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Empower your people or face sack, Fubara tells Rivers CTC chairmen

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Empower your people or face sack, Fubara tells Rivers CTC chairmen

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has issued a stern warning to caretaker committee chairmen in the 23 local government areas of the state, stating that any chairman who fails to empower their people will be removed.

Fubara delivered this warning at the unveiling of an empowerment programme in the Ikwerre Local Government Area on Saturday.

He emphasised that the primary duty of the CTC chairmen is to serve their people and make them feel the presence of the government.

Represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly faction loyal to him, Victor Oko-Jumbo, Fubara said he expected the chairmen to replicate his empowerment efforts in their respective LGAs.

Oko-Jumbo highlighted Governor Fubara’s strong response to the August 1 hunger protest, showcasing his connection with the people. He stressed that officials must follow the governor’s lead by increasing empowerment initiatives in their local governments.

“Any caretaker committee chairman that is not empowering his people will be removed,” he stated. “Your duty is to your people first. Today, we are here to witness that empowerment, which was the instruction the governor gave.”

Speaking in his capacity as Speaker, Oko-Jumbo assured the governor of uninterrupted support until 2027 and beyond. He praised the unified leadership of Ikwerre LGA for standing firm with the governor, resulting in development for the people.

Oko-Jumbo stated, “Let me use this medium to assure our people that the Rivers State House Assembly, led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, will continue to give the governor the needed support so that the state must succeed until 2027. We will ensure that the governor will have uninterrupted four years of governance in this state. And if permitted, he will have another four years.”

He warned that the State House of Assembly under his leadership will not hesitate to summon any council chairman who fails to take the issue of empowerment in their domain seriously.

Earlier, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Ikwerre LGA, Dr Darlington Orji, said the unveiling of the empowerment programme fulfilled his long-held desire to enhance security in the council. He disclosed that, as part of efforts to improve security, he had presented operational vehicles to six police divisions in the council, including the Department of State Services.

Orji emphasised that peace and security are essential for progress, pointing out that his administration is committed to achieving that vision.

Edo protesters agree to end activities 4 pm daily

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Edo protesters agree to end activities 4 pm daily

Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, the coordinators of the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests in Edo State, have readjusted the protesting time to 8 am to 4 pm daily.
TVN reports that the protesters in an unanimous voice vote said the closing time of 4 pm would enable business owners to access their premises for business activities.
They noted that the decision was sequel to complaints by some persons that while some business owners complied with the directives not to open for business others are secretly attending to customers.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Funsho Adegboye has disclosed that there was no attack or loss of life since the commencement of the protest in the state.
Adegboye commended the protesters for their civil and peaceful conduct since the commencement of the protest in the state.
According to him: “Nobody is injured, no death, no casualties in the state, and that is what we want to avert even people protesting around this Olokun area.
“You know if it is even teargas, people will be running helter and shelter. It may lead to injuries, and people running away may run into a moving vehicle. For now, no injuries or loss of life in Edo state.
“No destruction of government property. Everything is going on and we are happy about it. We want them to continue to maintain it.”
The Commissioner of Police, however, condemned the action of some individuals who are deviating from the protest agenda by setting up illegal roadblocks and extorting money from members of the public.
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“We discovered that some people are regrouping in some other locations where they are carrying out illegal activities like extortion of money from motorists and other members of the public.
“This is not how to protest. We should not spoil the good work we have started on this protest.
“Anybody seen blocking the road in other places apart from the designated venue for the protest which is the Kings Square will be treated as looter or hoodlum, and we don’t want to start using maximum force on them.
“So people are advised to go about their lawful businesses while those that want to protest should please go to the Kings Square, that is the designated area for protesters where we have people protesting peacefully and in a modern ways.
“The only roadblock mounted by police at the Kings Square was intended to prevent the protesters from any attacks by suspected hoodlums, ” he stated.
He encouraged the protesters to continue with the peaceful protest for the remaining part of the days, adding that the other states are emulating their organised peaceful approach.
He threatened that any unscrupulous element found carrying out attacks or looting under the guise of protest would be treated as common criminal.
Edo protesters agree to end activities 4 pm daily

National Stadium deserted after security agents shot at protesters, journalists

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National Stadium deserted after security agents shot at protesters, journalists

The Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, has been deserted after security agents deployed to the facility dispersed protesters and journalists with gunfire on Saturday.

Masked security operatives, suspected to be personnel of the Department of State Services, had fired shots sporadically at the protesters.

Some of the protesters ran into bushes around the stadium, with some security operatives giving chase.

The Deserted National Stadium. Photo Credit: Solomon Odeniyi
The Deserted National Stadium. Photo Credit: Solomon Odeniyi

A Premium Times reporter’s vehicle, conveying journalists out of the scene, was shot at several times while in motion.
Journalists inside the car shot at by security agents included those from The According, The Cable, Premium Times, and Peoples Gazette.

During the incident, a freelance journalist, Ayoola Babalola, and some other protesters were arrested.

However, unlike in the past, when protesters would regroup after being dispersed with teargas, this time, the protesters did not.

When our correspondent toured the area to see if the protesters had reconvened, armoured and patrol vehicles were still stationed at the stadium, with security operatives inside.
Additionally, it was observed that the usually busy road had only a few vehicles passing through the area.

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Ondo PDP accuses Aiyedatiwa of inducing youths, clergymen, others

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Ondo PDP accuses Aiyedatiwa of inducing youths, clergymen, others

As the nationwide protest entered day three on Saturday, the Ondo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has accused the state governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, of giving money to youth and other groups in the state to discourage them from embarking on the protest.

The opposition party also blamed the administration of President Bola Tinubu for allegedly causing the protest as a result of insensitivity to the sufferings of the people.

 

This was contained in a statement issued by the Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Kennedy Peretei, on Saturday titled, ‘National Hunger Protest: Aiyedatiwa is merely playing to the gallery.’

 

The statement read, “The Peoples Democratic Party, Ondo State Chapter, asserts that these protests would have been averted if the President Bola Tinubu-led APC government had been sensitive to the yearning and suffering of the people. He should therefore be held responsible for the casualties, calamity and the attendant trauma occasioned by these protests.

 

“It is indeed a sad reality that Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, had to personally dish out cash inducements to some youths, clergymen and others from the state treasury to forestall protest at the state capital, Akure. He was later reported to have thanked the people of the state for not joining the protest. What a pity! There is no part of the country that needs the protest more than Ondo State in the face of an administration that has practically grounded the state in every ramification.”

 

“Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is yet to account for the N5 billion that the Federal Government released to all the States as palliatives in the wake of the uproar from Nigerians after the withdrawal of fuel subsidy. The monthly allocation from the Federation Account which averages N10 billion every month since December 2023 has no impact on the state. In fact, the allocation for last month was N11billion.”

 

However, in a reaction, the Director of Publicity of the All Progressives Congress, Mr Steve Otaloro, described the allegation of the PDP as unfounded.

“It is disheartening to see the party’s (PDP) bitterness towards the peaceful approach taken by the people in the state after consultation with various groups by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. Accusing responsible groups like the clergymen and youth groups of being induced is baseless and absurd. The NANS leadership in Ondo State even went as far as holding a press conference to distance themselves from the protest, yet the PDP continues to make unfounded accusations.

 

“It is clear that the PDP’s disappointment stems from their failure to incite unrest in Ondo State. Their refusal to participate in the protest shows that even their own members prefer a peaceful resolution over unnecessary chaos.

“The APC in Ondo State stands by the decision of the people to remain peaceful and urges the PDP to respect the choices of individuals and groups in the state. The party’s disregard for the will of the people is concerning and only serves to further divide the community”, Otaloro stated.

ARM Pension rape: Victim not talking to anyone

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ARM Pension rape: Victim not talking to anyone

The Lagos State Government said it has intervened in the matter involving a female employee of ARM Pension Managers (PFA) Ltd. who was allegedly raped by her colleague during an official party of the firm.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Cecilia Dada, made this known on Saturday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria.

Dada said beyond detaining and prosecuting the accused executive director who was already in Police custody, WAPA was concerned about the emotional and psychological state of the victim.

She said WAPA was already making efforts to get help for the victim who it was said had locked herself up and had refused to pick up calls to speak to anyone.

She said the Lagos State Government got in touch with the company immediately after it got wind of the rape allegation to help the rape survivor.

The commissioner said that the company confirmed to WAPA that they got a psychologist to counsel the lady and also got a private investigator on the matter which was already with the police.

The commissioner said her ministry was collaborating with the police to ensure justice for the victim, saying that Lagos State had zero tolerance for domestic and gender violence.

“We have tried to get in touch with the woman but she has not answered anybody’s calls.

“Though, the man is already in the Police custody.

“So, I am sure that the Police will charge him to court once they are done with their investigations.

“Our counsellors and our social workers have tried to get in touch with her. Although we were not able to get her but the company assured us that they have gotten a psychologist to counsel her,” the commissioner said.

Dada assured that the state government would follow up on her and ensure that the victim received the necessary help that would help her overcome the trauma.

The rape victim had called for the arrest of the accused executive director in a report to ARM Pensions Managers Ltd.

She alleged that the director drove her to a hotel after an office party hosted by the firm and had sexual intercourse with her without her consent.

She said the male colleague had spiked her drink before abducting her and having “penetrative sexual intercourse” with her at a popular hotel on Chevron Drive, Lagos.

She said she only realised that she was in a hotel after waking up and noticed her private parts were sore and bruised and her clothes in a pile.

“I lost total memory of every conversation and activity. My last memory of the night was 7:30 p.m. and my entire memory was wiped out which was unusual even for someone who might have drunk excessively which l didn’t.

“The next thing I knew was that l woke up and realised I was in a room fully undressed. I looked around and realised it was a hotel.

“I found my clothes in a pile along with my wig, phone and handbag.

“I checked the time, it was around 3:00 a.m. My private parts were sore, bruised and painful.

“I have also formally reported this incident to the Head of HR, who is my boss, the Managing Director and another executive director,” she said.

She requested the Lagos State Government to help take her case up fully and ensure that the predator who tried to ruin her life and other accomplices be prosecuted.

NAN.

Call for Kyari’s sack generates more controversy, tears Reps apart

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Call for Kyari’s sack generates more controversy, tears Reps apart

Members of the House of Representatives seem to be on a war path over the proposed probe of the operations of Nigeria National Petroleum Company Ltd.

A group of members of the House on Saturday placed adverts in three national dailies, urging the Joint Committee of House of Representives on

Downstream and Mainstream to investigate the activities of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL Mr Mele Kyari.

However, in a new twist, some of the members said to be among the 118 legislators told the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Saturday that they did not give their consent before the publication was made.

Lawmakers numbering 118 lawmakers led by the Chairman, House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission, Rep. Ibori-Suenu Erhiatake, were alleged to have signed the publication.

In the advert the group demanded a fair hearing in the probe of Kyari, adding that any call for his resignation at this stage was unnecessary and premature.

In their publication, the group of lawmakers also urged President Bola Tinubu to disregard the call for the NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Kyari’s sack or his resignation.

They said rather efforts should be geared towards supporting Tinubu’s initiatives to reposition the nation’s oil sector.

Among the members who distanced themselves from the publication were the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Land Transport, Rep. Sesoo Ikpaher, Rep. Tochukwu Okere, and Rep. Toyin Fayinka.

The Deputy Spokesperson of the House, Rep Philip Agbese, who was said to have endorsed the publication also denied giving his approval.

Agbese had in various media reports urged Tinubu to fire Kyari even before the commencement of the investigation.

When NAN contacted Agbese he said though the lawmakers behind the advert sought his consent, he asked for some time to give them feedback because he was observing his prayers.

He said he was surprised to learn that he was included as part of the lawmakers that approved the publication.

Another lawmaker who pleaded anonymity told NAN that he did not see the draft of the publication before it was published.

“I would have advised against it. Those behind it called me and said they

were working on something; I didn’t know it was an advertisement they were working on,” the lawmaker told NAN.

It would be recalled that Agbese and the group of other lawmakers under the group named Energy Reforms and Economic Prosperity had earlier called for the removal of Kyari.

The group insisted that Kyari had hindered the growth of the oil sector thereby stalling the economic growth of the nation.

NAN.

BREAKING: EndBadGovernance: Tinubu bows to pressure, to address Nigerians Sunday

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BREAKING: EndBadGovernance: Tinubu bows to pressure, to address Nigerians Sunday

President Bola Tinubu will address the nation in a broadcast on Sunday as the ongoing hunger protest continues in different parts of the country.
Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
The broadcast is to be aired on Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, at 7:00 am on Sunday.
“President Bola Tinubu will address the nation in a broadcast on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at 7:00 am.
“Television, radio, and other electronic media outlets are enjoined to plug into the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) for the broadcast.
“The broadcast will be repeated on the network services of the NTA and the FRCN at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm on the same day,” the statement reads.
This comes after the President was asked to address Nigerians as the #EndBadGovernance protest entered the third day on Saturday.
Opposition leaders and other Nigerians had demanded that the President should address Nigerians amid the protests.
According to reports at least fourteen persons have been killed in the protests, while several individuals have sustained injuries.
BREAKING: EndBadGovernance: Tinubu bows to pressure, to address Nigerians Sunday

Tinubu to address Nigerians Sunday

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Tinubu to address Nigerians Sunday

President Bola Tinubu will address the nation in a broadcast on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at 7:00 am.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, made this known in a statement on Saturday titled ‘President Tinubu to address the nation.’

He urged television, radio, and other electronic media outlets to join the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria for the broadcast.

The statement added, “The broadcast will be repeated on the network services of the NTA and the FRCN at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm on the same day.”

Protesters have continued to hit the streets in Lagos, Oyo, Abuja and other states as they call for, among others, the reversal of fuel subsidy removal and the skyrocketing price of goods and services in the country.

The #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest has, however, been marred with looting by hoodlums in Kano and other northern regions with the police going after the culprits to recover some items.

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#EndBadGovernance protest: Tinubu to address Nigerians Sunday

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#EndBadGovernance protest: Tinubu to address Nigerians Sunday

President Bola Tinubu will address Nigerians over the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests on Sunday morning.
The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Ajuri Ngelale, in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, all electronic media outlets in the country to hook to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) for the broadcast at 7:00 a.m., on Sunday.
The president has been under pressure from concerned Nigerians to address the nation on the protest which entered its third day on Saturday.
READ ALSO: My govt’s policies will propel Nigeria out of downturns – Tinubu
The 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 State have declared curfew after hoodlums hijacked the otherwise peaceful protests in the states.
The #EndBadGovernance protesters are demanding the restoration of fuel subsidies and the forex regime, a solution to food shortages, unemployment, and wasteful spending by government officials.
Others demands are the immediate reforms of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The post #EndBadGovernance protest: Tinubu to address Nigerians Sunday appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Fubara backs Tinubu, says Nigeria will be great

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Fubara backs Tinubu, says Nigeria will be great

The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to make a positive impact in the state before leaving office.

The governor stated that despite the myriad of distractions, his eyes are on the ball.

He also reacknowledged the hardship faced by the people, suing for patience and peaceful disposition as well as the need to work together with President Bola Tinubu and the state government to build that Nigeria and Rivers State that they all desire.

Fubara made the assertion during the funeral reception of the late Sister Inyangette Yobana, mother of the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Ambassador Marvin Yobana, at her home town, Kono in Khana Council Area of the State on Saturday.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Nelson Chukwudi, and sent to newsmen.

The governor reassured said, “We are in trying times. So, we need to work together to make sure that we build that Nigeria, that Rivers State of our dream.

“Please, everybody should learn to be patient and peaceful. It gets hard before it gets better. We are at the point of that breakthrough to a wonderful state and the envy of the country.

“When I say the envy of the country, if we pass through this state, Nigeria will be great. We just have to support Mr President to make sure that this phase passes.

“I have said it before, and I am saying it again: I will not leave without making a positive impact in the life of our State. No matter the distraction, our eyes are on the ball.

“We will not play with the education of our children. We will not joke with quality healthcare (for the people), and we will make sure that we invest heavily in food production in our State.”

Commenting on the funeral, Fubara noted that the deceased lived a good life, and left an indelible legacy worthy of emulation.

The governor admonished Yobana to follow the footsteps of his late mother in order to live long on earth as well as join hands with his siblings to ensure that the legacy of their mother is kept alive.

He said, “Mama has gone, I can say she lived a good life. Seventy is the Bible age when the blessings of God are upon you. For you to add an additional 10 plus, it means God loves you. So, Mr. Marvin, your mother lived well, and I believe that you will live like her so that you can also stay up to 80, if not more.

“And the secret is this: ensure that your hands are clean. Live a clean life. Don’t be in any meeting to undo people so that you don’t get old while you are still young.

“Just be strong and whatever is remaining, know that you are the head of the family. Join forces with other members of your family to ensure that the memory, the good life and the legacy of your mother are kept alive.”

He condoled with Yobana on behalf of the Simplified Movement, saying that the presence of members is to show support.

Fubara also thanked God that the deceased died at a time when he was in a position, with his contemporaries, working together with the state government, a paradigm shift from the time when the former local government chairmen despised the government.

He added, “What we are doing here is to show support to one of us, and I am happy that I am able to come to support him physically, not just by words. I also want to thank every one of you who came here to support our own.

“Mr. Marvin, please, on behalf of our big family: the Simplified Movement, I want to say that we feel your pains, we understand what you are going through. Even if your mother is 100 plus, when she leaves, you still feel that pain. So, we condole with you.

“You can imagine in our midst today, we have the 23 Local Government Area Caretaker Chairmen. Is it not God? If it was before, they would be hiding. Those would be hiding, but today, they are here with us.

“So, when I say he is eating from left and right, I know what I mean. You are a lucky man.”

Earlier while on his way with his entourage to Kono for the funeral ceremonies, the governor’s convoy had encountered a crowd of #EndBadGovernance protesters at Rumuobiakani Roundabout at the intersection of Trans Amadi Industrial Layout in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, where the peaceful protesters cheered and chanted songs, praising Fubara for his people-centric policies.

Waving green leaves and chanting: “Our Governor, carry go”, “Our Governor, we are solidly behind you and your government”, the peaceful protesters swiftly cleared one lane of the dual-carriageway for easy passage of the governor’s convoy, amid excitement and jubilation.

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