Following the gruesome murder of eight individuals in Umucheke Okwe Community, Onuimo LGA, Imo State, by yet-to-be-identified assailants, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, has visited the area for an on-the-spot assessment of the tragic incident.
Danjuma was accopained by the Sole Administrator of the LGA, Dr. Emeka Obi, and a representative of the Commander 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Major A.I. Maikarifi.
The State Police Commissioner, together with other security officials, extended their condolences to the families of the victims and the entire community.
They assured them that security agencies in the state are working in synergy to apprehend those responsible for the heinous act and ensure they face the full wrath of the law.
According to a release issued by the Command Spokesperson, ASP Henry Okoye, the entourage also included the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Mathew Ovye, among others.
The attack occurred on Saturday in Umucheke Okwe of the Council Area.
A community member, who requested anonymity, revealed that the assailants struck while the victims were in a meeting at the residence of the Town Union President General.
The attackers began shooting sporadically, killing the President General and other village heads.
The motive behind the killings remains unclear. The source stated, “Nobody can ascertain the reason for the attack, and there is growing apprehension in the community.”
Killing of 8 in Imo: CP Danjuma visits area, vows to nab culprits
Killing of 8 in Imo: CP Danjuma visits area, vows to nab culprits
Fulfil your promises on youth empowerment, group urges Akpabio, Ogbuku
The Niger Delta Youth Movement has urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, to expedite action on their promises of empowering the youth of the region.
The Senate President and the NDDC MD had promised holistic youth empowerment during the recently concluded Niger Delta Youth Conference held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
In a statement on Saturday by its National President, Ekene Frank, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the group expressed appreciation for the Senate President’s fatherly disposition towards the region.
He urged him to act swiftly on his promises.
“I sincerely thank the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for his fatherly disposition towards the region. His harmonious relationship with the youth of the region was evident at the recent Ethnic Nationalities Youth Conference organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission.
“While thanking the Senate President and the Samuel Ogbuku-led management of the NDDC for their pledge of holistic youth empowerment at the recently concluded Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Conference, we urge that action be expedited,” the statement said.
Regarding the ongoing nationwide hunger protest, Frank commended the youth of the region for refusing to join the protest against the President Tinubu-led administration. He explained that the Niger Delta youth shunned the protest because they have seen verifiable indices of commitment by the administration toward addressing the economic hardship in the country.
The statement read, “The National Executive Council of the Niger Delta Youth Movement appreciates the youth of the Niger Delta region for refusing to join the protest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. While not feigning ignorance of the economic challenges in Nigeria, we have seen verifiable indices of commitment towards reducing these challenges in the short term and gradual revamping of our economy in the long run.
“There are also strong and concrete demonstrations of good governance within the nine states of our region through deliberate programmes that are impacting citizens in rural areas.”
Frank also appreciated President Tinubu for his concern for the Niger Delta region, noting that it is under the present administration that the South-East Development Commission was signed into law.
“Under President Tinubu, the South East Development Commission was signed into law – something that should have been done immediately after the Nigerian civil war,” the statement added.
NDDC chief lauds ex-Delta gov James Ibori at 66
Delta State representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Monday Igbuya, has praised the exceptional leadership and vision of former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori, as he celebrates his 66th birthday.
Igbuya, a former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, celebrated what he described as the outstanding accomplishments of Ibori at 66, noting that the former governor has touched many lives with his compassionate disposition.
This was detailed in a press statement issued by Igbuya, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri on Sunday.
Igbuya noted in the statement that “Chief Ibori laid the groundwork upon which the infrastructural and economic development of Delta State is anchored by successive administrations in the state.”
The statement partly reads, “It is with great honour and heartfelt joy that I extend my warmest congratulations to Chief James Onanefe Ibori, an eminent political leader in Delta State and a cherished son of the Urhobo nation, on the occasion of his 66th birthday.
“Today, we celebrate not only his remarkable journey through life but also the profound impact he has had on our state and its people.
“As a former Governor of Delta State, Chief Ibori’s legacy continues to inspire and guide the leaders of today and tomorrow. During his tenure as Governor from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007, Chief Ibori demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision.
“His administration was marked by a commitment to infrastructure development, education, and economic empowerment. Under his guidance, Delta State witnessed unprecedented growth and development, setting a standard for governance that has become a benchmark for successive administrations. His dedication to improving the lives of Deltans is a testament to his unwavering commitment to public service,” he said.
According to him, Ibori’s tenure as governor was a period of transformation for Delta State, characterised by strategic investments in key sectors that catalysed progress and enhanced the quality of life for the people.
“His visionary policies laid the groundwork for infrastructural development, improved healthcare, and educational advancements, all of which have had lasting positive effects on our state.
“As we celebrate his contributions, we are reminded of the importance of visionary leadership in fostering sustainable development.
“Beyond his achievements in governance, Chief Ibori has remained a pivotal figure in the sociopolitical landscape of Delta State and Nigeria as a whole.
“His advocacy for the rights and welfare of the Urhobo people, as well as his efforts in promoting peace and unity among diverse ethnic groups, have earned him the admiration and respect of many,” the statement added.
He noted that Ibori’s influence extends beyond the borders of Delta State, reflecting his dedication to national development and unity.
“Today, as we honour Chief Ibori on his 66th birthday, we acknowledge his enduring legacy and the indelible mark he has left on our state and nation.
“His journey serves as an inspiration to current and future generations of leaders, emphasising the importance of resilience, dedication, and a genuine desire to uplift the lives of others. Chief Ibori’s story is a testament to the transformative power of leadership driven by vision and compassion.
“As we celebrate this significant milestone in Chief Ibori’s life, we also look to the future with optimism and hope,” the statement concluded.
Mammoth crowd as Prophet El-Buba leads live Sunday service at protest ground in Jos [PHOTOS]
![Mammoth crowd as Prophet El-Buba leads live Sunday service at protest ground in Jos [PHOTOS]](https://tvn.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240804_105732-768x576.jpg "Mammoth crowd as Prophet El-Buba leads live Sunday service at protest ground in Jos [PHOTOS]")
The day four of the ongoing EndBadGovernance protest took a different dimension in Jos, the Plateau State capital on Sunday.
The protesters held a live Sunday service at the protest ground in the Old Airport Junction in Jos with prayers for God’s intervention in the economic crisis bedeviling Nigerians.
TVN gathered that Prophet Isa El-Buba, who has been part of the hunger protest since August 1, presided over the service.
The service was held hours after President Bola Tinubu addressed Nigerians on the nationwide outrage over hunger and high cost of living.
Although the protest, which is expected to last for ten days, was hijacked by hoodlums right from the first day, Nigerians have vowed to continue until their demands are met.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has called on aggrieved Nigerians to suspend their protests.
In a nationwide broadcast on Sunday, Tinubu stated that he has heard the protesters’ concerns “loud and clear” and is ready to engage in dialogue with them.
Mammoth crowd as Prophet El-Buba leads live Sunday service at protest ground in Jos [PHOTOS]
Hoodlums invade Katsina churches, cart away equipment
No fewer than 205 chairs, musical instruments and other equipment worth millions of naira were reported stolen by hoodlums in Katsina State on the first day of the ongoing nationwide planned peaceful protest against hardship.
According Online reports that the hoodlums invaded a Living Faith Church in the Daura Local Government Area of the state, looting 205 chairs, musical instruments, and other valuable items worth millions of naira.
The Pastor in charge of the church, David Jato, told our correspondent in Katsina on Sunday that the church service could not be held due to the incident.
He said, “Because the hoodlums took everything inside the church on the first day of the protest, they decided to worship at their various home cells.
“We have two security personnel working in the church; one was on duty while the other was off. When the protest began around 10:00 am, the hoodlums just diverted to the church, many of them in Keke Napep (tricycle), broke the door and windows and entered the church auditorium.
“They took everything inside the church auditorium, including the wall digital clock, musical instruments, pulpit, pastor’s chairs, plastic chairs, a desktop computer at the reception, and a scoreboard where the accountant usually kept church documents. They scattered everything.
“Three churches were their target. They succeeded in invading the Living Faith Church and Deeper Life, but couldn’t gain access to the third one, which is the Anglican Church, because of the strong protection at the gate.”
He added, “We have informed the police and the army about it, and the police told us yesterday that they have made some arrests.
“I am surprised by this attack. When we are thinking about ending bad governance protests, which have now escalated to the invasion of churches, it is something that everyone should seriously condemn. It is not food that we store in the house of God; it is a place of worship. Why is it only a church? The government should come to the reality that they are serving humanity, and God will judge us all, whether political or religious leaders.
“My prayer for the perpetrators is that they should repent from what they are doing because for you to enter a church, a place of worship, is wrong, and you know you are not fighting, man. They should seek repentance. I know God is forgiving, and He will forgive them.”
Similarly, the Pastor in charge of Power of Resurrection in Katsina State, Nelson Onyekachuku, whose church was also invaded by the hoodlums during the protest in Katsina town, lamented the vandalisation of the church windows as the hoodlums could not gain access to the building due to the iron protectors of the church gate.
Onyekachuku, who is also the former state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Katsina, condemned the action entirely, noting that they should not add to the pain of the church.
He called on the government to change its policy, address the issues of the people and always ensure the protection of the church whenever such an incident happens.
No official statement has been released by the State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sadiq Abubakar, as he is not responding to messages sent to his cell phone.
According Online observed a heavy security presence in churches across the state on Sunday.
Ibadan: Beaded crowns given to high chiefs honorary – Ladoja
The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, has declared that the beaded crowns given to High Chiefs in the ancient city are honorary and not intended for traditional purposes.
Ladoja explained that there is only one king in the ancient city, which is the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Ladoja made this declaration on Sunday while speaking on a live radio program on Fresh 105.9 FM, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, as monitored by TVN.
The former governor, while addressing the live radio program titled “Agbami Oselu,” insisted that the beaded crowns given to the High Chiefs in Ibadan are honorary and not meant for any traditional purposes.
He further maintained that none of the High Chiefs who have received the beaded crowns has the right to call themselves Oba, as they do not have any domain.
“We have only one king in Ibadan, which is the Olubadan. No other person can call himself king apart from the Olubadan.
“The beaded crowns are honorary and not traditional crowns. I spoke with the Oluwo, who confirmed that those who received the beaded crowns did not perform any traditional rites before being given the crowns. So, it is honorary.
“If it is what the people of Ibadan want, I will accept it. But it remains an honorary title. The Olubadan will grant it, and the government has no role in it.
“I became the Jagun Olubadan on October 1, 1993, during the regime of Oba Asanike. Moshood Abiola asked us to wait for him to witness the event.”
Ibadan: Beaded crowns given to high chiefs honorary – Ladoja
NUJ slams harassment of journalists, says intimidation must stop
The Nigeria Union of Journalists has condemned the harassment and intimidation of journalists covering the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria nationwide protests.
The union stated that these acts were carried out by both “state and non-state actors.”
This was disclosed in a statement made available to According Online on Sunday, August 4, 2024, by the NUJ’s National Secretary, Achike Chude.
The statement assured that despite these condemnable acts, “journalists will neither be cowed nor deterred from carrying out their responsibilities of engaging with society to inform, enlighten, and educate citizens to promote the public good.”
The statement read in part, “Following the series of protests that rocked many parts of the country on Thursday, August 1, and Friday, August 2, 2024, Nigerian journalists went out in their numbers as required by the demands of the profession to cover the events.
“Unfortunately, the hydra-headed monster of journalist intimidation, harassment, and the seizure of both official and personal assets of members of the press reared its ugly head once more. These acts were carried out by both state and non-state actors.
“This sordid and unacceptable state of affairs, especially those perpetrated by state actors, is occurring despite various conscious efforts by the NUJ to engage government officials and security forces to address these anti-democratic behaviours by those responsible for maintaining law and order.”
Among the recorded incidents of journalists’ intimidation and harassment across the country, the NUJ lamented that in Lagos State, a journalist with News Central Television, Bernard Akede, was “interrupted and barred from conducting live interviews by police officers and LCC officials.”
In Calabar, Cross River State, “hoodlums attacked journalists, leaving Nigerian Tribune reporter Joseph Abasi-Abasi with severe injuries. The assailants targeted a bus belonging to the NUJ that was carrying food supplies to the Ernest Etim Press Centre.”
“In Abuja, Daily Independent photojournalist Jide Oyekunle was unlawfully arrested and had his mobile phone confiscated by police officers while covering protests. He was only released following a spontaneous protest by other journalists.”
“In Abuja, Olukayode Jayeola, a photojournalist with The According Newspaper, was arrested by police while covering the protest at Eagle Square. His camera, phones, including an M11, and other personal belongings were confiscated by security operatives.”
The statement also added that another journalist with TVC News in Kano State, Ibrahim Isah, was “physically attacked by armed hoodlums, sustaining hand injuries.”
“In Abuja, Yakubu Mohammed of Premium Times was brutally assaulted by police officers, who struck him with gun butts and batons, causing head injuries.
“Mary Adeboye, a journalist with News Central Television, was exposed to teargas fired by police officers while reporting on the protest in the Federal Capital Territory.
Also, Yakubu Mohammed of Premium Times was attacked and injured by police officers who allegedly hit him with the butt of their guns and their batons,” causing injuries to his head while covering the protest.
Mohammed’s cameras were also destroyed by the police officers.
Another journalist, Jonathan Ugbal of Cross River Watch, was “arrested, beaten, and detained by police in Calabar before being released.”
The statement added that “in Delta State, some journalists came under attack by counter-protesters, allegedly supporting the government, while covering the demonstration. Prince Amour Udemude, an investigative journalist, Matthew Ochei of According Newspaper, Monday Osayande of Guardian Newspaper, and Lucy, a reporter with Pointer, were assaulted and had their equipment destroyed.”
Furthermore, nine staff members of Radio Ndarason Internationale were “arrested at RNI offices in Maiduguri while reporting on the protests,” among others.
The union called for a thorough investigation into these incidents while it continues to compile “a list of official and personal assets of journalists that were either lost, seized, or damaged to determine their value.”
“We expect nothing less than a public apology from the institutions responsible, as well as the replacement of the lost or damaged assets of the journalists.”
“Nigeria is supposed to be a country of law and order. We expect no less in terms of professional conduct from officials who are maintained with state resources,” the statement concluded.
The planned 10-day protests, scheduled to be held from August 1-10, 2024, seek to address the high cost of governance, the high cost of living for citizens, and rising food prices, among other issues.
Ladoja accepts beaded crown, says I will become Olubadan
The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, has stated that he will become the Olubadan of Ibadan, expressing gratitude for God’s mercy.
Ladoja, the most senior of the High Chiefs and next in line to become Olubadan, stated this on Sunday while appearing on ‘Agbami Oselu,’ a radio programme on Fresh FM in Ibadan.
The former Governor of Oyo State also declared his intention to become a beaded crown monarch in Ibadanland, as stipulated by his status in the revised Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration.
He explained that various Ibadan indigenes and non-indigenes had pressured him to accept the beaded crown to facilitate his ascension to the throne when the time came.
Speaking in Yoruba, Ladoja said, “By the grace of God, I will become Olubadan. God has been merciful to me. My blood pressure has been stable.
“Anyone God destined to become Olubadan will become Olubadan. No matter the obstacles placed in their way, if God has decreed that someone will become Olubadan, they will become Olubadan.
“I will do what the people of Ibadan want. God is determining everything. We have had many people who became Balogun but did not become Olubadan. We have had many people who became Otun Olubadan but did not become Olubadan. Omiyale and Kuye died ten days apart.
“It is a tough decision, but the voice of the people is the voice of God. That is what the people want.”
This move is seen by many as crucial to de-escalating tensions arising from the publication of the gazette showing the new amendment.
The Oyo State government, in the revised Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, passed by the state House of Assembly and signed into law by Governor Seyi Makinde, amended Section 4 of the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration.
The original version stated: “The person who may be proposed as a candidate by the line whose turn it is to fill a vacancy in the office of the Olubadan shall be the most Senior (High) Chief in that Line.”
However, Section 4 of the amendment, titled “New Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration,” replaced “the most Senior (High) Chief in that Line” with “the most Senior Beaded Crown Oba in that Line.”
Section 4 of the new law states: “The person who may be proposed as a candidate by the Line whose turn it is to fill a vacancy in the office of the Olubadan shall be the most Senior Beaded Crown Oba in that Line.”
Nationwide protest: Tinubu’s speech was great, inspiring – Keyamo
Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has said President Bola Tinubu’s Sunday broadcast to Nigerians was great and inspiring.
Keyamo said the President’s speech was compassionate, firm, conciliatory, but not condescending.
“Great and inspiring speech by Mr. President @officialABAT. Compassionate, yet firm; conciliatory, yet not condescending; resolute on our objectives, yet reassuring. Wonderful balance,” the Minister posted on X.
TVN reported Tinubu addressed the nation on Sunday concerning the ongoing nationwide protests.
The president in his speech ruled out the return of fuel subsidy and as well enjoined organizers of the protest to withdraw from the street.
Nationwide protest: Tinubu’s speech was great, inspiring – Keyamo
Tinubu lists achievements, vows to transform economy
President Bola Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast on Sunday, 4 August 2024, listed some of his administration’s achievements since assuming office as Nigeria’s Head of State on 29 May 2023.
The President also pledged to deliver on his promise to transform the nation’s economy.
Tinubu’s speech was necessitated by the planned 10-day protest across the country, tagged #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, which has degenerated into looting, violence, and police brutality, among other issues.
Amid high inflation, which currently stands at 34.19 per cent for June 2024 according to the National Bureau of Statistics, skyrocketing food prices, and hikes in the cost of fuel, Nigerians have continued to express deep concerns over the economic hardship that has ravaged the nation.
However, while delivering his speech, Tinubu noted that his administration has recorded some notable achievements. Some of these achievements include:
- Removal of Fuel Subsidies and Termination of Multiple Foreign Exchange Systems: This, Tinubu said, “had constituted a noose around the economic jugular of our nation and impeded our economic development and progress.”
- Increased Government Revenues: Aggregate government revenues more than doubled, increasing by over N9.1 trillion in the first half of 2024 compared to the first half of 2023.
- Ongoing Major Infrastructure Projects: These include roads, bridges, railways, power, and oil and gas developments, notably the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Highway projects.
- Increased Oil Production: Oil production has increased to 1.61 million barrels per day, and two Foreign Direct Investments of over $500m have been signed.
- Compressed Natural Gas Initiative: Launched to power the transportation sector and reduce costs. Tinubu said, “This will save over N2tn a month, being used to import PMS and AGO.”
- Student Loan Scheme: Approval of over N95.6bn to Nigerian students through the Student Loan Scheme.
- Consumer Credit Corporation: Established with over N200bn “to help Nigerians acquire essential products without the need for immediate cash payments, making life easier for millions of households.”
- Digital and Creative Enterprises: Empowerment of young people, creating millions of IT and technical jobs.
- Skill-Up Artisans Programme: Introduction of the Nigerian Youth Academy and the National Youth Talent Export Programme.
- Livelihood Support: The release of over N570bn to the 36 states to expand livelihood support for their citizens, while 600,000 nano-businesses have benefitted from the administration’s nano-grants.
- Reduction in Revenue to Debt Service Ratio: Reduced from 97% to 68% in the last 13 months.
- Job Creation: Creation of 240,000 jobs through 10 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
- National Minimum Wage: Signing into law the new National Minimum Wage of N70,000 and the payments of N1bn each to large manufacturers.
- Removal of Tariffs and Import Duties: On rice, wheat, maize, sorghum, drugs, and other pharmaceutical and medical supplies for the next six months.
- Incentives to Farmers: To increase food production at affordable prices.
- Procurement of Mechanised Farming Equipment: Provisions of equipment such as tractors and planters, worth billions of naira from the United States, Belarus, and Brazil.
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