The Executive Director, Citizens for Development and Education (CDE), Amb. Ibrahim Waiya, on Friday, called on security agents to arrest the organizers of the Kano protest.
According to him, the organizers must account for the lives and the properties lost during Thursday mayhem in Kano.
Ambassador Waiya, who is also the Convener, Nigeria For Peace Project (N4P), in a statement made available to newsmen in Kano, condemned all those that helped in one way or the other in organizing and holding the protest.
He said, “we wish to unequivocally condemn the protest in totality, as well as the promoters and organizers for their inability to envisage this calamity which could befall Kano State, our only dear State.”
Hoodlums unleashed violence, widespread looting in Kano on Thursday during the ill fated nationwide protest against “hunger”, culminating in loss of life, and property.
Ambassador Waiya stated that “History wouldn’t forgive those who ardamantly insisted on organizing the protest despite repeated advisory to heed to caution, from many voices of wisdom.”
The Human Rights activists said “Before the date for the protest, many important personalities had cautioned against this planned protest, as Kano State is unique and different from all other States. Especially knowing fully how some evilly minded people in the State, are desperately seeking for a slightest opportunity to strike and destabilize the State.”
The soft spoken activist lamented that “What could be obviously observed as the devidends of the protests were: Loss of human lives, loss of huge private and public investment, tarnishing the image of Kano State, by subjecting our integrity to ridicule, disdain and total embarrassment.”
He stressed “The NCC Centre, which was destroyed by some disgruntled hoodlums under the guise of protest has dragged Kano State back in terms of opportunities on ICT literacy and development”.
Waiya praised “the swift action of Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf by imposing curfew, and to also “appreciate the quick and professional response of all our security agencies to contain the situation, and the arrest so far made of some of the looters and hoodlums.”
The signed statement by Ambassador Waiya noted that “We had all acknowledged the insensitivity of the Federal government to realize the pinnacle of the difficulty in the land, with more than 85% of the citizens struggling to feed, while those in Government have not in any way shown any emphasy to the plights of the suffering citizens, and have continued to openly spend public money so extravagantly for their welfare and the welfare of their immediate family.”
The fearless Rights activists said that Nigerians are losing confidence on democracy and government, and therefore called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to stem the tide with urgent steps to alleviate the sufferings of the Nigerian citizens, as life is becoming so unbearable.
He told Mr. President that “And to let you know that, gradually people are losing confidence and faith in the Nigerian Democracy and your Government”.
He assured that “It is also our resolve to follow up, the unfolding development in Kano State, and ensure that, those culpable in the mess that was created in Kano, in the name of protest are brought to justice.”
Violence: Kano protest organisers must be held accountable – Waiya
Violence: Kano protest organisers must be held accountable – Waiya
Onyeka Onwenu harmonised the world with her melodies, AGN president mourns
The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, has expressed sadness over the death of veteran music icon, Onyeka Onwenu.
In a statement made available to our correspondent on Friday, Rollas described the late singer as a “creative colossus.”
He highlighted that Onwenu’s remarkable lifetime was a testament to her boundless talent, passion, and dedication.
According to him, her kindness, wisdom, and generosity of spirit are the qualities she will be remembered for.
According Online reported that Onwenu, 72, died on Tuesday at Reddington Hospital in Lagos, after collapsing at the birthday party of Mrs Stella Okoli, where she had performed.
Rollas statement read, “I’m deeply saddened to hear about the passing of our creative colossus, Onyeka Onwenu. Her remarkable life was a testament to her boundless talent, passion, and dedication.
“As a journalist, she shone a light on the stories that needed to be told. As a musician, she harmonised the world with her melodies. And as an actor, she brought characters to life with her presence.
“But more than her impressive accomplishments, I’ll remember her kindness, wisdom, and generosity of spirit. Her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift all who knew her.
“May the memories of her love, laughter, and light bring her family and the creative community comfort during this difficult time. May her remarkable life be a blessing, and may her beautiful soul rest in peace. Adieu, our beloved Lady Of Songs.”
Nationwide protest: Zamfara APC condemns looting of Matawalle’s properties
Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has expressed dismay over the destruction of former governor, Bello Matawelle’s properties at his Gusau’s country home following the nationwide protest.
This was contained in a statement issued by the party publicity secretary, Mallam Yusuf Idris Gusau, which was made available to newsmen in Gusau, the state capital.
“We observed that many PDP thugs were strategically deployed to attack, maim, and destroy personalities and properties of the APC.
“Most disturbing was how on the first day of the protest, today, Thursday, the already known PDP thugs aimed at the former governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle’s personal residence for destruction but for the quick intervention of security personnel who blocked them.
“This indicated that, if allowed, the thugs who were most likely implementing the directives of their leaders would have razed down the minister’s house and property.
“Certainly, the APC, especially our leader, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, whose residence was burgled last year by the same thugs will not allow a repeat of this unbecoming attitude,” he said in the statement.
He alleged that the thugs also attacked the residence of Senator Sahabi Yau at his home town of Kaura Namoda, where they destroyed many valuables.
“We have earlier forecast the possible hijacking of the protest by the hoodlums and other miscreants in the state which they actualized.
“We wish to implore security agencies in the State to give our members and all well-meaning citizens the desired protection of lives and property.
“We also want to call on our youths not to allow themselves to be used by bad politicians, especially as the nationwide protest is supposed to be peaceful and address concerns in the country.
“This protest, which is a constitutional right of Nigerians, should be peaceful and without any threat to life and property.
“We commend the proactiveness of the security agencies in the state for their quick intervention,” he added.
Nationwide protest: Zamfara APC condemns looting of Matawalle’s properties
Gov Alia sacks BSIEC chairman
Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia has sacked the chairman of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission, BSIEC, Dr John Chen.
He was removed for lack of competence following a resolution by the Benue State House of Assembly.
The adoption of the resolution was taken by the House on Thursday during a plenary presided by the Speaker, Chief Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh.
The resolution followed a debate on the report of the House Standing Committee on Rules and Business on its fact-finding interaction with officials of the BSIEC on the activities of the commission, including the creation of council wards and forthcoming local government elections.
The House also called on the state government to employ more staff to beef up the existing workforce and provide official and operational vehicles to the commission, as well as build a modern office accommodation for the staff of the Commission.
Earlier in a lead debate, Chairman of the House standing committee on Rules and Business and the majority leader of the House, Comr. Saater Tiseer, while presenting findings of the committee, explained that the commission has shortage of workforce, lack of official and operational vehicles, poor access road to the Commission’s headquarters, underdeveloped ICT unit, among others.
Reacting to recommendation for the removal of chairman of the commission, member representing Makurdi North State Constituency, Hon. Alfred Emberga, supported his removal, adding that his incompetence, lack of sincerity and integrity has led to negative thoughts about the revered Commission.
Berger noted that if the chairman is allowed to remain in office, he will tarnish the image of the commission.
He urged members to support his immediate removal from office in order to save the commission from further collapse.
Also during plenary, the House received the report of its committee on Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change on its oversight visit to the ministry which was presented by the committee chairman, Samuel Agada of Ogbadibo State Constituency.
It was referred to the committee on Rules and Business for debate on a later date.
In a quick reaction, Governor Alia accepted the resolutions of the assembly for the immediate sack of the BSIEC Chairman.
This was contained in a statement on Friday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Tersoo Kula.
Sir Kula acknowledged receipt of the resolution by the governor which included among others: that the chairman of the Commission, Dr. John Chen should be removed from the office.
He said the Assembly accused the BSIEC chairman of lacking good judgement as to which decision will appeal to the greater majority of all stakeholders, and that his actions so far in office fell short of the public interest.
“Governor Alia has accepted the resolutions and directed the Chairman of the commission to immediately hand over to the Administrative secretary of the commission,” Kula said.
Gov Alia sacks BSIEC chairman
FG reacts to WhatsApp’s threat to exit Nigeria over $220m fine
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reacted to the threat by Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram that it may be forced to exit the country over the recent $220m fine slammed on it by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
In a post on its X platform late on Thursday, August 1, 2024, the Nigerian consumer protection agency described the threat to exit by Meta as a strategic move aimed at influencing public opinion and potentially pressuring the FCCPC to reconsider its decision.
It reaffirmed its earlier stance that the tech platform discriminated against Nigerian users compared to users in other jurisdictions and abused its dominant market position by forcing unfair privacy policies.
Trouble started when FCCPC fined Meta the sum of $220m for an unauthorised appropriation of personal data without user consent, and discriminatory practices against Nigerian users.
Reacting to the fine, Meta has threatened that it may be forced to exit the country despite filling an appeal against the penalty imposed on it.
In the counter reaction by the FCCPC, the statement reads:
“WhatsApp’s claim that it may be forced to exit Nigeria due to FCCPC’s recent order appears to be a strategic move aimed at influencing public opinion and potentially pressuring the FCCPC to reconsider its decision.
READ ALSO:Nigerian govt fines Meta, WhatsApp $220m for discriminatory practices
“The FCCPC investigated Meta Platforms and WhatsApp (jointly referred to as “Meta Parties”) for allegedly violating the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation.
“The Commission found that Meta Parties engaged in multiple and repeated infringements of the FCCPA and the NDPR.
“These infringements included denying Nigerians the right to control their personal data, transferring and sharing Nigerian user data without authorisation, discriminating against Nigerian users compared to users in other jurisdictions and abusing their dominant market position by forcing unfair privacy policies.”
It added that, “The final order requires Meta Parties to take steps to comply with Nigerian law, stop exploiting Nigerian consumers, change their practices to meet Nigerian standards and respect consumer rights.
“To deter future violations and ensure accountability for the alleged infringements the FCCPC also imposed a monetary penalty of $220m.
“The FCCPC’s actions are based on legitimate concerns about consumer protection and data privacy and the order is a positive step towards a fairer digital market in Nigeria. Similar measures are taken in other jurisdictions without forcing companies to leave the market. The case of Nigeria will not be different,” the statement concluded
By: Babajide Okeowo
The post FG reacts to WhatsApp’s threat to exit Nigeria over $220m fine appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Minimum wage: Kwara names committee for consequential adjustment
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has approved the constitution of a tripartite committee to work out the consequential adjustment component for other categories of workers on the new minimum wage.
This comes as a new national minimum wage has been pegged at N70,000, triggering a need for consequential adjustments for senior cadres of workers in the state.
The committee comprises representatives from the state government, the labour unions, and the organised private sector, according to a statement by the governor’s spokesman, Rafiu Ajakaye in Ilorin.
The tripartite committee is chaired by the Head of Service and co-chaired by the Commissioner for Finance, while the Director (Establishment and Pension) is the Secretary.
Other members are the Commissioners for Budget & Planning, Works and Transports, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Communications; Senior Adviser and Counsellor to the Governor; Permanent Secretaries (Finance, Service Welfare, Justice); and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Labour Matters.
Apart from the Federal Controller on Labour and Employment, the Labour movement is represented on the committee by the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Chairman of the Joint Negotiation Council (JNC), Chairman of JOHESU, and Secretary of the JNC.
The private sector is represented by the Kwara Chamber of Commerce (KWACCIMA), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, the statement added.
Minimum wage: Kwara names committee for consequential adjustment
Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Friday, August 2, 2024
Here are the top 10 stories making headlines across the country.
1. Minister laments looting of Kano Tech Hub by alleged #EndBadGovernance protesters
The Minister of Communications, Bosun Tijani, on Thursday, decried the destruction of the Nigeria Communications Centre in Kano by alleged #EndBadGovernance protesters.Read more
2. Protesters dare Asari Dokubo, turn out enmasse in Port Harcourt, Yenagoa (Video/Pictures)
Aggrieved Nigerians protesting against hardship and hunger as a result of the policies of President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, defied threats from former Niger Delta militant leader, Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, and turned out in their thousands in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on the first day of the #EndBadGovernance protest.Read more
3. Kano joins Borno to impose curfew as violence trails #EndBadGovernance protest
The Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has declared a 24-hour curfew in the state after the hoodlums hijacked the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protest.Read more
4. PROTEST: US embassy security alert highlights heightened tensions in Nigeria
The recent security alert issued by the US embassy to its citizens in Nigeria underscores the growing apprehension over potential civil unrest in the country.Read more
5. ‘Keep your money’, Outrage in Rivers Govt House as Fubara offers monetary gift to protesters
A wave of anger swept through Government House, Port Harcourt, on Thursday after state Governor Siminalayi Fubara promised a monetary gift to protesting youths.Read more
READ ALSO:Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Wednesday, July 31, 2024
6. Senate President’s Office debunks reports of ‘eating while protesting’ comment
The Communications and Strategy Office of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday, issued a statement refuting media reports that Akpabio said he would be “eating while protesters are protesting”.Read more
7. NGX: #EndBadGovernance protests impact equities market as investors lose N235bn
The Nigerian equities market felt the impact of the #EndBadGovernance protests on Thursday as investors lost N235 billion at the close of the day’s trading.Read more
8. LASU temporarily closes campus amid nationwide protest
Lagos State University (LASU) on Wednesday night announced a temporary closure of its campus to ensure the safety of its staff and students.Read more
9. Actor Ben Affleck seeks divorce from singer Jennifer Lopez after months of split rumours
The pair of Hollywood actor Ben Affleck and singer cum actress Jennifer Lopez are reportedly set to file for divorce thus confirming many months of rumours that they had split.Read more
10. Paris Olympics: D’Tigress defeated by host nation France
Nigeria women’s basketball team D’Tigress were defeated by the host nation France in their second group B game of the Paris Olympic Games.Read more
The post Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Friday, August 2, 2024 appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Hunger protest: Kaduna CAN urges restraint amid killings, destruction of property
The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Kaduna State chapter, has called on Nigerians to exercise restraint and not take the law into their hands.
The leadership of CAN also enjoined Christians in the state to continue to remain steadfast amid the ongoing hunger protest.
The chairman of the state CAN, Rev. Ma’aji Caleb, in a statement, said, “Our nation came to a stand still as a consequence of the ongoing hunger protest.
“This experience speaks volumes to us about our growth towards ideal nationhood.
“As leaders, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Kaduna State in line with our national leaders made their position clear about the protest.
“We sincerely appreciate the Christian communities who we are privileged to lead for the way and manner in which our faithful conducted themselves during the protest that took place.”
He said Christians adhered to the call on them to be civil and peaceful if they must participate in the protest.
He lamented that, “in some states in the country, the protest became violent with recorded loss of lives. This is regrettable. Our hearts go to the families of all those who were victims of this unfortunate incident and those who lost properties.”
Hunger protest: Kaduna CAN urges restraint amid killings, destruction of property
EndBadGovernance Protest: Sultan of Sokoto tasks Imams, Muslim leaders
Amid the ongoing EndBadGovernance protest in Nigeria, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has appealed to the Jumu’ah mosque Imams and Muslim leaders to calm nerves and call on the Ummah to appreciate peace than chaotic state of affairs.
He also urged Nigerians in general to end the protest and urgently come to table for dialogue.
Abubakar made the call in a statement issued by the Secretary-General of JNI, Prof. Khalid Aliyu, on Thursday.
“Therefore, we in the name of Allah, the Most High, call for an end to the snowballing rampage, in the name of protest.
“We should all understand that there must be a stable country called Nigeria, before we can proudly call ourselves Nigerians.
“With tomorrow being Friday, Jumu’ah mosque Imams and Muslim leaders are implored to calm nerves and call on the Ummah to appreciate peace rather than chaotic state of affairs, which may even deny us congregational prayers,” he said.
Abubakar urged all Nigerians to be in continued prayers for Allah’s apt intervention on the current situation in the country.
TVN reports that Thursday marked the commencement of the #EndBadGovernance protest in Nigeria.
The first day of the protest witnessed widespread violence and lootings across major cities, with several protesters reported dead.
EndBadGovernance Protest: Sultan of Sokoto tasks Imams, Muslim leaders
Jigawa: Gov Namadi imposes 24-hour curfew
The Jigawa State Government has declared a 24-hour curfew in the state from today Thursday, 1st of August, 2024, until further notice.
In a speech delivered by His Excellency, Governor Mallam Umar Namadi to the people of Jigawa State Friday night, he announced the imposition of the curfew across the state.
He explained that the curfew will be relaxed on Friday, 2nd August, 2024, from 1200hrs to 1430hrs, to allow Muslim ummah to observe Friday (Juma’at) prayer.
He said no vehicle would be used in going to the mosque.
The Governor added that the decision would be reviewed after assessing the situation.
Jigawa: Gov Namadi imposes 24-hour curfew