A former Governor of Edo State, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, has dismissed one of the organizers of the EndBadGovernance protest, Omoyele Sowore as a defeated politician.
Oshiomhole, who appeared on Arise TV on Wednesday morning, said there was no need for the protest, adding President Bola Tinubu was doing everything within his power to solve the economic challenges facing Nigeria.
The lawmaker said that he does recognise anyone among those who called themselves organizers of the nationwide protest, which has entered its eighth day.
“I listen to all those names you mentioned and the others, I don’t know them. Which Nigerian does not know Wole Soyinka? Who didn’t know Gani Fawehinmi of blessed memory? Who doesn’t know Femi Falana?” He said.
“I know Sowore as a defeated presidential candidate. And when you’re defeated in an election, you wait for the man who won the election.
“Give him time. Sowore cannot be seen as speaking for the people because he is still nursing the pain of his defeat.
“So, that’s not the guy to speak for people in Kano, for those people who throw bombs in Maiduguri or those people who hijack cars in.”
EndBadGovernance: Sowore is defeated politician, can’t speak from Washington – Oshiomhole
EndBadGovernance: Sowore is defeated politician, can’t speak from Washington – Oshiomhole
EndBadGovernance: Governor Adeleke commends suspension, peaceful protest in Osun
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has commended the suspension of the EndBadGovernance protest in the state.
Governor Adeleke also praised the organizers and protesters for maintaining peace and order during the six days of the protest.
The governor extended his commendation through a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, in response to the announcement made by the protest organizers, the Coalition for Concerned Nigerian Citizens, Osun State.
He said, “I commend the Osun State youths who have peacefully expressed their concerns and agitation for good governance in Nigeria. They have maintained the peace and tranquility that Osun State is known for. I thank them for making Osun a model of good practices.
“For us as a state, we remain focused on promoting policies and programs that will benefit our people and our society. We are paying bursaries to students; we have disbursed almost four billion naira to cooperative bodies in the state to support SMEs; we are building several roads and bridges; we are settling inherited salary and cooperative deduction debts; we are renovating health centers and educational facilities; and we will soon conclude the ongoing teachers’ recruitment exercise and announce the launch of the Imole Youth Corps.”
“My appreciation also goes to the security agencies and various commanders for demonstrating uncommon synergy. The united and efficient approach coordinated by my security team is another example Osun can share with other entities in the country.”
Adeleke also promised to personally present the protesters’ demands to President Bola Tinubu for proper consideration.
“Just as I promised the protesters, I will convey their demands to the President at the next NEC meeting in Abuja for proper consideration. I commend them for suspending the protest and assure them that our administration will continue to promote peaceful dialogue with every member of our society to ensure the realization of our vision for the growth and development of our dear state.”
TVN reported that the EndBadGovernance nationwide protest began on Thursday, August 1, 2024, with organizers declaring it would last for 10 days, ending on Saturday, August 10, 2024.
The protest, which had been peaceful in Osun State, was suspended indefinitely by the organizers on Tuesday.
During the protest, primarily held in Osogbo, the state capital, security agencies and personnel were stationed at various strategic locations and accompanied the protesters as they marched through major areas and streets in the capital.
The organizers stated that the protest was suspended after six days to make way for the celebration of the 2024 Osun Osogbo festival, which will conclude on Friday, August 9, 2024.
Announcing the suspension of the protest on Tuesday, the organizers noted that the six-day protest had effectively communicated the demands of the stakeholders to leaders at all levels.
EndBadGovernance: Governor Adeleke commends suspension, peaceful protest in Osun
Protests: Kaduna father alleges soldiers killed 19-year-old son
A grieving father, Malam Mohammed, has come forward with a harrowing account of how his 19-year-old son, Ismail Mohammed, was allegedly killed by soldiers in Samaru, Zaria on Tuesday.
In an emotional interview, Mohammed recounted how his son was shot and killed by soldiers who had been dispersing a crowd. According to him, the soldiers pursued his son to their home, shooting him through the door.
“I was away when my son was killed. I received a call from Abubakar informing me of the incident, but it took me an hour to get home,” Mohammed said, struggling to hold back tears.
Read Also: Army to investigate death of 18-year-old boy in Kaduna
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has pledged to investigate the circumstances surrounding Ismail’s death.
Major General MLD Saraso, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna, visited the family of the deceased on Tuesday and assured them of a thorough probe.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability.
The post Protests: Kaduna father alleges soldiers killed 19-year-old son appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Ogun transport chair pushes for electric bikes as Okada alternative
The newly inaugurated Ogun State Chairman of the Articulated Motorcycles Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria, Taofeek Sokeye, has urged members of the union to key into the E-Mobility Programme of the state government by adopting electric motorcycles for their operation.
Sokeye, who was elected on Tuesday following the resignation of the former chairman, disclosed this in an acceptance letter made available to According Online on Wednesday.
According Online recalls that the state governor, Dapo Abiodun, had on July 31, launched the electric bikes and tricycles, under the Ogun State E-Mobility Programme.
Speaking at the launch of the first phase of 2,000 electric motorcycles, Abiodun said the E-Mobility initiative marked another milestone toward a sustainable and green future for the state.
According to Sokeye, the electric motorcycles initiative posed a better alternative for the transport sector because of its environmentally friendly nature.
He noted that the zero-emission rate of e-bikes would also contribute to a cleaner environment and also reduce environmental pollution.
In his words, “As we look to the future, it is clear that we must embrace innovation and sustainable practices. One such initiative is the adoption of electric motorcycles, as proposed by our visionary Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun MFR.
“This initiative is not just about keeping up with technological advancements; it is about securing a healthier, more efficient, and environmentally friendly future for our transport sector and enhancing the Building Our Future Together Agenda of our dear governor.
“Electric motorcycles produce zero emissions, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment. This aligns with our commitment to reducing pollution and promoting sustainable practices. Electric motorcycles are more cost-effective in the long run. They require less maintenance and have lower fuel costs, which means more savings for our riders.”
He also assured members of the union of his administration’s commitment to implementing reforms that would focus on motorcyclists’ safety and well-being.
The chairman continued that the reform would include training for members of the union on safety, compliance with traffic rules, and proper licensing.
Sokeye said, “We will introduce mandatory safety training for all riders to ensure they are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills to operate safely on our roads through regular workshops and seminars.
“We will work closely with authorities to ensure that all riders comply with regulations, including proper licensing and adherence to traffic laws.”
He concluded that “the new leadership will also prioritise the welfare of all members in its agenda by introducing health insurance schemes to provide our members with access to quality healthcare.”
Bandits release children of slain Katsina varsity lecturer, kill another victim
In a development tinged with both relief and sorrow, bandits have released the children of a Federal University Dutsinma (FUDMA) lecturer who was killed during their abduction.
The gunmen, however, struck again, killing another father in a separate incident.
Derrick and Caleb were freed after their father, Dr. Tiri Gyang, was murdered by the bandits. The criminals had initially demanded a ransom of N20 million for their release.
Read Also: Reps blame bureaucracy for failure to effect 50% pay cut
Tragically, another family is mourning the loss of their breadwinner as fresh details have emerged about the fate of Mallam Garba Funtua, the father of the female student, Aisha, who was kidnapped alongside Dr. Tiri’s children.
Mallam Garba had taken the demanded ransom for his daughter’s release by himself.
Unfortunately, the bandits took him captive and released his daughter after collecting the ransom and later killed him.
The recurring attacks by bandits in Katsina have continued to pose a significant security challenge to the state government and its residents.
The post Bandits release children of slain Katsina varsity lecturer, kill another victim appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Bullfighting is a sin, animal rights activists tell Pope
Animal rights activists briefly interrupted Pope Francis’ weekly audience at the Vatican on Wednesday, holding up signs demanding an end to bullfighting.
Two activists from PETA, an international charity which defends animal rights, shouted slogans just as the audience got underway, before being escorted out by security.
“Bullfighting is a sin,” read the signs in English and Italian, while the activists’ T-shirts read, “Stop blessing corridas.”
“Corridas” or bullfights, are a controversial tradition practised in Spain and several Latin American countries as well as in parts of southern France and Portugal.
Each year, thousands of bulls are slaughtered in bullrings around the world, according to PETA.
Wednesday’s protest was one of several over the past couple of years calling on the Argentinian pope to take a stand against bullfighting.
In the 16th century, Pope Pius V banned bullfights as “cruel” and contrary to “Christian piety and charity.”
But Catholic priests still officiate at religious ceremonies in bullfights and minister to bullfighters in chapels built inside arenas, PETA said.
While considered a venerated cultural tradition in Spain, bullfighting is a blood sport involving taunting and stabbing the bull before killing it.
Men on horseback first lance the bull at the neck, at which point others attempt to plant sharp sticks into its shoulders.
The matador then confronts the weakened, confused bull, engaging it in a series of passes with his cape before he performs a fatal thrust between the shoulders to kill it.
It often takes multiple stabs to finally kill the animal.
AFP
Six die after cassava flour meal in Kogi, govt begins probe
The Kogi State Government has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of six persons after eating cassava flour that may have been contaminated.
Our correspondent gathered that the incident occurred last Wednesday in a household in Anyoke, Okunchi Ward, Adavi Local Government Area of the state.
It was gathered that eight victims were rushed to three different hospitals, where six of them died due to multiple organ failure.
The two surviving victims have since been discharged.
The state Commissioner for Health, AbdulAzzez Adeiza, who had visited the survivors before their discharge, said that a specialised team consisting of state and World Health Organisation’s officials, including the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer, and local health officials, has been deployed to investigate the outbreak.
He said, “Samples of the cassava flour have been collected for toxicological analysis in collaboration with the state Ministry of Agriculture.
“The Kogi State Government has taken responsibility for the victims’ medical bills and will release the final toxicology report to the public.
“The government expresses its gratitude to healthcare workers for their unwavering dedication and efforts in saving the lives of the two surviving victims.
“A thorough case investigation would be conducted, which would involve engaging with community leaders and neighbours, assessing environmental sanitation conditions, and evaluating the water source.
“Thankfully, no additional cases of watery stooling or vomiting have been reported in the household or community.”
The Kogi State Ministry of Health also thanked the community for its cooperation and urged everyone to prioritise healthy living, remain vigilant, and promptly report any suspicious findings.
EndBadGovernance: No room for military takeover, change Tinubu govt – Oshiomhole
The Edo North Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, on Wednesday declared that there is no room for regime or military takeover in Nigeria.
Oshiomhole said it’s impossible for a faceless group to demand regime change.
Some protesters under the EndBadGovernanceInNigeria had demanded the ousting of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the face of the hardship in the country.
However, speaking on Arise News Morning Show, the All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain said: “There is no room for regime change or military takeover. It’s impossible for an amorphous group to demand regime change.
“I commend Tinubu’s patience and the way he addressed those issues. He said I have listened and heard you, but I will like to see the commissioning of industries because this will tackle hunger.
“At no time did I call for a regime change of government during my protest days, now I see politicians trying to hijack these protests.
“A peaceful protest can be used to emphasize regime change.”
EndBadGovernance: No room for military takeover, change Tinubu govt – Oshiomhole
Group urges Tinubu to address hunger, hardship
The Delta State Obidient Elders’ Council has advised President Bola Tinubu to address the lingering hunger and hardship crises in the country.
The council also described the nationwide hunger protest as a show of the determination of the Nigerian youths to overcome the intimidation and propaganda of the Federal Government and its agencies.
The protests, tagged, #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, which started on August 1, 2024, aim to spur the Tinubu-led administration to address hunger, and economic hardship, among others.
The council stated this in a statement signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Chris Biose and Solomon Akeni, respectively; and made available to journalists on Tuesday in Asaba, the state capital.
The statement partly read, “We, the Delta Obidient Elders’ Council hereby respectfully urge President Tinubu to desist from his grandstanding and address realistic issues that affect the masses.
“The fact that the youth population ignored the hypocritical pleas by traditional rulers and religious elite to dissuade them from the protest is abundant evidence of the disconnect between these institutions and the younger generation of Nigerian citizens.
“The charter of demands of the youths is designed to bring about a better, more livable and just Nigerian state. These include a drastic reduction in the cost of fuel, cost of governance, bridging the yawning gap between emoluments of political officeholders and that of other public servants among others.”
The council noted that “it is regrettable that the civil protest degenerated into violence, looting of property and destruction of public facilities in some parts of the country.
“The complaints by government functionaries and police about unruly behaviour of some protesters have their root cause in the political culture and social practices which the Federal Government refused to address,” citing an instance in which the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum “complained that over 95 per cent of protesters in Maiduguri were under-age.”
The statement added, “On a general note, we find it shocking that President Tinubu failed to address the issue of horrendous killings of crop farmers in many parts of the country by armed Fulani herdsmen,” which it labelled as the “root of the inability of Nigerian farmers to produce sufficient food for local consumption in the past few years.”
The council also said “the president was silent about rampaging oil thieves that run down the economy. Worse still, he made no mention of investigating the brutal killing of Nigerian citizens by his policemen.”
EndBadGovernance: 16-year-old-boy allegedly killed by soldier in Zaria
A 16-year-old #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protester in the Samaru community in Zaria, Kaduna State, was on Tuesday shot dead by a soldier with the Nigerian Army.
Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday titled “Unfortunate death of a protester by a soldier in Zaria,” the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyeama Nwachukwu, said that the teenage protester was identified as Ismail Mohammed.
According to Nwachukwu, the incident happened on Tuesday when troops of the Nigerian Army received a distress call to help disperse some hoodlums, who had gathered in Samaru, burning tyres and attacking security personnel.
He explained that the mob attempted to attack the troops, which led a soldier to fire a warning shot to scare the hoodlums away, which led to Mohammed’s death, saying that the soldier involved has since been arrested and is undergoing interrogation.
The Director of Army Public Relations said, “On August 6, 2024, troops of the Nigerian Army received a distress call that some hoodlums gathered in Samaru in large numbers, burning tyres on the road and pelting stones at security personnel. The troops immediately mobilised and arrived at the scene to disperse the mob and enforce the curfew imposed by the state gtroops,ment.”
He further explained that on arrival at the scene, the hoodlums brazenly attempted attacking the troops prompting a soldier to fire a warning shot to scare the hoodlums away, which unfortunately led to the death of a 16-year-old boy, Ismail Mohammed.
Saddened by the unfortunate incident, according to the statement, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has sent a high-powered delegation led by the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Maj Gen Lander Saraso, to visit and condole with the family of the deceased.
He stated that the deceased was buried according to Islamic rites with senior military officers of the Nigerian Army in attendance.
EndBadGovernance: 16-year-old-boy allegedly killed by soldier in Zaria