The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has relaxed the curfew imposed on the state.
On Thursday, the governor imposed a 24-hour curfew on the state after the #EndBadGovernance protests turned violent.
The state Commissioner for Information, Baba Dantiye, confirmed the development to journalists on Saturday.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the protection of lives and properties in the state.
Dantiye said: “Having reviewed the curfew and worried by the situation the people have gotten in as a result of the curfew, His Excellency has directed that the curfew be relaxed now from 8:00 a.m., tomorrow Sunday, August 4 to 2:00 p.m. respectively.
The government is concerned about the security of lives and properties. That was why a curfew was imposed for 24 hours.
“This will continue, and the situation will continue to be reviewed. When the security situation improves, the decision will be further reviewed. I hope the people will comply.”
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Protest: Gov Yusuf relaxes curfew in Kano
Atiku condemns use of live ammunition on #EndBadGovernance protesters
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the alleged use of live ammunition on #EndBadGovernance protesters by security agents.
He was reacting to reacting to reports on the use of live ammunition on protesters inside the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, by police officers on Saturday.
In a statement, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election said the incident was reminiscent of what happened during the “dark days” of military dictatorship in the country.
He urged President Bola Tinubu to show genuine leadership by promptly addressing the demands of the protesters.
Atiku said: “I vehemently condemn the heinous act of using live ammunition on citizens peacefully protesting against bad governance as witnessed today in Kano and Abuja. This is utterly intolerable and reminiscent of the dark days of military dictatorship.
“It is crucial to remind the government and security agencies of their paramount duty to ensure a safe and secure environment where citizens can exercise their right to protest without fear.
“When security forces open fire on innocent protesters, they do nothing but exacerbate tensions, transforming peaceful demonstrations into chaos. I refuse to believe that inciting violence is the intention of our authorities.
“I urge the international community, including the United Nations and the International Criminal Court, to closely monitor the situation in Nigeria and hold its leadership and security apparatus accountable.
“I reaffirm my counsel to protesters to steadfastly exercise their right to peaceful protest and reject any form of violence.
“Those engaging in looting and the destruction of public and private property must be isolated and prosecuted according to the law.
“By indulging in such acts, they undermine the legitimate protests and play into the hands of those who oppose their right to protest.”
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Discos warn against destruction of property, power facilities during protests
The Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors has urged protesters to refrain from destroying property, including those belonging to distribution companies, amid the ongoing demonstrations.
Discos emphasised that while protesting is a fundamental right, it becomes a criminal act when protesters destroy public property.
Since the protests began on 1 August, incidents of violence and property destruction have been recorded in various parts of the country.
Notable destruction occurred in states such as Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Niger, and Jigawa.
The Information and Communication Technology Centre in Kano, which was scheduled for commissioning next week, was raided by protesters and set ablaze.
In an interview with Sunday According, the Executive Director of Research & Advocacy at Discos, Sunday Oduntan, cautioned against repeating the property destruction seen during the #EndSARS protests.
“There was a lot of damage during the last #EndSARS protest. We cannot continue to destroy our property in the name of protest,” Oduntan said.
“Those engaging in violent demonstrations are very unpatriotic. They don’t love Nigeria.”
Similarly, the Director of Media for Arewa Youths for Tinubu, Isyaku Baba, condemned the destruction of property by protesters.
“Destruction of property is totally against the purpose of the protest,” Baba stated.
“Protests are a vital part of democracy because they enable citizens to participate in the political process beyond voting. But destroying public property is wrong. The situation we had in some parts, like Kano, is no longer a protest but violence.”
Gunmen kill seven village heads in Imo community
Tragedy struck again in Imo State on Saturday evening when some gunmen reportedly shot dead the President-General of Umucheke Okwe autonomous community in Onuimo Local Government Area of Imo State, Hyginus Ohazurike.
Six village heads from the autonomous community were also allegedly killed by the gunmen.
An indigene of the community, who pleaded anonymity, told According Online that the gunmen, who operated in a vehicle, struck while the victims were having a meeting in the community.
The source said, “Some gunmen have just shot dead the President-General of Umucheke Okwe autonomous community and six village heads.
“The PG and the village heads were having a meeting at the PG’s shop, located at the community’s market when the attackers arrived.
“On arrival, the gunmen opened fire, killed all the community leaders, and set the place ablaze. All the community chiefs died in the attack.”
Visibly apprehensive, the source added that nobody knew the reason for the attack.
He added, “Nobody knew the agenda of the meeting. They were having a meeting at the PG’s shop when the gunmen arrived.
“They opened fire, killed all the village chiefs in attendance, and burnt the place before driving off.”
The According reports that following the dastardly act, residents of the village have fled their homes.
The sole administrator of the local government area, Emeka Obi, who confirmed the killings when contacted, said he was addressing his constituents.
Condemning the killings, he urged everybody to remain calm.
Imo State Police Command spokesperson, Henry Okoye, had yet to respond to our correspondent’s enquiry at the time of filing this report.
Recall that some gunmen had in the past killed a ward chairman of the All Progressives Congress and seven others in the same community.
In the last week, beginning from Monday, some gunmen killed four policemen and a Point of Sale operator at Irette community, located on the Owerri – Onitsha expressway in Owerri, the state capital.
Also on Monday, some gunmen killed one person and set a vehicle ablaze when they attacked Umuelemai junction at Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of the state.
The following day, on Tuesday, some gunmen killed a businessman, Okey Nze, popularly known as Wealthy Empire, at Amawire junction in Orji community, in the Owerri North Local Government Area of the state.
On the same day, a policeman identified as OC Ireozor was shot dead by gunmen, along with a community chief, Paulinus Mbakwe, at Nworieubi community in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area of the state.
Police deny killing teenager while dispersing protesters in Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police, Bennett Igweh has said his men were not responsible for the death of a teenager in the Kubwa area of the FCT.
In a viral video, a man claimed that police, while dispersing protesters, shot dead a teenager in the Kubwa area.
However, the FCT command spokesperson , Josephine Adeh, in a statement on Saturday said police officers deployed to the area were not given lethal arms that could kill.
She said, “In response to the video footage making the rounds alleging the killing of a yet-to-be-identified teenager by police operatives in Kubwa by Zenith Bank while protesting on August 3, 2024, the FCT police command hereby debunks the allegations, stating that its operatives are not responsible for the killing of the teenager, as the operatives deployed to the axis were not issued lethal arms but only with anti-riot equipment not capable of occasioning the death of the teenager.”
Angered by the incident, she said the CP ordered an investigation into the matter to establish the cause of the teenager’s death.
Adeh said, “In light of the rather infuriated incident, the commissioner of police has ordered that an immediate investigation be conducted to ascertain the remote cause of death of the deceased, calling on well-meaning residents to provide the command with necessary information to aid the investigation.
“While expressing profound condolences to the family of the bereaved, he assures the family and public of swift justice, as effort is ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators of the unfortunate incident.
“Also, the command is aware of the antics of mischief makers who may want to exploit the current situation in the country to spread false information with the aim at misleading and causing apprehension in the populace; it therefore calls on residents to shun such misinformation, as the command is committed to ensuring the security and safety of all and sundry.”
German keeper’s heroics knock Canada out of Olympics women’s football
Goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger saved two penalties in the shootout and scored the winner to knock holders Canada of the Olympic women’s football on Saturday, taking Germany into the semi-finals along with Spain and the United States.
The quarter-final in Marseille finished 0-0 after extra time before 2016 gold medallists Germany prevailed 4-2 in the shoot-out thanks to Berger’s heroics.
The Canadians took gold three years ago in Tokyo but just making it to the last eight this time was a remarkable achievement after they were docked six points in the group stage.
They were hit with the points deduction and a fine of 200,000 Swiss francs ($226,000) by FIFA as a punishment after a staff member used a drone to spy on a New Zealand training session ahead of their opening match at the tournament.
Canada coach Bev Priestman was given a one-year ban for her responsibility in the scandal, leaving assistant Andy Spence to take interim charge.
They failed in an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against the points deduction, but won all three group games to qualify for the last eight.
Germany go through to a last-four tie on Tuesday in Lyon against the United States, who edged out Japan 1-0 after extra time in Paris.
• Rodman strike sinks Japan –
Trinity Rodman scored the only goal of the game in stunning style just before half-time in extra time to settle a tense contest.
The USA remain on track under new English coach Emma Hayes to win a record-extending fifth women’s football gold, and a first since defeating Japan in the London Olympic final in 2012.
That silver remains Japan’s only medal in the competition and they go home after thwarting the USA for most of the game.
“I honestly think that was the only way we were going to find a goal in that game,” Rodman said of her moment of magic after she was set up by Crystal Dunn.
“Obviously we had tried all game long to get in between them and it wasn’t working, but she played it in behind.
“It just bobbled a little, and then I banged it in the upper 90. I couldn’t have asked for anything better. I am very happy about it.”
The presence of Snoop Dogg — working at the Olympics for US television — in the crowd in Paris provided more excitement for many spectators than the game itself.
Japan sat back and allowed the USA to have most of the possession, which they did without showing a cutting edge.
Rodman’s goal was sensational, as she controlled a long diagonal ball by Dunn on the right, turned Hikaru Kitagawa inside out and fired a shot high into the far corner.
World Cup winners Spain survived a major scare before beating Colombia 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in Lyon, with Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati converting the decisive kick in the shoot-out.
They advance to a semi-final on Tuesday in Marseille against hosts France or Brazil, who meet later.
Going for gold in their first appearance in the Olympic women’s football, Spain were moments away from being eliminated after falling 2-0 behind.
Mayra Ramirez fired Colombia ahead early on and Leicy Santos doubled their lead early in the second half.
Jennifer Hermoso pulled a goal back in the 79th minute for the world champions, who were then rescued when captain Irene Paredes turned in a Salma Paralluelo cross in the seventh minute of injury time.
That meant extra time, and no further goals led to penalties. Captain Catalina Usme’s first kick for Colombia was saved, while Liana Salazar missed her attempt as Spain scored all four of their efforts from the spot to go through.
AFP
Atiku condemns use of live ammunition on #EndBadGovernance protesters
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the alleged use of live ammunition on #EndBadGovernance protesters.
Nigerians are experiencing economic difficulties, making it hard for many to afford basic needs.
In response, some youths initiated protests on Thursday, continuing through Friday and Saturday in Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, Rivers, and other regions, calling for an end to hunger and poor governance in Nigeria.
On Saturday, masked men allegedly fired at protesters and journalists inside the Mashood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.
In a statement on Saturday, Atiku responded by describing the incident as intolerable and reminiscent of the oppressive era of military dictatorship.
He stated, “I vehemently condemn the heinous act of using live ammunition on citizens peacefully protesting against bad governance, as witnessed today in Kano and Abuja. This is utterly intolerable and reminiscent of the dark days of military dictatorship.
“It is crucial to remind the government and security agencies of their paramount duty to ensure a safe and secure environment where citizens can exercise their right to protest without fear.
“When security forces open fire on innocent protesters, they do nothing but exacerbate tensions, transforming peaceful demonstrations into chaos. I refuse to believe that inciting violence is the intention of our authorities.
“I urge the international community, including the United Nations and the International Criminal Court, to closely monitor the situation in Nigeria and hold its leadership and security apparatus accountable.”
The former Vice President called on President Tinubu to show genuine leadership by promptly addressing and fulfilling the demands of the Nigerian people.
He said, “I reaffirm my counsel to protesters to steadfastly exercise their right to peaceful protest and reject any form of violence.
“Those engaging in looting and the destruction of public and private property must be isolated and prosecuted according to the law. By indulging in such acts, they undermine the legitimate protests and play into the hands of those who oppose their right to protest.”
Protest: Police arrests 212 suspects for looting, vandalism in Jigawa
Police operatives in Jigawa have arrested 212 suspects in connection with looting, destruction, and vandalism of properties in the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protest in the state.
The state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ahmadu Abdullahi, disclosed this on Saturday when he briefed journalists on measures taken by the command to restore law and order in the state.
Abdullahi said that 72 of those arrested have already been charged in court.
The CP revealed that the operatives recovered 303 bags of fertilizer, 50 motorcycles, three tricycles, 12 bicycles, nine chairs, 54 cartons of mosquito net, two bags of rice, and office furniture.
He recalled that a series of proactive measures were taken by security agencies to prevent violence and protect lives and properties ahead of the protest.
Abdullahi listed the measures taken to include surveillance, deployment of additional security personnel to potential hotspots, engagement with critical stakeholders, and monitoring social media platforms.
He, however, lamented that some unpatriotic elements were bent on destabilising the state despite efforts by the command to prevent violence during the protest.
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Northern Senators appeal to youths to exercise restraint in #EndBadGovernance protest
The Northern Senators Forum has appealed to Nigerian youths to exercise restraint in the ongoing protests in the country.
The Chairman of the Forum, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua, made the call in a letter addressed to the youths and made available to journalists on Saturday in Abuja.
The #EndBadGovernance protest organized by some groups of Nigerians to express their displeasure over the hunger and other socio-challenges occasioned by the policy initiatives of the Tinubu administration has been marred by violence with a number of people killed and properties destroyed in many states across the country.
At least four states, including Kano and Borno, have declared curfew after hoodlums hijacked the otherwise peaceful protests in the states.
The letter read: “I write to you today as the Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, with a deep sense of concern and hope for the future of our great nation.
“While it’s your democratic right to embark on a peaceful protest to press home your demands, it is equally important to recognise that most protests have ended up in violence.”
“Therefore, I wish to call on those who organized the nationwide protests to reflect on what happened on the first day of the protests.”
Yar’adua said President Bola Tinubu was aware of the challenges faced by Nigerians and was working tirelessly to address the issues.
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AC Milan unveil maternity support for female players, staff
In a groundbreaking move within European football, AC Milan has unveiled a revolutionary maternity policy for its female players and staff, marking a significant step towards gender equality in sports.
This pioneering initiative guarantees automatic contract renewals for female players who become pregnant during the final season of their contracts.
Also, it provides extensive support during pregnancy and early motherhood, setting a new standard in the industry.
This was contained in an August 2 statement, obtained from the club’s website.
It was titled, “AC Milan Introduces Maternity Policy For Female Players And Staff.”
The 2017 FIFPRO Global Employment Report revealed that only two per cent of female football players globally have children, and 47 per cent would consider leaving football to start a family.
AC Milan’s new policy directly addresses these concerns, aiming to create a supportive environment that encourages women to pursue both their professional and personal goals.
The statement read, “In what is a first among the élite clubs of European football, AC Milan presents an innovative maternity policy for its female players and staff, formally ensuring a series of protections during pregnancy and early childhood that go beyond current regulations.
“According to the 2017 FIFPRO Global Employment Report, a global study on working conditions in women’s football, only 2% of female players interviewed across four continents had children, and 47% said they would leave football to start a family.”
Giorgio Furlani, CEO of AC Milan, stated, “We are proud to present such an important project, which once again demonstrates AC Milan’s attention towards relevant matters for all the people of the Rossoneri family.
“We want this new step to be a further motivation for growth and development for the entire Club, becoming a model to follow, at a national and international level, ensuring that the world of football increasingly becomes an environment where everyone can feel free to make important personal decisions.”
According Online reports that notable issues affecting female sports include limited support for pregnancy and motherhood, gender pay gaps, and insufficient resources and infrastructure compared to male counterparts.
According to the statement, the club aims to create an inclusive environment that supports both professional and personal growth, setting a new standard in the industry.
“With this policy, AC Milan aims to support female players and professionals making up the technical staff during their development journey, not just in their professional growth, by creating an environment that enables them to make significant life choices. In addition to the protections already provided by current legislation, the Club will also guarantee:
“Automatic contract renewal with a one-year extension on the same economic terms for players if their contract is due to expire during the season in which the pregnancy started
“Assistance with childcare during sports activities and support for flights, accommodation, and other travel expenses for the children of the player who carried the pregnancy or is the sole guardian, plus one companion.
“Rossonere players will also continue to benefit from protections related to pregnancy, mandatory remuneration, and return to activity as stipulated by current rules, especially FIFA guidelines, AIC collective agreements, and the Club’s internal regulations. AC Milan also provides its players with professionals from the psycho-pedagogical, physiotherapy, and nutritional areas and reserves the right to involve external experts as needed.”
Head of Women Football at AC Milan, Elisabet Spina, added, “The Club has always shown great attention to the well-being of its female players and staff members, both professionally and personally.
“For example, we were the first Italian Club to contribute social security benefits to our players, well before the introduction of professionalism. We further demonstrated it through the #WeAllAreFootball manifesto to mitigate gender conflict, which led to the definition of principles, initiatives, and concrete interventions on the Club’s infrastructure.
“We are now about to start a new season in which we will work to achieve important goals, both on and off the field: we are excited to approach it by introducing our innovative policy.”
To define its policy, AC Milan involved the players from its First Team and Primavera Team in a process guided by the Club’s psycho-pedagogical Area, through meetings, interviews, and surveys.
According Online reported that Denmark’s male footballers refused a salary increase for playing for the national side to gain their female counterparts equal basic pay, the players’ union in June.
In 2019, Australia’s professional female footballers secured a landmark pay rise that saw them receive the same minimum wage as their male counterparts in a win for gender equality.
England men’s and women’s senior players have been paid the same match fee for representing their country since January 2020, the Football Association confirmed.
Brazil also joined Australia, Norway and New Zealand on the list of football associations who had publicly committed to paying their men and women players the same amount for earning a senior cap.
Meanwhile, in the same year, a federal judge dismissed the United States women’s soccer team’s bid for equal pay on Friday, rejecting claims the players had been underpaid in a crushing defeat for the reigning world champions.
In a 32-page ruling, Judge Gary Klausner of the US District Court for Central California in Los Angeles tossed the women’s claim of pay discrimination, ruling in favour of the United States Soccer Federation.
Klausner did allow the women’s case for unfair treatment in areas such as travel, housing and medical support to proceed to trial, set for June 16 in Los Angeles.
But the judge said the equal pay claims – the central plank of the case – had been dismissed because there was evidence the women had turned down an offer to be paid along the lines of the US men’s team.