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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Northern Senators appeal to youths to exercise restraint in #EndBadGovernance protest
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.
#EndBadGovernance protests: Varsity don calls for reform of consumer protection law
A university don, Dr Friday Nkwede, has called on the nation’s legislators to reform the consumer protection laws that would shield consumers from rampant exploitation amid soaring economic inflation.
Nkwede, of the Faculty of Management Sciences, made the call on Saturday while speaking on the ongoing nationwide #EndBadgovernance protests.
He praised the protest’s ability to shine a spotlight on the dire economic conditions faced by Nigerians, stressing that the widespread suffering across all socio-economic classes has sent a resounding message to the nation’s leaders.
He noted the urgent need for legislative reforms to address the exacerbating hardships faced by ordinary citizens.
“The protests have made it painfully clear that Nigeria is in the grips of unprecedented economic distress,” Dr. Nkwede stated.
“The stark reality is that the rich, the poor, and the middle class are all feeling the sting of rising inflation and the depreciating naira. It’s a crisis that has rendered many Nigerians hopeless and desperate.”
The lecturer reiterated that, beyond the immediate relief that the protests may bring, there is a crucial need for lawmakers to enact robust consumer protection laws.
He pointed out that with the increase in the cost of living, including food, transport, and healthcare, consumers are being exploited by unscrupulous business practices.
“The lack of effective regulation has allowed prices to skyrocket unchecked. When people go to the market today, they find that prices have doubled by the next day. There are no effective laws in place to curb such exploitation, leaving consumers vulnerable,” he said.
He called on lawmakers to prioritise the introduction and enforcement of consumer protection laws, suggesting that the establishment could serve as a critical measure to safeguard the interests of ordinary Nigerians.
According to him, “such legislation would help regulate commodity prices and prevent businesses from taking advantage of the economic instability.”
He also voiced his concerns about the government’s handling of the current crisis, criticising the ineffective distribution of humanitarian aid and social welfare programmes.
He urged that resources saved from subsidy removals be redirected towards addressing the immediate needs of the populace.
“The government needs to focus on policies that will provide real relief to the people.
“We need to see tangible support in the form of healthcare packages, effective transportation solutions, and support for local industries. Instead of embarking on grand projects that do not address the immediate needs of the citizens, the focus should be on ensuring that people can survive and rebuild their lives,” he said.
He further maintained that the current economic hardships and the lack of effective consumer protection have driven many Nigerians to the streets in protest.
He urged the government and lawmakers to heed the call for reform and implement measures that would offer meaningful relief and stability to the country’s struggling population.
#EndBadGovernance protests: Varsity don calls for reform of consumer protection law
No discriminatory tax policies against Igbo traders – Kwara IRS
The Kwara State Internal Revenue Service, KWIRS, has debunked the allegation of discriminatory tax policies levelled against it by Igbo traders in Ilorin, the state capital.
A statement by Funmilola Oguntobi, Head of Corporate Affairs Unit of the agency, in Ilorin on Saturday, reacted to the false, malicious and inciting publication by the online medium, International Centre for Investigate Reporting, ICIR, published on July 31, 2024.
The statement read in part: “We are tempted to believe that this false narrative was at the instance of some members of the Kwara State Igbo Traders Association (KWAITA), which has recently instituted a legal action against the Service on 12th July, 2024, on the same subject matter before the Kwara State High Court in suit KWS/308/24 – Nwankwo Sylvester & 90 ORS Vs Kwara State Internal Revenue Service & 2 ORS. This action of twisting the facts through a media publication is, therefore, in bad faith.
“In response to the deliberate misinformation, we clarify as follows: Contrary to the unfounded allegation contained in the publication, at no time did the Governor of Kwara State explicitly or impliedly direct the Service to victimise or act in a particular way towards anyone on the basis of their religion, ethnicity, or other personal social identity.
“The execution of judgements was effected on six judgement debtors and taxpayers. Three of them are Igbo traders, while the remaining three are Yoruba traders. For the record, the businesses affected are:
“For the Igbo traders judgement debtors: an electrical appliances store with business address at No. 154 Ibrahim Taiwo Road, opp. Stadium Gate, Ilorin; a boutique dealer with a business address at No. 12, Taiwo Isale Ilorin, opposite Gada Market, and a dealer in automobile spare parts at Ibrahim Taiwo Road, adjacent Lapariah Tech, Owoniboys Building, Ilorin.”
The statement disclosed that the three Yoruba judgement debtors are a dealer in phone accessories with a business address at No. 60, Ibrahim Taiwo Road, opposite Methodist Church, Taiwo Isale, Ilorin; a trader at No. 147, beside GTB Plc, Ibrahim Taiwo Road; and a business rendering educational services at No. 278 Upper Taiwo Road, beside Mama From Store.
“We have made these disclosures as a matter of probity to give the lie to the wicked claims that any specific individuals are being targeted.
“The service has adopted a non-discriminatory policy on prohibition of associations on assessment and collection of personal income tax in compliance with relevant provisions of the federal law, which is the Personal Income Tax Act, 2011 (as amended).
“The Service will not join issues with the publisher and cohort over issues that are already pending for adjudication before a court of competent jurisdiction, as doing so will be subjudice.
“Against this background, and as a reputable agency that firmly believes in the principles of the rule of law and judicial process, we would not allow anyone to drag the service’s hard-earned reputation in the mud.
“In conclusion, we advise ICIR and those behind the unpatriotic publication to refrain from heating up the polity by subjecting matters already before a competent court to a court of public opinion, where players sometimes intentionally choose which facts to state and which facts to suppress in the pursuit of their agenda. We urge the platform to refrain from interfering with the constitutional powers and functions of the court,” the KWIRS statement added.
No discriminatory tax policies against Igbo traders – Kwara IRS
#EndBadGovernance: Many feared dead as security operatives, hoodlums clash in Kano
Pandemonium broke out in some parts of Kano State on Saturday following a clash between hoodlums and some security operatives.
TVN learnt that trouble began when some residents defied the curfew earlier imposed on the state by the government and hit the streets to continue the #EndBadGovernance protests.
The incident occurred primarily in Rijiyar Lemo, Kurna to Bachirawa areas in Fagge Local Government, Kofar Nassarawa in Kano Municipality, and Unguwa Uku area of Tarauni Local Government Area of the state.
Some eyewitnesses claimed that about eight persons were killed during the clash, while several others were seriously injured.
TVN learnt that some criminal elements hiding behind the hunger protest attempted to loot shops, including a Rufaida yoghurt outlet, leading to the use of force by security operatives.
When contacted by TVN, the Kano State Police Public Relations Officer, Haruna Abdulahi, said he was yet to be briefed on the matter.
“When I’m done gathering the data, I will issue a statement tonight,” he said.
#EndBadGovernance: Many feared dead as security operatives, hoodlums clash in Kano
Spain survive Colombia scare, join USA in semis
World Cup holders Spain survived a major scare before beating Colombia on penalties to reach the semi-finals of the Olympic women’s football on Saturday, after the United States edged out Japan.
Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati converted the decisive kick in the shoot-out as Spain beat Colombia 4-2 on penalties after their quarter-final tie in Lyon had finished 2-2 at the end of extra time.
Spain now advance to a semi-final on Tuesday in Marseille against either hosts France or Brazil, who meet later.
Spain are going for gold in their first appearance in the Olympic women’s football, but they were moments away from being eliminated after falling 2-0 behind to the South Americans.
Mayra Ramirez fired Colombia ahead early on and Leicy Santos doubled their lead early in the second half after a Linda Caicedo shot was saved.
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.
Earlier, Trinity Rodman scored a stunning goal in extra time as the United States edged Japan 1-0.
The daughter of former NBA superstar Dennis Rodman struck in stoppage time at the end of the first half of extra time to finally break the deadlock, and Japan’s resistance, at a packed Parc des Princes in Paris.
That took the USA through to a semi-final on Tuesday in Lyon, where they will face either reigning Olympic champions Canada or 2016 gold medallists Germany.
– Rodman sinks Japan –
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 a tense quarter-final, where they failed to take what few chances came their way on the break.
“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 – who is 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.
Their front three of Rodman, Mallory Swanson and Sophia Smith were impressive during the group stage but found the going tougher against Japan’s back five.
That was until Rodman struck midway through extra time, 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 of the net.
It was her third goal in four games at the tournament, making her the USA’s joint top scorer alongside Swanson.
AFP
Minna NBA calls for independent panel to investigate killing of six protesters
The Minna branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has called for the establishment of an independent panel to investigate the alleged killings of six protesters in Suleja, Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State.
The association also lambasted security agencies for using force on protesters during the nationwide mass protest against hunger and hardship in parts of Niger State.
The chairman of the Minna branch of NBA, Isyaku Barau, stated this in a signed statement made available to journalists in Minna.
“We condemn in strong terms the chaotic violent protest leading to the killing of six protesters by security personnel in Suleja area of the states,” he said.
He also called for the establishment of an independent panel to investigate the alleged killings.
The NBA statement applauded the collective decision of the people of the state to refuse to participate in the ongoing nationwide protest against hardship and hunger.
Barau explained that before the commencement of the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests, the President of NBA, Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, had acknowledged that there was widespread hunger and suffering among Nigerians.
Barau, while “calling on the government to expedite actions to provide relief,” also appealed to the protest organisers and the Nigerian populace to shelve the protests and engage in frank discussions with the government.
According to him, the NBA president foresaw the potential negative danger of the protests based on the fact that previous peaceful protests in Nigeria had often been hijacked and turned violent by miscreants and hoodlums.
Against this backdrop, the NBA President had directed all branches of the association to form Situation Monitoring Committees to observe the protests as they proceeded.
“The Minna branch of the NBA has already constituted a ten-member committee chaired by the branch’s Vice Chairman, Mohammed Abugi, who is also the chairman of the Human Rights Committee of NBA, Minna Branch.
“The committee’s role is to collaborate with security agencies to protect peaceful protesters, monitor the protests for human rights abuses, compile and document evidence of such abuses, liaise with security authorities in emergencies, and provide pro bono legal services for peaceful protesters if needed,” Barau further disclosed.
He noted that the NBA Minna branch, while recognising the constitutional rights of Nigerians to protest, strongly condemned acts of violence, looting, and the wanton destruction of private and public properties under the guise of protest, particularly the alleged attack and destruction of the Local Government Secretariat in Tafa.
“The decision of many people in Niger State not to participate in the ongoing nationwide protests is linked to the positive impacts of the Niger State Government’s initiatives on urban renewal and food security, which are expected to address hunger in the state soon,” he added.
Minna NBA calls for independent panel to investigate killing of six protesters
IPC raises alarm over attacks on journalists covering protests
The International Press Centre has raised the alarm that increasing attacks on journalists by security agents and hoodlums were deliberate attempts to discourage them from reporting the truth about the protests.
On Thursday, some officials from the office of the National Security Adviser abducted and carted away the camera and phones of The According photojournalist, Kayode Jaiyeola.
The officials have yet to return his belongings as of the time of filing this report.
On Friday in the Federal Capital Territory, police officers fired teargas at journalists covering the protest at the Berger roundabout.
Also, on Saturday, masked security operatives fired sporadically at journalists at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Bullets pierced a Premium Times reporter’s car conveying journalists out of the location.
The journalists inside the car shot at by security agents are those of The Punch, The Cable, Premium Times, and Peoples Gazette.
In Borno State, nine Radio Ndarason Internationale staff members were arrested by security officials in Maiduguri as they were reporting the protests.
Other journalists covering the EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest have been harassed and victimized either by security agents or hoodlums.
Lamenting these attacks, IPC in a statement on Saturday by its Press Freedom Officer, Melody Akinjiyan stated that the alarming trend jeopardizes the safety of the journalists involved and undermines the integrity of the information that citizens rely on to fully understand the crisis.
He said, “As the #EndBadGovernance protests enter the third day, the International Press Centre, Lagos finds it totally appalling that journalists covering and reporting the protests are still being targeted, victimized and brutally assaulted by security officials, hoodlums and anti-protesters.
“IPC frowns at this inhumane attitude towards the media and press men and women in the course of serving as a societal watchdog.
“Information gathered by IPC’s journalists’ safety alert situation room revealed that there is a continuous increase in the number of journalists and media professionals who are facing one form of attack or the other including physical assault, harassment, unlawful detention, etc.
“IPC believes these increasing attacks are meant to deter the media from reporting the truth about the protests. This disturbing trend undermines not only the safety of the journalists concerned but also the integrity of the information citizens can rely on to understand the full scope of the crisis.”
He called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and other heads of security agencies to call their men to order.
Akinjiyan said, “IPC reiterates the need for the Inspector General of Police and all other security agencies to call their men on the field to order. It is also crucial that all stakeholders come together to condemn the abuse and harassment of journalists and demand immediate protection for those on the field. Our collective voice is a powerful tool for advocating for their safety and ensuring that their essential work continues unhindered.
“IPC will continue to call for an end to the brutality and for a renewed commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all journalists.”
Edo CSOs withdraw from #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest
Some Civil Society Organisations in Edo on Saturday said they have withdrawn from the ongoing nationwide protest against bad government and hunger.
In a press conference in Benin on Saturday, one of the leaders of the protest, Curtis Ugbebor, said that the withdrawal was due to an intelligence report and the need to re-strategise.
He said, “At this junction, due to an intelligent report, the CSO is withdrawing from the protest to restrategise and that is not to say that Nigerians who wish to express themselves cannot do so.
“But I will want to say that we have achieved a lot and stated our demands which we expect the government to look into. This has been achieved without bloodshed and destruction of properties
“We shall continue to ensure that the federal and state government address the demand of Edo State citizens.”
Another leader of the protest, Emmanuel Ogude, urged the government to ensure hunger ends in the country, noting that politicians should earn minimum wage.
He said, “Every politician that wants to serve must be placed under the national minimum wage because there is hunger in the land. We want the electricity tariff and fuel price to be returned to where the administration met it. All federal roads leading to Edo State should be fixed with immediate effect. We want the government to adhere to our demands.
However, at Ring Road, the venue of the protest on Saturday, the protesters turned out in numbers, dancing to popular songs and then moved round the Ring Road.
At a point, the organisers became apprehensive of a group that showed up midway into the protest.
One of the planning committee members, who gave his name as Ero, said that the group had to be watched carefully as the organisers were bent on keeping the protest peaceful.
The police and other security agencies were on hand to provide security for the protesters and blocked all the entry points to the venue to prevent hoodlums from infiltrating the protest.
Businesses opened on Lagos Street and Oba Market as residents used the opportunity to buy goods especially food items while vehicular and human movements also improved.
St. Lucia’s Alfred wins Olympics women’s 100m gold
3rd August 2024
Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred stunned favourite Sha’Carri Richardson to win the Olympics women’s 100m gold medal on Saturday, etching her name into history to claim the Caribbean nation’s first ever medal at the Games.
Alfred – who had never finished on the podium at a major outdoor championships prior to Saturday’s final – conjured a superb race to win in 10.72sec as the USA’s Richardson took silver in 10.87sec and compatriot Melissa Jefferson won bronze in 10.92sec.
AFP
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