Mr Ayoola Lawal, former Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC Committee of Diaspora Chairmen, has urged the Department of State Services, DSS to publicly reveal the sponsors of the planned nationwide protests.
Lawal in a statement on Tuesday stressed the need for transparency in the matter to maintain public trust and for Nigerians to know the motives of the people behind the protest.
He said that the DSS’s recent warnings about the protest had sparked significant concerns.
NAN reports that the DSS, in a statement on Thursday by its spokesperson, Mr Peter Afunanya, described the motive behind the protest as political.
The DSS in the statement said the protest organised to address economic hardships and governance issues in Nigeria, was allegedly being manipulated by certain individuals and groups.
Lawal, the immediate past APC Chairman in the Scandinavian countries, noted that publicly naming the sponsors would serve several purposes.
“Firstly, it will clarify whether these individuals or groups genuinely represent the interests and grievances of the Nigerian populace or if they are pursuing personal or political agendas.
“Transparency is vital to ensure the public can distinguish between legitimate calls for action and potential manipulation by those with nefarious intentions”, he said.
DSS should name nationwide protest sponsors – APC diaspora chieftain
DSS should name nationwide protest sponsors – APC diaspora chieftain
Catholic bishops warn protesters, security operatives against violence
The Catholic Bishops of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province have called on the Nigerians who planned to stage a protest on Thursday to be peaceful and orderly.
The bishops made the call in a communique issued at the end of their meeting, held at the Domus Pacis Pastoral Institute, Igoba, Akure, Ondo State capital on Tuesday.
The communique was signed by the Archbishop of Ibadan Catholic Archdiocese, Gabriel Abegunrin and Bishop John Oyejola, the chairman and secretary of the meeting respectively.
According to the communique, the bishops noted that protests should cause no consternation in any normal democratic setting because the right of protest is guaranteed in true democracies all over the world but warned that the protesters should ensure they were orderly in exercising their constitutional rights.
The communique said, ” The protests in Nigeria should be made to serve that purpose and none other. The protesters should exercise restraint and not disturb or intimidate those who may choose not to participate in the exercise knowing that it is their inalienable right not to do so.
“Such people should be allowed to go about their lawful business unhindered. The organizers of the protest have therefore a responsibility to ensure all these or call off the protest.”
The clerics called on the governments at all levels to be proactive and respond promptly to the suffering of Nigerians, and prevent protests.
It added, “We strongly believe that if governments in Nigeria at all levels had responded more promptly and effectively to the groans and distress calls of the Nigerian people the current protest would not have gathered momentum.
“Nigerians have cried out about dire hunger in the land, persistent insecurity, failed promises, dashed hopes, the outrageous cost of living and governance, and ineffectiveness of the rule of law in curbing criminality among public officials not to talk of many public officers’ ineptitude with serious national issues.”
They strongly urged the government at all levels to attend to the distress call of the Nigerian people.
“As we have said in the recent past, governance by palliatives, by intimidation or by hide and seek methods cannot provide a permanent solution to the challenges faced by the country,” they said.
The bishops urged the security agencies in the country to be professional enough in handling the protest as well as the protesters in order to avoid violence and bloodshed.
The bishops said, “During this protest therefore relevant security organizations must show restraint and civility in discharging their duties and avoid violence and accidental deaths which unfortunately seem to have characterized past exercises in Nigeria.”
Athletes test positive as COVID-19 returns to Olympics
Three years after the Tokyo Olympics were held amid strict precautions and with no fans because of the global COVID-19 pandemic, there is now another fear of the disease in Paris.
The virus has forced athletes to withdraw from events at the Paris Games and has others donning masks again. This time the impact is much more limited though.
Several athletes have tested positive, including Australian swimmer Lani Pallister.
She was a medal hope in the women’s 1500 metres freestyle but had to withdraw from the event.
A team spokeswoman said, however, that the decision was made to save Pallister’s energy for the 4x200m freestyle relay which starts on Thursday.
Likewise, British swimmer Adam Peaty, tested positive a day after he just missed out on 100m breaststroke gold, sharing silver with American Nic Fink.
He has now said he would focus on a “fast, full recovery” to give his best in relays later in the week.
“Adam’s okay, he’s not dying. He’s alright, just a bit of a cold,” Peaty’s British teammate Matt Richards said after his 100m freestyle heat on Tuesday.
“We’ll avoid it (COVID) as best as we can,” Richards said. But “we’re here to race. If we get a little bit ill whilst we’re racing we’ll keep racing. It’s how we do it.”
Several Australian women’s water polo players tested positive for COVID-19 in the days leading up to the opening ceremony, forcing them to isolate from other team members.
However, the team played on Tuesday, smashing Serbia 8-3.
The Tokyo Games were delayed a year due to COVID while the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics were held with strict precautions, making Paris the first post-pandemic Olympics.
There are no strict protocols or restrictions around COVID-19 in Paris.
“We have a protocol (that) any athlete that has tested positive has to wear a mask and we remind everyone to follow best practices but in terms of monitoring COVID, cases are quite low in France,” said Anne Descamps, Paris 2024 chief communications director.
British swimmer Jacob Whittle said his team were nevertheless getting more strict with the precautions.
He said, “We’re hand sanitising and wearing masks everywhere we can,” he said.
“When we’re swimming and doing stuff like this (speaking to reporters) are the only times we’re not wearing a mask.
“It’s just being extra cautious when eating and going on buses and communal spaces, just being really conscious so as to not catch it and also if you’ve got it not to give it to anyone else. Just being careful really.”
Canada’s chief medical officer Mike Wilkinson, said his team “continued to implement many of the infection prevention protocols that proved successful during the COVID pandemic including hand washing, sanitisation and good hygiene practices.
“We also have a team that disinfects shared spaces throughout the day, and isolation protocols for anyone who does get sick,” he said.
Reuters/NAN.
Chief Oso’nyeta 1 thanks Hon. Chief Phillip Agbese, for commiserating with his family in moment of grief
Chief Oso’nyeta 1 expresses his gratitude to Hon. Chief Phillip Agbese, for commiserating with him and family in this period of grief.
“We are grateful to the Honorable Chief Phillip Agbese for expressing sympathy to us during this time of sorrow.
I would like to use this opportunity to convey my sincere appreciation and gratitude for the things that you have done for me and my family. I am doing it with a great deal of enthusiasm.”
“I would want to express my gratitude to you, Chief Sir, for the several instances that you have shown your magnanimous heart of compassion to me and my family.
Now, all I can say is that I am grateful to you, sir. Dear Sir, You have shown me so much love, generosity, and concern that I cannot even begin to define it.
Thank you for unflinchingly care, may the good Lord continue to bless you abundantly and increase you in all facets of life.
Okanga Isinabo (number 1) is the oracle of our time and the rescuer of Enone.
Again, I am grateful to you. Distinguished Chief Dr. Philip Agbese.”
Digital economy under threat – Tech entrepreneurs beg Nigerians to cancel protest
Tech entrepreneurs in Lagos State under the aegis of Nigerian Tech Community, NTC have appealed to Nigerians to shelve the looming nationwide protests.
TVN reports that Nigerian youths are planning to stage mass protests across the country beginning from August 1 over the ravaging hardship in Nigeria.
Despite calls and security concerns raised, the organizers of the protests have vowed not to back down.
However, the Lagos tech entrepreneurs in a statement issued by its President-General, Benedict Aguele, said the protest remains a threat to the country’s digital economy.
Aguele expressed worries that there are possibilities that such demonstrations could be sponsored by “foreign interests which would have far-reaching implications for the tech world”.
“The tech community is aware of the difficulties faced by Nigerians, but we also recognise that protests can disrupt the fragile economic progress made so far,” he said.
“We cannot afford to compromise the stability of our nation, especially when it comes to the tech sector, which is a critical driver of growth. The effects of violence on protests in our sector can be far-reaching and devastating.
“When protests turn violent, they can disrupt the fragile infrastructure that underpins our digital economy. Data centers, network infrastructure, and other critical tech assets can be damaged or destroyed, leading to widespread outages and disruptions to essential services”, he said.
Digital economy under threat – Tech entrepreneurs beg Nigerians to cancel protest
Keyamo gives NAMA go-ahead to ground Arik Air planes over $2.5m debt
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has granted the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) permission to ground some aircraft belonging to Airik Airline over a $2.5m debt owed to Atlas Petroleum International Limited.
This development follows an order by the enforcement department of the FCT High Court, regarding a debt of $2.5m owed by Arik to the oil company.
A statement by the agency on Tuesday noted that;
“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 one Atlas Petroleum International Ltd. by attaching their aircrafts. 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. All these were served on our agency and also on our Supervising Minister, the Minister of Aviation.
“The records show that on the 8th day of March, 2016, the Judgment Debtor (ARIK) appealed the decision of the High Court of Lagos State entering judgment against it to the Court of Appeal and on 30th September, 2021, the appeal was dismissed by the Court of Appeal in a unanimous decision with cost.
“ARIK again appealed to the Supreme Court for leave to appeal the decision of the Court of Appeal, and on the 9th day of January, 2024, the Supreme Court, per Okoro, J.S.C., delivered its Ruling dismissing the Judgment Debtor’s application for leave to appeal.
READ ALSO:AMCON gives Arik Air owner condition to recover airline
“The Judgment Creditor registered the Judgment of the Lagos State High Court in The High Court of FCT and On the 26th day of June, 2024, Honorable Justice O. A. Adeniyi, then sitting in Court 8, Maitama, Abuja) made an order after hearing Motion No: M/9785/2024 filed on behalf of Atlas Petroleum attaching all the moveable properties belonging to the Judgment Debtor, including the Judgment Debtor’s aircraft with Registration No: B737-700/ 5N-MJF, B737-800/ 5N-MJQ, DASH8-Q400 and 5N-BKX in satisfaction of the judgment debt. Copies of the Order and Certificate of Judgment were also served on us and the Minister.
“We understand too that Arik has obtained an exparte order stopping FURTHER EXECUTION of the order, though we have not been formally served. In the circumstances, since the first execution took place by attaching the aircrafts, further execution by way of sale can be halted whilst the parties go back to court to resolve the issues. However, in order to preserve the subject matter of the present dispute which are the aircrafts in question (the res), which have already been attached, we have decided to comply with the effect of the Supreme Court order, by grounding the aircrafts (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.
“Furthermore, the Minister, being a member of the Inner Bar himself understands the implication of the Suto Order dismissing the motion for leave to appeal and will not riskaircraftnse 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.
“The parties to the dispute are encouraged to resolve their issues as quickly as possible so that the Arik aircrafts in question can resume flight operations.”
By: Babajide Okeowo
The post Keyamo gives NAMA go-ahead to ground Arik Air planes over $2.5m debt appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Take It Back, Others Call Off Protest In Northern Central States
Take It Back, Others Call Off Protest In Northern Central States
Three groups, Take It Back (North Central), Middle Belt Economic Forum, and Renewed Hope Prosperity Ambassadors have called off the planned protest in the Northern states, including Abuja.
The groups cited concerns about the potential for destabilization and harm to their communities as the reason for their decision.
The groups which made this known at a joint press conference on Tuesday in Abuja said the decision was made after a careful appraisal of the situation and a fruitful interaction with the Minister of Water Resources, Prof Joseph Utsev.
In his address, Dr. Amodu Ben also commended the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume and other critical stakeholders in the North Central for their efforts in maintaining peace and order in the region.
“We have come to this decision not out of fear or intimidation, but out of a deep understanding of the current political climate and the potential consequences of our actions,” said Dr. Amodu Ben.
Ben said they also took into account the developmental programs being driven by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s development agenda.
The groups recognized the right to protest as an inherent and fundamental aspect of citizenship but emphasized the need for peaceful and constructive dialogue to avoid catastrophic consequences.
Ben observed instances where peaceful protests have rapidly escalated into violent confrontations, resulting in widespread destruction, loss of life, and immense human suffering.
They, however, urged citizens to redirect their energies towards constructive dialogue and engagement with the government.
“Let us join forces to build a brighter future for the Middle Belt region, one that is founded upon the principles of peace, prosperity, and cooperation,” Dr. Ben said.
“We would like to seize this opportunity to express our heartfelt commendation to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and other critical stakeholders in the North Central,” he said.
“Their tireless efforts in maintaining peace and order in the region have not gone unnoticed, and their dedication to the well-being of our nation is truly commendable.
“These exceptional individuals have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to prioritizing the interests of our nation above personal agendas, exemplifying a profound understanding of the intrinsic value of peaceful coexistence and the preciousness of human life, which is a cherished asset to families, states, and our country as a whole.
“We also extend our unreserved and heartfelt commendation to President Tinubu for his indefatigable efforts in constructing the nation of our collective aspirations. Notwithstanding the formidable challenges, he remains steadfast in his endeavors, tirelessly striving to alleviate the burdens of our citizens and enhance their overall well-being.
“We acknowledge and appreciate the President’s diligent efforts to improve the lives of citizens, and we must unite in our support and collaboration with him to achieve our shared objectives. The President’s development agenda, as exemplified by the initiatives of the Ministry of Water Resources, serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to the nation’s progress and advancement.
“Let us join forces to build a brighter future for the Middle Belt region, one that is founded upon the principles of peace, prosperity, and cooperation, and where the collective efforts of our citizens can flourish, yielding a harmonious and thriving society for generations to come.”
Momodu slams Fayose over comments on poor families
Prominent journalist and publisher Chief Dele Momodu has criticized former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose over his recent comments that poor men having multiple wives and children is a hindrance to Nigeria’s growth.
Fayose in an interview with Channels TV on Monday, claimed that poor men having many wives and children, citing his experiences in the North, is a problem to Nigeria’s growth.
Responding to these comments, Momodu questioned Who is more destructive to the nation, the poor man with plenty of wives and children, or the politician with one wife and many high-maintenance girlfriends, who wastes public resources on extravagant lifestyles.
He also asked who is more productive, the politicians and the poor in society, challenging the notion that the latter group is less productive.
Momodu urged Fayose to acknowledge that they have all failed the country and need an urgent reset, rather than engaging in blame games.
He wrote, “My dear Brother AYO FAYOSE, I have just two questions Sir: who is more destructive to the nation, the poor man with plenty wives and children or the politician with one wife and many high maintenance girlfriends, who waste public resources on extravagant lifestyles including private jets?
“Who is more productive, the politician who steals the sweat and resources of the citizens or the poor man who sends his many poor wives and children to the farmlands to grow crops for every one of us!!!
“Your Excellency, my dear Brother, please, let’s all accept that we’ve failed this country and we need an urgent reset. We cannot afford the blame games at this perilous time
“May God forgive our transgressions…
Warmest regards always, CHIEF DELE MOMODU”
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Dialogue with Tinubu, shelve planned nationwide protests, Peace Corps begs Nigerians
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
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.