

According to Reuters, the unrest began after a knife attack at a children’s dance class in Southport, northwest England, last Monday, which resulted in the deaths of three girls and injuries to ten others.

The incident has sparked widespread protests fueled by misinformation suggesting the attacker was an immigrant and radical Islamist. However, police confirmed that the suspect, born in Britain, is not being treated as a terrorist.

Foreign media reported that more than 420 arrests have been made as social media-fueled riots spread across the UK. In one instance, a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham, near Sheffield, was petrol-bombed, leading to clashes with police and injuries to ten riot officers.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer vowed to do “whatever it takes to bring these thugs to justice” as he addressed the nation on Sunday.

PRP condemns killings, warns against use of live ammunition

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PRP condemns killings, warns against use of live ammunition

The opposition Peoples Redemption Party on Wednesday raised concerns over the use of lethal force against Nigerians who participated in the nationwide #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests.

The opposition party’s fear comes in the wake of a report that a soldier shot a 16-year-old protester dead in the Samaru community, Zaria, Kaduna State on Tuesday.

The teenage protester was identified as Ismail Mohammed.

According Online reported that the incident occurred when troops of the Nigerian Army received a distress call to help disperse some hoodlums, who were burning tyres and attacking security personnel in Samaru.

The mob had attempted to attack the troops, an action that made the soldier fire a warning shot to scare the hoodlums away.

But the bullet hit Mohammed leading to his death.

As of the time of filing the report, the Nigerian Army said the soldier involved has since been arrested and undergoing interrogation.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had said security operatives involved in the management of the #EndBadGovernance protest did not use live ammunition.

Reacting in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party, Falalu Bello, warned that peaceful civilians protesting against hunger in the country shouldn’t be the target of gun-totting operatives who are deployed to maintain order.

He said, “As protests are part and parcel of the plural democracy Nigerians have chosen for themselves, we demand a full investigation and accountability for the loss of lives and limbs through the use of live ammunition by the Nigerian security agencies in many locations where killings and maiming were reported.

“Moving forward, we demand of our legislatures in the National Assembly, legislation that defines rules of engagements of protesters in Nigeria with the security agencies during protests that, inter alia, should prohibit the use of live ammunition in all future protests.

“The use of live ammunition to control protests in Nigeria must be stopped.

“We, on the other hand, condemn, in very strong terms, the rioters who infiltrated the peaceful protests in places like Kano and Kaduna states to destroy public property and breach in shops and buildings to steal goods of ordinary Nigerians.”

Continuing, Bello condemned the flying of Russian flags and called for the return of the military, saying it was an ill wind that would do the nation no good.

The PRP national chairman said that though President Bola Tinubu may have disappointed many Nigerians with a nationwide broadcast that did little to assuage frayed nerves, the onus is on the youth who constitute a larger voting bloc in the country to vote him out at the next poll.

“In the ongoing protests, we have heard of some people calling for the Nigerian military to take over government in Nigeria.

“We in the PRP are against this call and believe strongly that the military should be restricted to their constitutional responsibility of protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria and assisting the Nigeria Police Force to maintain peace when called to do so.

“The Nigerian electorate, we believe, should be allowed to change any bad government through the ballot box.

“The APC government of President Bola Tinubu can be changed through the ballot box, and we call on the Nigerian youth, who constitute 67 per cent of registered voters of Nigeria, to massively come out in the next two years and eight months to bring a new government that would have empathy for its citizens and bring good governance to the nation, and this is possible,” he assured.

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