Paul Ibe, media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has tackled a presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, over his reaction to Atiku’s statement on alleged killing of a protester by the military.
He said that the recent admission by the military to “mistakenly” killing a 16-year-old boy in Zaria, Kaduna State, was exactly what the former Vice President had alluded to in his statement.
TVN reported that Atiku cautioned the military authorities over the use of lethal force against peaceful civilian protesters.
Atiku said those who authorise such action against peaceful civilian protesters would be held responsible for committing crimes against humanity, even in the years following their retirement from service.
However, Onanuga faulted the former Vice President for warning security agencies against using lethal force against looters and arsonists.
He went on to allege that Atiku wants the protest to continue in spite of what he described as red signals from the streets.
Responding in a post on his X handle on Wednesday, Ibe told Onanuga that Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief, knows that even in war there are rules of engagement.
He said: “Following @atiku’s stern warning to service chiefs and military commanders not to shoot at protesting Nigerian citizens else they face crimes against humanity, the @HQNigerianArmy has admitted to “mistakenly” killing a 16-year-old boy in Zaria, Kaduna State.
“The culprit soldier, we are told, has been arrested. That’s accountability.
“This was exactly what the former Vice President had alluded to, that even those who give the orders for such extrajudicial executions will be held accountable under international laws.
“As Commander-in-Chief, @officialABAT knows that even in war, there are rules of engagement. So, @aonanuga1956, there was really no need for you to have been foaming in the mouth.”
Alleged killing of protester: Atiku’s aide tackles Onanuga over reaction to Ex-VP’s statement
Alleged killing of protester: Atiku’s aide tackles Onanuga over reaction to Ex-VP’s statement
Returning petrol subsidy’ll worsen poverty in Nigeria – NOA
The National Orientation Agency, NOA, says poverty will worsen if petrol subsidy is returned, as demanded by #EndBadGovernance protesters.
The Director-General of NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, made this statement on Wednesday, urging Nigerians to map out survival strategies amid the economic fallout of the removal of petrol subsidy by the President Bola Tinubu administration.
“Anybody who is making a demand that subsidy removal should be brought back is making an emotional demand, not an economic demand, because you have to also prove that if it is brought back, it will solve the issue of poverty; it will not, it will aggravate it,” Issa-Onilu said on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily breakfast show.
“So, what we should be doing is: How do we survive despite the removal?’ We need to promote all the efforts of this government to ensure that we survive without that subsidy.”
Issa-Onilu, a former spokesman for the President’s ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, also admitted the trust deficit between leaders and followers in the country due to repeated cases of broken promises over the years.
“It is difficult to talk to people who have for several years been let down. Nigerians feel let down. The first question they ask you is: ‘Is this another promise that will not be kept?’ So, we must prove to Nigerians that this government is keeping to its promises,” he said.
Recall that during his nationwide broadcast on Sunday, President Bola Tinubu ruled out the return of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, famously known as petrol.
Returning petrol subsidy’ll worsen poverty in Nigeria – NOA
CDS urges West African defence chiefs to uphold democratic values
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has said the change of government by the military in West African countries has had unintended consequences and threatened their democratic values in the region.
Musa added that the threat of a military takeover of the government must be destroyed, adding that it negated the core responsibilities of the military profession.
The CDS spoke during a meeting with West African Defence Chiefs in Abuja on Wednesday.
Musa stated that in democratic countries, the military must uphold democratic values in line with their constitutions.
He said, “Recent challenges like the military coup in some countries in the region have had unintended consequences and have threatened our collective democratic values.
“This threat must be destroyed as it negates our core responsibilities as military professionals. Let me, therefore, use this opportunity to emphasise that, as democratic countries, we in the military must uphold democratic values in line with our various constitutions. “
He noted that the meeting would prevent coups and ensure peace and sustainable development for citizens in West Africa.
Musa said, “I am also optimistic that this meeting will assist us in preventing such abnormalities while strengthening our collective resolve to bring about peace and sustainable development to our people.
“Accordingly, the complexity of this meeting demands that we leverage our collective efforts, share intelligence and coordinate our efforts across borders if we must solve these challenges.
“Thus, collaboration is paramount and I encourage you to address both the root causes and symptoms of this security in our region. It is on this premise that the agenda for this meeting was carefully crafted to focus on critical areas and build in for our previous engagements.”
The CDS added that “some of these critical areas include the proposed Air Force Security Support Mission in Sierra Leone and the activation of the Air Force Standby Force against terrorism.
“Other issues in line for deliberations are the development of the Air Force Logistics Depot in Sierra Leone and Air Force Peace Support Operations. As we embark on today’s discussions, I must remind us all that your insights and experiences are paramount to support our shared mission.”
Musa said terrorism, insurgency, organised crime, violence, unconstitutional takeover of government and threatened national security also undermined the socio-economic development of the entire region.
He said, “Your presence here reflects a shared commitment and dedication towards living in a sustainable environment for the safety and well-being of our people. It demonstrates a collective drive to address the various community threats affecting the region through deliberate and concerted collaborative efforts. As leaders in our respective armed forces, we are all aware of the threats that confront our nations and regions.
“These threats include terrorism, insurgency, organized crime, violence, education, and recently, unconstitutional takeover of government and national politics. These challenges not only threaten our national security but also undermine the social fabric and socio-economic development of the entire region. “
Archbishop Patrick Ebosele Ekpu dies at 92
Archbishop Patrick Ebosele Ekpu, the Emeritus Archbishop of Benin City Archdiocese, is dead.
TVN reports that His Grace, Most Reverend Augustine Obiora Akubeze, Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City disclosed this in a statement signed on his behalf by Very Rev Fr Michael Oyanoafoh, Chancellor, Catholic Archdiocese of Benin.
Akubeze said Archbishop Ekpu died at the age of 92 after a brief illness on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at 7.09pm.
He said the details of his funeral arrangement would be made known later.
He urged priests, religious and lay faithful of the Catholic archdiocese to put him in our prayers.
TVN reports that the late Emeritus Archbishop of Benin City Archdiocese was born in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, in 1931.
He was ordained Priest on July 7, 1963 and made bishop of Benin city on July 5, 1973.
In March 26, 1994, he was appointed Archbishop of Benin city, Nigeria and retired November 21, 2006.
Archbishop Patrick Ebosele Ekpu dies at 92
Protest: Senator Bomai reveals those responsible for attack on his Yobe home
Senator Ibrahim Bomai (APC, Yobe South) has condemned the recent attack on his Potiskum home in Yobe State during the nationwide protest, attributing it to the work of his detractors.
Bomai in a statement issued on Tuesday by his legislative aide, Abubakar Madu Bukar, stated that the protesters had not intended to target his house, as the routes they followed were far from it.
“Of the four houses of prominent politicians in his area, it was only his own that was attacked,” the statement noted.
Bomai declared that he remains undeterred and focused, despite the actions of his political adversaries.
“Senator Bomai cannot be discouraged, and neither will he be distracted by the sinister activities of his political detractors both within and outside the APC to bring him down in his firm resolve and absolute commitment to further bring more dividends of democracy to the good people of Yobe South,” the statement reads further.
Protest: Senator Bomai reveals those responsible for attack on his Yobe home
Driver dies, three injured in Lagos-Ibadan expressway collision
An unidentified driver was confirmed dead on Tuesday following a fatal crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
According Online reported that the fatal crash, which occurred around 3:20 PM near the Forte Filling Station on the Sagamu stretch of the expressway, also left at least three others with varying degrees of injuries.
According to the state police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, the accident involved a granite-loaded truck with the license plate FKJ760XM and a Toyota with the registration number JJJ926YJ.
She added that both vehicles were travelling towards Lagos from Ibadan when the Toyota car driver lost control and collided with the truck.
As a result of the collision, Odutola stated that the Toyota car driver became trapped in the vehicle and was later rushed to a hospital, where doctors on duty confirmed his death.
“After being rescued from where he was trapped, he was taken to Idera Hospital in Sagamu. The doctor later confirmed his death. Two other passengers in the Toyota sustained varying degrees of injuries,” Odutola said.
Our correspondent also learnt that the body of the deceased had been placed in the hospital’s mortuary.
In a related incident reported in late July, a collision on the Ibafo corridor of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway claimed the lives of two people.
The accident reportedly involved a Peugeot bus with the registration number WRA224XA and an orange DAF truck with the registration number ANC711XA.
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Nasarawa Govt ready to pay N70,000 minimum wage – Official
The Nasarawa State Government has announced its readiness to implement the new ₦70,000 minimum wage for civil servants.
This declaration was made by Mr. Peter Ahemba, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Public Affairs, during his visit to the Correspondents’ Chapel in Lafia on Tuesday.
Mr Ahemba stated that the payment of the new minimum wage would significantly enhance the welfare and productivity of civil servants in the state.
“The issue of ₦70,000 minimum wage is no longer news. President Ahmed Bola Tinubu had approved the payment of the said amount to workers.
“Governor Abdullahi Sule’s administration is also ready to pay the ₦70,000 to civil servants in the state. The governor has made it clear that he is willing to pay the new minimum wage,” he stated.
Addressing the ongoing nationwide protests, Mr. Ahemba urged citizens to embrace dialogue and peace, noting that the government was already addressing some of their grievances.
“The constitution has provided for citizens to express their feelings through peaceful protests. However, the government will not tolerate any form of criminality, such as looting of property under the guise of protest,” he warned.
Ahemba pointed out that Nasarawa State had not experienced massive protests due to Governor Sule’s effective policies and programs aimed at alleviating the hardships faced by the people.
He reiterated that dialogue is the best way to resolve grievances, rather than protests.
The SSA also pointed out the administration’s commitment to supporting efforts to provide adequate power supply, which is crucial for the state’s industrialization and socio-economic activities.
He pointed to the government’s significant achievements in infrastructure development, such as the ongoing construction of a flyover and underpass in Lafia, which are expected to ease traffic congestion and enhance the aesthetics of the state capital.
Nasarawa Govt ready to pay N70,000 minimum wage – Official
Yobe Govt further relaxes curfew in Potiskum, Gashua, Nguru
The Yobe State Government has announced a further relaxation of the curfew in Potiskum, Gashua, and Nguru towns.
This decision was made following a security council meeting with heads of security agencies, presided over by Governor Mai Buni.
According to a press statement issued by Mamman Mohammed, the Director General on Press and Media Affairs to the Governor, the curfew will now be enforced from 6 pm to 6 am, starting Wednesday.
Mohammed stated that the meeting expressed concern over the emergence of hoodlums and criminals who exploited the nationwide protest to vandalize and loot government and private properties in the affected local government areas.
He urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their wards to prevent them from being used as agents of destruction and looting.
Governor Buni commended the security organizations for their mature and professional handling of the situation.
Yobe Govt further relaxes curfew in Potiskum, Gashua, Nguru
Soldiers rescue abducted ex-LG chairman, arrest Boko Haram commanders, others
In a series of operations, the Nigerian Army has rescued kidnap victims and apprehended suspected Boko Haram commanders and terrorist logistic suppliers, among others.
In a statement shared on X.com on Tuesday, the NA revealed that soldiers rescued an abducted former LG chairman and arrested a notorious kidnapping kingpin in Egbe Community of Yagba Local Government Area in Kogi State.
The statement partly read, “The suspect, Mohammed Bello, who belonged to a seven-man syndicate specialised in kidnapping unsuspecting citizens, has been on the security agencies’ wanted criminals’ watchlist.
“The same troops responded to a distress call regarding a kidnapping incident involving the former Chairman of Kabba Local Government Area.
“They engaged the terrorists in Egbe Forest, capturing one suspect and rescuing the victim. He has since been reunited with his family.”
Similarly, soldiers in Ebonyi State were said to have aborted a kidnap attempt in Ezza-Umuhuali Village of Ishielu Local Government Area and arrested a suspect in possession of an Automated Teller Machine card, 48 different international passports, and other items.
Additionally, the army said its troops apprehended two key Boko Haram commanders in Borno State who had been linked to several attacks on military installations.
The statement added, “On 4 August 2024 in Borno State, while acting on credible intelligence regarding terrorists’ movements, troops apprehended two Boko Haram commanders who infiltrated the Damasak Internally Displaced Persons camp in Mobbar Local Government Area.
“The suspects, Bana Yamode and Babagana Usman, who claimed to be visiting their families in the camp, had previously led attacks on troops in the area.”
In the same operation, the troops also apprehended two suspected Boko Haram logistic suppliers, identified as Mustapha Ismaila, 49, and Abdulmudalabi Haruna, 30, and rescued two minors.
Meanwhile, 50 Boko Haram suspects and their families were said to have surrendered to soldiers stationed in Bama, Gwoza, and Dikwa Local Government Areas, following intensified operations against the terrorists.
In a separate operation in Yobe State, three Boko Haram collaborators, who admitted to being involved in kidnapping and armed robbery activities, were reported to have been arrested at Gubio Market in Gubio Local Government Area of the state.
The statement also reported that troops deployed in Jigawa State arrested nine hoodlums involved in looting a shop in Kazaure town, recovering items including 255 bags of fertilizer, three bags of rice, a solar panel, and five motorcycles.
Meanwhile, in Plateau State, the troops arrested five suspected cultists and another suspect involved in motorcycle theft.
In the statement, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, commended the troops for their commitment to the fight against terrorism and insurgency.
He also urged the public to support security agencies by providing credible information to enhance the effectiveness of ongoing operations.
According Online reported in July that troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke arrested two notorious terrorists after a fierce shootout at Geshi Village in Donga Local Government Area, Taraba State
Ndume meets APC NWC, apologises for anti-President comments
The senator representing Borno South Senatorial District of Borno State, Ali Ndume, on Tuesday, expressed regrets over his open criticisms of the ruling All Progressives Congress and President Bola Tinubu.
Ndume expressed his regrets while speaking to journalists in Abuja shortly after a closed-door meeting with the APC National Working Committee.
Ndume, an APC chieftain, had been relieved of his role as the Chief Whip of the Senate on account of his open criticisms of his party and the President.
The Senate sacked him after receiving a letter to the same effect from the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, and National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru.
The party warned him to desist from further attacking it, and the President or he should consider leaving.
Speaking with journalists on Tuesday after a two-hour closed-door meeting with the APC NWC, Ndume said he regretted taking his criticisms public rather than making it an in-house affair.
He, however, insisted that he spoke the truth.
He said, “I was invited by the party, and here I am to discuss family matters. Actually, the national chairman is not just a chairman to me but also a father. With what has happened, it is not surprising that I was invited to hear my side, and we had a family discussion.
“I accepted the mistake of not talking to the party as a last point and I told the party that all my observations as a senior member of the family should have terminated or ended within the party. That is something that (will be corrected) moving forward. But whatever I said or did was out of patriotism.
“Those issues may have been said strongly, but they are true. Again, I should have talked to the party at the last bus stop. Next time when I want to talk, I will come and get clearance or at least talk to the party.”
When asked to address the speculation that his membership was withdrawn by the ruling party, Ndume expressed surprise.
“My membership? No, I have not been expelled. Even the party did not say, ‘We don’t want you here’ because the party is my father. The only thing the party said is ‘If you don’t want this house, you can go to any house.’ But where will I go? This is my house,” he said.
Asked if he would equally apologise to the President and the Senate, Ndume said, “The President and the Senate have nothing to do with this. The President did not take offence. I didn’t insult the President or say anything against the party.”
Also speaking, the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, said Ndume had apologised and had been forgiven.
He said, “We are quite satisfied with his apology. As he said, we invited him. As a party, the APC is the father of everybody. We are free to invite legislators, members of the executive and even all appointed party members in the government. That is why we decided to come together.
“It is a family issue, and we need to resolve it. We are writing to the National Assembly to convey what has transpired between Senator Ndume and the party. As you are aware, he has apologised to the party with the hope that they can review their position.”