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Adopt sit-at-home approach, Anambra industrialist tells #EndBadGovernance protesters

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Adopt sit-at-home approach, Anambra industrialist tells #EndBadGovernance protesters

As the #EndBadGovernance protest across the country enters its second day, an Anambra State-based industrialist, Chief Johnson Okolo, has asked protesters to adopt the “sit-at-home” approach as a form of expressing their grievances against the Federal Government’s “unfavourable” policies.

Okolo, while addressing journalists in Onitsha, the commercial centre of Anambra State, on Friday, in reaction to the impact of the protest so far, stated that Ndigbo and the South-East did not join the protest because past protests have not been favourable to the region.

He insisted that other geopolitical regions of the country should join the South-East zone in their weekly Monday sit-at-home protest if they really regard the zone as part of Nigeria.

He further noted that another reason the South-East zone did not participate in the ongoing hunger protest is because other regions did not support the South-East in its weekly Monday sit-at-home, which he said has lasted almost two years.

Recall that the Monday sit-at-home was declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra in 2021 as a protest to press for the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The industrialist further contended that the South-East zone has been calling for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, complaining of marginalisation and a shortage of states in the region, but nobody listened.

He said, “So, what are we protesting for? The South-East zone is already in protest. Doesn’t it mean that all this while they have been protesting, is not enough for them? Let Nigerians, for the first time, join the South-East to protest by observing a weekly Monday sit-at-home.

“The Ndigbos have been protesting but nobody has listened to them. The leader of the Yoruba freedom group, Sunday Igboho, was detained because he protested marginalisation against his people, but he has been released. Nnamdi Kanu has been in prison up till now because he said he doesn’t believe in one Nigeria.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo, both individually and collectively, all ministers in the South-East, including opposition governors, have called for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, but the Federal Government has refused. It means we are not part of Nigeria.

“If all Nigerians could join the South-East to protest by observing a weekly Monday sit-at-home, it would be more effective than a hunger protest. But, for the South-East to join the hunger protest will cripple their already existing protest because, after the hunger protest, Nigerians will go back to their businesses and we will continue Monday’s sit-at-home protest.

“What I am saying is that the South-East should not join the hunger protest because they are already protesting. If Nigerians truly believe that Igbos are part of Nigeria, let them join the Monday sit-at-home.”

Hoodlums attack Yobe Red Cross office, burn vehicles

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Hoodlums attack Yobe Red Cross office, burn vehicles

Hoodlums have attacked the office of the Red Cross office in Gujba, Maiduguri-Potiskum Road, Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, destroying property and setting a vehicle ablaze.

Photos and videos obtained by According Online show the vehicle on fire, as well as another Red Cross-branded Landcuiser and a bus damaged with their windows smashed.

The incident occurred amidst the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria nationwide protest against hardship, but it is unclear if the attack was connected to the demonstrations.

According Online earlier reported that the Police Command in Yobe announced the arrest of 18 suspects in connection with Thursday’s violent protest and vandalism in Nguru, Potiskum and Gashua towns.

The command’s spokesman, Dungus Abdulkarim, revealed in an interview with newsmen on Friday that the suspects, masquerading as peaceful protesters, had set fire to public buildings and stolen food items and empowerment equipment.

When contacted on Friday, the Coordinator of Communications and Advocacy for the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Chima Nwankwo, confirmed the incident to According Online.

“The office was attacked around 1pm this afternoon. Some of our properties, air conditioners, and vehicles were destroyed and they took some away, burnt our cars but there was no casualty,” he said.

He described the assailants as a “mob” with unclear motivations.

“They simply came to vandalise our property,” he said.

Nwankwo revealed that the authorities have been notified.

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Take warning signs seriously, Baptist church urges Tinubu

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Take warning signs seriously, Baptist church urges Tinubu

The Nigerian Baptist Convention has written an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to take seriously the early signs of danger in the country and find realistic solutions to the economic hardship.

This was made known in an open letter by the Convention’s President, Rev Israel Akanji, on Friday, amid the ongoing #EndBadGovernance nationwide protest.

He emphasised the need for the government to be seen as working to address the people’s struggles, appealing for patience and understanding.

Akanji said in part, “The three tiers of the government have to accept and acknowledge the fact that there is hardship in the land and come up with realistic ways of leading the nation out of the problems at such a time as this.

Akanji emphasised the need for the government to be seen as working to address the people’s struggles, appealing for patience and understanding, noting that the current palliatives being released are insufficient, likening them to “a drop in the mighty ocean of our problems.”

“Government should be clearly seen to be appealing to the people of our country for more patience as they work assiduously to engage and ameliorate the hardship in the land. The current palliatives being released can be likened to only a drop in the mighty ocean of our problems,” he said.

Akanji suggested that the government should further address the security situation in the country to return farmers to their farms, thereby curbing food insecurity.“Government should further address the security situation in the country with a view to returning farmers to their farms in order to curb food insecurity in the country,” he added.

He also advocated for mobilising youths with incentives to make farming attractive before the rainy season ceases.

“Government at all levels should mobilise our teaming Youths with incentives to make farming attractive before the rainy season ceases. They should also assist directly in bringing back the culture of storing farm produce in the silos nationwide,” he said.

Akanji recommended that the government create employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for the country’s youth.

He suggested bringing tax holidays and other incentives to the industrial and business sectors, particularly to bring back all small and big industries that have left the country, which would generate massive employment.

Additionally, Akanji urged the government to revisit the fuel subsidy removal by significantly reducing the current price of all fuel products in the country.

He said, “Government should revisit the fuel subsidy removal by significantly reducing the current price of all fuel products in the country.”

He also advised the government to direct the Apex Bank to rescue the Naira from unending depreciation, noting that no country allows its currency to fade away.

“The government should direct the Apex Bank to rescue the Naira from unending depreciation. No country allows her currency to fade away,” he said.

Akanji emphasized the need for political officeholders to reflect the reality on the ground in the nation, particularly in areas of emoluments and benefits.


He suggested that governments at all levels should follow the footsteps of the House of Representatives that reduced the wages of its members and that the Federal Executive Council should also do the same if the number of the cabinet cannot be reduced.

The NBC President also stressed the importance of carrying traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders along before introducing policies that can trigger protests.

He noted that doing so after things have gone out of hand is an indication of repeating past mistakes.

Akanji urged the government to facilitate dialogue with all stakeholders to douse the current tension in the country.

He emphasised that the government should take all early warning signals of danger seriously, noting that if the cries and calls of the masses had been respected and given the urgent attention they deserved, the country would not have reached the current level of crisis.

Akanji also urged the government to maintain constant communication with the people of the country, explaining situations and answering questions being asked.

He noted that silence, when speech is needed, is not helpful for a generation, which constantly thrives on information.

Kogi Govt to partner Police Trust Fund on development of barracks

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Kogi Govt to partner Police Trust Fund on development of barracks

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has said the state government will partner with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund to address challenges of accommodation and logistics faced by officers and men of the Kogi State Command of the Nigeria Police.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah, Ododo stated this when he received the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Alhaji Mohammad Sheidu, who was on a courtesy visit at the Government House in Lokoja.
The governor noted that the state government is committed to deepening its relationship with the Nigeria Police and other security agencies in an effort to guarantee security of lives and property in Kogi.
He stressed that the provision of accommodation through development of barracks and stations, as well as logistics such as vehicles and other facilities, are necessary to enhance the welfare and operational capabilities of the Police in the state.
He advised the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund to make the best use of the opportunity given to him by repositioning the organization, promising that he will continue to avail him of the support of his office as a brother and the governor of his home state in the collective efforts to make Kogi State and Nigeria proud.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Sheidu, commended Ododo for the impactful policies and programmes of his administration which he noted are making life more meaningful for the people of Kogi State.
He assured of his willingness to ensure collaboration between the Kogi State government and the Nigeria Police Trust Fund towards enhancing the welfare and effectiveness of Police officers and men to guarantee peace and security in the state and other parts of the country.
Kogi Govt to partner Police Trust Fund on development of barracks

‘Tinubu will create 500,000 jobs’ – Steel Minister, Audu urges Nigerians to suspend protest

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‘Tinubu will create 500,000 jobs’ – Steel Minister, Audu urges Nigerians to suspend protest

The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, has appealed to Nigerians to suspend the nationwide protest against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Audu made the appeal in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Lizzy Okoji, on Friday in Abuja.
The minister assured Nigerians protesting against rising economic hardship that Tinubu is working assiduously to fix the current challenges in the country.
He highlighted the achievements of the current administration and assured that Nigerians will get all their expectations of good governance before 2027.
Audu reiterated that the government is working tirelessly to revive the country’s steel plants, nothing that the Tinubu administration is targeting the creation of 500,000 direct and indirect jobs in the sector.
“I want to appeal to my fellow Nigerians to please suspend the nationwide protests against the current administration and let us resort to dialogue to address all our concerns and expectations from the President Tinubu-led administration.
“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.
“Responsive 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 thereby impacting close to 5 million families nationwide.
“My colleague, the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, under the direction of Mr President, has assured Nigerians that food prices will crash in 180 days, with strategic measures aimed at addressing the high food prices currently affecting the nation being implemented. 250,000 metric tonnes of wheat and 250,000 metric tonnes of maize are being imported, and these semi-processed commodities will be supplied to small-scale processors and millers across the country.
“Additionally, strengthening the health sector, Mr President has directed the redesign of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, which attracted 2.5 dollars in financing for the National Primary Health Care so that citizens could have access to better healthcare.
“I and my colleagues at the Cabinet level, under the visionary leadership of Mr President across all sectors, have been working relentlessly to implement various policies within our respective mandates for the actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda to facilitate a better Nigeria for all. Many of these projects have already come to light.
“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,” Audu stated.
This comes as the ongoing hunger protests entered day two on Friday.
The Nigeria Police Force on Thursday said several persons died as the protests turned bloody in some states.
‘Tinubu will create 500,000 jobs’ – Steel Minister, Audu urges Nigerians to suspend protest

NBA vows legal action over #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest killings

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NBA vows legal action over #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest killings

The Suleja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association has vowed to take legal action against the security agencies over the alleged killing of six protesters in Niger State during the August 1 youth #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest.

The NBA condemned the action of the security agencies, saying that they violated the rights of the victims to protest.

They also noted that a monitoring committee of lawyers had been constituted to ensure that such an ugly situation did not arise.

The Chairman of the Suleja branch of the association, Abdullahi Liman, visited the residence of one of the deceased, Yahaya Isah, to gather credible information for further action.

“The national level of the NBA has asked all the branches to constitute monitoring committees in respect of the protest.

“So, we are going around to see what is really happening. I got information that a man was shot dead and I came to the house of the victim (Yahaya Nda Isah) to confirm things for myself and I have seen the corpse.

“So, what we are doing now is to gather information in respect of the incident and I will reach out to the national level so that we know what to do next in respect of the issue. This cannot be denied,” he said.

The chairman disclosed that although the police could not immediately confirm the incident, the NBA had confirmed the killings.

Recall that the NBA promised to provide pro bono legal services for peaceful protesters who get assaulted or intimidated directing its 130 branches across the country to monitor the protests.

Thursday’s protest went violent when some of the protesters attempted to invade the Suleja Police station and shot teargas at each other.

In an attempt to repel the protesting youths the police allegedly shot some of the protesters killing four on the spot while two other protesters were said to have died on their way to the Gwagwalada General Hospital.

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[BREAKING] Protests: Military’ll will step in if breaches continue

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[BREAKING] Protests: Military’ll will step in if breaches continue

The Nigerian military on Friday said it may intervene in controlling the looting crisis and identify its sponsors in the ongoing nationwide hunger protest, tagged #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, said this during a press conference in Abuja on Friday.

Musa said that the “military will step in” once observed that the situation “breaches beyond what they (the police) can handle.”

Details later…

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Inter-religious council urges end to #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests

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Inter-religious council urges end to #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests

The Nigerian Inter-Religious Council has urged organisers of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest to halt the nationwide demonstration, lamenting that lives and properties are being lost during the action.

It noted that civil unrest will worsen the already fragile state of the nation rather than resolve its economic woes.

The council said this in a statement signed by the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, and the NIREC Executive Secretary, Fr. Prof. Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua, titled “Call For Calm” on Friday in Abuja.

On Thursday, no fewer than 17 persons were feared killed in Abuja, Kano, Niger, Borno, Kaduna, and Jigawa during the #EndBadGovernance protest which was held across the country.

Nigerians are experiencing economic difficulties, making it challenging for many to afford necessities.

One person was shot dead in Abuja and Kano, two were killed in Jigawa, six others were reportedly gunned down by security forces in Niger, while four died in Borno and three in Kaduna.

The rally began peacefully but took a violent turn in some cities, leading to violent confrontations between the police and the protesters.

Businesses, banks, shopping plazas, and some markets also did not open for fear of the protests escalating into a crisis.
Reacting to the situation, the religious council warned that if this situation persists for an extended period, only God knows the extent of the damage that could occur.

The statement read, “NIREC observes with a heavy heart the happenings in the country at the moment.

“The protest that commenced peacefully on Thursday, August 1, 2024, despite pleas from all quarters, took a turn for the worse and became violent later in the day. In just a few hours, lives and property were lost due to this unfortunate scenario.

“It is without doubt that there is hunger and hardship in the country but civil unrest is not the solution as it would only further aggravate the already frail state of the nation.”

NIREC further called on citizens to call off this protest and give the Government a chance to redeem itself.
It also urged security agencies to be more professional in discharging their duties.

“The council urges fellow citizens of Nigeria to please call off this protest and give the Government a chance to redeem itself.

“In just one day, lives and an enormous amount of property have been destroyed. Imagine if this continues for a prolonged period, only God knows the extent of the damage that would be incurred.

“The Council calls on the security agencies to be more professional in discharging their duties. NIREC urges the government to expedite action to meet the yearnings and needs of the citizens. We need a peaceful and tranquil nation we can be proud to call our own. May God bless us all,” the statement stated

Anambra: Normalcy returns as residents shun protest, resume business activities

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Anambra: Normalcy returns as residents shun protest, resume business activities

After the closure of businesses in Anambra State on Thursday, the first day of the #EndBadGovernance protest, residents of the state resumed their normal activities on Friday, re-opening shops and other places of business.
This is coming as the Police in the state commended the residents for boycotting the protest.
TVN correspondent who moved round Anambra on the Day Two of the protest noted that unlike the first day when businesses were closed and streets deserted, public places, including shops and markets, were opened on Friday.
A trader, Mrs Onyekachi Ogini said: “We cannot join the protest. They are the people who voted for Tinubu, so they should enjoy the government of the man they voted. We cannot join them.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Nnaghe Itam, has commended Anambra residents for their peaceful conduct so far.
A statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said: “The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, extends his commendation to Ndi Anambra, particularly the youth, for their exemplary conduct in promoting national peace.
“The Commissioner reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to enhancing public security and safety.
“In this regard, the Police, in collaboration with other security agencies, have re-strategized their security patrols and surveillance operations across the State.
“These measures are aimed at preventing crime and ensuring that law-abiding citizens can carry out their lawful activities without harassment.
“The Commissioner of Police urges the public to remain vigilant, and law-abiding, and to report any criminal activities or breaches of public peace to the nearest police station.”
The Command also gave out contacts of various Police units for residents to report any act of lawlessness.
Anambra: Normalcy returns as residents shun protest, resume business activities

Police detain ARM Pension executive director over sexual assault claim

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Police detain ARM Pension executive director over sexual assault claim

The Lagos State Police Command has detained an Executive Director at ARM Pension Managers (PFA) Limited (name withheld) following allegations of sexual assault levelled against him by a colleague.

The female colleague (name also withheld) reported to the police that the incident occurred on the night of July 18, 2024.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, told According Online, on Friday, that the accused is in custody.

“The said director at ARM Pension Managers is in our custody. His case has been referred to the Gender Desk, Lagos State Police Command,” Hundeyin said in a phone chat.

According to the victim, the assault took place after an office party hosted by ARM Pension.

She said she was abducted and raped at a popular hotel on Chevron Drive, Lagos.

The victim disclosed this in a statement obtained by our correspondent where she alleged that the accused had “penetrative sexual intercourse” with her after her drink was “spiked.”

She recalled that she consumed a small amount of Jameson Whiskey mixed with Coke and one cocktail at the party.

She added that her last memory was around 7.30pm to 8pm, after which she experienced a blackout, only to wake up undressed in the hotel room around 3am.

“I checked the time, it was around 3am, and my private parts were sore and felt like someone had invaded me.

“I walked out of the room and looked around for a clue of the name of the hotel to even have a sense of where I was, I saw the name XYZ Hotel (name withheld). I googled it, and I found that it is on Chevron Drive. I asked the receptionist and security man to help me get a taxi so I could go home,” she said.

Meanwhile, the company in a Wednesday statement addressed the assault allegation, stating that the accused executive had been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an independent investigation.

The statement read, “ARM Pension Managers (PFA) Ltd is aware of a serious allegation of assault involving our employees. We are deeply disturbed by this and are committed to addressing the situation with the utmost seriousness and sensitivity.

“First and foremost, our thoughts are with our colleague who has come forward. We want to express our deepest concern and support for her during this tough time. Sexual assault is a grave matter that has no place in our organisation and society at large, and we stand firmly against all forms of harassment or violence.

“This incident reportedly took place outside the office premises on the night of July 18, 2024, after an office team bonding event and involved two of our colleagues. We have initiated a thorough and independent investigation into the allegation, and we are fully cooperating with the law enforcement authorities to ensure that the investigation is comprehensive and impartial.

“The accused employee, an executive in the company, has been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation’s outcome. Additionally, we are offering support services to the complainant who has come forward, including counselling and any other resources she may need during this time.”

The statement concluded by emphasising the company’s commitment to creating a safe and respectful workplace for all employees, pledging to support the investigation, and ensuring transparency throughout the process.

“We understand the gravity of this situation and the impact it has on all involved. Hence, we will handle this situation with the highest level of integrity and transparency,” it read.

Rape is a heinous crime that violates the dignity and humanity of individuals, leaving deep scars that persist long after the act itself.

In Nigeria and many other parts of the world, this abhorrent act has become a disturbing endemic, undermining the fundamental rights and safety of countless people.

According Online reported that the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ibrahim Lamuwa, was suspended by the Office of the Head of Service over a sexual harassment allegation in June.

The Head of Service, Folashade Yemi-Esan, said the permanent secretary would be on suspension pending the outcome of a probe into the allegation against him.

“The permanent secretary has been suspended pending the outcome of the probe by the committee set up, “ a senior director in the OHCSF told our correspondent in Abuja.

The complainant, one Simisola Ajayi, accused Lamuwa of serial sexual harassment.

Ajayi, in the petition filed by her lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), outlined alleged instances of harassment.

In 2020, the International human rights organisation, Amnesty International, called on the then-President, Muhammadu Buhari, to declare rape as a national crisis in the country.

Amnesty International said that it joined its voice to other civil societies demanding justice over the incident of rape and murder of a 22-year-old student of the University of Benin, Uwavera Omozuwa, as well as 18-year-old Barakat Bello in Ibadan, Oyo State.

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