Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has raised the alarm that some unnamed politicians are plotting to hijack the August 1 protest in a bid to cause mayhem in the state.
Yusuf, who spoke on Wednesday, said his government has uncovered moves by some selfish politicians to hide under the guise of the protest to unleash havoc.
“We are ready to receive protesters for a peaceful dialogue in the Government House. I will not run away, let them bring their positions and I will go with my stakeholders to President Tinubu and present our position to him,” the governor said.
He called on Federal Government to quickly reconsider the prices of fuel and electricity and also open the borders to allow for the importation of goods into the country.
Yusuf also urged the government to reduce the cost of essential commodities and services to make life easier for Nigerians.
“Let me remind that when we came on board we spent time to ensure that peace that had been previously eroded in the state was returned.
“We have uncovered moves by some disgruntled elements and politicians to purchase red caps and share them among thugs to use during the protest and loot shops and kill innocent persons,” he said.
The governor said his government is planning a price control office in the state to ensure that prices are stabilized and goods sold at uniform prices.
He said his administration is all out to make sure that life becomes meaningful to the common man, adding that the government has returned Public Suggestion Boxes to receive advise directly from the people.
Protest: We’ve uncovered plot by politicians to cause havoc in Kano – Gov Yusuf
Protest: We’ve uncovered plot by politicians to cause havoc in Kano – Gov Yusuf
Kidnapped varsity ex-DVC found dead in Ekiti
The former Deputy Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Prof. Olorunfemi Olaofe, who was kidnapped on 9 July, has been found dead.
According to sources, the body of the 79-year-old retired university teacher was discovered in a shallow grave in a remote area. However, it remains unclear whether his death was due to natural causes related to his age or if he was murdered by his kidnappers.
The retired don was kidnapped from his house alongside his security guard on 9 July, over three weeks ago, and driven away in his car, which the police said they recovered days after the kidnap incident.
Sources said that the kidnappers initially demanded a N50 million ransom and later remained incommunicado.
The Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, Adeniran Akinwale, who confirmed Olaofe’s death, said, “Yes, the professor has been found dead, and we are doing everything possible to exhume the body for burial.
“However, we have arrested many people, and you know the circumstances surrounding the incident. We suspect insider involvement, as the security man employed by the professor was the one who planned it.
“They (abductors) kidnapped the man along with him so that we would not suspect. In the process of rescuing him, we have arrested some people. I can’t say much about the security guard, but at the appropriate time, we will brief the public,” the police commissioner said.
While the search for the former university teacher lasted, members of the Are Ekiti Progressives Union, the Ekiti Council of Elders, and the Nigerian Universities Pensioners’ Association, EKSU Branch, had called on the security agencies and the state government to intensify efforts to rescue the old man alive.
Osun-Osogbo: Adherents can’t be stopped from drinking from sacred river — Commissioner
The Osun State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Abiodun Ojo has reiterated that nobody can stop adherents of the Osun deity from drinking from the Osun River.
Ojo also maintained that in order not to cast any doubts on the purity level of the water, the government can come in by way of ensuring that the river is kept clean for human consumption.
The commissioner made this known during a press briefing as part of activities lined up for the celebration of the Osun-Osogbo Festival on Wednesday in Osogbo.
Ojo, who maintained that the Osun-Osogbo sacred grove is a UNESCO Category II Heritage Site, added that the vegetation in the site is one of the most natural in Nigeria.
He also disclosed that it affords both medical and economic values to the people.
“Nobody can stop Osun adherents from drinking from the river, but what government can do is to ensure that the river is kept clean and safe for human consumption.
“Osogbo has the most natural groove and vegetation in Nigeria with medical and economic value.
“The Osun-Osogbo grove is 70% natural. The habitat is natural and devoid of pollution,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Ataoja of Osogbo land, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji said drinking the Osun River brings about miracles to adherents and others.
Oba Oyetunji disclosed that the Festival is like a pilgrimage due to the many miracles that occur when people use the the water from the Osun River with faith.
“Drinking the Osun water by individuals bring about certain miracles.
“The Festival is like a pilgrimage due to the many miracles that occur when people use it believing.”
The monarch also revealed that a chemical test has been carried out on the water from the river and it was certified that the Osun River is pure without any impurities, acid and base.
“A chemical test has been conducted in the river and it was discovered that the water from the Osun river is pure without acid and base.
“Osun River is very significant because it is for for drinking, building and other useful things and the Osun-Osogbo is a fantastic festival and no person looses out during the period of festivities.”
Osun-Osogbo: Adherents can’t be stopped from drinking from sacred river — Commissioner
Insecurity: Disband Operation Delta Hawk, group urges Gov Oborevwori
Following the abduction of a former Delta State Commissioner of Technical Education, Joan Onyemaechi by gunmen and the murder of her security aide, a group, Initiative for Social Rights Concerns And Advancement, ISRCA, on Wednesday urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to disband Operation Delta Hawk security outfit.
The group said the outfit has not been able to address the high rate of kidnappings, killings and other forms of crime in the state.
ISRCA National Coordinator, Comrade Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen made the call in a statement in Warri.
The group said the activities of the security outfit have been reduced to vetting just drivers licenses, car particulars and harassing residents.
It also accused the outfit of extortion.
According to the group, “Operation Delta Hawk have deviated from its core responsibilities. They are also unskilled and not conversant with the bushes and forests, hence defeats the purposes of its establishment.”
ISRCA also said the governor should replace Operation Delta Hawk with Forest Hunters Volunteer Group and Anti-Cult Volunteers to work directly under the supervision of the Delta State Police Command.
The group insisted that Operation Delta Hawk is comprised of different security agencies which are under the payroll of the Federal Government of Nigeria and as such, should be dispatched to their place of primary assignments while financial budgets that goes alongside be redirected towards employing the Forest Hunters Volunteer Group and Anti-Cult Volunteers as state security outfits.
According to the group, “This will not only help to boost employment among members of the group in the states, as the group are mostly indigenous people of Delta but also will help to address and directly confront the issues of kidnapping and terrorist activities in the bushes and forests.
“Insecurity in the State have reached a point that nobody is safe, not even government officials are exempted.
“While, I commiserate with the family of the Police aide to Hon. Joan Onyemaechi, who lost his life in regards to the suspected kidnappings attack, where Hon. Joan Onyemaechi, a former commissioner of Technical Education was kidnapped and taken through the River Niger, with certainty that she’ll return back home safely; the State Government mustn’t wait for it to get to this point before giving serious attention.
“Therefore, the Delta State Government should do all within its ability to be proactive to issues of insecurity by devising measures or better still adhere to suggestive procedures.
“The Forest Hunters Volunteer Group and Anti-Cult Volunteers as State Security Outfits had volunteered themselves in the fight against crimes, especially in the forest and bushes but have lacked State Government supports, in the area of funding and other logistics. Disbanding the Operation Delta Hawk would help to redirect state funds to sustaining this aspect of security in the state.”
Insecurity: Disband Operation Delta Hawk, group urges Gov Oborevwori
Ogun court restricts protesters to four locations
The Ogun State High Court on Wednesday ordered the sponsors of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests to limit their activities to four locations in the state.
The court also restricted the time frame of the protests to between 8 am and 5 pm.
The four locations are the MKO Stadium, Abeokuta; Ansar-ud-Deen Comprehensive High School, Ota; Remo Divisional High School, Sagamu; and Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu-Ode.
Granting an application moved by the State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), Justice O. Ogunfowora directed that all protests under the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria slogan or any other slogan from 1 August 2024 to 10 August 2024 must be limited in place and time.
The judge prohibited the protesters from protesting anywhere in the state except in those areas
The Attorney-General explained that the four locations are across the four divisions of the state in the three senatorial districts, allowing protesters in those vicinities to conveniently participate in the protests under adequate protection and without infringing on the rights of any non-protesting members of the public.
The judge, in his ruling, also prohibited any protest from taking place outside the hours of 8 am to 5 pm.
The judge further directed the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State to enforce the order and ensure that the protests are held only in the specified locations and during the periods stated in the order.
Justice Ogunfowora declared that the order would last for seven days and ordered the State to serve the application on notice within that period.
Justice Ogunfowora urged the protesters to respond to the application within 72 hours.
The case was adjourned to 6 August 2024.
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Ondo: Aiyedatiwa’s aide urges political party members to shun protest
Special Adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Inter-Party Affairs, Barrister Fadeshola Ojamomi has declared that the planned protest billed for August 1 may likely have negative effect on the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state.
Ojamomi made this declaration in a letter addressed to the National Chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council, Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle.
Ojamomi in the letter which was also sent to IPAC Chairman in the state, Prince Adesanya Olaoluwa, advised members of political parties in the state not to participate in the protest.
He noted that participation of IPAC members and members of political parties in the state in the protest will affect the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state.
Ojamomi in the letter made available to TVN on Wednesday, said that the protest has a potential to affect the peaceful atmosphere in the state.
Parts of the letter read, “I am writing to convey my grave concern regarding the planned nationwide protest and to request that the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) urgently advise all political parties in Ondo State to boycott this event.
“As we approach the Governorship election in November 2024, it is paramount that we maintain peace and stability in our state. Its therefore imperative that all the registered 17 Political Parties in the state should sponsor or take part in anything that will drag the state backward.
“Suffice to say, with the Governorship election just a few months away, it is critical that we preserve a peaceful and orderly environment. The planned protest has the potential to incite violence and civil unrest, which could significantly disrupt the electoral process slated for the 16th of November 2024. All the Political parties in the state must focus on fostering a calm and stable atmosphere conducive enough till the slated date of the election in a bid to have a free and fair elections.
“Also, the economic ramifications of large-scale protests can be severe. As Ondo State works towards economic recovery and growth through credible intervention programmes of the Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa led administration, it is essential to avoid actions that could disrupt business activities and economic stability. Political parties should consider the long-term economic health of our state and refrain from participating in actions that could lead to economic hardship for our residents.
“In the wake of ongoing public health concerns, particularly related to airborne diseases and Cholera as its outbreak has recently been confirmed in states in the southwest, large gatherings can pose significant health risks. The safety and well-being of our citizens should remain at top priority. Engaging in mass protests at this juncture could lead to a resurgence of infections, placing an undue burden on our healthcare system and endangering lives.”
Ondo: Aiyedatiwa’s aide urges political party members to shun protest
Justice Ajumogobia’s daughter killed in Lagos
Aribemchukwu, the daughter of Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, has been killed.
The deceased, popularly called Chuchu, was reportedly killed in her Parkview Estate residence in the Ikoyi area of Lagos State on Wednesday morning.
A family source who craved anonymity because of the current state of the family said she was killed last night, and her body was discovered this morning outside the gate of her residence.
“It would appear that new household staff might have been responsible and tried to stage as if she was outside when it happened.
“There are signs of an attempt to clean up blood inside the house and in the compound. This was indeed the handiwork, and we observe that they were newly employed less than a month, and she was alone in the house with them.
“We all need to be super careful. Especially with new hire,” he added.
Confirming the murder to According Online in a telephone conversation on Wednesday, the state command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the body has been recovered, and three suspects have been arrested in connection to her death.
Hundeyin stressed that the three people arrested in connection to the murder of Aribemchukwu were her domestic staff.
“Our men have arrested three people in connection to the murder of the daughter of Justice Ajumogobia at her residence in Parkview Estate. One of them is a driver, and the other two are maids.
“We are investigating and will further inform the public on our outcome,” he said.
Until her death, the late Aribemchukwu was a doctor and had recently married.
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Adamawa group backs protest, indicts govt, privileged individuals
A group, Adamawa Likeminds, has moved against the trend in the state by backing the planned nationwide protest.
Many groups as well as the dominant political parties and the state government, had, within the past days, distanced themselves from the protest.
However, Adamawa Likeminds, at a press conference on Wednesday in Yola, said the protest is long overdue because the government and people in privileged positions have failed the masses.
Leader of the group, Danladi Jonah, a youth activist, said, “To those calling for no peaceful protest, how many of you spoke to power on the current situation in the country before now? How many of you have rendered a helping hand out of your abundance to your neighbours or your community?”
He said because the masses have endured their suffering quietly, things kept going from bad to worse.
According to him, “Rising insecurity, high cost of living, bad governance, low income, high price of petroleum products, high electricity tariff, high unemployment rate, bad economic policies, etc, have forced we the law-abiding citizens to show our grievances to the government through peaceful protest.”
Jonah said the Federal Government headed by President Bola Tinubu has not shown resolve to tackle the problems, adding, “The government palliative measures are not working. Just on Monday (July 29), Adamawa State commissioner for information said they were yet to receive the rice promised by the federal government. How do they want the citizens to survive?”
He however called for peace during and after the protest, stressing, “We want to use this medium to call on the citizens to peacefully express themselves while matching on the streets of Adamawa state. Avoid provocations and be law abiding before, during and after the peaceful protest.
“We are calling on the security agencies to adequately provide security for the protesters as well as safely guard lives and properties, especially government assets during the protest.”
Adamawa group backs protest, indicts govt, privileged individuals
How Onyeka Onwenu spent her last moment — Obi
A former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has narrated how the late music icon, Onyeka Onwenu, spent her last moment.
Obi, who said he was at the event where the late singer performed her last, explained that Onwenu took water after her performance before she collapsed.
According to him, it was a beautiful performance, but little did we know it would be her final bow.
Obi, who was the Labour Party’s presidential candidate during the last general elections, while mourning the late singer on his X account on Wednesday, said, “Yesterday provided a very devastating moment for me as I witnessed a tragic event that will forever be etched in my memory. I was present at the event where the iconic song star, Onyeka Onwenu, performed a couple of her songs ending up with her famous song, ‘One Love Keep Us Together’.
“It was a beautiful performance, but little did we know it would be her final bow. Just about a few minutes after her performance, she sat down and drank some water and immediately collapsed, and was rushed to the hospital.
“I followed her to the hospital. I watched in pain as the doctors and medical staff fought tirelessly and battled to save her life, doing everything possible to bring her back to life but eventually came out with the sad news that she was gone.
“Despite their valiant efforts, she sadly passed away after over two hours of intense struggle. My heart goes out to her children and family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. May we find the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss.”
According to Obi, Onwenu was a national treasure, a shining star who inspired generations with her music, activism, and strong dedication to the arts.
He described her passing as a tremendous loss for the entire nation, saying she would be deeply missed.
He said, “I want to thank everyone who together with us accompanied her to the hospital yesterday. Special thanks to Mr. and Mrs John Momoh, Mr and Mrs Okonkwo, and Mr Okpara, who were with her during her last moments. Governor Alex Otti joined us also and Mr. Femi Ajayi who equally returned to the hospital this morning when we had to finalized everything about her passing. May her soul rest in peace and may her legacy continue to inspire and unite us all.
“My condolences to her family, the entertainment industry, and the nation at large. May we find solace in the memories we shared with her and the impact she had on our lives.”
Ex-high court judge, Ajumogobia’s daughter murdered in Lagos residence
Aribemchukwu, the daughter of a former judge of the Federal High Court, Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, has been murdered.
The deceased, popularly called Chuchu, was reportedly killed in her Parkview Estate residence in the Ikoyi area of Lagos State on Wednesday morning.
A family source who craved anonymity because of the current state of the family said she was killed last night, and her body was discovered this morning outside the gate of her residence.
“It would appear that new household staff might have been responsible and tried to stage as if she was outside when it happened.
“There are signs of an attempt to clean up blood inside the house and in the compound. This was indeed the handiwork, and we observe that they were newly employed less than a month, and she was alone in the house with them.
“We all need to be super careful. Especially with new hire,” he added.
Confirming the murder to According Online in a telephone conversation on Wednesday, the state command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the body has been recovered, and three suspects have been arrested in connection to her death.
Hundeyin stressed that the three people arrested in connection to the murder of Aribemchukwu were her domestic staff.
“Our men have arrested three people in connection to the murder of the daughter of Justice Ajumogobia at her residence in Parkview Estate. One of them is a driver, and the other two are maids.
“We are investigating and will further inform the public on our outcome,” he said.
Until her death, the late Aribemchukwu was a doctor and had recently married.
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Contact: [email protected]