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Kano residents decry poor internet, call services

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Kano residents decry poor internet, call services

Subscribers of major networks in Kano have lamented poor internet and call services in the metropolis.

The subscribers, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria in separate interviews on Tuesday in Kano said that the situation causes untold hardship to them.

Moses Isiyaku, a subscriber, lamented that he grappled with unreliable internet and call services recently.

According to him, the disappointing situation has brought untold hardship to Nigerians as he missed an important flight to Lagos due to poor internet and call services.

Abubakar Isah, a businessman, said that recently, there were connection failures, poor data service, and fluctuating networks.

He said that the network providers in the country were not sensitive to subscribers’  plight.

Isah, who lauded the Nigerian Communications Commission for its efforts over the years, urged it to live up to its responsibility of protecting the subscribers.

Ahmed Nuhu, an internet cafe operator, said the telecommunication systems in the country were not doing well in recent times.

He, however, called on the regulatory bodies to wade into the situation and rescue Nigerians from the alleged telecom providers ‘oppression.

Maryam Adamu, a school teacher, also urged the telecom operators to improve their services as ‘Nigerians were angry with them.’

Adamu, who accused the operators of only minding their profits, urged them to work on modalities on how to improve their services.

She also lamented the closure of the MTN office in the metropolis where she went to retrieve her line.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports Kano the Head Office of MTN was closed, with security personnel confirming the shutdown to a NAN  Correspondent who visited the premises at Civic Centre.

NAN also reports that the gates were shut, and there was no crowd unlike on Monday when many subscribers besieged the outlet, leading to police intervention with teargas fired to restore order.

The shutdown comes after MTN Nigeria issued a notice informing the customers of the closure of their outlets nationwide, effective immediately.

They said that the move was aimed at ensuring the safety of staff and customers amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding the NIN-SIM card linkage.

(NAN)

August 1: Don’t push Nigerians to wall, time running out – Pastor Giwa to Tinubu

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August 1: Don’t push Nigerians to wall, time running out – Pastor Giwa to Tinubu

The senior pastor of Awaiting The Second Coming Of Christ Ministry, Adewale Giwa, on Wednesday cautioned President Bola Tinubu against pushing Nigerians to the wall.
Pastor Giwa said Tinubu is running out of time, hence he should do the right thing.
His caution is coming as Nigerians prepare to hit the streets in protest of the hardship and sufferings in the country.
To assuage organizers of the protest, Tinubu had urged them to be patient with him.
The Nigerian government has also disclosed plans to sell rice at the rate of N40,000 per bag.
However, Giwa wondered where a hungry man would get N40,000 to buy a bag of rice.
Speaking with TVN, the clergyman said: “Having advised President Bola Tinubu to reopen all land borders in Nigeria, let me use this medium to beg the president not to push Nigerians to the wall.
“A hungry man is not afraid of death; the president should urgently do what is right to make Nigerians happy.
“Distributing 10 trucks of rice to each state won’t help the current situation. Where do you expect the hungry Nigerians to see N40,000 to buy a bag of rice? Please, stop this nonsense and do what is right.
“I hope Mr. President would listen to my earlier advice if truly he wants the best for Nigeria. Again, begging Nigerians to be patient with you is like someone telling you to resign from the presidency, which is not possible to forgo.
“You were not patient with Nigerians when you discontinued fuel subsidy payments. Therefore, Mr. President, you are running out of time.
“Anybody who truly loves the president would advise him to crash the prices of foodstuffs and petroleum in no time. My prayers are with Nigeria, but our political leaders must lead by example.”
August 1: Don’t push Nigerians to wall, time running out – Pastor Giwa to Tinubu

Thai activist jailed for insulting king 

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Thai activist jailed for insulting king 

A prominent Thai pro-democracy activist was sentenced to two years in prison on Wednesday for posting an insult below an upside-down picture of the king on social media, a human rights lawyers’ group said.

Parit Chiwarak, also known as “Penguin”, was found guilty of infringing Thailand’s stringent royal defamation, or lese-majeste, laws during youth-led pro-democracy protests in 2020-21.

He is expected to face a further 24 royal defamation charges, according to the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights group.

The 26-year-old activist, who was not in court in Bangkok on Wednesday, was one of the key figures leading the demonstrations which saw tens of thousands of people take to the streets with unprecedented calls for reform of the monarchy.

Some of the world’s strictest lese-majeste laws protect King Maha Vajiralongkorn and his close family, with each offence carrying a potential 15-year sentence.

Critics say the government has used the legislation to silence dissent. More than 270 people have been prosecuted for lese-majeste since 2020, according to TLHR.

On May 14, rights activist Netiporn Sanae-sangkhom, also detained on royal defamation charges, died in custody while on hunger strike.

Netiporn had been held in pre-trial detention since January.

She was charged over an incident during a royal motorcade protest in 2020.

AFP

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From Iwuanyanwu, Ubah to Onwenu, three prominent Igbo who died in one week

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From Iwuanyanwu, Ubah to Onwenu, three prominent Igbo who died in one week

From the towering legacy of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu to the entrepreneurial spirit of Ifeanyi Ubah, and the cultural resonance of Onyeka Onwenu, the Igbo community was plunged into mourning as three of its iconic figures died within a week.

Iwuanyanwu’s July 25, Ubah’s July 27 and now Onwenu’s July 30 are now etched in memories not to be forgotten by Nigerians anytime soon.

The South Easterners and the entire Nigerians, both at home and abroad, are already reeling from the loss of Iwuanyanwu, who was President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and a sitting Senator representing Anambra South in the National Assembly, Ubah.

Tributes poured in, and vigils were held, honouring their contributions to business, politics, and society.

Just as the nation struggled to come to terms with these devastating losses, news broke on Tuesday night of the passing of music goddess, Onyeka Onwenu.

They were aged 82, 52 and 72, respectively.

Known as the “Elegant Stallion,” Onwenu’s death struck a deep chord, amplifying the sense of grief and loss that had already gripped the nation.

Punch Online reports, “What a July,” expressing the collective sentiment of a nation rocked by these tragedies.

As July ends today, there is a shared hope that this month of mourning will also come to an end, allowing for healing and reflection.

Iwuanyanwu, a prominent businessman and politician, left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political and economic landscape.

His vision and leadership were instrumental in the development of numerous industries, and his philanthropic efforts touched countless lives.

Ubah, a dynamic entrepreneur and senator, was celebrated for his relentless drive and commitment to improving the economic fortunes of the Southeast.

His businesses provided employment and opportunities, fostering growth and development in the region.

Onwenu’s passing added another layer of sorrow.

A revered musician, actress, and activist, she was a cultural icon whose artistry and advocacy transcended borders.

Her songs, filled with messages of love, unity, and resilience, resonated with millions.

Onwenu’s dedication to social justice and her tireless work in promoting women’s rights made her a beloved figure not just in Nigeria, but around the world.

The loss of these three remarkable individuals has left a void that will be felt for years to come.

Their legacies, however, will continue to inspire future generations, reminding us of the profound impact that dedicated and visionary individuals can have on their communities and beyond.

Iwuanyanwu

Iwuanyanwu’s death was confirmed in a statement on Thursday by his son, Jide.

The statement read, “The Iwuanyanwu family of Umuohii Atta, in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State announces the demise of our patriarch, Engr Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu-Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo.

“Chief Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday, July 25, 2024, after a brief illness. He was aged 82.

“Chief Iwuanyanwu before his death was President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide and President of Owerri Peoples Assembly.”

Ubah

Ubah was said to have died in a hotel in London, the United Kingdom, on Saturday.

Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, confirmed Ubah’s death to our correspondent.

He said, “It’s confirmed.”

Onwenu

Onwenu was said to have died on Tuesday night at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos after slumping at the birthday party of the CEO of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Mrs Stella Okoli.

“She was taken to Reddington Hospital and she couldn’t make it,” the eyewitness said.

Asari-Dokubo threatens to unleash violence on #EndBadGovernance protesters (Video)

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Asari-Dokubo threatens to unleash violence on #EndBadGovernance protesters (Video)

Former Niger Delta militant leader, Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, has warned organisers of the planned nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest scheduled for August 1 to keep the action out of the Niger Delta or they will “collect” in hot measure.
Asari who gave the warning in a trending video on Tuesday, said the agenda of the protest organisers had nothing to do with the region. and does not capture the problems of the people of the Niger Delta.
In the video, the ex-militant dared the protesters whom he tagged as anarchists, to come to the oil-rich region, boasting that they would be resisted by all means.
The former leader of the defunct Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force further alleged that some people who lost the election were backing the protest aimed at removing the government in power.
“I and all those who believe in me and those of you who are committed to the interest of the Niger Delta, we are not going to be part of any protest. It is as clear as that,” he said.
“If anybody has the right to protest, I also have the right to resist protest. Where your right stops, that is where my right begins.
“I’m anti-protest. When our brother was here they protested. Today, another of our brothers is here. They want to protest. That is the truth.
“When you allow yourself to be used, when you always bend your back for people to ride on you, they will continue to ride on you.
“Are our needs included in their 10 points demand? No. So, we are not important to them. But it is our resources that they want to share. I want to say that me, I have the capacity. If you carry your protest near where I am, you will collect. They will be resisted.
“Those who brought anti-protest during #EndSARS and went to Oyigbo, Rivers State, they collected. They got what they deserved. Everybody knows, the government, the security agencies knows it. I gave it to them.
READ ALSO:Yobe govt orders closure of schools over #EndBadGovernance protests
“Look, don’t be deceived by people’s flowery words and statements. What have they done to impact their society and the environment?
“The lack of hospitals in Buguma, Abonema, and the entire Kalabari land didn’t start today. It has always been like that. And I will not expect my friend, President Bola Tinubu, to come one year later because there has been no hospital in Buguma since the 90s. I should then kick my friend out of power.
“I will not be part of it. These are anarchists. When you lose the election, wait for another election season. It is four years. Sell yourself to the people, but you don’t want to.
“After you have failed, you continue. Then you’re not patriotic; you’re the problem of this country. President Bola Tinubu won the elections against all odds. No candidate has gone through the travails President Tinubu went through to win the elections.
“Everything was against him, but he triumphed. Wait for your turn. You heard what happened in Imo State yesterday where they killed police officers.
“That is what they want to do. And we must resist them. We must not allow them to bring their anarchy here.
“But if you are stubborn and you want to bring it here, I’m not President Tinubu, I’m not in the government, I’m not the Chief of Army Staff or the Inspector General of Police, but if you do it anyway, you will see it anyway.
“Don’t bring your protest here. This protest does not concern us, and anywhere you are doing your protest, if I’m there and you bring your protest, I know you’re a threat to me. And I will be a threat to you. That is it.
“I’m not doing it because Tinubu is my friend. I will stand firm because if I don’t do it, my life will be in danger, the lives of my children will be in danger, and the lives of my compatriots. All of you who are here will be in danger.
“It is wrong for us to be part of or even conceive this protest. Those who have lost election should prepare for 2027.”

The post Asari-Dokubo threatens to unleash violence on #EndBadGovernance protesters (Video) appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Lagos must convey protesters to designated parks, group reacts to court ruling

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Lagos must convey protesters to designated parks, group reacts to court ruling

One of the groups organising the proposed nationwide protests, the Take It Back Movement, has described the judgment obtained by the Lagos State Government as an abuse of judicial privilege to stifle citizens’ freedom of association.

A Lagos State High Court had, on Tuesday, restricted protesters participating in the nationwide protest to specific locations within the state.

Justice Emmanuel Ogundare, while ruling on an ex parte application by the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, (SAN), ordered that protests could only take place at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota and Peace Park in Ketu.

However, in a statement on Wednesday, the Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Lagos, Adekunle Taofeek, said the state government must bear the cost of moving protesters from several designated areas in the state to venues ordered by the court.

He said, “We frown at this abuse of judicial privilege to stifle freedom of association. The movement, at an emergency meeting, wishes to inform you that since this was your administration’s decision, you must bear responsibility for the movement of protesters from several destinations in Lagos to and from Peace Park in Ketu and Gani Fawehinmi Justice Park in Ojota in Lagos.”

Taofeek said some of the agreed designated convergence points for participating citizens are Alausa Secretariat, ⁠Lekki Toll Gates, Ikorodu Bus Park, Okota Link Bridge, LASU Campus gates, Iyana Ipaja Underbridge, and Agege Pen Cinema.

“You will soon be informed of other designated convergence points for protesters,” he added.

Taofeek stated that the buses must arrive at the designated areas by 6 am and return by 6 pm to convey the protesters back to their destinations.

He said, “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 every night from August 1 to 10, 2024.

“The protest days may drag beyond 10 days, so the Lagos State Government is advised to make contingency plans for the dusting of these actions.”

Taofeek warned that failure to make the buses available, the protesters would march to the court and designated parks in the city daily.

He said, “Your failure to provide buses for the protesters means they (protesters) would begin march/walk to the court designated parks in the city on a daily basis for the duration of the #EndBadGovernance direct actions.”

Taofeek, therefore, told the Lagos State Government that there would be rallies and processions during the protest.

He said, “Finally, be informed that there will be rallies and processions throughout the #EndbadGovernance actions, so your bus operators are advised to find and park a safe distance from the areas designated by protesters for these activities.”

Katsina has received FG’s rice, says acting gov

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Katsina has received FG’s rice, says acting gov

The Katsina State Government has announced the delivery of 20 trucks of rice allocated by the Federal Government to the state.

The Acting Governor, Faruq Jobe, confirmed this during a joint meeting with critical stakeholders, interest groups, heads of security agencies, members of the executive council, the legislature, and the chairmen of the 34 local governments at the Presidential Banquet Hall, Katsina Government House on Monday.

Jobe said the state government has established a committee to ensure the equitable distribution of the rice to its intended beneficiaries.

According to him, to further alleviate the hardship faced by residents, the government has also sold 78,000 bags of grains and 173,000 bags of grains worth over N10.6 billion at subsidised rates to residents in the state.

He further stated that the state government has provided 400,000 bags of fertiliser to farmers at a subsidised rate, engaged more extension workers, and provided chemicals, all aimed at encouraging people to return to farming.

Jobe emphasised that the state government has provided several palliatives to vulnerable groups and the entire population of the state. “Primarily, the distribution of 31,000 bags of rice and stipends given free of charge to the elderly and vulnerable across the state.”

The Katsina Acting Governor commended the Katsina State Care Authority and the State Emergency Management Agency for actively providing empowerment support and relief assistance to the state’s residents, noting that KT-CARE has provided empowerment support amounting to N300 million, while SEMA has so far supported victims with over N63 million in relief materials.

Regarding the 1st August planned nationwide protest, Mallam Jobe acknowledged the challenges faced by residents in the state and urged the organisers to protest peacefully and avoid actions that could lead to loss of lives and property.

Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh, killed in Tehran — Iran’s Guards

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Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh, killed in Tehran — Iran’s Guards

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said Wednesday that the chief of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, was killed in Tehran along with one of his bodyguards.

“The residence of Ismail Haniyeh, head of the political office of Hamas Islamic Resistance, was hit in Tehran, and as a result of this incident, he and one of his bodyguards were martyred,” said a statement by the IRG Corps’ Sepah news website.

The cause of the “incident” was not immediately clear but the Guards said it was “being investigated.”

Haniyeh arrived in Tehran on Tuesday to attend the inauguration of Iran’s new President Masoud Pezeshkian in parliament.

He had met with Pezeshkian as well as Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei.

Tuesday’s swearing-in ceremony came amid concerns of war between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah following a Saturday rocket attack on the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights.

Israel has accused Hezbollah of responsibility for the attack that killed 12 children, but the Iran-backed Lebanese group has denied any involvement.

Later on Tuesday, Israel struck Hezbollah’s stronghold in southern Beirut in retaliation for the Golan strike, saying it had killed the commander responsible for the attack.

A source close to Hezbollah said Shukr was the target but that he “survived the Israeli strike.” AFP was not immediately able to confirm that report.

Iran, which does not recognise Israel and considers it to be its arch-foe, has repeatedly warned Israel against attacking Lebanon.

“The Zionist regime (Israel) will make a great mistake with heavy consequences if it attacks Lebanon,” Pezeshkian said during a Monday call with French President Emmanuel Macron, according to the Iranian president’s website.

Regional tensions have soared since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, drawing in Iran-backed militant groups in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen.

The October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel that started the war resulted in the deaths of 1,197 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

Militants also seized 251 hostages, 111 of whom are still held captive in Gaza, including 39 the military says are dead.

Israel’s retaliatory military campaign in Gaza has killed at least 39,400 people, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory, which does not provide details on civilian and militant deaths.

Iran has made support for the Palestinian cause a centrepiece of its foreign policy since the 1979 Islamic revolution.

It has hailed Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel but denied any involvement.

AFP

August 1: It shows lack of understanding – Global Rights, others warn against clampdown on protesters

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August 1: It shows lack of understanding – Global Rights, others warn against clampdown on protesters

The Global Rights and other frontline civil society organizations in Nigeria and around Africa have reminded the Nigerian Government that the right to peaceful protest is a pillar of democratic governance as constitutionally guaranteed.
The associations said this ahead of the planned nationwide protest slated for the 1st of August, 2024.
This was contained in a statement they collectively signed.
A nationwide protest has been fixed to begin from the 1st of August in Nigeria and there are discussions within the government surrounding the appropriateness of citizens expressing their dissatisfaction with policies and actions of the current administration.
The civil society organisations said it was compelled to reaffirm that peaceful protest was the fundamental right of citizens.
“This right is a cornerstone of any democratic society and a critical means for citizens to express their dissatisfaction, demand accountability, and advocate for change,” Global Rights, which comprises over 37 rights associations, including Yiaga Africa, Enough is Enough and over 35 other civil society organizations.
The civil society organisations insisted that a peaceful protest is a legitimate form of expression enshrined in international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended), among others.
“It allows citizens to publicly voice their concerns, challenge injustices, and participate actively in the democratic process,” it added.
“Protests serve as a vital mechanism for holding leaders accountable and ensuring that government actions reflect the will and needs of the people.
“History has shown that protests can lead to significant changes in government policies, processes and practices, highlighting the power of collective action to address grievances and promote good governance.
“While the right to protest is a fundamental principle of democratic nations, we concede that it must be exercised peacefully and responsibly without violating the rights of others.
“Accordingly, we urge all parties engaged, including protest organisers, participants, and law enforcement agencies, to prioritise safety and the rule of law. Law enforcement has a duty to safeguard protesters while upholding public order.
“Demonstrators must avoid activities that might exacerbate tensions, cause unrest or threaten public safety.
“Attempts to suppress demonstrations through intimidation, excessive use of force, or unjust legal actions are unacceptable and counterproductive.
“Every protest is deemed peaceful, and if intelligence indicates otherwise, it is the role of the appropriate government agencies to identify such saboteurs and arrest them immediately,” it said.
The CSO warned against any move to arrest protest organisers, saying it shows a lack of understanding of the enemies of the state.
“We urge the Nigerian Judiciary and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to uphold the rights of all protesters and establish a mechanism to promptly address and dismiss oppressive charges that may arise from these
protests.
“We encourage all citizens to actively participate in shaping a just and accountable society, and we call on all stakeholders to uphold the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law,” it added.
August 1: It shows lack of understanding – Global Rights, others warn against clampdown on protesters

Olympics swimming event gets go-ahead as River Seine passes test

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Olympics swimming event gets go-ahead as River Seine passes test

Olympic organisers have greenlit the men’s and women’s triathlons after River Seine water testing revealed lower levels of bacteria.

Sky sports report that the men’s event was due to take place on Tuesday, but was postponed over concerns about water quality.

A joint statement from Paris 2024 and World Triathlon early on Wednesday confirmed that the latest water quality tests had shown a drop in bacteria levels.

The statement said, “The results of the latest water analyses, received at 3.20am, have been assessed as compliant by World Triathlon allowing for the triathlon competitions to take place.”

World Triathlon posted a picture of the River Seine to social media with a brief message, telling followers: “We will swim”.

The race will take place at 10.45am on Wednesday local time, after the women’s race which is scheduled to take place at 8am.

Swimming training for the triathletes was cancelled on Sunday and Monday after water quality testing.

More than a billion euros was spent on cleaning up the river in preparation for the Games, but organisers knew heavy rain in the days before a competition could cause the levels of the harmful bacteria E. Coli to rise.

Britain’s Alex Yee is one of the favourites for gold in the men’s race while Beth Potter is the reigning women’s world champion.

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