Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, has faulted former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s warning on security agencies against using lethal force against looters and arsonists.
In a statement, on Tuesday, Onanuga stated that Atiku “this evening tweeted the absurd: he warned security agencies against using lethal force against looters and arsonists who masqueraded as protesters.”
He said as a statesman, Atiku’s warning ought to be to the looting mob in Kaduna, Kano, Plateau and Jigawa states, who hijacked what was advertised by organisers as a peaceful protest.
He added that the security forces had remained professional, and even-handed, and observed every restraint in the face of extreme provocation by the rioters.
“We are surprised that Alhaji Atiku is still relying on Section 40 of our constitution (as amended) to justify a protest that is now clearly a riot, a rampage in some parts of the country.
“Section 45 of the constitution says the right of assembly and the right of freedom of expression are not absolute.
“They can be abridged and fettered in the interest of public peace, public safety, law, and order,” said the Presidential aide.
READ ALSO: Tinubu’s aide, Onanuga, says Labour’s N494k minimum wage demand is ‘unreasonable’
“They, however, reinforced their constitutional duty, today, when they said they cannot sit by idly and watch hoodlums destroy the country and its democracy.
“The Service Chiefs and the officers and men of our security outfits should be commended for their patriotic duty to our country.
“As a supporter and enabler of the destructive ‘protests,’ Alhaji Atiku certainly wants the sinister protest to continue inspite of the red signals from the streets,” Onanuga added.
He lashed out at the former Vice President for condoning the destruction of private and public property and investments of citizens.
He said Atiku ought to have risen above the sentiment he expressed and put the country’s stability ahead of whatever advantages he hoped to reap from the insurrection on the streets.
“We encourage Alhaji Atiku to borrow a leaf from opposition figures in United Kingdom, who have rallied behind the government to condemn the ongoing riots in UK.
“They called for the arrest and prosecution of those behind the wanton destruction of public and private assets.
“Such nationalistic temperament as displayed by opposition figures like Rishi Sunak, the immediate-past Prime Minister of UK is expected of Alhaji Atiku,” said Onanuga
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#EndBadGovernance Protest: Onanuga slams Atiku’s warning to security agencies
Group demands full implementation of Orosanya Report
An Akwa Ibom-based Socio-cultural Group, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, has urged President Bola Tinubu to fully implement Stephen Orosanye’s Report to reduce the cost of governance in the country.
The group, which made the call in a communiqué at the end of its 54th General Assembly in Uyo, also called for a reduction in the size of the Federal Executive Council.
In the communiqué signed by the President, Mr James Edet and the Secretary, Mr Bassey Bassey, the Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, said that the Orosanya report had the solution to the challenge of the high cost of governance.
It would be recalled that the Orosanya Report, which was first issued in 2012, recommended the rationalisation and reduction of the number of departments and agencies of government.
It urged the Federal Government to plough back any savings made from the implementation of the report to programmes that would improve the welfare of the citizenry.
The group expressed worries that the Federal Government had yet to merge some ministries, agencies and departments as recommended by the report.
“We also call on the Federal Government to consider scrapping the present bicameral legislative structure in favour of the unicameral system.
“It is also our request that the government should drastically reduce the size of government. It should take steps to reduce the current economic pains,” the communique read in parts.
The group further urged political leaders to be more patriotic by using public funds to implement projects that would improve the welfare of the people.
On the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protest, the group said that although it was within the right of the citizenry to protest, the protesters must not indulge in violence and crime.
It urged the protesters not to indulge in activities that would tarnish the international image of the country in any way.
Group demands full implementation of Orosanya Report
Tobi Amusan races into semifinals of women’s 100mH in Paris
Nigerian sprinter, Tobi Amusan has raced into the semifinal of the women’s 100m Hurdles at the ongoing Olympic Games in Paris.
She has now qualified for three consecutive semifinals at the Olympics, executing a clean race to safely get through to the next round.
More to follow…
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EndBadGovernance: Sowore is defeated politician, can’t speak from Washington – Oshiomhole
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: 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.
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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.
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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.