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Don’t bring your hunger protest to N’Delta, Asari-Dokubo warns

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Don’t bring your hunger protest to N’Delta, Asari-Dokubo warns

Former Niger Delta freedom fighter, Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, has warned organisers of the planned nationwide protest against hardship scheduled for August 1st not to come to the Niger Delta.

Dokubo-Asari, said the agenda of those behind the protest does not capture the problems of the people of the Niger Delta, saying they don’t care about the because and wondered why the latter should heed their call.

While daring them to come to the oil and gas-rich region, he said they would be resisted, alleging that they were merely interested in the resources coming from the Niger Delta, describing them as ‘anarchist.

This is as the former leader of the defunct Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force alleged that some people who lost the election were backing the protest aimed at removing the government in power.

Dokubo-Asari, handed down the warning while speaking at the Niger Delta Sensitization Conference for Ethnic Nationalities, Youths, and Women’ with the theme ‘Come let us build together’ held in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

He stated, “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.

“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. ”

He said the same people who protested against President Dr Goodluck Jonathan, who hails from Niger, have come with the same tactic against another Southerner in the person of President Bola Tinubu, urging the people not to be carried away by sweet talk.

Dokubo-Asari stated, “I’m anti-protest.  When our brother was here (making a veiled reference to Jonathan) 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 ten 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).”

While referring to the #EndSARS protest, he said, “Those who brought anti-protest and went to Oyigbo (Rivers State), they collected (they got what they deserve). Everybody knows, the government, the security agencies knows it. I gave it to them.

“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 to come (referring to President Bola Tinubu) 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 fail 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’t win 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 Monday) 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 Tinubibis 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.”

Ogun govt distributes working tools to 300 graduands of vocational training

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Ogun govt distributes working tools to 300 graduands of vocational training

The Ogun State Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has distributed sewing machines, locally made ovens, pedicure boxes, stoning machines, and industrial burners, among others, to over 300 trainees in different vocational skills.
The trainees which include out-of-school children, unemployed youths, and women were trained in fashion designing, catering, hairdressing, cosmetology and beauty care.
The commissioner in the ministry, Adijat Adeleye, who spoke during the graduation ceremony and distribution of the items at the Women Development Centre, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, said the empowerment is to make them financially independent.
Adeleye explained that the skills acquired were tools for personal advancement critical for the growth and development of Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs.
She maintained that the importance of vocational training cannot be overemphasised, serving as an alternative means of livelihood for the majority of people at present.
“I want you to make adequate use of the knowledge and skill acquired. It is important to embrace entrepreneurship with confidence and creativity in developing solutions that can turn needs into opportunities,” she said.
In her goodwill message, Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, Mrs Ayotunde Lawal, pointed out that the state government was determined to improve the livelihood of youth and women through the acquisition of vocational skills, imploring the graduands to make judicious use of the opportunities.
In her opening remarks, the permanent secretary in the ministry, Mrs Adejumoke Adewole, said the programme was designed to equip trainees with practical skills that were not only marketable but essential for the growth of our local economy, stating that the provision of quality vocational training for unemployed youths would make them to be self-reliant, confident and capable of contributing positively to society.
Speaking, some of the graduands, Barakat Adeniyi, Racheal Ajayi, Olorunda Sesan and Olabide Taiwo, trained in hairdressing, fashion designing, catering, cosmetology and beauty care respectively, expressed joy for achieving their dreams and appreciated Governor Dapo Abiodun for providing an avenue that would make them to be independent and contribute their quota to the development of the state.
Ogun govt distributes working tools to 300 graduands of vocational training

Ogun varsity SSANU protests, alleges VC running anti-worker policies

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Ogun varsity SSANU protests, alleges VC running anti-worker policies

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities,  Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, on Tuesday protested against an alleged high-handedness of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ayodeji Agboola.

They also protested an alleged unilateral decision of the VC to change the laws of the university as it affects congregation elections into the university’s senate and other standing committees.

The senior staff of the university led by their Chairman, Dr Abiodun Lamina, stormed the senate building of the university, the venue for the congregation elections on Tuesday.

They demanded that the VC’s unilateral actions, which the union claimed were illegal and detrimental to the university community, must be repealed and not be used to conduct the elections.

Lamina accused the VC of attempting to change the university’s laws without proper consultation or approval.

“This is not the first time; this is not the second time. We have written several letters to him, urging him to follow due process, but he insists that nobody can stop him,” Lamina stated. 

The union leader expressed concern that the VC’s actions are creating division within the university, particularly between teaching and non-teaching staff.

Prof Agboola allegedly mandated that only employees with a degree at the time of their employment could be members of the congregation, excluding those who obtained their degrees after joining the university. 

This move, according to Lamina, aimed to diminish the influence and presence of non-teaching staff among various statutory committees of the university.

Lamina said “The reason for this protest is because our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ayodeji Agboola has refused to listen to our pleas over the illegal clauses he just introduced into the laws of the University regarding the congregation elections into the senate, University council, among other committees of the University.

“The position of the law is that a degree holder who is a member of SSANU is a member of the congregation and can participate in these elections, but the VC in the new law said only those who were employed as a degree holder could now be members of the congregation.

“But we have said that this draconian rule will not stay, that it smacks of injustice because many members of SSANU who were employed as National Diploma holders, Higher National Diploma holders have gone ahead to have their degrees, some with Masters Degrees.”

He continued, “We don’t know why the VC is hellbent on creating unnecessary crisis where there should be none. We have written several letters on this but he has done nothing. 

“We have also said that the illegal clauses inserted into the University’s law should not be applied for the congregation elections scheduled to hold today, Tuesday but the VC has said that nothing will stop him from going ahead with the elections

“We are just using this protest to notify the members of the public, particularly Governor Dapo Abiodun to please intervene over this matter.”

Lamina described the congregation elections as a platform that allows for members of staff to have a representative elected into the University’s senate, the governing council and other standing committees of the institution.

The SSANU chairman called for a return to the peaceful coexistence experienced during the tenures of previous Vice-Chancellors, Professors Saburi Adesanya and Ganiyu Olatunde.

He said “We are tired of this caucus-style management. The University’s laws must be respected, and any changes should go through the proper channels.”

The VC has however said that the matter had been resolved and that he has equally not changed nor flouted any edict of the University

Replying to our Correspondent’s enquiries sent to his WhatsApp, Agboola said, “We have resolved the matter. Be rest assured, l have not changed or flouted any provision of the edict of the University.

“All staff that were regraded, upgraded and converted from one cadre to the other were included in the list.”

IG meets with ‘Take It Back’ movement leaders over planned hunger protest

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IG meets with ‘Take It Back’ movement leaders over planned hunger protest

Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun held a virtual meeting on Tuesday with key members of the Take It Back Movement, including prominent lawyers Femi Falana (SAN) and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN).

According to a statement released on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the meeting addressed the group’s planned nationwide protest and aimed to ensure citizens’ safety while upholding their constitutional right to peaceful assembly.

The statement noted that Egbetokun emphasised the importance of maintaining public order and safety during the protests. He acknowledged the group’s right to peaceful demonstration while underscoring the Police Force’s responsibility to facilitate these rights within legal boundaries.

“To this end, the IGP has advised the Take It Back Movement, which has indicated its intention to protest, to engage with the respective State Police Commissioners to coordinate and plan the protests in a manner that ensures the safety of participants and the general public, while pre-empting any security challenges and ensuring that the protests proceed peacefully,” the statement said.

The IGP recommended against unplanned open processions due to potential security risks.

The statement continued, “He stressed that organising and coordinating with the Police and other security agencies are essential steps to mitigate risks, protect the rights of all citizens, and safeguard the well-being of all involved.

“The Inspector-General of Police, while reiterating that the Force remains dedicated to protecting the rights of all citizens and ensuring that all public gatherings are conducted safely and securely, calls on stakeholders to work together to foster a peaceful and secure environment during the planned protests.”

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Cross River speaker urges youths to shun violent protest

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Cross River speaker urges youths to shun violent protest

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, has appealed to youths in the state to refrain from participating in the planned national protest set to begin on August 1, 2024.

He said if the protest turns out violent, it will not benefit the state, rather it will only exacerbate problems.

Ayambem made this known during plenary on Tuesday in Calabar, the state capital.

He assured all that the 10th State Assembly is dedicated to addressing all citizens’ concerns and enacting legislation that benefits everyone.

While noting Governor Bassey Otu’s commitment to the citizens’ needs, he encouraged youths to support the administration of the state governor, whom he referred to as the “people’s first governor,” and emphasised the importance of dialogue and peaceful engagement.

“Our state has tremendous potential, and it is up to us, the youth, to harness these potentials and drive positive change.

“By working together and fostering a spirit of unity, we can create an environment where opportunities abound and every citizen can thrive,” Ayambem said.

He emphasised the long-term negative consequences of previous protests and urged youths to engage in constructive dialogue with the government instead.

“The effects of previous protests are still impacting us negatively today. It would be unwise to worsen the situation with further unrest when we are still recovering from past events,” Ayambem added.

The speaker further reminded youths that the state’s strength lies in its unity and resilience and urged them to stand together, support the leadership, and work hard to overcome challenges peacefully.

Two killed as gunmen kidnap ex-Rep in Delta

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Two killed as gunmen kidnap ex-Rep in Delta

Two police orderlies attached to former House of Representatives member Joan Onyemaechi and her driver are feared dead following an attack on Tuesday evening in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

According Metro gathered that the gunmen stormed her church, King Jesus and I, located on Ogajifo Street off DSB Road. They shot two police orderlies and her driver before abducting the former lawmaker and her children.

Sources in the area reported that a stray bullet also struck a passer-by, who died on the spot.

A source said, “The gunmen stormed the church and immediately shot at the police orderlies and the driver. They then drove the lawmaker away in her SUV, firing indiscriminately in the street. Unfortunately, a stray bullet hit a young man, who died on the spot.”

Onyemaechi was the immediate past Commissioner for Technical Education under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration before she resigned to allow her younger brother to return for the chairmanship position in the recently concluded council elections.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the kidnapping incident but stated that only one police officer and one other person were killed.

He said, “Only a police officer and one other were killed; I do not know if the other was the driver. They took only her.”

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Woman kills husband, dumps body in uncompleted building in Abuja

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Woman kills husband, dumps body in uncompleted building in Abuja

A woman simply identified as Rahimat Salaum has allegedly killed her husband in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The spokesperson for the FCT police command, Josephine Adeh, confirmed the incident in a statement Tuesday.
She said the suspect was arrested by operatives attached to Pegi Police Division while attempting to escape with the deceased’s belongings on Monday.
Adeh added that the woman confessed during interrogation that she killed her husband after a disagreement.
“She subsequently led the police operatives to an uncompleted building where she had dumped the gruesomely burnt body.
“While the investigation is still ongoing, the Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, wishes to affirm that justice will be served in the matter.
“He urged residents to be wary of their environment and report suspicious activities to the police,” the spokesperson stated.
The post Woman kills husband, dumps body in uncompleted building in Abuja appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Court dismisses Ortom’s case challenging probe

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Court dismisses Ortom’s case challenging probe

The State High Court sitting in Makurdi, Benue State on Tuesday dismissed the case brought before it by the immediate past governor of the state, Samuel Ortom, challenging the probe panel instituted by the present administration against him.

The state governor, Hyacinth Alia, had in February 2024 set up two separate panels to probe the management of the eight years finances and assets of Ortom.

Ortom thereafter challenged the setting up of the two panels in court and prayed that the finances of his eight years tenure (2015-2023) were audited and report submitted to the Benue State House of Assembly by the Auditor General was accordingly acted upon as required by the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

The former governor also argued in his suit that the same issues were before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, hence, it amounted to double investigations to set up another panel to investigate the finances of the state under his watch.

Irked by the decision to probe him, Ortom dragged the Benue State Government, the Attorney General and all members of the Commission of Inquiry before the court challenging their competence to check the finances of his administration.

The former governor had last week brought an application which sought to appeal against the earlier decision of the court and the ruling was fixed for yesterday.

The presiding judge, Justice Tertsea Asue who ruled on an originating motion and an application for extension of time instituted by Ortom through his counsel, Maduabuchi Uba, SAN, was dismissed for lack of merit.

The judge submitted that the applicant’s case was status-barred and stated that the applicant also failed to seek the leave of court before filing the originating motion which seeks to bring his suit before the court

He maintained that there was nothing in the Public Officers Protection Law or the rules of court that provided for an extension of time to file an action out of time and declared that both actions did not follow the required due process of law.

According to the judge, the first respondent, (Governor Alia) signed the gazette and constituted a commission of inquiry on February 27 while the applicant (ex-governor) filed his case on May, 31 which was clearly out of time.

Asue further said that the applicant has shown that he filed his case out of time, hence, the motion for a request for extension time to file the notice on the motion.

He said the Public Officers Protection Law and Rules of the Court did not provide room for an extension of time on originating summons.

Israeli airstrike hits Southern Beirut, damages buildings

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Israeli airstrike hits Southern Beirut, damages buildings

Israeli airstrike on Tuesday evening hit Southern Beirut, damaging buildings as emergency services rushed to the scene.
According to Reuters, a senior Hezbollah commander was the target, though no reports of casualties as yet.
Footage shared online showed billows of smoke and the side of a building crumbling.
Meanwhile, emergency services were said to have rushed to the scene in the area of Haret Hreik in south Beirut called Dahiyeh which is recognised as an area with a large Hezbollah presence and home to many of Lebanon’s Shia community, as well as migrant populations.
Meanwhile, Gaza’s civil defence and medical officials, said 22 Palestinians bodies were found in the eastern parts of Khan Younis city after Israeli troops withdrew from the area following weeks-long offensive.
Israeli shelling was also reported in and around Gaza City, north of Bureij camp in central Gaza and north of Rafah.
Israeli airstrike hits Southern Beirut, damages buildings

Decades of bad governance igniting protests

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Decades of bad governance igniting protests

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, on Tuesday decried decades of maladministration in Nigeria blaming it cause of incessant protests.

Yahaya made this disclosure when he received a coalition of Gombe youths and Gombe students groups on a solidarity visit to the Gombe State Government House against the planned nationwide strike.

The governor said, “I have heard the demands and protest that you have brought on behalf of the youths. No leader in his senses will encourage violence to prevail in society. If violence is allowed it means there will be no peace and when there is no peace you can’t go to school and what will follow is the universities will be closed, colleges, secondary and primary schools will you allow that to happen?”

Lamenting the possible consequences of violent protest, Yahaya added, “If violence comes and takes place it will mean all our markets will have to close and there will be disruption will you allow that to happen?”

Blaming the root cause of the protest on decades of maladministration Yahaya added, “The leadership under my humble self is ready to give you protection, support you and we have been doing that that is what President Bola Tinubu is doing at the Federal Government.

“You see there are issues that is happening in Nigeria about maladministration, and miscalculations that took place over the past decades and it’s we as leaders that will now correct all the mistakes and take this country forward to the next level that is the target, that is why President Tinubu introduced students’ loan scheme, it’s support for students and parents and that is why despite calls in Gombe State for students fees to be increased I said no.

We didn’t increase because we want you to get free, quality education to the best of our ability.”

He urged those insisting on protest to get necessary approvals, adding “We say no to protests, demonstrations, we say no to the trouble people are trying to cause in the country despite the economic hardship that will take Nigeria to prosperity.”

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