Home Blog Page 620

Hoodlums invade Katsina churches, cart away equipment

By
admin
-
0
Hoodlums invade Katsina churches, cart away equipment

No fewer than 205 chairs, musical instruments and other equipment worth millions of naira were reported stolen by hoodlums in Katsina State on the first day of the ongoing nationwide planned peaceful protest against hardship.

According Online reports that the hoodlums invaded a Living Faith Church in the Daura Local Government Area of the state, looting 205 chairs, musical instruments, and other valuable items worth millions of naira.

The Pastor in charge of the church, David Jato, told our correspondent in Katsina on Sunday that the church service could not be held due to the incident.

He said, “Because the hoodlums took everything inside the church on the first day of the protest, they decided to worship at their various home cells.

“We have two security personnel working in the church; one was on duty while the other was off. When the protest began around 10:00 am, the hoodlums just diverted to the church, many of them in Keke Napep (tricycle), broke the door and windows and entered the church auditorium.

“They took everything inside the church auditorium, including the wall digital clock, musical instruments, pulpit, pastor’s chairs, plastic chairs, a desktop computer at the reception, and a scoreboard where the accountant usually kept church documents. They scattered everything.

“Three churches were their target. They succeeded in invading the Living Faith Church and Deeper Life, but couldn’t gain access to the third one, which is the Anglican Church, because of the strong protection at the gate.”

He added, “We have informed the police and the army about it, and the police told us yesterday that they have made some arrests.

“I am surprised by this attack. When we are thinking about ending bad governance protests, which have now escalated to the invasion of churches, it is something that everyone should seriously condemn. It is not food that we store in the house of God; it is a place of worship. Why is it only a church? The government should come to the reality that they are serving humanity, and God will judge us all, whether political or religious leaders.

“My prayer for the perpetrators is that they should repent from what they are doing because for you to enter a church, a place of worship, is wrong, and you know you are not fighting, man. They should seek repentance. I know God is forgiving, and He will forgive them.”

Similarly, the Pastor in charge of Power of Resurrection in Katsina State, Nelson Onyekachuku, whose church was also invaded by the hoodlums during the protest in Katsina town, lamented the vandalisation of the church windows as the hoodlums could not gain access to the building due to the iron protectors of the church gate.

Onyekachuku, who is also the former state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Katsina, condemned the action entirely, noting that they should not add to the pain of the church.

He called on the government to change its policy, address the issues of the people and always ensure the protection of the church whenever such an incident happens.

No official statement has been released by the State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sadiq Abubakar, as he is not responding to messages sent to his cell phone.

According Online observed a heavy security presence in churches across the state on Sunday.

Ibadan: Beaded crowns given to high chiefs honorary – Ladoja

By
admin
-
0

The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, has declared that the beaded crowns given to High Chiefs in the ancient city are honorary and not intended for traditional purposes.
Ladoja explained that there is only one king in the ancient city, which is the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Ladoja made this declaration on Sunday while speaking on a live radio program on Fresh 105.9 FM, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, as monitored by TVN.
The former governor, while addressing the live radio program titled “Agbami Oselu,” insisted that the beaded crowns given to the High Chiefs in Ibadan are honorary and not meant for any traditional purposes.
He further maintained that none of the High Chiefs who have received the beaded crowns has the right to call themselves Oba, as they do not have any domain.
“We have only one king in Ibadan, which is the Olubadan. No other person can call himself king apart from the Olubadan.
“The beaded crowns are honorary and not traditional crowns. I spoke with the Oluwo, who confirmed that those who received the beaded crowns did not perform any traditional rites before being given the crowns. So, it is honorary.
“If it is what the people of Ibadan want, I will accept it. But it remains an honorary title. The Olubadan will grant it, and the government has no role in it.
“I became the Jagun Olubadan on October 1, 1993, during the regime of Oba Asanike. Moshood Abiola asked us to wait for him to witness the event.”
Ibadan: Beaded crowns given to high chiefs honorary – Ladoja

NUJ slams harassment of journalists, says intimidation must stop

By
admin
-
0
Premium Times reporter’s car riddle with bullets.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists has condemned the harassment and intimidation of journalists covering the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria nationwide protests.

The union stated that these acts were carried out by both “state and non-state actors.”

This was disclosed in a statement made available to According Online on Sunday, August 4, 2024, by the NUJ’s National Secretary, Achike Chude.

The statement assured that despite these condemnable acts, “journalists will neither be cowed nor deterred from carrying out their responsibilities of engaging with society to inform, enlighten, and educate citizens to promote the public good.”

The statement read in part, “Following the series of protests that rocked many parts of the country on Thursday, August 1, and Friday, August 2, 2024, Nigerian journalists went out in their numbers as required by the demands of the profession to cover the events.

“Unfortunately, the hydra-headed monster of journalist intimidation, harassment, and the seizure of both official and personal assets of members of the press reared its ugly head once more. These acts were carried out by both state and non-state actors.

“This sordid and unacceptable state of affairs, especially those perpetrated by state actors, is occurring despite various conscious efforts by the NUJ to engage government officials and security forces to address these anti-democratic behaviours by those responsible for maintaining law and order.”

Among the recorded incidents of journalists’ intimidation and harassment across the country, the NUJ lamented that in Lagos State, a journalist with News Central Television, Bernard Akede, was “interrupted and barred from conducting live interviews by police officers and LCC officials.”

In Calabar, Cross River State, “hoodlums attacked journalists, leaving Nigerian Tribune reporter Joseph Abasi-Abasi with severe injuries. The assailants targeted a bus belonging to the NUJ that was carrying food supplies to the Ernest Etim Press Centre.”

“In Abuja, Daily Independent photojournalist Jide Oyekunle was unlawfully arrested and had his mobile phone confiscated by police officers while covering protests. He was only released following a spontaneous protest by other journalists.”

“In Abuja, Olukayode Jayeola, a photojournalist with The According Newspaper, was arrested by police while covering the protest at Eagle Square. His camera, phones, including an M11, and other personal belongings were confiscated by security operatives.”

The statement also added that another journalist with TVC News in Kano State, Ibrahim Isah, was “physically attacked by armed hoodlums, sustaining hand injuries.”

“In Abuja, Yakubu Mohammed of Premium Times was brutally assaulted by police officers, who struck him with gun butts and batons, causing head injuries.

“Mary Adeboye, a journalist with News Central Television, was exposed to teargas fired by police officers while reporting on the protest in the Federal Capital Territory.

Also, Yakubu Mohammed of Premium Times was attacked and injured by police officers who allegedly hit him with the butt of their guns and their batons,” causing injuries to his head while covering the protest.

Mohammed’s cameras were also destroyed by the police officers.

Another journalist, Jonathan Ugbal of Cross River Watch, was “arrested, beaten, and detained by police in Calabar before being released.”

The statement added that “in Delta State, some journalists came under attack by counter-protesters, allegedly supporting the government, while covering the demonstration. Prince Amour Udemude, an investigative journalist, Matthew Ochei of According Newspaper, Monday Osayande of Guardian Newspaper, and Lucy, a reporter with Pointer, were assaulted and had their equipment destroyed.”

Furthermore, nine staff members of Radio Ndarason Internationale were “arrested at RNI offices in Maiduguri while reporting on the protests,” among others.

The union called for a thorough investigation into these incidents while it continues to compile “a list of official and personal assets of journalists that were either lost, seized, or damaged to determine their value.”

“We expect nothing less than a public apology from the institutions responsible, as well as the replacement of the lost or damaged assets of the journalists.”

“Nigeria is supposed to be a country of law and order. We expect no less in terms of professional conduct from officials who are maintained with state resources,” the statement concluded.

The planned 10-day protests, scheduled to be held from August 1-10, 2024, seek to address the high cost of governance, the high cost of living for citizens, and rising food prices, among other issues.

Ladoja accepts beaded crown, says I will become Olubadan

By
admin
-
0
Ladoja accepts beaded crown, says I will become Olubadan

The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, has stated that he will become the Olubadan of Ibadan, expressing gratitude for God’s mercy.

Ladoja, the most senior of the High Chiefs and next in line to become Olubadan, stated this on Sunday while appearing on ‘Agbami Oselu,’ a radio programme on Fresh FM in Ibadan.

The former Governor of Oyo State also declared his intention to become a beaded crown monarch in Ibadanland, as stipulated by his status in the revised Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration.

He explained that various Ibadan indigenes and non-indigenes had pressured him to accept the beaded crown to facilitate his ascension to the throne when the time came.

Speaking in Yoruba, Ladoja said, “By the grace of God, I will become Olubadan. God has been merciful to me. My blood pressure has been stable.

“Anyone God destined to become Olubadan will become Olubadan. No matter the obstacles placed in their way, if God has decreed that someone will become Olubadan, they will become Olubadan.

“I will do what the people of Ibadan want. God is determining everything. We have had many people who became Balogun but did not become Olubadan. We have had many people who became Otun Olubadan but did not become Olubadan. Omiyale and Kuye died ten days apart.

“It is a tough decision, but the voice of the people is the voice of God. That is what the people want.”

This move is seen by many as crucial to de-escalating tensions arising from the publication of the gazette showing the new amendment.

The Oyo State government, in the revised Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, passed by the state House of Assembly and signed into law by Governor Seyi Makinde, amended Section 4 of the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration.

The original version stated: “The person who may be proposed as a candidate by the line whose turn it is to fill a vacancy in the office of the Olubadan shall be the most Senior (High) Chief in that Line.”

However, Section 4 of the amendment, titled “New Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration,” replaced “the most Senior (High) Chief in that Line” with “the most Senior Beaded Crown Oba in that Line.”

Section 4 of the new law states: “The person who may be proposed as a candidate by the Line whose turn it is to fill a vacancy in the office of the Olubadan shall be the most Senior Beaded Crown Oba in that Line.”

Nationwide protest: Tinubu’s speech was great, inspiring – Keyamo

By
admin
-
0

Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has said President Bola Tinubu’s Sunday broadcast to Nigerians was great and inspiring.
Keyamo said the President’s speech was compassionate, firm, conciliatory, but not condescending.
“Great and inspiring speech by Mr. President @officialABAT. Compassionate, yet firm; conciliatory, yet not condescending; resolute on our objectives, yet reassuring. Wonderful balance,” the Minister posted on X.
TVN reported Tinubu addressed the nation on Sunday concerning the ongoing nationwide protests.
The president in his speech ruled out the return of fuel subsidy and as well enjoined organizers of the protest to withdraw from the street.
Nationwide protest: Tinubu’s speech was great, inspiring – Keyamo

Tinubu lists achievements, vows to transform economy

By
admin
-
0
Democracy Day: Nigeria's unity can't be traded - Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast on Sunday, 4 August 2024, listed some of his administration’s achievements since assuming office as Nigeria’s Head of State on 29 May 2023.

The President also pledged to deliver on his promise to transform the nation’s economy.

Tinubu’s speech was necessitated by the planned 10-day protest across the country, tagged #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, which has degenerated into looting, violence, and police brutality, among other issues.

Amid high inflation, which currently stands at 34.19 per cent for June 2024 according to the National Bureau of Statistics, skyrocketing food prices, and hikes in the cost of fuel, Nigerians have continued to express deep concerns over the economic hardship that has ravaged the nation.

However, while delivering his speech, Tinubu noted that his administration has recorded some notable achievements. Some of these achievements include:

  1. Removal of Fuel Subsidies and Termination of Multiple Foreign Exchange Systems: This, Tinubu said, “had constituted a noose around the economic jugular of our nation and impeded our economic development and progress.”
  2. Increased Government Revenues: Aggregate government revenues more than doubled, increasing by over N9.1 trillion in the first half of 2024 compared to the first half of 2023.
  3. Ongoing Major Infrastructure Projects: These include roads, bridges, railways, power, and oil and gas developments, notably the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Highway projects.
  4. Increased Oil Production: Oil production has increased to 1.61 million barrels per day, and two Foreign Direct Investments of over $500m have been signed.
  5. Compressed Natural Gas Initiative: Launched to power the transportation sector and reduce costs. Tinubu said, “This will save over N2tn a month, being used to import PMS and AGO.”
  6. Student Loan Scheme: Approval of over N95.6bn to Nigerian students through the Student Loan Scheme.
  7. Consumer Credit Corporation: Established with over N200bn “to help Nigerians acquire essential products without the need for immediate cash payments, making life easier for millions of households.”
  8. Digital and Creative Enterprises: Empowerment of young people, creating millions of IT and technical jobs.
  9. Skill-Up Artisans Programme: Introduction of the Nigerian Youth Academy and the National Youth Talent Export Programme.
  10. Livelihood Support: The release of over N570bn to the 36 states to expand livelihood support for their citizens, while 600,000 nano-businesses have benefitted from the administration’s nano-grants.
  11. Reduction in Revenue to Debt Service Ratio: Reduced from 97% to 68% in the last 13 months.
  12. Job Creation: Creation of 240,000 jobs through 10 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
  13. National Minimum Wage: Signing into law the new National Minimum Wage of N70,000 and the payments of N1bn each to large manufacturers.
  14. Removal of Tariffs and Import Duties: On rice, wheat, maize, sorghum, drugs, and other pharmaceutical and medical supplies for the next six months.
  15. Incentives to Farmers: To increase food production at affordable prices.
  16. Procurement of Mechanised Farming Equipment: Provisions of equipment such as tractors and planters, worth billions of naira from the United States, Belarus, and Brazil.

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]

Protest: ‘It’s sabotage, there should be consequences’ – Bwala on leaking Tinubu’s Sunday speech

By
admin
-
0

Former lawmaker Senator Daniel Bwala has described the leaking of President Bola Tinubu’s speech as a sabotage.
Bwala suggested there should be consequences for the action unless it was authorized by the President.
“The speech by the President @officialABAT was leaked last night and was published on social media before the morning. That is sabotage.
“Unless it was authorized by Mr President, there should be consequences for the leak,” Bwala posted on X.
TVN reported Tinubu addressed the nation on Sunday concerning the ongoing nationwide protests.
The president in his speech ruled out the return of fuel subsidy, while enjoining organizers of the protest to withdraw from the street.
Protest: ‘It’s sabotage, there should be consequences’ – Bwala on leaking Tinubu’s Sunday speech

#EndBadGovernnanceInNigeria protest: Kano, Jigawa relax curfew

By
admin
-
0
Kano remains calm as residents comply with 24-hour curfew 

The Kano State Government has relaxed the curfew imposed on citizens following the disturbances during the nationwide #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest.

The State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Baba Dantiye, announced this on Sunday in a broadcast in Kano, the state capital.

He said the curfew was adjusted to restore normalcy in the state, noting that the curfew is now from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dantiye conveyed Governor Abba Yusuf’s condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones and property during the protest that turned violent.

He also said that the governor urged residents to return to their homes by 2 p.m., assuring them that the curfew would be reviewed “as the security situation improves”.

The governor appealed to residents to continue to pray for peace, progress, and political stability in the state and the nation.

According to the commissioner, the relaxation of the curfew is a step towards restoring normalcy. He added that the state government will continue to monitor the situation and ensure safety.

Similarly, the Jigawa State Government has relaxed the curfew in eight local government areas imposed following the violence during the nationwide protest.

The Jigawa government made this known in a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Mr Sagir Musa, on Sunday in Dutse.

Musa said the government has lifted the curfew in 19 other local government areas after a review of the security situation in the state.

He said the curfew had been relaxed in Babura, Birnin Kudu, Dutse, Gumel, Hadejia, Kazaure, Kiyawa, and Roni.

“It has been relaxed from 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. from Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, pending when the security situation further improves.

“The State Joint Security Committee has also lifted the curfew in 19 LGAs of the state where there was no report of any violence during the protest,” the statement said.

Sagir said the committee commended residents in the 19 LGAs for showing patriotism, respect for constituted authorities, and cooperation with security agencies during the protest.

The statement quoted Governor Umar Namadi as commending the people for their patience and understanding during the period.

While urging residents to pray for peace and stability in the country, Namadi lauded security agencies for their professionalism, commitment, and dedication during the protest.

The governor had on Thursday imposed a 24-hour curfew following the vandalism and looting of public and private properties during the protest.

NAN

Voilent protest: Yobe govt relaxes curfew on three towns

By
admin
-
0

Following a considerable improvement in the security situation in Potiskum, Gashua and Nguru towns, Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has approved a review in the curfew imposed on the three towns by five hours.
Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Brigadier General Dahiru Abdulsalam (Rtd), disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday.
According to the statement, the curfew is now relaxed from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm for people to undertake lawful activities, with effect from Sunday, August 4, 2024.
“The security agencies are enjoined to maintain the current level of security alertness and ensure that no space is given to hoodlums and miscreants to perpetrate any act of lawlessness during the curfew relaxation period,” the statement ordered.
The government, through the statement, urged law abiding citizens to carry out their lawful activities during the intervening period (12:00 noon to 5:00 PM), while the period between 5.00p.m to 12.00 noon remains restricted.
Recall that, on August 1, 2024, Potiskum, Gashua and Nguru towns in the state turned violent, which led to the imposition of a curfew in the towns.
About three lives were lost, and property worth millions destroyed in the affected town.
Voilent protest: Yobe govt relaxes curfew on three towns

Fulfil your campaign promises on youth empowerment, group urges Akpabio, Ogbuku 

By
admin
-
0
Samuel Ogbuku

The Niger Delta Youth Movement has urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, to expedite action on their promises of empowering the youth of the region.

Samuel Ogbuku
Samuel Ogbuku. Photo credit: Akelicious

The Senate President and the NDDC MD had promised holistic youth empowerment during the recently concluded Niger Delta Youth Conference held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

In a statement on Saturday by its National President, Ekene Frank, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the group expressed appreciation for the Senate President’s fatherly disposition towards the region.

He urged him to act swiftly on his promises.

“I sincerely thank the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for his fatherly disposition towards the region. His harmonious relationship with the youth of the region was evident at the recent Ethnic Nationalities Youth Conference organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission.

“While thanking the Senate President and the Samuel Ogbuku-led management of the NDDC for their pledge of holistic youth empowerment at the recently concluded Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Conference, we urge that action be expedited,” the statement said.

Regarding the ongoing nationwide hunger protest, Frank commended the youth of the region for refusing to join the protest against the President Tinubu-led administration. He explained that the Niger Delta youth shunned the protest because they have seen verifiable indices of commitment by the administration toward addressing the economic hardship in the country.

The statement read, “The National Executive Council of the Niger Delta Youth Movement appreciates the youth of the Niger Delta region for refusing to join the protest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. While not feigning ignorance of the economic challenges in Nigeria, we have seen verifiable indices of commitment towards reducing these challenges in the short term and gradual revamping of our economy in the long run.

“There are also strong and concrete demonstrations of good governance within the nine states of our region through deliberate programmes that are impacting citizens in rural areas.”

Frank also appreciated President Tinubu for his concern for the Niger Delta region, noting that it is under the present administration that the South-East Development Commission was signed into law.

“Under President Tinubu, the South East Development Commission was signed into law – something that should have been done immediately after the Nigerian civil war,” the statement added.

1...619620621...2,856Page 620 of 2,856

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

©