The Media Office of the immediate-past governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yayaha Bello, has denied the claim making the rounds that he is one of the sponsors of the ongoing nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.
His media team described the claim as “reckless and irresponsibly malicious,” adding that the former governor remained a patriot who had devoted his time, resources and energy to building a united and prosperous Nigeria.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Michael Ohiare, in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, the claim was only a strategy by Bello’s enemies to frame him and make him an enemy of the Bola Tinubu administration.
The statement read: “We have uncovered a high-wired plan by some disgruntled enemies of the nation and persons on the ‘Project Bring Down Yahaya Bello’, to frame him up as one of the sponsors of the #EndBadGovernance protests across the country.
“We wouldn’t have bothered to respond to a clout-chasing criminal, blackmailer and blackmail pawn, a hired gun in the hands of some unpatriotic Nigerians, who published a fake, malicious and unintelligent report about an imaginary involvement of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, in the ongoing protests across the country.
READ ALSO: Judge denies ex-gov Yahaya Bello’s attempt to delay alleged N80bn fraud trial
“But it is pertinent to respond to the tirades of falsehood by the writer because it borders on national security. Our resolve is further strengthened by the condemnable act of some protesters displaying the flags of other nations.
“What threatened our fragile unity was resolved amicably on the negotiation table provided by Alhaji Yahaya Bello when he mediated between the northern food transporters and their southern counterparts and brought them together as food exchange between the two regions was threatened. That move earned him so much commendation by leaders of the country at that time.”
“In the build-up to the 2023 presidential poll, several impediments and political cum economic landmines were laid on the road, including the naira redesign policy. It was the same Yahaya Bello with some of his colleagues then who dared the system and secured the judgment that set aside the policy at the Supreme Court. It was a landmark intervention at a time that the nation was almost collapsing.
“Can the masterminds of his persecution show the world the results of their state? Yahaya Bello also mobilised the youth of the nation as the APC Youth Mobilisation Committee Chairman, because of his faith in the leadership capacity of Mr President,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, Bello’s whereabouts have remained unknown since the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared him wanted over an alleged N80.2bn fraud.
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Yahaya Bello denies sponsoring #EndBadGovernance protests, reaffirms support for Tinubu
Police arrest robbery suspects, recover firearms, stolen vehicles, others
Operatives attached to the Zone 7 Police Command Headquarters which supervises the Federal Capital Territory, have arrested some suspects involved in car snatching, armed robbery and murder.
The operation, which followed an intelligence report, in conjunction with the Niger State Police Command recovered some stolen vehicles, firearms, and laptops, among others.
This was disclosed in a statement by the zone’s Police Public Relations Officer, M.B Abdulkadir, at the Command Headquarters in Abuja, according to a tweet from the Nigeria Police Force’s X handle on Wednesday.
Four suspects — Solomon Nuhu, 22; Faruk Umar, 17; Bolaji Yusuf, 34; and Lawal Yusuf, 38, were arrested for car snatching, robbery, possession of a prohibited firearm, murder and criminal conspiracy.
Abdulkadir stated, “Police detectives attached to the Special Investigation Squad of the Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja via actionable intelligence, successfully apprehended one Haruna Akubo a.k.a Young Alhaji, where five suspected stolen vehicles were recovered from L.Y Nadabo Motors opposite One Man Village Shopping Centre, Karu LGA of Nasarawa State.
“Two other suspects named Bolaji Yusuf ‘m’ 34 years and Abubakar Umar were also arrested at Heart Plaza, Maraba, where two vehicle master keys were found in Bolaji’s possession with three stolen phones and a bunch of car keys.
“Preliminary investigation led the detectives to recover 32 phones of different makes and a 9mm Beretta pistol live ammunition in the possession of Faruk Umar. In the course of the investigation, the Beretta Pistol was recovered from one Solomon Nuhu who claimed he bought it from Faruk Umar at the rate of N130,000.”
The statement added that the police detectives found some stolen vehicles in the Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State “where five other cars were recovered, including a Lexus IS 250 whose owner was said to have been killed in the process of snatching the vehicle. The killer — Ibrahim Umar a.k.a Godiya, still at large.”
A total of 10 vehicles with altered chassis numbers were recovered from the syndicate, including laptops, and mobile phones, among others.
The statement added that the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the zone, Ogundele Ayodeji, has “ordered for a comprehensive investigation into the case, after which the suspects will be charged to court for prosecution.
“He, however, calls on law-abiding citizens of the FCT to be vigilant as they go about their day-to-day activities, to report any suspicious activities to the police, and to know that the Nigeria Police Force is steadfast in carrying out its mandate of protecting lives and properties.”
Soldiers destroy illegal oil refining sites in Rivers, Bayelsa
The Nigerian Army said its troops have destroyed several illegal refining sites in Rivers and Bayelsa States respectively.
It said the destruction was done during an operation by troops of the Land Component, Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe.
The Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt Col. Jonah Danjuma, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday morning and sent to newsmen.
Danjuma said the feat is the outcome of a renewed vigour aimed at reducing the activities of ‘notorious illegal oil bunkering merchants in the Niger Delta Region’
He further said the army has effectively scaled up operations against these criminal elements in the region to increase oil production in the crude oil and gas-rich region.
The statement partly read, “In the operations that ensued, troops identified several illegal refining sites in Rivers and Bayelsa States, where several discoveries were made.
“In Rivers State, troops of Sector 3, Land Component, Joint Task Force, South-South Operation Delta Safe, following credible intelligence identified and successfully destroyed three illegal refining sites at Odagwa in Etche Local Government Area.
” The operation led to the confiscation and subsequent destruction of over 30, 000 litres of stolen and illegally refined products.”
Also, at Akaso field down to Cawthorne channel, around well 9, troops discovered one illegal refining site, three receivers and massive connecting pipes traversing the terrain to convey stolen crude to illegal refining sites.
The statement added, “Other items were also confiscated and destroyed at the sites in line with the mandate of Operation DELTA SAFE in the Niger Delta Region.
“Similarly, in Bayelsa State, troops of Sector 2, while conducting routine operations in the creeks, waterways and rivulets along Dasaba Creek in Nembe LGA, confiscated over 12, 000 litres of stolen and illegally refined products.
” Other Items recovered at the illegal refining site include One Fibre Boat, Five Ovens, several metal drums as well as massive reservoirs used as storage facilities for this illegal venture.”
Reps blame bureaucracy for failure to effect 50% pay cut
The members of the House of Representatives have not implemented their resolutions to slash their salaries by 50 per cent for the next six months.
Recall that the federal lawmakers made the resolution on July 18 and it was expected to reflect in their salaries for the month of July.
However, the spokesman for the House, Rotimi Akin, in a statement, blamed bureaucracy for the delayed implementation.
Akin stated: “The House of Representatives remains committed to the resolution passed on July 18, which mandates a 50 per cent reduction in the salaries of honourable members for the period from July to December 2024.
“We acknowledge and regret that this resolution was not implemented by the bureaucracy as intended for the month of July.”
The legislators had made the promise while deliberating on a motion, seeking to forestall the nationwide hunger protest, which began on August 1.
READ ALSO: Reps to cut salaries by 50% for 6 months to fight hardship
In a motion of urgent importance, sponsored by the lawmaker representing Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency, Ogun State, Ibrahim Isiaka, titled: “An appeal to the proponents of the proposed nationwide protest, to maintain peace, eschew violence and open windows for meaningful engagements with the governments at all levels in order to address their issues.”
At the plenary presided over by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, amended the motion’s prayers by pleading with his colleagues to sacrifice 50 per cent of their salaries to support the government’s intervention efforts to address the situation.
Kalu said: “This government is doing its best, but one year is not enough to address the challenges of this country. I want to plead with our colleagues to sacrifice 50 per cent for a period of six months.
“Our salary is N600,000 a month. I want to plead that we let go of 50 per cent of our salary for six months.
“With each member paying N300,000 into a common purse, the legislative chamber will be contributing N108m monthly to the Federal Government and N648m for six months.”
The proposition was welcomed by all and confirmed as a resolution.
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Tobi Amusan qualifies for 100m hurdles semis in 2024 Olympics
7th August 2024
Tobi Amusan (Credit World Athletics X)
World champion Tobi Amusan qualified for the 100-meter hurdles semi-finals in the ongoing 2024 Olympics in Paris on Wednesday.
Amusan led the pack of eight athletes with 12.49 seconds, followed by America’s Alaysha Johnson with 12.61 and Jamaica’s Janeek Brown qualified with 12.84 seconds.
Details later…
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Attack on Kano NCC office: Arewa group rejects relocation call
Northern Youth Assembly (Majalisar Matasan Arewa) on Wednesday kicked against calls for the relocation of the Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC, IT park from Kano to Kebbi.
The call was sequel to the attack on the facility by hoodlums during the nationwide protest.
A statement by the Youth Assembly signed by Dr. Aliyu Mohammed, President, and Dr. Hafiz Garba, Secretary, dismissed the purported move as a “calculated deception meant to mislead the good people of Kebbi State.”
They stressed that, “while we acknowledge the call for increased investment in Kebbi State as valid and a welcome development, it is however crucial to consider several factors before thinking on some significant projects undertaking.
“Relocating the park to any other state would not only increase additional costs but also cause delays, hindering the region’s progress in digital innovation.
“It is more realistic to make a renovation on the existing foundation in Kano, than starting the project all over again somewhere.”
It explained that “necessary infrastructures for the striving of investments such as Digital Innovation Park is critical, and therefore situating the facility in Kano was not a coincidence but an action which was carefully well thought and executed.
“Kano State holds historical and strategic importance as a commercial hub in Northern Nigeria, with established transportation networks, including a fully functional international airport and major road links. Kano State is therefore well-positioned to host the Digital Innovation Park.
“The location of Kano State, ensures accessibility and connectivity amongst all other states of the North West, which is critical to a successful operationalization of such an initiative.”
The group appealed to “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to as a matter of urgency, direct for the commencement of a renovation work, at the NCC Digital Centre in Kano as soon as possible.
“Kano State deserves to have this project, considering its population size, electoral value and strategic location. “
Attack on Kano NCC office: Arewa group rejects relocation call
Shehu Sani alleges violent protests in the North aimed at overthrowing Tinubu
The former lawmaker who represented Kaduna Central senatorial district in the National Assembly, Sen. Shehu Sani, says the violence that erupted in some Northern states during the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests were plots at overthrowing the government of President Bola Tinubu.
Sani, who made the allegation as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday night, alleged that he got intelligence reports that some days into the protest, money, and some foreign flags were shared among the youths in the northern regions with the intent to cause havoc and force a takeover of government.
“A day before the last protest, money was shared to the youths, and Russian flags were also shared. That shows that the whole intent of the protest is not simply about the policies and programmes of the government,” Sani said on the programme.
READ ALSO:Shehu Sani blames North for its problems, lists causes
“There was an attempt to create an atmosphere where there would be an overthrow of the government.
“When you have this kind of situation, you will see that someone is writing a script for anarchy, lawlessness, and disorder. It is incumbent for someone like us to speak.
“The whole intent of the protests was not simply about the government’s policies but to create an atmosphere for the overthrowing of the government,” Sani insisted.
A former lawmaker, Shehu Sani, on Tuesday condemned the violence that trailed the nationwide protests in the North, saying it was an attempt to create an atmosphere to overthrow the government. pic.twitter.com/nzvBVPIyiT
— Channels Television (@channelstv) August 6, 2024
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Operators accuse NNPC Ltd of not complying with FG’s directives to sell crude in Naira
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and other domestic refineries have accused the state oil company , Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL Ltd) of not complying with the Federal government’s directive to sell crude to them in Naira.
The operators under the aegis of the Crude Oil Refiners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) disclosed that letters have been written to NNPC by individual refiners requesting crude, but there has been no response yet.
They held that there will be a rebound in the pricing of fuel once the President’s order is implemented.
However, they posited that the pronouncement alone is not enough. It must be with a force of law, either by executive order or by incorporating it into a new guideline so that the crude producers will be bound to sell to us in naira.
The Publicity Secretary of the Crude Oil Refiners Association of Nigeria NMDPRA, Eche Idoko, said the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority is expected to kickstart the process.
“We have not started buying crude from NNPC. Individual members have written to them (NNPC) already, and they have several requests from these refineries before them.
“Typically, we would expect our regulator, in this instance, the NMDPRA, to kick start the process by calling for a meeting of all parties to discuss the framework for such supply or have NNPC respond to the various letters to it by the refineries requesting for crude,” Idoko noted.
The CORAN spokesperson had earlier stated that the supply of crude oil to local refineries in naira would bring down the cost of petrol and strengthen the naira against the dollar.
READ ALSO:FEC orders NNPC to sell crude to Dangote, other refineries in naira
Idoko commended Tinubu for listening to the voice of indigenous refiners but noted that an executive order should be issued on the new directive.
The crude oil refiners also sought a meeting with the economic team to work out a rate that would favour the Nigerian market.
“Yes, we will see a rebound in the pricing of fuel once the President’s order is implemented. Mind you, the pronouncement alone is not enough. It must be with a force of law, either by executive order or by incorporating it into a new guideline so that the crude producers will be bound to sell to us in naira,” Idoko stated.
Dangote refinery and other domestic refiners have been complaining about the difficulties associated with accessing crude oil for their plants. Recently, the management of Dangote Group insisted that the IOCs were still frustrating crude supply to the 650,000-capacity refinery.
In a statement, the group alleged that the IOCs insisted on selling crude oil to its refinery through their foreign agents, saying the local price of crude will continue to increase because the trading arms offer cargoes at $2 to $4 per barrel, above NUPRC official price.
The group also alleged that the foreign oil producers seem to be prioritising Asian countries in selling the crude they produce in Nigeria.
A senior official at the Dangote refinery, who pleaded not to be named due to lack of authorisation to speak on the matter, confirmed that the plant had yet to start buying crude in naira from NNPC.
The spokesperson of NNPC, Olufemi Soneye, did not respond to enquiries on the matter when contacted by our correspondent.
By: Babajide Okeowo
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Thousands of police on standby as UK braces for more riots
Thousands of UK riot police on Wednesday stood ready to deal with more potential outbreaks of violence, which erupted more than a week ago after three children were murdered.
Far-right groups have planned demonstrations in more than 30 locations, with immigration lawyers and buildings hosting asylum seekers set to be the primary targets, according to posts on messaging app Telegram leaked to the British media.
The government has said 6,000 specialist police are being readied to deal with England’s worst disorder in over a decade, which has seen hundreds arrested and more than 100 charged.
The violence broke out after three girls, aged nine, seven and six, were killed and five more children critically injured during a knife attack at a Taylor Swift dance class in Southport, north west England.
False rumours initially spread on social media saying the attacker was a Muslim asylum seeker. The suspect was later identified as 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, born in Wales. UK media reported that his parents are from Rwanda.
Despite the police statement, initial disturbances in Southport centred around a local mosque, and widespread violence has rocked England and Northern Ireland since.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer late Tuesday warned anyone involved would face “the full force of the law”, including those inciting violence online.
Starmer, a former chief state prosecutor, said he expected “substantive sentencing before the end of this week” for the rioters, after chairing his second emergency meeting in as many days on Tuesday.
“That should send a very powerful message to anybody involved, either directly or online,” he added in televised comments.
The unrest, Britain’s worst since the 2011 London riots, has led a number of countries to warn its citizens about the dangers of travelling in the United Kingdom.
Musk row
Rioting in several cities has seen demonstrators throw bricks and flares at police officers, burn cars and attack mosques and at least two hotels that have been used as accommodation for asylum seekers.
Scores of alleged perpetrators were hauled before judges on Tuesday, with some entering guilty pleas.
A 19-year-old man became the first person to receive a prison sentence related to the unrest when he received a two-month term Tuesday, PA Media reported.
Another man was convicted after he admitted assaulting a police officer outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham, northern England, on Sunday.
A 15-year-old boy pleaded guilty to committing violent disorder in Liverpool on Saturday after he was identified from a TikTok video, while a man in Leeds admitted posting threatening words on Facebook to stir up racial hatred.
The government, only one month old, has vowed to take a tough line on the unrest.
“99.9% of people across the country want their streets to be safe and to feel safe in their communities, and we will take all necessary action to bring the disorder to an end,” Starmer said Tuesday.
Justice minister Heidi Alexander told BBC Radio 4 that the government had freed up an extra 500 prison places.
Police have blamed the disorder on people associated with the now-defunct English Defence League, a far-right Islamophobic organisation founded 15 years ago, whose supporters have been linked to football hooliganism.
The rallies have been advertised on far-right social media channels under the banner “Enough is enough”.
Interior minister Yvette Cooper said “there will be a reckoning” for perpetrators, adding that social media put a “rocket booster” under the violence.
Tech billionaire Elon Musk escalated a dispute with the UK government Tuesday by likening Britain to “the Soviet Union”. A spokesperson for Starmer had said there was “no justification” for Musk’s earlier comment that a British “civil war is inevitable”.
AFP
Soludo inaugurates electoral commission members in Anambra
The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has inaugurated the board of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission with Genevieve Osakwe as the chairman.
The inauguration, which took place at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia, on Tuesday, came after 10 years since the last local government election was conducted in the state.
During the exercise, the governor said their confirmation by the state House of Assembly paved the way for fulfilling one of the key promises he made to the people of the state.
He said the team will play a crucial role in setting the stage for the local government elections and ensuring the smooth, peaceful, and transparent conduct of polls in the state.
Soludo stressed that they have been called to perform an onerous task, especially as it concerns the conduct of local government elections in the state.
While stating that the law clearly spelt out their wide range of functions, he asked them to expedite action and set a date for the conduct of local government election for ndị Anambra.
He charged them on rendering sterling service with honour and integrity while recalling that the conduct of a local government election was a major promise he made when he assumed office and emphasised that crafting the law and getting the institution up and running, took some time.
He said, “The rest of the job is in your hands. The people of Anambra are expecting you to hit the ground running. When you are done, announce to the people when you will hold elections. I have done my job.
“Ndị Anambra, here comes your ANSIEC Commissioners. I am optimistic that with their credentials, it is expected that the Commission would render first-rate action.”
He added that the terms of reference of the members include organising, undertaking, and supervising all elections and matters pertaining to elections to the elective offices in the local government councils in the state.
“They will render such advice as it may be considered necessary to the Independent National Electoral Commission the compile the register of voters In so far as that register is applicable to the local government of the state, prescribes guidelines to political parties, stipulates the rules and procedure for the conduct of Local Government elections in the State, conduct voter and civic education.
“Others are to promote knowledge of sound democratic election processes, conduct any referendum or plebiscite required to be conducted pursuant to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution(as amended) or any law of the State, prepare and submit its budget directly to the House of Assembly, liaise directly with the Commissioner of Police, Director, State Security Service, and other relevant security bodies that may facilitate violence-free and fair elections.
“They will consult regularly with all registered political parties in the State and ensure the free flow of information about the Commission, appoint a lawyer to defend the Commission and prosecute anyone who violates the provisions of the law, assign poll clerks and orderlies in respect of each polling station or unit to assist at the poll and perform such other functions as may be conferred on it by Law,” he added.
Other functions of the Commission under paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of this section shall include the division of the area of the local government, into such number of wards or constituencies as are prescribed by law for the purpose of the elections to be conducted by the Commission.
In the exercise of its function under paragraph (a) of sub-section (1) and under sub-section (2) of this section, the Commission shall use the Voters Registers compiled by the INEC.
While speaking, the ANSIEC Chairman, Osakwe, expressed happiness for being given the opportunity to serve.
She said, “This is a big task. We will wade through the storm. Ndị Anambra will be grateful for our work. We will render this service diligently and transparently.
“This is a formidable team. We’ll do our work and do it well.”
Other members of the commission are Mrs Bernadine Obande, Osita Cyril Igbokwe, Sir Chinedu Anthony Nnalue, Mrs Helen Ifeyinwa Umeh and Mr John Emeka Okeke.
The Deputy governor, Onyekachukwu Ibezim; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu; Head of Service, Barr. Theodora Igwegbe, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Sylvia Ifemeje, former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uche Okafor, SA on Legal matters, Tobechukwu Nweke SAN, and other members of the State Executive Council were present at the event.
Recall that the last local government elections were last held in the state in 2014, and for over 10 years, all the 21 local government areas have been run by caretaker committee chairmen appointed by the governor every three months.
