The Imo State police command has dismissed a report on the attack on the Owerri Correctional Center by gunmen.
The command’s spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye, made the clarification in a statement on Wednesday in Owerri.
He was reacting to a report by an online platform that hoodlums attacked the facility on Wednesday.
The spokesman described the report as false and misleading.
Okoye said: “The command wishes to state clearly that the said publication is entirely false, misleading, and malicious.
“The publication is a calculated attempt by mischief makers to create unnecessary fear and anxiety in the minds of the people of Imo.
“We wish to inform Imo people that the operatives of the entire security agencies have been massively deployed to all the nooks and crannies of the state, including the correctional center to avert any threat of attack.”
He similarly dismissed a video of an alleged invasion of a hostel at the Imo State University (IMSU) by security personnel.
He warned the university students not to have anything to do with the planned nationwide protest in the country.
“A thorough investigation of the video revealed that nothing of such happened in either the IMSU hostel or anywhere in the state.
“The command is committed to protecting the rights of peaceful protesters but warned against any violent demonstration that could lead to the destruction of lives and property in the state.
“Consequently, a thorough investigation has been initiated to apprehend the purveyor of the misleading publication cum video,” the spokesman added.
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Police dismisses report of attack on Owerri correctional centre
August 1: Give Tinubu more time – Kogi East Senator Echocho to youths
In the light of the impending August 1 nationwide protest, Kogi East Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho has called for patience among the youth of the area.
Echocho asserted that the current economic challenges will soon pave the way for brighter days.
The senator’s statement comes amidst widespread frustration and calls for change due to escalating economic hardships.
In a statement he issued, Echocho acknowledged the difficulties faced by Nigerians but stressed the importance of trusting President Bola Tinubu’s vision and plans for national development.
Expressing optimism about the president’s capacity to fulfil his promises, he emphasised that the sacrifices currently being made are temporary and necessary for long-term improvement in the lives of citizens.
He urged youths to exercise patience and allow time for the president’s reforms to take effect.
Echocho listed several measures that the federal government has taken to address issues related to hunger and other pressing challenges. These include “food distribution to various states and local governments across Nigeria; the turnaround maintenance of federal government-owned refineries, set to commence before the end of this financial year; sales of crude oil to Dangote in naira to encourage production activities; distribution of fertilisers to farmers; and provision of capital support to market women.”
He said: “The government is prioritising the welfare of its citizens and working towards delivering tangible results that will enhance their lives.”
He underscored the critical need for unity and support during these challenging times, recognising that while his appeal is a positive step, more action is required to alleviate the widespread suffering among Nigerians.
He concluded by reiterating the need for collective unity and support as the nation navigates these turbulent times, emphasising that such solidarity is crucial to overcoming current challenges and building a better future for all Nigerians.
August 1: Give Tinubu more time – Kogi East Senator Echocho to youths
Lagos police to enforce court restrictions on protest timing, venues
The Lagos State Police Command has assured residents of its commitment to maintaining peace and order in the state as nationwide protests are set to begin on Thursday, August 1.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday which stated that the command will not allow any person or group to infringe on the fundamental human rights of others, including the right to freedom of movement and dignity.
The statement read, “The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade, mni has assured Lagosians that the Command has emplaced necessary measures to ensure safety of lives and property, free flow of traffic and a peaceful environment for carrying out their respective lawful duties.
“This assurance has become imperative following news making the rounds about nationwide protests billed to start on Thursday, August 1, 2024, an action capable of grounding commercial activities and obstructing free flow of traffic.”
The command also emphasised its role in enforcing a court order restricting protests to designated areas.
It added “Also, the command is in receipt of an order from a court of competent jurisdiction restricting peaceful public protest, rallies, procession and meetings to Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ikorodu Road, Ojota Lagos and Peace Park, Ketu, Lagos from 8 am to 6 pm on 1st – 10th August, 2024.
“The Nigeria Police Force, as a law enforcement agency, shall duly enforce this order.
“To this end, the command hereby assures everyone willing to join in the proposed protests that maximum security will be provided at the indicated locations.”
The police urged protesters to abide by the security arrangements to ensure zero breakdown of law and order and prevent hijack of the protests.
Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station as CP Fayoade has reassured peace-loving Lagosians to go about their lawful duties without fear of harassment or intimidation.
According Online reports that a Lagos State High Court, on Tuesday, restricted the proposed nationwide protest in Lagos to the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota and the Peace Park in Ketu.
NGX: Equities market extends bearish trend as investors lose N32bn
The Nigerian equities market’s bearish run continued on Wednesday as investors lost N32 billion at the close of the day’s trading.
This followed the dip in the share prices of stocks like CUTIX, JULIUS BERGER, and NAHCO amongst others on the trading floor.
After five hours of trading at the capital market, the equity capitalization crashed to N55.51 trillion from N55.54 trillion by the bourse on Tuesday.
The All-Share Index (ASI) also decreased to 97,774.22 from 97,830.65 recorded the previous trading day.
The market breadth was negative as 27 stocks advanced and 28 declined, while 56 others remained unchanged in 10, 847 deals.
IMG, VERITASKAP, and UPL led other gainers with 10% growth each in share prices to close at N14.30, N0.99, and N2.42 from the previous N13.00, N0.90, and N2.20 per share.
READ ALSO: Investors lose N113bn amid suspension of stocks by NGX
On the flip side, CUTIX, JULIUS BERGER and NAHCO led other price decliners as they shed 10% each to close at N5.13, N13.50, and N35.10 from the initial N5.70, N15.00, and N39.00 per share.
On the volume index, VERITASKAP led trading with 45 million shares valued at N44.5 million in 192 deals followed by OANDO which traded 43 million shares valued at N1.11 billion in 1,238 deals.
UBA traded 35 million shares valued at N701 million in 783 deals.
On the value index, FIDELITY BANK recorded the highest value for the day trading stocks worth N14.04 billion in 332 deals followed by ZENITH BANK which traded equities worth N2.03 billion in 685 deals.
OANDO traded stocks worth N1.11 billion in 1, 238 deals.
By: Babajide Okeowo
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Reps in last-minute move to stop hunger protest
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has again appealed to organisers of the planned nationwide protest to embrace dialogue with the Federal Government to find solutions to the hardship being felt across the country.
Federal lawmakers, ministers, and highly-placed government officials have been appealing to the organisers to be patient with the government, stating that the policies being implemented by President Bola Tinubu-led government are bearing fruits gradually.
In his keynote address at the townhall meeting with youth groups at National Assembly Complex on Wednesday, Abbas reiterated his belief that dialogue and not protest, remains the key to addressing the challenges facing the country.
He said, “You have raised your voices, calling for an end to hunger, a reduction in the cost of living, an improvement in the minimum wage, and enhanced human capital development. These demands, though varied, converge on a single, powerful call for a better quality of life for all Nigerians.
“Our purpose today is not to intimidate, entice, buy off, or stifle your constitutionally enshrined powers of free expression. Rather, it is to create a formal avenue of regular engagement, ensuring that your voices are heard at the highest levels of government. My message to you today is that ‘your voice matters, and we are listening.’
“This government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, listens, understands, and is committed to transforming Nigeria into a country that works for young people. The President has demonstrated this commitment through significant interventions.
“For instance, he approved a substantial intervention fund of N683bn for public tertiary institutions for the 2024 cycle, aimed at improving the quality of education. The establishment of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund through the Access to Higher Education Act, 2024, provides interest-free loans to students pursuing higher education and vocational training.”
He assured the youth groups of government’s readiness to alleviate the plight of the youths, saying, “Let me assure you that the government is acutely aware of the issues raised by our youths and has been actively working on multiple fronts to address them.
“Several agricultural initiatives have been launched to combat hunger, boost local food production, and reduce import dependency. Recent measures by the President on import waivers for food are all part of a broader strategy to ensure that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry.
“Additionally, the government has invested in modern farming techniques and infrastructure to ensure farmers have the resources to increase yield and profitability. Your voice matters, and we are listening.”
Some of the representatives of the youth groups at the event included Ngou Matthew (North Central) and Mohammed Ahmed (North East), among others.
On his part, the lawmaker representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Babajimi Benson, said peaceful protests are allowed in a democracy.
“I like peaceful protest, Dangote protested peacefully. Did he get the result? Yes. So, if we protest peacefully, Bola Tinubu has always expressed his love for peaceful protest. He was a chief protester at some point,” he said.
He however added that there are credible intelligence report suggesting a possible breakdown of law and order if the protests go on as planned.
“We have credible intelligence to show that some people would turn the good thing the youth want to do, which is constitutional, into something totally different. Some people want to riot and loot. We have seen that happen before.
“Even the President was once a victim of rioting. A television station was burnt, and journalists were there. They even tried to burn The Nation Newspaper. Anything could have happened,” he said.
Also speaking, the lawmaker representing Moba/Ilejemeje/Ido Osi Federal Constituency, Ekiti State, Kolawole Akinlayo, urged Nigerians to keep with the Tinubu-led administration.
He said, “My appeal to the youth is to be patient with Mr President and that Mr President has very laudable programmes especially for the youths.
“They should please exercise patience more and see what will come after this period because every war ends on the round table.
“We should not use anger and destructive tendencies to destroy our nascent democracy.”
No court notice received on Lagos protest restrictions
The National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, has said he was not served any court notice restricting the proposed protest in Lagos to the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota and the Peace Park in Ketu.
The TIB is one of the organisations fronting the planned nationwide protest against hunger and economic hardships, scheduled to commence Thursday, August 1, to 10, 2024.
A Lagos State High Court, on Tuesday, restricted the proposed nationwide protest in Lagos to the two parks.
Justice Emmanuel Ogundare granted the exparte application filed by the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro.
The TIB leader, Sanyaolu, was listed as the defendant alongside Adamma Ukpabi and Tosin Harsogba (for Active Citizens Group); Hassan Soweto; Persons unknown, and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State.
The judge granted the application by way of an interim injunction to restrict the defendants from converging and carrying out the proposed protests in Lagos from August 1-10 except in the two approved locations from 8 am to 6 pm.
While moving his application before the court, Pedro said there was a need to protect the critical infrastructures of the state and prevent an irreparable loss of lives and property as witnessed during the EndSARS protest in 2020, having been privy to notices by different interests who are for and against the nationwide protest.
But in an interview with The According on Wednesday, Sanyaolu said, “I am yet to be served, and to this end, I take this news as a rumour, and a joke taken too far! No court order can repress a people’s desire to be free,” he told The According.
He added, “I was neither served personally nor by any other means. So how do I know of the order or its content? How do I or any ‘unknown person’ as they claim, comply with what we have not seen?”
The Lagos Coordinator of the TIB, Adeyemi Taofeek, had in a statement reacting to the court judgement, asked the state to provide the protesters with buses to convey protesters from their point of convergence to the court-designated venues.
“The buses to be provided must be clean, safe and air-conditioned. The buses must arrive at these designated areas as early as 6 am and return protesters to their convergence points at 6 pm. Your failure to provide buses for the protesters means they (protesters) would begin the march/walk to the court-designated parks in the city daily for the duration of the #EndBadGovernance direct actions,” Taofeek wrote.
The State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, when asked on Wednesday whether the state would accede to the protesters’ demands for buses, said a statement would be issued.
Protest: We’ll not compromise academic calendars — NANS
The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, said Nigerian students are not ready to compromise the academic calendars of educational institutions for planned protests.
The national president of the association, Lucky Emonefe, said this on Wednesday in Abuja at a town hall meeting organised for youths, students and members of the civil society organisation to interface ahead of the August 1 planned protest.
The town hall meeting was convened by NANS in collaboration with the chairman of Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments, Mr Osahon Okunbo.
Emonefe urged students and youths in the country to be law abiding and resist any call for protest.
“We are not interested in anything that will obstruct our current academic calendar; we want to continue with our studies because our academic pursuit is very important to us.
“Coming out to demonstrate is not the way to go because it can be hijacked, public peace will be disrupted and properties destroyed.
“In spite of the fact that we did not agree with those calling for demonstrations, we are very hungry, times are hard and there are harsh economic policies.
“We believe that we can engage government positively through dialogue; we are calling on government to look at some of the policies and address them,” he said.
The NANS president commended the convener of the town hall meeting for the initiative, adding that it was a way for youths in the country to express their grievances.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students’ Matters, Sunday Ashefon, in his remark, called on youths and students in the country to shun the August 1 planned protest.
He said that the coming together of students and youths in the meeting showed that youths were interested in the efforts of the federal government to ease the hardship in the country.
Protest: We’ll not compromise academic calendars — NANS
Manchester City fined over £2 million for delayed kick-offs
Manchester City have been fined £2.09 million ($2.68 million, 2.48 million euros) by the Premier League for 22 instances of delaying the kick-off or restart of matches, it was announced Wednesday.
The English champions have accepted the punishment, which relates to rule infringements over the past two seasons, the league has confirmed.
This issue is unconnected to the 115 charges City is facing for alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations.
A Premier League statement said: “The Premier League and Manchester City FC have entered into a sanction agreement after the club accepted it had breached Premier League Rule L.33 relating to kick-off and restart obligations.”
City have been punished on a sliding scale for each offence.
Their first, a delay of one minute and 18 seconds to the start of the second half against Crystal Palace in August 2022, led to a warning.
But fines ranging from £10,000 to £200,000 have been imposed for each subsequent breach.
The longest delay was two minutes and 46 seconds for the start of the final game of the season against West Ham last season when City clinched a record fourth successive English title.
The statement added: “Rules relating to kick-offs and restarts help ensure the organisation of the competition is set at the highest possible professional standard and provides certainty to fans and participating clubs.
“It also ensures the broadcast of all 380 League matches around the world is kept to schedule.”
City have not commented directly but the ruling said: “The club has apologised for the accepted breaches… and confirmed that it has reminded the club’s players and football management teams of their responsibilities in complying with Rule L.33.”
AFP
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South-East elders mourn Onyeka Onwenu, Iwuanyanwu, Ubah
An Igbo socio-cultural group, Igbo Elders Consultative Forum, has lamented the deaths of some prominent Igbo personalities in July 2024.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its Chairman, Chief Simon Okeke, and Secretary, Prof. Charles Nwekeakwu, the elders decried the sudden death of the President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who died last Thursday, Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Senator Ifeanyi Uba, who died on Saturday and music icon, Onyeka Onwenu, who passed on Tuesday, including another prominent son, Sir Ferdinand Agu.
The statement read in part, “We mourn these illustrious and much-beloved personalities. Their death is heartrending. But we thank God for the life they lived. We pray for divine grace for their families, Ndigbo, and the people of Nigeria have to bear these irreparable losses.
On the nationwide protest, the elders said that before the death of Iwuanyanwu, he clarified on behalf of Ohanaeze that the Igbo were not part of any protest.
They said that in keeping with the famed Igbo values of enterprise, justice and equity, tolerance, and respect for others, the Igbo would continue to be good Nigerian citizens and work for a prosperous, just, equitable, and peaceful Nigeria.
“Once again, if only for emphasis and for the avoidance of doubt, Ndigbo is not protesting; we are mourning the sad deaths of our illustrious sons and leaders. We will not shy away from the duties of patriotism and courageous citizenship. As we promote peace and prosperity for Nigeria and show respect for other Nigerian people, we will demand the same from others. Ndigbo has contributed immensely and will continue to contribute to the greatness of Nigeria.
“Therefore, it is unacceptable and a gross provocation for any Nigerian, no matter how highly placed or privileged, to overlook the clear statement of Ohanaeze Ndigbo that the Igbo are not part of any national protest and spread malicious falsehood linking Ndigbo to the proposed protest,” the group added.
Alia urges Benue people to shun protest
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has called on the leaders of youth groups, organised labour and the entire people of the state to shun the planned protest against bad governance scheduled for August 1.
The governor made this appeal at the IBB Square, Makurdi, the state capital, saying it is constitutional for the people to stage a peaceful protest to press home their demand.
However, he noted that mischief makers may take advantage of the protest and cause mayhem.
According to him, social protests can be devastating since they can cause economic setbacks and loss of lives, alluding to the #EndSARS protest and the recent protest in Ukum.
The Catholic priest governor said the precarious security situation in some parts of the state makes Benue an unsafe environment for protest.
He also acknowledged the hardship in the nation, stressing that President Bola Tinubu was trying to mitigate its effects.
Alia urges Benue people to shun protest