The Federal Government has insisted that President Bola Tinubu did not come into office to make life difficult for Nigerians.
Addressing members of the Diplomatic Community, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the President has come to office with bold solutions to historical problems.
He said the President is determined to correct many of the poor policies and dysfunctional choices that have held the nation back for decades.
“It is important to kick off on this note: that President Tinubu did not come to office to cause hardship or make life difficult for Nigerians.
“He has come to office with bold solutions to historical problems; with the determination to correct many of the poor policies and dysfunctional choices that have held us back as a nation for decades.
“The President assumed office during one of Nigeria’s most challenging periods in its history, where the country was spending 97% of all its revenue on debt service; coupled with widespread poverty, rising unemployment, dilapidated infrastructure, and insecurity.
“Faced with these daunting realities, the administration took decisive action and implemented long-overdue reforms to save the economy from collapse.
“For decades, the costly, wasteful and unsustainable fuel subsidy regime had denied Nigeria the opportunity to invest in critical infrastructure, social service, and the welfare of its citizens.
“The President, therefore, had to take a very painful decision to abolish the fuel subsidy and redirect the funds towards critical sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and security, which directly impact citizens’ well-being and the development of the country,” he said.
The minister added, “The President was not under any illusion that the withdrawal of fuel subsidy and the harmonization of foreign exchange rates would not come with some transitional pains.
“This informed the decision of the Federal Government to design comprehensive intervention programmes to cushion the transitional pains.
“We have been very determined about ensuring that these interventions are fully implemented, and bring the intended relief to Nigerians.”
Hardship: Tinubu didn’t come into office to cause difficulties – Nigerian Govt insists
Hardship: Tinubu didn’t come into office to cause difficulties – Nigerian Govt insists
NBA mourns ex-Ikeja branch chair, Ogunlana
The Nigerian Bar Association has expressed sadness over the death of the former chairman of the Ikeja Branch of the NBA, Adesina Ogunlana.
Ogunlana who was Chairman of the NBA Ikeja Branch from 2016 to 2018, passed away on Tuesday.
In a statement signed by the National Executive Committee of the NBA, through the National Publicity Secretary, Akorede Lawal, on Wednesday, the body said Ogunlana’s passage is a monumental loss.
The statement also said that Ogundare’s term as the Chairman of the NBA Ikeja Branch between 2016 and 2018 witnessed a renaissance of some sort within the Bar, as he actively led the protest against the increase in the Land Use Charge introduced by the Lagos State Government in 2018.
The statement read,” It is with great sadness that the National Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association received the news today of the passage of one of the illustrious members of the NBA, Adesina Ogunlana, Esq.
“Mr. Ogunlana was a former chairman of the Ikeja Branch of the NBA.
“His term as the Chairman of the NBA Ikeja Branch between 2016 and 2018 witnessed a renaissance of some sort within the Bar, as he actively led the protest against the increase in the Land Use Charge introduced by the Lagos State Government in 2018.
“In this time, when citizens of this country look up to conscientious members of the legal profession for direction, the passage of Adesina Ogunlana is a monumental loss, as he was an activist in the exact sense of the word.
“Not one to shy away from standing firmly on the side of the people, Mr Ogunlana actively participated in the Nationwide Hunger Protest in Lagos last week.
“Through his life works as an advocate in the courtroom and publisher of Squib Magazine, Mr. Ogunlana, who recently celebrated his 60th birthday, was renowned for his active commitment to the rule of law, effective administration of justice, and protection of human rights.
“The NBA and indeed the legal profession will miss Adesina Ogunlana, but more so will Nigeria. To his immediate family, friends, and members of the NBA Ikeja Branch, the NBA offers its deepest condolences.
“Be assured that you are not alone in your grief; we grieve with you but take solace in the man that Adesina Ogunlana was. May Almighty God comfort us all.”
Kano to renovate, relocate Golden Jubilee Monument
The Kano State Executive Council has approved the sum of N2,665,646,756.44 for multiple projects in the state.
This was in a move to enhance the infrastructure and public services across the state.
Sanusi Dawakin, the spokesman to Governor Abba Yusuf, disclosed this on Wednesday while highlighting the outcomes of the 17th Executive Council meeting.
The projects he said were aimed at fostering sustainable development and improving the safety of residents across the state.
“These sweeping initiatives are designed to elevate public services and infrastructure across Kano State, addressing both current needs and future demands.
“One of the key projects is the renovation and conversion of part of the Kano State Library into an office complex for the Ministry of Transport and offices of Special Advisers to Governor Abba Yusuf with a budget of N268,160,455.84.
“This renovation is expected to provide modern, functional workspaces, thereby enhancing the efficiency of government operations and service delivery,” Dawakin stated.
He further said, ”Additionally, the council approved the relocation, re-instalment, and upgrading of the Golden Jubilee Monument at Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso Bridge along Emir’s Palace Road, costing N164,949,693.46. ”
Dawakin also said the infrastructure overhaul also includes the “Laterite filling of a 2-km road from Riga to Karkari in Gwarzo LGA (N43,382,210.10), revalidation and approval for outstanding payment for the construction of Dangote female hostel and landscaping at the Kano State University of Science & Technology, Wudil,” among others.
These projects collectively highlight the government’s proactive approach to addressing infrastructural challenges and improving public services.
Don’t belong to secret societies, fight on duty – Abia civil servants warned
Civil servants in Abia State have been charged to discharge their duties in line with the rules and to avoid involving in acts of misconduct that may tarnish the integrity of the Civil Service.
The advice was given to the civil servants by a lead resource person, Mr Anthony Nwachukwu, during a seminar organized by the Office of the Head of Service for civil servants going for promotion, conversion and confirmation examinations.
Delivering a lecture at the event attended by thousands of workers from different MDAs, Nwachukwu admonished them to refrain from acts such as fighting on duty, membership of secret societies, truancy, and falsification of personal and official records.
He also cautioned the civil servants against unofficial and illegal adoption of children, absenteeism without permission, lateness to work, unauthorized leave, rejection of transfer, poor attitude to duty or declaring for any political party.
The resource person reminded the workers that any civil servant who engages in acts that are inimical to the rules and integrity of the Civil Service will be risking suspension or dismissal, in line with the Service Rules.
He further took time to educate the workers about leave allowances, sabbatical leave, sick leave, obedience to the government in power and the need to professionalize their career.
Speaking while declaring the seminar open, Abia State Head of Service, Mrs Ngozi Obioma, explained that the seminar was put together for those going for promotion examinations to prepare them for more dedicated service.
She said the government is keeping a record of workers’ performances but allayed the fears that civil servants will be witch-hunted through the monitoring of their files.
Obioma, who tasked the civil servants on the need to move away from analogue system of service by becoming computer literate to drive speed of service delivery, challenged them to prove that they are capable and qualified to discharge their duties creditably.
Don’t belong to secret societies, fight on duty – Abia civil servants warned
Anambra offers scholarship to eight-year-old maths genius
The Anambra State Government has offered a full-time scholarship to Master Chukwuemeka Nwuzor, an eight-year-old mathematics genius who was captured in a viral video solving mathematics some weeks ago.
The wife of the state governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, who announced the scholarship award after meeting Master Chukwuemeka and his family at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia on Wednesday, said the scholarship is for the boy’s complete education in any school of his choice from primary to any level he wants to attain in life.
Master Chukwuemeka was seen in a viral video giving correct answers to different mathematical questions, including solving advanced formulas and numerical equations.
Learning that the boy in the video is from Nibo in Awka South Local Government Area of the state, to be precise, Mrs Soludo said she immediately launched a search for him and soon found his family.
On invitation to the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, the governor’s wife, sat with the boy, his father, and his younger brother.
She brought a calculator close and asked the boy questions about formulas, equations, and structures, to which he answered all correctly.
The governor’s wife then announced that she would sponsor the boy’s education from his present primary class to any level of his choice and build mentorship around him to help him reach his full potential.
She said, “Chukwuemeka’s breed is rare among mankind, and he has incredible talent. I have pledged to give him all the support he needs to grow, starting from the scholarship to any level.
“I also advised the parents not to put him under pressure by forcing him up in classes but instead allow him to walk at a pace that grows his talent better.”
BREAKING: Gov Mutfwang relaxes 24-hour curfew in Jos-Bukuru metropolis
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State on Wednesday relaxed the 24 hour curfew imposed on Jos-Bukuru metropolis as a result of violence that trailed the #EndBadGovernance protests.
Residents are now to move freely between 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm.
TVN recalls that the governor had said the decision became necessary in order to enhance the security of lives and property, and also maintain public order.
The relaxation of the curfew was announced in a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Gyang Bere, made available to journalists in Jos, the state capital.
The statement reads: “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 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm daily until further notice.
“Governor Caleb Manasseh 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.
“He emphasized the importance of maintaining vigilance to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order and assured that government will continue to review the curfew as the situation improved.”
The governor urged residents within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis to cooperate with security personnel and report any suspicious activities for prompt action.
Mutfwang assured the public of the government’s unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of all citizens.
The governor commended residents for their patriotism in observing the curfew, noting that their cooperation is vital for the collective interests of the state.
BREAKING: Gov Mutfwang relaxes 24-hour curfew in Jos-Bukuru metropolis
FACT CHECK: How true is Gov Zulum’s claim that 95% of Borno #EndBadGovernance protesters are under 14yrs?
Claim: 95 per cent of the youths who participated in Thursday’s violent protests in Maiduguri were children less than 14 years old.
Verdict: Misleading.
Full Text:
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum recently claimed that 95 per cent of the youths who participated in Thursday’s violent protests in Maiduguri were children under 14 years.
According to reports, Zulum made this known in a broadcast to the people of Borno where he also declared the lifting of the 24-hour curfew imposed on the state.
“Over 95 per cent of those who participated in the so-called Thursday protests were children under 14 years. Most of them do not know why they are protesting.
“A six-year-old child carrying a placard is amazing; he must have been directed by someone. Most of those children are not from Borno,” Zulum claimed.
READ ALSO:FACT-CHECK: Did President Tinubu send a threat message to #EndBadGovernance protesters?
The state is one amongst others where the peaceful protest against economic hardship has snowballed into violence, with a detonated improvised explosive device reportedly killing 16 persons and leavingt many others critically injured.
Nigerians in many states have marched onto the streets in an ongoing 10-day demonstration tagged #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria. The protest, which started on August 1 continues on its 5th day despite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s address to the nation where he has urged protesters to suspend protests and called protest ‘organizers’ to come for dialogue.
Verification:
Borno, a state in Northern Nigeria, is estimated to have a population of over six million people. The state also contributed to the country’s 18.3 million out-of-school children.
In March, 2024 Borno State Government said it has made significant progress in addressing the problem of out-of-school children by reducing the number in the state from over two million to 800,000.
Though videos and pictures online show children participating in the protest, it is clear that there is no registry for protesters, thus, the number or age of participants cannot be determined.
Conclusion:
The Borno State Governor’s claim cannot be substantiated.
By Quadri Yahya
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Dokubo-Asari not against protest, concerned about anarchy – Coastal Dwellers Association
The Coastal Dwellers Association of West Africa has faulted reports that a Niger Delta freedom fighter, Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, is against the #EndBadGovernance protests across the country.
Before the commencement of the protests, Dokubo-Asari was reported to have warned the organizers not to come to the Niger Delta, noting that the agenda of those behind the protest did not capture the problems of the people of the region.
However, in a statement made available to journalists, President of the Coastal Dwellers Association of West Africa, Arch Tom Inko-Tariah, noted that a speech made by Dokubo-Asari at a Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, event in Port Harcourt was edited out of context to suggest that the activist was against the protests staged by aggrieved Nigerians.
According to Inko-Tariah, reports suggesting that Dokubo-Asari, a prominent advocate for minority rights in the Niger Delta, is against the protest, are untrue.
According to him, “Dokubo-Asari, known for his lifelong dedication to fighting for the people, cannot change at this stage of his life.”
Inko-Tariah highlighted Dokubo-Asari’s commitment to standing by the people and fighting for justice and equality throughout his career.
He noted that while Dokubo-Asari may have expressed concerns about the potential for violence and chaos during the protests, his stance is rooted in a desire to uphold democratic principles and prevent any destabilization of the country.
“Alhaji Mujahid Abubakar Dokubo-Asari has always been a champion for the rights of the marginalized communities in the Niger Delta and beyond. His focus has been on addressing systemic injustices and promoting peaceful resolutions to grievances.
“It is crucial to understand that his concerns lie not with the legitimate grievances of the protesters but with the dangers of anarchy and attempts to subvert the democratic process through unconstitutional means,” Inko-Tariah added.
Dokubo-Asari not against protest, concerned about anarchy – Coastal Dwellers Association
PRP commends peaceful protesters, condemns rioters
The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) says the peaceful conduct of some Nigerian youths in the ongoing nationwide EndBadGovernance protests must be commended while those who decided to turn the demonstrators into a spree of violence and looting stand condemned.
Hon. Falalu Bello, the
National Chairman of the
PRP who made the assertions in a statement on Wednesday, said the youths held largely “peaceful protests across the nation and conducted themselves peacefully and clearly making their demands of the All Progressive Congress (APC) government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for good governance in Nigeria.”
“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, breach into shops and buildings to steal goods of ordinary Nigerians and the public,” Bello said.
He also called on the government to launch an investigation into reported brutality by security operatives as well as the loss of lives of protesters in different parts of the country.
“As protests are part and parcel of the plural democracy Nigerians have chosen for themselves, we demand full investigation and accountability for the loss of lives and limbs through the use of live ammunition by the Nigerian State Security agencies in many locations where there were killings and maiming of Nigerian citizens,” he said.
“The investigations should establish those responsible and be made to account for their misdeeds. Moving forward, we demand of our Legislators 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 use of live ammunition in all future protests. The use of live ammunition to control protests in Nigeria must be stopped.”
Touching on President Bola Tinubu’s speech last Sunday, Bello said:
“On August 4th, 2024, the 4th day of the 10 days planned protest, as advised the Nigerian government by the protestors, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT), addressed the nation on the nationwide protests. In that address, PBAT acknowledged the protesters demands, called for unity and cooperation of Nigerians to address the nation’s challenges, reaffirmed his commitments to democratic principles and human rights, and pontificated on some of his administration’s achievements, such as an increase in revenue because of blocking leakages on expenditures, an increase in spending on social services such as education, and an increase in revenue accruing to states and local governments.
“In the said 4-8-24 PBAT speech, the president unfortunately neither apologised to Nigerians for the economic hardship his 16-month administration has brought to Nigerians nor for the myriad of problems the nation is facing, such as increased corruption, an increase in the cost of governance, an increase in insecurity, and wasteful expenditures.
“It is not intended in this press release that we do a critique of the 4-8-2024 PBAT speech, but we need to cursorily comment on his claim of increased revenue, an increase in social spending, and an increase in revenue accruing to state and local governments.
“True, there have been increases in revenue to the federal, state, and local governments, but these increases did not come owing to an increase in economic activities or blockage of wasteful expenditures as claimed but came because of the massive devaluation of the national currency and no more.
READ ALSO:PRP urges Nigerian govt to initiate peace moves with #EndBadGovernance protesters
“The revenue increase to N9.1 trillion came because of devaluation, and if this N9.1 trillion is to be divided by the current exchange rate, the nation has earned less than what was earned in the corresponding period of President Muhammadu Buhari’s (PMB) government. We can go on to puncture most of the claims made in the speech and show that the PBAT government is still bedevilled by incidences of bad governance but would not do so.
“We, however, would here humbly suggest to the PABT government to address the concerns of the protesters and other Nigerians by:
1. Addressing the monumental increase in cost of living brought about by the removal of petroleum subsidies, the removal of electricity subsidies, and the devaluation of the naira, which largely increased inflation in Nigeria;
2. Reduction in the costs of governance by reducing the size of the existing cabinet, reducing their salary and perks, and initiating a substantial reduction of the cost of the National Assembly to the nation;
3. Start addressing corruption in the land by prosecuting identified cases of corruption, beginning with his cabinet members and members of the National Assembly with EFCC cases;
4. Address insecurity in the land by giving the security high commands (military and police) time to rid this country of banditry and kidnappings; otherwise, he changes them and appoints those willing and able to address the insecurity in Nigeria; and,
5. Stop wasteful expenditures in the presidency, such as the purchase of a new presidential jet, a presidential yacht, exotic cars for the presidency and the national assembly, etc.
“We have in the eight (8) years of APC government under PMB and since PABT came to power, been addressing the governments at the national level by telling them how to attain good governance in Nigeria, as we have done in this press release today, but we have been totally ignored and even abused when former Senate leadership called us rabble-rousers.
“For this reason, we are today telling Nigerians that the PRP as well as a few other political parties with good ideologies, exist as alternatives to the APC/PDP that have ruined us in the last 25 years.
“We in the PRP have solutions to the high cost of governance, wasteful expenditures, insecurity, and corruption bedevilling the Nigerian nation and shall soon unveil to the nation in piecemeal our programs and policies. This is to prove to Nigerians that truly our party can do it better than the APC.
“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 Ahmed Tinubu can be changed through the ballot box, and we call on the Nigerian youths, who constitute 67% of registered voters of Nigeria, to massively come out in the next 2 years and 8 months to bring a new government that would have empathy for its citizens and bring good governance to the nation, and this is possible.”
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Rivers Govt commissions oxygen plant
The Rivers State Government has inaugurated a Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen Plant at the General Hospital in Ogale Community, Eleme Local Government Area.
This initiative is a collaboration between the public and private sectors.
According to a statement from the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chikwudi, the Oxygen Plant was constructed and installed through a partnership involving UNICEF, the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Rivers State Government, the Canadian Government, and IHS Towers.
During the commissioning, Governor Siminalayi Fubara highlighted the state’s progress in reconstructing, equipping, and staffing health facilities more effectively than ever before under his administration.
He emphasized that healthcare services are becoming increasingly accessible at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, contributing to a healthier society.
Fubara attributed these achievements to the last six months following the state’s liberation, despite the political crisis aimed at distracting his administration.
He noted that the project aligns with his administration’s three-point agenda.
Fubara said, “We might have had so many things in mind or written down before we came on board. But half way the journey, we found out that we need to redirect ourselves and understand the needs of our people.
“The need for quality education, the need for affordable healthcare services, the need to put food on the tables of our people became more pertinent.
“And that is why we brought this three-point agenda: healthcare, education and agriculture, and you are witnesses to it.
“What we have done, not in one year but in the past six months of our liberation, is that, we have touched healthcare services like never before in our State.
“We have spent and we are spending to make sure that Rivers State becomes health (medical) tourism State.”
According to Fubara, approximately 70 percent of the reconstruction and upgrading work on Zonal Hospitals in the state have been completed.
He noted that the facilities now offer significantly improved conditions compared to before his administration took office.
Fubara emphasized that the Zonal Hospitals have been remodeled to meet international standards, adding that, the various investments made in the health sector have provided compelling evidence to UNICEF and its partners, influencing their decision to establish the Medical Oxygen Plant in the state.
He said, “They saw what we’re doing, and they believed that it will be right to partner with Rivers State. Let’s set the record straight: It is not our project. The Pressure Swing Adsorption Oxygen Plant is a UNICEF project, supported by the Federal Government and other partners.
“But, the unique thing about this project is that it needed to be sited somewhere that people understand its need, people who are spending, making positive investment in healthcare. And that is why we gained that privilege.
“A situation where people from the East, people from other South-South states will be coming to access this facility. You know what it means? On your lands that we’re building more roads for you, people will start buying them to start living here.
“More medical facilities will start to spring up. As a matter of fact, don’t be surprised, most of these international organizations might be coming to set up some plants around here, because what is coming out of here is a very important ingredient in healthcare services.”
Fubara assured that the project will be protected, and enjoined the people of Eleme and the Hospitals Management Board to do everything within their powers secure the plant.
He further appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government, who despite the poor state of the economy that he inherited, is doing everything possible to lead it out of the woods.
Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, described the event as a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and enhance service delivery.
Oreh highlighted the crucial role of oxygen in medical care, particularly in addressing global health challenges.
The commissioner credited Governor Fubara’s visionary leadership with making it possible for patients in Rivers State to access this essential resource.
She said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical need for a reliable and sustainable supply of medical-grade oxygen to support patients in respiratory distress and other medical emergencies.
“The PSA Oxygen Plant we are commissioning today represents a vital step forward in ensuring that our healthcare facilities are equipped to deliver timely and effective medical care to those in need.
“The oxygen plant can fill 135 cylinders (20-liter bottles) in 24 hours. These can provide 720,000 liters of medical oxygen within the same time frame. This capacity ensures that 100 children with severe pneumonia or 50-60 COVID-19 patients can receive round-the-clock oxygen treatment simultaneously.”
Also speaking, the UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Cristian Munduate, said the partners are delighted to handover the Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen Plant to the Rivers State Government as an evidence in the collective endeavour of improving health outcomes for Rivers people.
Rivers Govt commissions oxygen plant