The Peace Corps of Nigeria has pleaded with Nigerians, especially the aggrieved ones to dialogue with President Bola Tinubu and shelve the August 1 planned nationwide protests against hardships confronting the nation.
Rather than embarking on protests, the Corps called for high-level consultation for a better understanding of the issues in contest and to resolve all that triggered the planned action.
Addressing a World Press Conference on the issue in Abuja on Tuesday, the National Commandant of the Corps, Dr Dickson Akoh expressed fears that protests at the moment may worsen the economic and political situations of the country rather than resolve them.
At the Conference attended by prominent members of the Corps, Akoh said any step that will be inimical to the well-being of the citizenry, especially the downtrodden ones, must be avoided.
According to him, “It is the stand of the Corps that any step that carries with it the potential to metamorphose to a crisis situation should be considered inimical to the general good of the country and the entire citizenry.
‘As a patriotic youth organization concerned with the state of affairs of the nation vis-a-vis the planned nationwide protest billed to commence on Thursday, 1st August 2024, the Peace Corps of Nigeria strongly deems it very important to add its voice to that of other well-meaning Nigerians and groups in calling for a cautious approach in handling the very delicate situation staring at us.
“The Corps is not oblivious to the biting economic reality in the country characterized by the growth in the poverty level of the populace which the effect is very visible for all to see.
“The Corps is very much concerned about the likely aftermath of the proposed protest and thus pleads with its organizers to consider the very much better diplomatic option of dialogue and persuasion rather than the option of protest in an already volatile and tense polity.
“Protest is highly susceptible to the activities of enemies of Nigeria who will not hesitate to use the platform to unleash their ill intention and stifle life out of the vulnerable citizens of the country.
“The organization acknowledges some of the overwhelming burning issues of concern that have negatively affected the lives of the people which forms the backbone of the proposed protest.
“The issues range from rising inflation, unemployment, hunger, insecurity and the general economy with adverse consequences on the lives of the people, the socio-economic and security of the nation.
“Most of these realities have more grave consequences on the average Nigerian, particularly the youth and women and are capable of compounding the already fragile security of the nation.
“While we appreciate the everyday enormous challenges confronting Nigerians as a result of the ongoing reforms with its attendant initial hardship by the Federal Government, it is imperative to be reminded that the present administration of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, is barely a year and two months in office.
“It is not in doubt that the present administration inherited a myriad of issues including a high level of insecurity which it has thus far demonstrated a strong willingness and capacity to overcome.
“Realistically speaking too, it will be a demand of the impossible to expect that these several complex challenges that have existed for over three decades will all be resolved overnight.
“It is our belief that the present situation of the country can only be effectively resolved through a combination of short, medium and long-term measures under a rational system.
“The Peace Corps of Nigeria, therefore passionately appeals to all well-meaning Nigerians, especially the youth, to exercise a little more patience and support Mr President to drive his programmes and policies for the ultimate benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians.
Dialogue with Tinubu, shelve planned nationwide protests, Peace Corps begs Nigerians
Dialogue with Tinubu, shelve planned nationwide protests, Peace Corps begs Nigerians
NAMA grounds Arik aircraft following court order
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency has grounded Arik Airline aircraft following a court order over a $2.5m debt owed to Atlas Petroleum International Ltd.
The agency disclosed this in a statement by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of NAMA, Abdullahi Musa, on Tuesday.
The agency made it known that this development stems from an enforcement action by the Federal Capital Territory High Court on July 19, 2024, which involved attaching Arik’s planes to secure the debt.
“On the 19th day of July 2024, the enforcement department of the FCT High Court enforced an Order made by the Court regarding a debt of $2.5 million owed by Arik Airline to Atlas Petroleum International Ltd. by attaching their aircraft.
“Arik was further given a notice of Public Auction of the planes by the Court which was slated to hold on the 26th day of July 2024 if they fail to pay the Judgment debt,” the statement partly read.
The legal battle dates back to March 8, 2016, when the Lagos State High Court entered judgment against Arik Airline.
Despite appealing to the Court of Appeal, the decision was upheld on September 30, 2021, and further attempts to appeal to the Supreme Court were dismissed on January 9, 2024.
“The Supreme Court, per Okoro, J.S.C., delivered its Ruling dismissing the Judgment Debtor’s application for leave to appeal,” the statement detailed.
Following these legal proceedings, the Judgment Creditor registered the judgment in the High Court of the FCT. On June 26, 2024, Honorable Justice O. A. Adeniyi ordered the attachment of Arik’s movable properties, including several aircraft. “Copies of the Order and Certificate of Judgment were also served on us and the Minister,” NAMA noted.
While Arik Airline has since obtained an ex-parte order stopping further execution, NAMA has yet to be formally served. In response, NAMA has decided to ground the aircraft to preserve the subject matter of the dispute.
“We have decided to comply with the effect of the Supreme Court order, by grounding the aircraft (subject of dispute) so that they are not taken out of the jurisdiction of the court or tampered with in a way as to frustrate the courts,” the statement said.
“The Minister, being a member of the Inner Bar himself understands the implication of the Supreme Court Order dismissing the motion for leave to appeal and will not risk his license as a legal practitioner or his privilege as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria by engaging in acts that will frustrate an order of the Supreme Court of Nigeria,” NAMA affirmed.
NAMA has urged the disputing parties to resolve their issues swiftly to allow the grounded Arik aircraft to resume operations.
“The parties to the dispute are encouraged to resolve their issues as quickly as possible so that the Arik aircraft in question can resume flight operations.”
Following this, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria announced measures to assist passengers affected by the grounding of Arik Airline.
In a statement, posted on the agency’s X account, FAAN acknowledged the situation, saying, “The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria is aware that Arik Airline has been grounded due to litigation issues between the airline and their creditors.”
“The Authority has instructed all airport managers across the country to assist the affected passengers as Arik Airline works out plans to rebook and transfer passengers to other available flights,” the statement read.
Former PDP Chairman Secondus says Tinubu lacks moral authority to stop protests
Uche Secondus, a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has launched a scathing attack on President Bola Tinubu, asserting that he lacks the moral authority to stop the planned #EndBadGovernance protest.
Secondus argued that Tinubu, having benefited from protests during his time in opposition, should not now seek to suppress the voices of Nigerians.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Secondus emphasized the civic duty of citizens to hold governments accountable, particularly in the face of economic crisis and insecurity. He criticized the use of partisan, ethnic, and religious sentiments to discourage protests, highlighting the need for a non-partisan, pan-Nigerian approach.
“President Tinubu while in opposition was a notable arrowhead leading protests against the government.
Read Also: Shehu Sani tells Fayose to withdraw comment about northern region, apologise
The state of anomie where we find ourselves today as a country incrementally worsened because the citizens failed in their duty to hold governments at all levels accountable,” he said.
Secondus defended the planned protest as a democratic platform to arouse national consciousness and compel leadership to act in the interest of citizens. He urged that the protest should not be discouraged, emphasizing the importance of holding governments accountable.
“The planned #EndBadGovernanceProtest “is a non-partisan pan-Nigerian and altruistic engagement of the citizens aimed at addressing the malaise in our country.
“This protest should not be discouraged. Protests remain the most potent democratic platform through which the consciousness of nations can be aroused, and indeed, the consciousness of the leadership elite can be nudged and compelled to act rightly in the interest of citizens,” he stated.
The planned #EndBadGovernance protest has become a lightning rod for concerns about the country’s economic and security challenges. Secondus’s statement has added fuel to the fire, with many Nigerians echoing his call for accountability and good governance.
The post Former PDP Chairman Secondus says Tinubu lacks moral authority to stop protests appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Libya depots 369 Nigeria, Mali migrants
Libya repatriated Tuesday 369 irregular migrants to their home countries Nigeria and Mali, including more than one hundred women and children, an official told AFP.
Mohammed Baredaa, head of the Libyan interior ministry organisation tasked with halting irregular migration, said two repatriation flights took place transporting 204 Nigerians and 165 Malians.
Nine babies, 18 minors, and 108 women were among the Nigerian irregular migrants, said Baredaa.
He said that the flights were carried out “in coordination with the International Organization for Migration (IOM)”.
The UN agency provides free return flights to migrants and helps reintegrate them into their home countries with its “voluntary humanitarian return programme”.
But some migrants told AFP on Tuesday that they were being forcibly deported.
Libyan authorities “came at night and broke down the door”, said Hakim, 59, a Nigerian who has lived in Libya for 25 years who declined to give his surname.
He said they confiscated his passport before detaining him and his wife prior to repatriation.
Libya is still struggling to recover from years of war and chaos after the 2011 NATO-backed overthrow of longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi.
Smugglers and human traffickers have taken advantage of the climate of instability that has dominated the vast country since.
Libya has been criticised over the treatment of migrant and refugees, with accusations from rights groups ranging from extortion to slavery.
Situated about 300 kilometres (186 miles) from Italy, it is a key departure point for migrants, primarily from sub-Saharan African countries, risking perilous Mediterranean Sea journeys to seek better lives in Europe.
But with mounting efforts by Libya and the European Union to curb irregular migration, many have found themselves stranded in Libya.
Earlier this month, Libyan authorities said up to four in five foreigners in the North African country were undocumented.
“It’s time to resolve this problem”, Interior Minister Imad Trabelsi had said at the time, adding that Libya has turned from a “transit country to a country of settlement” — something he deemed “unacceptable”.
AFP.
August 1: Thugs threaten traders, warn them against protest in Lagos market
Ahead of nationwide protests against poor governance starting August 1, a concerning video has emerged showing thugs intimidating market traders on Lagos Island.
The footage, which has been widely circulated, shows the thugs moving through the market and threatening traders with severe consequences if they do not comply with their demands.
One of the individuals in the video is heard warning, “Nigerians, you are not the only people hungry. Do not come out on August 1st to protest. Well, if you get the mind to come out, see what will happen to you.”
This comes amid several calls from the government, religious leaders, and civil society organisations to shelve the anticipated protest.
Video link:
Pro APC thugs are out on the streets of Lagos threatening people over the anticipated protest. pic.twitter.com/H2e1rAOU0h
— N•O•C (@Neutral_OC) July 30, 2024
August 1: Thugs threaten traders, warn them against protest in Lagos market
Panic grips Anambra as security forces engage ESN, IPOB members
There was pandemonium in the Issieke community and environs in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State on Tuesday arising from heavy shootings between security operatives and men suspected to be members of the Eastern Security Network and Indigenous People of Biafra.
Eyewitnesses in the community said the shootings, which started in the early hours created panic and fear as residents remained indoors and traders stayed away from markets and other public places for fear of stray bullets.
Although the casualty rate has yet to be ascertained, it was gathered that some villagers who summoned the courage to come out from their various homes sustained varying degrees of injuries as they ran helter-skelter to escape from stray bullets.
One of the sources and a community leader in the area who spoke to our correspondent on the telephone said, “The shooting incident began in the early hours of the night when some security operatives on masks stormed the area.
“We don’t know the actual reason for the shootings, but from the information I have gathered, it looks as if the security operatives are raiding some criminal hideouts in the area and you know such exercise would always come with skirmishes.
“As I speak now, shootings are still ongoing and people have been forced to remain indoors. We suspect it might be a shootout between the hoodlums, suspected to be ESN members and the security operatives. It is not yet clear if there is any casualty at the moment.”
However, when contacted the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident but quickly added that the situation was under control.
Ikenga said, “The situation is under control as clearance operations are ongoing by joint security operatives at Issieke community in Ihiala LGA. The joint security operatives raided some criminal elements and hideouts of ESN and IPOB members in the area.
“The operation is still ongoing and no casualty has been recorded so far. There is no cause for panic as only the criminal hideouts are being targeted. Further details shall be communicated soon.”
Meanwhile, hoodlums suspected to be cultists have shot three persons dead at different locations in Awka, the state capital.
It was gathered that the shooting spree occurred at Ukwuorji, St. Faith Cathedral area, close to the popular Eke Awka Market and Amawbia areas.
August 1 Protest: Thugs threaten traders in Lagos market
Ahead of nationwide protests against poor governance starting August 1, a concerning video has emerged showing thugs intimidating market traders on Lagos Island.
The footage, which has been widely circulated, shows the thugs moving through the market and threatening traders with severe consequences if they do not comply with their demands.
One of the individuals in the video is heard warning, “Nigerians, you are not the only people hungry. Do not come out on August 1st to protest. Well, if you get the mind to come out, see what will happen to you.”
This comes amid several calls from the government, religious leaders, and civil society organisations to shelve the anticipated protest.
Video link:
Pro APC thugs are out on the streets of Lagos threatening people over the anticipated protest. pic.twitter.com/H2e1rAOU0h
— N•O•C (@Neutral_OC) July 30, 2024
August 1 Protest: Thugs threaten traders in Lagos market
Delta confirms seven cholera deaths
The Delta State Government has confirmed seven deaths in the state following the outbreak of cholera in the country.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, stated this on Tuesday while giving an update on the cholera situation in Asaba, the state capital.
He said, “The first outbreak began in mid-February. The state has recorded about 138 cases in Warri South West, which is where it started, and in the third outbreak, we had 11 suspected cases in Bomadi and one in Oshimili South. So far, seven people, mainly children, have lost their lives.
“We have been able to control the disease in Delta State. The Disease Surveillance and Monitoring officers have conducted significant advocacy and educated people about the causes of the disease. It is primarily a disease associated with poor sanitary conditions. We have advised on simple hand washing and avoiding unclean water.
“The Ministry of Health has provided tablets to purify some of these waters, and since about six weeks ago, in Warri South West where it originated, we have had only 20 suspected cases. Most of the cases we have encountered have been treated, and the situation is basically under control.
“Advocacy is an ongoing process; the risk factors include poor sanitary conditions and reduced stomach acid. Cholera has an incubation period of up to 12 days, so within this period, someone who is not yet showing symptoms can spread it via faeces and urine to others in close proximity.
He noted that the male-to-female ratio of the casualties was 3:1, adding that the casualties were recorded during the first outbreak, while the second and third outbreaks are under control by the State Ministry of Health.
The Commissioner also mentioned that the disease is common among villages situated along water banks and listed high-risk local government areas in the state as Warri South West, Warri North, Warri South, Ughelli North, Ughelli South, Patani, Bomadi, and Burutu.
Utilise increase in FAAC allocation to better your states, LGs – Group to Govs, Chairmen
The Independent Media and Policy Initiative has called on State Governors to utilise the financial opportunity presented by the increase in their various allocations to support the efforts of the federal government towards massive food production.
Its Chairman, Niyi Akinsiju while addressing a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja expressed displeasure over the slowness of state governments to complement the efforts of the federal government in boosting agriculture.
He said on aggregate, the recent waiver of import duties and tax on food importation would make food abundantly available and affordable locally.
He noted that the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development might have opened a new vista in concerted efforts to advance agriculture.
Akinsiju stressed that this initiative revealed the true intention of the President to harness Nigeria’s huge livestock potential and to find a lasting solution to the incessant farmers and traders clash in the country as well as reinforce the value chain that will create more employment opportunities.
He noted: “We are, however, compelled to register our displeasure over the slowness of the sub-nationals to complement the efforts of the federal government in boosting agriculture.
“ State Governors and Local Government Administrators should utilise the financial opportunity presented by the tremendous increase in their various allocations from FAAC, to support the exemplary efforts of the federal government towards massive food production.”
Utilise increase in FAAC allocation to better your states, LGs – Group to Govs, Chairmen
Lawyer asks court to declare N’Assembly has powers to summon Tinubu
A human rights and constitutional lawyer, Emmanuel Ekpenyong, has asked a Federal High Court, Abuja Division to declare that the National Assembly, has the power to summon President Bola Tinubu to answer questions on the steps his administration has taken to stop the incessant extra-judicial killings of persons in Nigeria.
Ekpenyong, an Abuja-based legal practitioner from the firm of Fred-Young & Evans LP, in an originating summons marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/490/2021, dated and filed June 17, 2021, sued the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria; Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and the National Assembly as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively.
When the matter was mentioned on Tuesday, the plaintiff asked the presiding judge, Justice Gladys Olotu, to declare that the president is a person under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution that can be summoned by the National Assembly.
He argued that President Tinubu falls within the description of “any person in Nigeria” that can be summoned by NASS under their oversight functions as provided under Sections 88 (1) (b), 89 (1) (c) and (d) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Ekpenyong in his affidavit hinged his argument on a previous occurrence in 2020, where he said the House of Representatives, during its plenary, resolved to invite former President Muhammadu Buhari to address the insecurity bedeviling the country.
He said the lawmakers also asked the former president to inform them of the necessary modalities that had been put in place to combat and curtail the brazen activities of bandits, hoodlums, and terrorists in Nigeria, as part of their oversight functions.
“Upon receipt of the resolution of the House of Representatives, the 1st defendant (Buhari) accepted the invitation and announced that he would address the House of Representatives on Thursday, 10th day of December, 2020”.
However, Ekpenyong, said the former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, (SAN), advised the ex-president not to appear before the lawmaker because of his immunity under Section 308 of the Constitution.
“Upon the legal advice of the 2nd defendant, the 1st defendant retracted his earlier promise to honour the invitation of the House of Representatives to answer questions on the protection of lives and properties in Nigeria,” he said.
On this note, Ekpenyong in his application sought four orders, including a declaration that he has the locus standi to institute the proceeding.
“A declaration that the 1st defendant falls within the description of ‘any person in Nigeria’ as provided in Sections 88 (1) (b) and 89 (1) (c) and (d) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and subject to the summon of the 3rd defendant.
“A declaration that Sections 88 and 89 of Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) empowers the 3rd defendant to summon the 1st defendant to its Chambers to give information and answer questions on the steps taken to stop the incessant killing of persons in Nigeria.
“A declaration that the plaintiff has disclosed a reasonable cause of action against the defendants to warrant him to institute this action against them,” the suit sheet read.
But in a joint counter affidavit filed by Simon Enock on behalf of the 1st (president) and 2nd defendants (AGF) on October 10, 2021, the lawyer urged the court to dismiss the suit.
A litigation officer, Barnabas Onoja, a staff member of the Federal Ministry of Justice, who deposed to the affidavit, disagreed with some paragraphs in the originating summons.
Onoja stated that the security agencies and structure in Nigeria had not failed at whatsoever level in curtailing the activities of bandits, hoodlums, and terrorists that could result in agitation for the creation of state police in Nigeria.
He said the security agencies had “laudably improved in their efforts of curbing activities of bandits, hoodlums, kidnappers and terrorists which is evidenced by the none news of bombing and massive surrender of the repentant members of the terrorist group popularly known as Boko Haram and the Freedom with which the plaintiff was able to enjoy by coming out to file this suit.”
He argued that the ex-president had not retracted his earlier promise to honour the invitation of the House of Representatives.
“The 1st defendant’s functions are usually delegated to the members of the Federal Executive Council and the chiefs of the security services.
“Before and after the invitation under reference, the chiefs of the security services on behalf of the 1st defendant have on several occasions appeared before the 3rd defendant to make representations on the security issues of the country, i.e to answer questions on the protection lives and properties of Nigerians,” he said.
Onoja, who alleged that Ekpenyong is not a Nigerian citizen or legal practitioner in Nigeria, argued that the court has no jurisdiction to entertain the suit since the plaintiff had no locus standi.
On his part, the NASS, in its counter affidavit dated February 6, 2023, though agreed that it can summon any person in the country in the course of its investigation under Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution, including the President, the legislature raised seven legal issues.
The lawmakers asked the court to determine whether the failure of the plaintiff to serve pre-action notice on the NASS under the provisions of Section 21 of the Legislative Houses Power and Privileges Act before commencing the suit affects the competence of the suit against it, among others.
In response to the joint counter affidavit of the 1st and 2nd defendant and counter affidavit of the 3rd defendant, the plaintiff filed a Reply on Points of Law dated November 3rd, 2021and July 17th, 2024 respectively.
He contended, amongst others, that his NBA seal on his processes raises a presumption that he is a Nigerian citizen and a legal practitioner and none of the defendants have rebutted this presumption.
Ekpenyong also contended that the provisions of Section 21 of the Legislative Houses Power and Privileges Act are inferior legislation that is subject to the almighty constitution, which he seeks its interpretation.
He equally argued that the President’s immunity under Section 308 of the Constitution covers only criminal and civil proceedings in his capacity.
According to him, it does not extend to his official capacity.
Justice Olotu fixed November 5, for further mention of the suit.