Nobel laureate, Prof. Muhammad Yunus has been named Bangladesh’s interim leader.
Recall that the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country following weeks of intense protests by the citizens.
Yunus, 84, was appointed a day after Hasina left.
The Nobel laureate, who is a long time political foe of the ousted Prime Minister, has been praised for his pioneering use of microloans.
Hasina regarded him as a public enemy – he is currently on bail, appealing against a six-month jail term in what he has called a politically-motivated case.
Students who led the mass protests that unseated Hasina refused to accept a military-led government and pushed for Prof Yunus to lead the interim administration.
The decision to name Yunus as chief adviser of the interim government was sequel to a meeting between President Mohammed Shahabuddin, military leaders and student leaders.
“When the students who sacrificed so much are requesting me to step in at this difficult juncture, how can I refuse?” Prof Yunus had said.
“He is returning to Dhaka from Paris where he is undergoing a minor medical procedure,” his spokesperson had said.
Recall that the protests in Bangladesh began in early July with demands from university students to abolish quotas in civil service jobs, but snowballed into a broader anti-government movement.
READ ALSO: Bangladesh president dissolves parliament, frees ex-PM
Over 400 people are reported to have died in clashes between government forces and protesters – mostly civilians shot by police.
On Monday alone, more than 100 people died across the country, making it the single deadliest day in the movement. Hundreds of police stations were also torched.
Hours before protesters stormed and looted the former PM’s official residence in the capital Dhaka, Ms Hasina resigned and fled to neighbouring India. That brought a swift and abrupt end to her nearly 15-year rule.
Even as Bangladesh’s economy grew in the past decade, the former PM came under increasing criticism for silencing her critics and jailing her political opponents.
Some of them, such as ex-PM Khaleda Zia and activist Ahmad Bin Quasem, were released soon after Hasina’s hasty exit.
Zia chairs the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, which boycotted elections in 2014 and again in 2024, saying free and fair polls were not possible under Hasina.
The 78-year-old was imprisoned in 2018 for corruption – charges which he said were politically motivated.
Rights groups had said that Quasem was detained in 2016, one of hundreds of forced disappearances during Ms Hasina’s tenure.
Yunus, who was sentenced to six months in jail in January for violating labour laws, has said he too was a victim of Hasina’s ire.
He has faced other allegations in the past, going back to 2011 when he was accused of defaming Bangladesh’s politicians.
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Nobel Peace Prize winner, Yunus, to lead Bangladesh interim government
Re-strategize approach in addressing hardship – Group tells Tinubu
The Katsina State chapter of the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah, JIBWIS, has called on President Bola Tinubu to re-strategize his approach to addressing the economic hardship in the country.
The leader of the Islamic sect in the state, Sheikh Yakubu Musa-Hassan, made the call on Wednesday in Katsina during an interactive session with journalists.
He also urged protesters to shun such an act, as it was not the best, considering the existing security situation in some parts of the country, urging them to rather embark on a national prayer.
Musa-Hassan further gave an example with the incident of vandalism, stealing, and killing as a result of the protests as the reason they have called on the youths to sheath their swords.
He, therefore, called on parents to always call their children to order, so as to avoid their involvement in such nefarious acts.
“The protests should serve as a lesson to the state Governors and Tinubu, to re-strategize their approaches in addressing the dire economic situation in the country.
“Tinubu should adopt the follow-up method in ensuring that whatever support he released to be shared to the people reaches those that are in dire need of it, but not to be shared to politicians.
“Many people were not aware of such financial and food support from the Federal Government, therefore, the president should re-strategize.
“Giving food and money to those in need is not enough, the government should teach the youths entrepreneurship for them to be self-reliant,” the cleric said.
Musa-Hassan called on those that the Federal Government saddled with the responsibility of sharing such largesse with the public to fear Allah and deliver it to the people it was meant for.
According to him, failure to do so, they should await the punishment from Allah on the judgment day, where they have nothing to pay with, except their little good deeds.
He also responded to social media reports alleging that JIBWIS was given the Federal Government’s rice for distribution to people, saying “I have never seen a single bag of such rice.
Re-strategize approach in addressing hardship – Group tells Tinubu
Hardship: Tinubu didn’t come into office to cause difficulties – Nigerian Govt insists
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
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
The post FACT CHECK: How true is Gov Zulum’s claim that 95% of Borno #EndBadGovernance protesters are under 14yrs? appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
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