Usman Okai Austin, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, House of Representatives candidate for Dekina/Bassa, Kogi State, in the 2023 elections, has criticized the state government for lack of development despite increased revenue from the federation account since President Bola Tinubu assumed office.
Okai said the growing resentment among the people of Kogi State was due to the perceived government’s insensitivity to their plight amid harsh economic conditions.
In a statement he signed, Okai attributed the people’s hardship to the removal of fuel subsidies and the subsequent surge in inflation.
He said: “Despite substantial revenue, citizens question the government’s spending.
“There’s no visible development in Kogi, unlike neighbouring states with similar allocations.”
He called for transparency and accountability, emphasizing the need to hold the government responsible for the mismanagement of public funds.
Okai also highlighted the plight of local government workers who receive partial salaries despite the state’s alleged financial windfall.
Comparing the current situation to the previous administration, Okai expressed concern over the state’s lack of progress under governor Bello’s leadership.
He urged for a change in governance to address the people’s needs.
Kogi stagnated despite billions of allocation – Okai tackles Gov Ododo
Kogi stagnated despite billions of allocation – Okai tackles Gov Ododo
Families of trapped Niger miners threaten lawsuit over compensation
Over two months after a tragic mining pit collapse in Shiroro, Niger State, left an estimated 50 miners buried alive, the families and relatives of the victims are threatening legal action against the pit’s owners and the state government over lack of compensation.
The number of victims has been disputed, with authorities initially reporting 14 miners buried, while other stakeholders claim over 50 were affected.
Efforts to recover the bodies from the pit, estimated to be over 400 square meters deep, have been largely unsuccessful, with only partial remains being retrieved.
Suleiman Isah, a relative of one of the deceased miners, told newsmen that out of the 14 miners reportedly trapped, nine bodies had been recovered and buried, while the remains of five others, including the chief security officer, were still missing.
Isah expressed frustration over the lack of communication and action from both the company and the state government.
“This accident affected one of my brothers. We have not heard anything from either the company or the state government.
“It has been two months since the incident, and we still expect compensation,” Isah said.
He added that while there were rumors of possible compensation, the families were prepared to take legal action if no concrete steps were taken.
Families of the victims have criticized both the state and federal governments, as well as the mining company, for their inadequate response to the disaster.
They accused the authorities of relying on outdated tools and manual labour instead of utilizing more sophisticated machinery, potentially preventing the rescue of the trapped miners.
Abdusalami Kuta, another family member, voiced his disappointment with the government’s handling of the situation.
According to Kuta, his younger brother, Isiayku Kuta, is among those still trapped under the collapsed rock.
“This government has not been fair to us. We have been praying and hoping for a rescue, but now we believe they will never be found again,” he lamented.
Kuta stressed the importance of giving the victims a proper burial and called for the mining company to compensate the affected families, urging the government to ensure this happens.
Families of trapped Niger miners threaten lawsuit over compensation
Gov Obaseki blames Nigerian govt for widespread hardship
The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, on Sunday, attributed the prevailing hardship in the country to policies implemented by the Federal Government.
Obaseki, in a statement, said his government had implemented several people-oriented programmes to reduce the suffering of Edo people in the wake of the difficult living conditions in the country.
His statement comes as protesters in Edo State took to the streets and held a church service to decry the harsh living conditions.
Obaseki listed some of the programmes to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.
These include:
– Raising the minimum wage to N70,000 to boost purchasing power
– Introducing a free transport scheme along Edo City Transport Service routes
– Providing free Wi-Fi services in public spaces to facilitate telecommuting
– Implementing a state-wide feeding program for the vulnerable, in partnership with religious institutions
READ ALSO:Edo APC Group tasks Edo gov, Obaseki, IGP Egbetokun over attack on guber candidate
The governor emphasized that the protest is a direct result of the difficult living conditions caused by federal government policies, which have led to:
– Skyrocketing food prices
– High transportation costs
– Galloping inflation
– Loss of operating capital for small business owners
He said: “The protest is obviously the result of the difficult living conditions which Nigerians have had to endure particularly over the last one year, arising from various policies that have been implemented by the Federal Government.
“These policies have taken a severe toll on citizens who have had to endure astronomic high food prices, high transportation costs, galloping inflation and loss of operating capital by small business owners across the country.
“In Edo State, we have taken several actions within our constitutional authority to reduce the suffering and hardship of our people by showing empathy and supporting our people to weather and survive this trying time despite the challenges witnessed across the nation.”
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EU rejects Venezuelan President Maduro’s electoral victory
The European Union on Sunday said Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s contested re-election last month “cannot be recognised”, as the country’s electoral authority has failed to produce the official voting records.
The results published by Venezuela’s National Electoral Council on August 2 “cannot be recognised. Any attempt to delay the full publication of the official voting records will only cast further doubt” on their credibility”, the EU Council said in a statement.
Unlike the United States and several other countries, the EU has refrained from recognising opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia as president-elect.
“Copies of the electoral voting records published by the opposition, and reviewed by several independent organisations, indicate that Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia would appear to be the winner of the Presidential elections by a significant majority,” the EU statement said.
“The European Union thus calls for further independent verification of the electoral records, if possible by an internationally reputed entity,” it added.
The EU called “on Venezuelan authorities to put an end to arbitrary detentions, repression and violent rhetoric against members of the opposition and civil society, and to release all political prisoners”.
bur-
AFP.
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Kebbi flood victims receive FG relief materials
The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has provided food and other relief materials to victims of the recent flood disaster in Kebbi State.
The distribution came in response to a request from the state government and local lawmakers, following an assessment conducted by NEMA in conjunction with the Kebbi State Emergency Management Agency.
Aliyu Shehu-Kafindangi, the Head of NEMA’s Sokoto Operation Office, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Gusau.
He pointed out that the relief items were distributed to households affected by the disaster in 13 local government areas, including Birnin Kebbi, Kalgo, Suru, Bagudo, Maiyama, Koko-Besse, Jega, Argungu, Arewa, Dandi, Augie, Alier, and Gwandu.
“The gesture was also aimed at providing succour to communities affected by the disaster,” Shehu-Kafindangi stated.
The relief package included food items such as rice, beans, maize, vegetable oil, seasoning, pasta, and salt.
Other items such as mosquito nets, blankets, and nylon mats were provided to the affected communities.
The direct distribution exercise was supervised by officials from the NEMA Sokoto Operations Office, the Office of the Special Adviser to the Kebbi State Governor on State Emergency Management Agency, Bello Relisco, and representatives from the six federal constituencies in Kebbi State.
Kebbi flood victims receive FG relief materials
Plateau imposes 24-hour curfew on state capital
The Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has declared a 24-hour curfew in Jos and Bukuru metropolis.
In a statement on Sunday night, the governor said the curfew was imposed in the affected areas following reported cases of looting of goods in the Bauchi Road community and Zolo Junction by hoodlums on Sunday
A statement signed by the governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, read, ” In a decisive move to enhance the security of lives and maintain public order, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang,has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Jos/Bukuru Metropolis, effective from midnight on Sunday, August 4, 2024.
“Governor Mutfwang, in consultation with state security agencies, took this decision after reviewing the actions of unscrupulous individuals who exploited the nationwide protest to unleash terror on innocent citizens.
“The governor noted that these criminal elements, armed with daggers, machetes, and other dangerous weapons, broke into shops and restaurants along Bauchi Road and Zololo Junction, looting foodstuffs and other valuable items.
“Governor Mutfwang emphasized that the curfew is in the best interest of all citizens and urged everyone to comply fully to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents. He directed security agencies in the state to ensure the total enforcement of the curfew across the Jos/Bukuru Metropolis”
The statement added that the governor warned those planning to unleash further terror on innocent citizens to desist immediately or face the full wrath of the law.
It added, “The governor also called on the relevant security agencies to remain vigilant and proactive in their duties to prevent any potential disruptions to law and order.
“Governor Mutfwang expressed gratitude to the citizens of Plateau State, particularly the clergy and imams, for their unwavering support of government’s policies and programs. He acknowledged their cooperation and adherence to directives during the planned nationwide protest and praised their commitment to maintaining peace and unity.
“The peaceful conduct of our people before, during, and after the nationwide protest is commendable. I urge everyone to continue to uphold this culture of peace as we work together to build a united and progressive Plateau”.
Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Monday, August 5, 2024
Here are the top 10 stories making headlines across the country.
1. Stop the protest, come for dialogue, Tinubu tells #EndBadGovernance organisers
President Bola Tinubu on Sunday urged protesters in the ongoing #EndBadGovernace protests to stop the demonstrations and create room for dialogue.Read more
2. Falana criticizes Nigerian govt’s violent response to protests
Femi Falana, a leading Nigerian lawyer and human rights advocate, has harshly criticized the government’s handling of the nationwide protests against economic hardships and poor governance.Read more
3. Soyinka says Tinubu’s speech failed to address police brutality against #EndBadGovernance protesters
Nobel laureate and renowned playwright, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has picked holes in President Bola Tinubu’s national broadcast on Sunday for not addressing what he described as the violent crackdown on #EndBadGovernance protesters by security forces.Read more
4. Ezekwesili thrashes Tinubu’s speech, says it didn’t address demands of protesters
Former Minister of Education,Oby Ezekwesili, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s speech for being terribly underwhelming and failing to address the concerns of Nigerians in the ongoing #EndBadGovernance nationwide protests.Read more
5. JAMB reaffirms age requirement for admission, cracks down on illegal practices
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has reiterated its stance that candidates under the age of 16 will not be admitted for the 2024/2025 academic session.Read more
READ ALSO:Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Friday, August 2, 2024
6. SERAP asks Commonwealth to sanction Nigeria over attacks on journalists, protesters
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sent an urgent appeal to Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, urging her to “apply the Commonwealth Charter to hold the Nigerian authorities to account over reports of attacks on journalists covering the #EndHunger protests and peaceful protesters in some parts of the country.”Read more
7. NCC, Maida deny granting MTN, Glo, others permission to increase tariff
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has denied granting telecommunications companies in the country like MTN, Glo and others permission to increase tariffs.Read more
8. Revocation of C of O in Nigeria: How landowners can protect their assets
For many Nigerians, owning land is not just about having a place to call home or run a business; it’s a significant investment and a symbol of financial security.Read more
9. Imo CP promises to capture killers of community leaders
The Commissioner of Police for Imo State, Aboki Danjuma, has pledged that his command will do everything possible to apprehend the perpetrators responsible for the killings of members of Eze Umucheke’s cabinet.Read more
10. Golden Slam! Djokovic beats Alcaraz to finally win Olympic gold
Novak Djokovic triumphed over Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling match on Sunday to secure his long-awaited Olympic title, completing his career ‘Golden Slam’.Read more
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Residents evacuated as gully erosion threatens buildings, lands in Aba
Many residents of Ovom street in Aba, Abia State, have either been evacuated by the Abia state government or fled the area themselves, as gully erosion worsened in the area.
The deadly erosion, which started in small proportions some years ago, has now cut the road into two and resulted in the collapse of many buildings and destruction of other landed property in the area.
Addressing the press on Sunday after visiting the devastated area, Abia State Governor, Alex Otti described the situation as unfortunate, lamenting that that erosion challenge has dealt a deadly blow to the area.
He expressed worry that if not controlled immediately, the rampant erosion will not only affect all buildings around the area but may affect the opposite side of the road where an ongoing road project is presently being executed by his administration.
Otti instructed the General Manager of Greater Aba Development Agency (GASA), Mr Uche Ukeje to immediately bring solutions to the problem in a few weeks’ time.
He assured the people that the job of tackling the problem would not be done through direct labour but by engineers and contractors who understand what to do.
On the conditions of residents of the affected area, Otti explained that he had instructed GASA to evacuate those living around there.
“I had asked him to evacuate everybody that is living around here.
“So, if you look around these houses, there is nobody in there. Those who are very close here, I had already gotten them evacuated.
“So, I hope nobody goes back to some of these buildings because it’s very dangerous”, he stated.
Residents evacuated as gully erosion threatens buildings, lands in Aba
D’Tigress brace for American challenge in Olympics quarterfinal
Nigeria’s D’Tigress have been drawn against the United States in the quarter-finals of the women’s basketball event at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The Nigerian ladies made history by securing Nigeria’s first-ever berth in the last eight of the Olympic basketball tournament.
This followed their impressive 79-70 victory over Canada in their final group game on Sunday.
The team accumulated five classification points and initially topped Group B.
However, their standing shifted when Australia triumphed over France 79-72 in the other group match, pushing Nigeria down to third place in the group rankings.
The team is now set to face the defending champions, USA on August 7 at 9:30 pm.
The encounter is the second Olympic face-off between the two teams.
At the Tokyo Games, D’Tigress suffered a narrow nine-point defeat to the Americans in their opening group game. They were also beaten in the 2024 Olympics qualifiers.
Elsewhere in other quarter-finals clashes, Serbia will clash with Australia, Spain will go up against Belgium, and France will face Germany.
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Protests responsible for long fuel queues – IPMAN
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, has said the ongoing hunger protest is responsible for the resurgence of long fuel queues in filling stations in major cities across the country.
Recall that since Thursday last week, Nigerians have continued to demonstrate on the streets, tagged #EndBadGovernance.
Part of the demand is the return of fuel subsidies.
The protests had led to the death of at least fifteen persons and properties destroyed in Kano, Niger, Jigawa, Yobe, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The protests had prompted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Sunday’s broadcast, where he appealed for protesters to suspend the demonstration and dialogue with the government.
While there are uncertainties on how things will pan out in the next few days, oil marketers have blamed the long queues being witnessed across cities on the protests.
The National Public Relations Officer of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chief Chinedu Ukadike, in a statement, said that there was no movement of trucks during the protests, especially on Thursday and Friday.
“…Now that the trucks are no longer moving due to this protest, the depots are not working, the truck drivers are not driving, particularly during the first and second days of the protest, these issues have disrupted the supply of petroleum products. So it will result in scarcity at the filling stations,” Ukadike stated.
Earlier, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited blamed the resurgence of long fuel queues on a “hitch in the discharge operations of a couple of vessels.”
Protests responsible for long fuel queues – IPMAN