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Commission demands justice for victim of police assault

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Commission demands justice for victim of police assault

The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities has demanded an investigation into an allegation of assault to a man with disability in Bauchi State by policemen.

The commission, in a statement issued to journalists by its Executive Secretary, James Lalu, on Friday, condemned the alleged assault on Hamza Waziri.

The statement read, “This reprehensible act, captured in a video currently circulating on social media, shows Mr Waziri being brutally battered while exercising his constitutional right to peaceful protest in front of the Bauchi State Government House.

“Hamza Waziri is not only a person with a disability but also a respected member of the CODE Board of Trustees, a Mandela Washington Fellow, a Chevening Fellow, and the founder of the Initiative for the Liberalization of Physically Challenged People in Nigeria.”

The secretary maintained that “Hamza’s tireless work as an inclusion advocate has made significant strides in promoting the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.

“The actions of the police officers involved are a clear violation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018 and the fundamental human rights enshrined in our constitution.

“The NCPWD calls on the Nigeria Police Force to set a high standard for upholding these laws and to lead by example in the enforcement of anti-discrimination policies.”

The commission demanded a thorough investigation into the incident and immediate disciplinary action against those responsible and challenged the Force to demonstrate its commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens, including those with disabilities.

“While it is our view that the protest is needless because seeds, when sowed, take time to germinate, and thus President Bola Tinubu’s administration deserves the support of all citizens, we however, stand in solidarity with Hamza Waziri and all individuals with disabilities who continue to face discrimination and violence.

“We will not relent in our efforts to ensure a just and inclusive society where every individual, regardless of their physical abilities, is treated with respect and dignity”, the statement emphasised.

The commission also urged all relevant authorities to take swift action to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future and to ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities are upheld and protected at all times.

Trump agrees to debate with Harris on September 4

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Trump agrees to debate with Harris on September 4

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump announced late Friday that he has agreed to debate his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, on Fox News on September 4.

“I have agreed with Fox News to debate Kamala Harris on Wednesday, September 4th,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

It was not immediately clear if Harris had agreed to the debate.

Trump’s post came hours after the vice president secured the Democratic Party’s nomination as standard bearer in the November presidential election.

Trump’s White House bid was disrupted last month when 81-year-old President Joe Biden, facing growing concerns about his age and lagging polling numbers, abandoned his re-election bid and backed Harris.

His decision to withdraw followed a disastrous debate performance against Trump in June on CNN.

A second Trump-Biden debate had been scheduled for September 10 on ABC. That was expected to go ahead as planned, with Harris replacing Biden, but a spokesman for Trump last week said it would be “inappropriate” to schedule a debate before Harris was formally the Democratic nominee.

The 78-year-old Republican nominee had previously said he would not debate Harris, who is nearly two decades his junior, departing from political tradition.

The former prosecutor and ex-California attorney general last month dared Trump to debate her face-to-face.

“Well Donald, I do hope you’ll reconsider meeting me on the debate stage, because as the saying goes, if you’ve got something to say, say it to my face,” Harris said at a campaign rally in Atlanta.

In his post, Trump said the debate will be held in Pennsylvania, moderated by Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, in front of a full audience.

Fox News confirmed that the debate would have “spectators” and follow similar rules to the June 27 CNN debate between Trump and Biden.

The news channel said it had invited Trump and Harris to participate in a debate in Pennsylvania in September.

“I look forward to meeting and debating Kamala Harris on September 4th,” Trump said, adding the date was

“convenient and appropriate” as it comes just before the September 6 start of early voting for the presidential election.

AFP.

Why there are no protests in Zamfara — PDP

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Why there are no protests in Zamfara — PDP

The Zamfara chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has said the nationwide protests by some groups did not reach the north-western state due to Governor Dauda Lawal’s good governance.

Acting Chairman Mukhtar Lugga made this statement during a chat with reporters on Friday in Gusau while reviewing the protests that have turned violent and led to looting in some neighbouring states.

He said, “Zamfara residents are happy with the state administration; they are happy that much is being achieved.

“The government has initiated many programmes and policies that have been beneficial. It has declared a state of emergency in education and health. It has also paid a backlog of gratuities.

“The administration has also constructed or reconstructed roads. It has renovated and equipped schools and hospitals and intervened in agricultural businesses, among other initiatives.”

Lugga acknowledged that there was hardship in the land but expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu’s efforts would address the socioeconomic challenges of the country.

“In addition to what the state government is doing, we will continue to pray for the president to succeed in fixing the country’s economy.

“Hardship is everywhere, but all tiers of government are taking necessary measures to tackle the situation,” he said.
He also urged the people to continue to be law-abiding and pray for leaders to succeed in overcoming the challenges affecting the country.

Gusau and other towns in the state have been quiet, with no one showing up for the demonstration on Friday, the second day of the activity that is expected to continue until August 10.

NAN

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NCAA clears air on grounding of Arik Air operations

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NCAA clears air on grounding of Arik Air operations

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has clarified that it has neither suspended nor halted Arik Air’s flight operations. The airline’s flights continue as scheduled, and its ability to operate its remaining fleet remains unaffected.

This clarification was provided in a statement signed by the NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Michael Achimugu, on Friday in Abuja.

According to Achimugu, the NCAA is duty-bound to comply with the court order attaching Arik Air’s aircraft (5NMJF, 5NMJQ, 5NBKX) following the determination of its case at the Supreme Court, ensuring compliance with regulatory and safety standards.

“The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority refers to the grounding of three Arik Air aircraft following a court order/attachment.

“It is important to clarify that this action does not include the suspension of Arik Air’s overall operations by either the NCAA or the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, as claimed in some quarters.

“We appreciate the public’s understanding and patience as Arik Air works through this situation with minimal disruption,” the statement said.

NAN.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

Minister seeks suspension of hunger protest

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Minister seeks suspension of hunger protest

The Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, has appealed to Nigerians to suspend the nationwide protest tagged #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria against hunger and poverty.

Shuaibu made the call in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Lizzy Okoji, on Saturday in Abuja.

The protest, which commenced on August 1 and is expected to end by August 10, was organised in response to the challenges being faced in the country.

The minister urged Nigerians to embrace dialogue in addressing all their concerns regarding the difficulties being faced in the country.

He also urged them to trust President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which is working assiduously to address the challenges in the country.

The minister said the policies and strategic plans of the current administration were aimed at driving Nigeria to economic prosperity, improved welfare, quality education, and strengthened health systems.

He added that other policies were focused on improved social amenities, food security, and infrastructural development, among others.

The minister assured Nigerians that their desire for good governance would be achieved before the end of the current administration’s first tenure.

He said, “Mr President has shown countless times, his concern for the plight of Nigerians, with the recent implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage for workers.

“Driving the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative with CNG vehicles to cushion the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy, which will reduce the cost of transportation by at least 70 per cent.

“In response to the challenges of the masses in the face of the ongoing reforms, President Tinubu directed the disbursement of N50,000 uplift grants each to over 100,000 families per state for three months.

“This will impact close to 5,000,000 families nationwide. My colleague, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, with the directive of Mr President, has assured Nigerians that food prices will crash in 180 days.

“These are strategic measures aimed at addressing the high food prices currently affecting the nation being implemented.”

Audu said that 250,000 metric tonnes of wheat and 250,000 metric tonnes of maize were being imported, which would be supplied to small-scale processors and millers across the country.

He further explained that, in strengthening the health sector, the president had directed the redesign of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, aimed at facilitating access to quality and affordable healthcare services.

“In the steel sector, the ongoing reforms to revive our steel plants will create over 500,000 direct and indirect jobs, while we attract Foreign Direct Investments as a means of growing and diversifying the economy,” he said.

The minister appealed to Nigerians to end the protest, citing its hijack by miscreants, who were already causing mayhem and a breakdown of law and order across the country.

He commended the people of Kogi for not participating in the protest, saying they, instead, resorted to dialogue and collaborative efforts with the All Progressive Congress-led government of the state.

NAN

NGX WEEKLY ROUNDUP: Investors lose N107bn as equities market buckles under #EndBadGovernance protests

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NGX WEEKLY ROUNDUP: Investors lose N107bn as equities market buckles under #EndBadGovernance protests

Investors in Nigerian equities market enjoyed a mixed feelings trading week on the floor of the NGX following a loss of N107bn in the just ended trading week.
The bourse recorded losses in three of the five trading days gaining on two trading days as the equities market felt the impact of then#EndBadGovernance protests.
The market capitalisation fell by N107.7bn to N55.50tr from the N55.61trn in the previous week.
Similarly, the All-Share Index (ASI) fell by 2.33% to close at 97, 745.73 from 98, 201.49 points recorded the previous week.
The equities market began the week on a positive note on Monday, July 29, 2024 as investors gained N111bn at the end of trading session.
It went downhill from there.
On Tuesday, July 30, 2024 the equities market reversed the gain made on Monday as investors lost N171bn at the end of trading session
It was the same on Wednesday, July 32, 2024 as investors recorded a loss of N32bn.
READ ALSO:Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Friday, August 2, 2024
On Thursday, August 1st, 2024 investors also lost N235bn at the end of trading session.
The equities market closed the week with a profit on Friday, August 2, 2024 as investors gained N219bn at the end of the trading session culminating in a total loss of N1.32tn for the just ended week.
A total turnover of 3.393 billion shares worth N52.304 billion in 44,814 deals was traded this week by investors on the floor of the Exchange, in contrast to a total of 3.557 billion shares valued at N47.220 billion that exchanged hands last week in 42,871 deals.
The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 2.875 billion shares valued at N36.995 billion traded in 23,791 deals; thus contributing 84.73% and
70.73% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.
The Oil and Gas Industry followed with 141.927 million shares worth N6.698 billion in 4,476 deals. The third place was taken by the Consumer Goods Industry, with a turnover of 97.306 million shares worth N4.047 billion in 4,179 deals.
Trading in the top three equities namely Fidelity Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc and Zenith Bank Plc (measured by volume) accounted for 2.099 billion shares worth N28.215 billion in 7,603 deals, contributing 61.87% and 53.94% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.
PRESCO recorded the biggest share price increase from N383.00 at the beginning of the week to N441.00 gaining N58 followed by TOTAL which increased its share price from N388.90 to N427.70 gaining N38.80 in the process.
OKOMU OIL also increased its share price by N29.20 from N292.00 to N321.20.
On the flip side, NESTLE recorded the biggest decline in share prices losing N90.00 to close the week at N830.00 from the N920.00 it started the week on followed by UCAP which shed N26.80 and ended the week on N12.15 from N38.95 at the start of the week.
NASCON also shed N4.50 to close at N29.50 from N34.00 at the beginning of the week.
By: Babajide Okeowo
The post NGX WEEKLY ROUNDUP: Investors lose N107bn as equities market buckles under #EndBadGovernance protests appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Nationwide protests: APRA stands with Nigeria, urges continuous dialogue

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Nationwide protests: APRA stands with Nigeria, urges continuous dialogue

The African Public Relations Association (APRA) has expressed unequivocal solidarity with the government and the people of Nigeria as the protest embarked upon in response to the rising costs of living entered its second day.
“We call for sincere and continuous dialogue to ensure speedy resolutions of the issues that led to the protests,” a statement signed by Arik Karani, President, APRA, said.
It noted that protests and advocacies for improved social conditions were central to democratic practice.
“Indeed, democracy dies without a guarantee of civil liberties,” it added.
APRA commended the Nigerian government for its expressed guarantee and non-aversion to the expression of the right to protests by citizens and the actions it has taken to prevent the escalation of the crisis.
It however, noted with “concerns the reported death of persons – including citizens and security forces, injuries to many persons, looting of business assets, theft of equipment and other resources in public utilities – including telecommunication infrastructure, food processing companies as well as instances of destruction and arson that have resulted from the first day of protests.”
“APRA’s commitment to seeing Africa prosper requires that we condemn the unjustifiable death of citizens and security personnel as well as looting and vandalism of infrastructure emplaced to improve the quality of life of the people.
“Therefore, we call on all actors – state and non-state – to stop the hostilities and the outrage. In their stead, APRA advocates continuous dialogue and sincere conversations to ensure quick and concrete resolutions of the issues.
“We call on the government of Nigeria, including subnational entities, to work with all stakeholders and restore normalcy to the nation. Nigeria is central to Africa’s vision for the progress and development of the continent.
“APRA shares in the grief of families that have lost their members in the ongoing crisis and pray for the repose of the souls of the departed.
“We wish those recuperating from injuries a speedy and complete recovery and hope that institutions and persons that have lost properties will be supported to recover quickly and return to business to support the government’s effort to reflate the Nigerian economy,” it added.
Nationwide protests: APRA stands with Nigeria, urges continuous dialogue

Being Igbo becoming tough in Nigeria – Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Ejimakor

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Being Igbo becoming tough in Nigeria – Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Ejimakor

The lead counsel of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Aloy Ejimakor, has said it’s becoming tougher being Igbo in Nigeria.
Ejimakor was reacting to the IgboMustGo threat against the people of the South-East.
TVN reported that there are calls on social media trending under the hashtag #IgboMustGo on X, demanding the forced relocation of Igbo people from Lagos and other Southwest states.
An X handle, which is known for its anti-Igbo comments and posts, urged Igbos residing in Lagos State to vacate their land.
Commenting, former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar declared that it was not only divisive but also endangered peace and security.
Reacting to the trend, Ejimakor said Kanu’s continued detention was evidence that being Igbo is becoming tough in Nigeria.
Posting on X, Ejimakor wrote: “It’s getting tougher being #Igbo in Nigeria. The best evidence is the continued detention of MAZI NNAMDI KANU.”
Being Igbo becoming tough in Nigeria – Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Ejimakor

Police confirm kidnap of LG boss in Kogi

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Police confirm kidnap of LG boss in Kogi

The Nigerian Police force has confirmed the abduction of the Chairman, Transition Committee of Kabba/Bunu Local Government, Hon. Zacheous Dare Michael in Kogi State.
TVN had earlier reported that Michael and other members of his entourage were kidnapped on Friday evening by unknown gunmen along Kabba-Okene expressway in Kogi State.
The Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Ovye Aya, who confirmed this to TVN on Saturday morning, said the Commissioner of Police had deployed officers to rescue the kidnapped victims.
“It was yesterday in the night I received the information that the Chairman, Transition Committee Kabba/Bunu Local Government, Hon. Zacheous Dare Michael has been kidnapped along the road.
“The Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, Bethrand Onuoha has made a deployment already.
“Other security agencies, such as the military, Department of State Services, (DSS), Local Vigilantes and hunters are collaborating with the Police to ensure that he is rescued unhurt,” Aya noted.
TVN reports that Michael is contesting for the chairmanship position under the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC) in the forthcoming Local Government election slated for October 19, 2024.
Police confirm kidnap of LG boss in Kogi

Obey court order on venue restriction, Kwara police tell protesters

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Obey court order on venue restriction, Kwara police tell protesters

The Kwara State Police Command has warned those wishing to join the ongoing #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest to comply with the recent court order restricting the protest to the Metropolitan Square, Asa Dam Road, Ilorin, the state capital.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, on behalf of the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Victor Olaiya, on Friday, the Command said the warning was necessary to prevent the protest from being hijacked by miscreants, as has happened in some other states.

“It is evident that the protests in states like Niger, Borno, Kano, and Yobe have been hijacked, resulting in the loss of lives and properties.

“Citizens wishing to exercise their franchise must comply with the recent court ruling in the state,” the police said.
The statement added that the General Post Office and other venues, apart from the one designated by the Court, were not appropriate places to hold any rally or protest.

“We urge all groups to follow the court ruling, which stipulates that protests must take place at the Metropolitan Square along Asa Dam Road. The Post Office is not an approved location for such gatherings,” it said.

It also urged the protest leaders to meet with the state Commissioner of Police to discuss security measures for the safety of participants in the protest.

“We also request that protest leaders meet with the Commissioner of Police to strategise on security measures and ensure the safety of all participants.

“Your cooperation is essential towards maintaining public order and safety in the state,” the police said in the statement.

According Online reports that a Kwara State Magistrates Court ordered the restriction of organisers of the August 1-10 hunger protest in the state to the Metropolitan Square in Ilorin, the state capital.

Granting an ex parte order on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, the Chief Magistrate, Jibril Salihu, who presided over the court, agreed with the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ibrahim Sulyman, that such a protest could degenerate into violence if protesters are allowed to do as they wish.

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