Manchester United legend Jaap Stam has backed the club’s newly appointed coach, Ruud van Nistelrooy, to challenge manager Erik ten Hag’s decisions at Old Trafford.
He reckons that the former Manchester United striker will bring quality and experience to the club.
United had, during the week, announced the appointment of Nistelrooy as assistant manager at Old Trafford.
He replaces Mitchell van der Gaag, whose contract was terminated and the former striker will now work with Ten Hag.
Jaap Stam warned that Ten Hag should be ready to have Nistelrooy challenge his decisions.
“As a manager, you need people who will go against you and challenge you and hopefully Ruud and Rene [Hake] will do this,” the former centre-back told The Athletic. “Ruud, of course, is a legend for the club.
“At United now, Ruud can hopefully, bring some quality to the strikers in coaching and make the players better as individuals. He’s been a manager himself, too, so that should help. I like the appointment.”
EPL: He’ll make players better – Jaap Stam hails United’s new coach
EPL: He’ll make players better – Jaap Stam hails United’s new coach
IG orders police protection for protesters
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed senior police officers to protect participants in the #EndBadGovernance protests scheduled for 1-10 August 2024.
The police chief gave the directive in a letter dated 29 July 2024, signed by his Principal Staff Officer, CP Johnson Adenola, following a request by human rights lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN).
According Online reported that Adegboruwa had, on 28 July 2024, written to the police chief seeking police protection for the hunger protesters.
According to the letter, the police chief instructed senior officers to comply with the senior lawyer’s request.
It added that the IG also requested a meeting with Adegboruwa at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday to deliberate further on his request.
“I am to inform you that the Inspector General of Police has directed the Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (Operations and Intelligence), the Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) in charge of Zonal Police Headquarters, and the Commissioners of Police (CPs) in charge of State Commands across the country to attend to your request.
“I am also to inform you that the Inspector General of Police wishes to have a meeting with you at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday, 30 July 2024, to deliberate further on your request,” the letter read.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.
Contact: [email protected]
Reshuffle cabinet for fresh ideas, Ajaka tells Tinubu
The Kogi Governorship Candidate of Social Democratic Party, Murtala Ajaka, has urged President Bola Tinubu to consider rejigging his cabinet to give room for fresh innovation and ideas.
Ajaka made the appeal in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday.
The plea comes one month after a former Senator representing Kaduna Central District in the 8th National Assembly, Shehu Sani, and the Coalition of United Political Parties called on the President to reshuffle his cabinet to bring in fresh leadership that could alleviate the burden on the masses.
Nigerians have been struggling with economic difficulties occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy and some economic policies implemented by Tinubu’s administration.
The challenges have made it tough for many Nigerians to keep up with the skyrocketing cost of foodstuffs and hyperinflation plaguing the country.
But Ajaka believed a major shakeup in the presidential cabinet could assuage frayed nerves and give Nigerians, especially the organisers of the nationwide planned protest, the confidence that Tinubu is exploring every available option to cushion the country’s economic woes.
He said, “I acknowledge that the high cost of living is a pressing concern for all of us, and it is only natural to want immediate solutions. However, change takes time, especially when it comes to implementing long-term reforms that will have a lasting impact.
“We must trust in our President’s commitment to fixing our country and give him the chance to address these challenges. He is on course. We should not distract his attention
“Furthermore, I want to trust that the President will consider reshuffling his cabinet shortly and bring fresh ideas and people who will key in his renewed hope. This could bring fresh perspectives and renewed energy to his administration, allowing for greater progress and development.”
The former deputy spokesman for the All Progressives Congress also appealed to the president to caution his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga over his recent incendiary statements.
While acknowledging that Tinubu is doing everything possible to fix the nation, the SDP governorship candidate raised concerns that Onanuga’s unguarded utterances on sensitive issues would continue to create more enemies for the president if not properly addressed.
“Also, I would like to advise the President to caution or suspend his Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, who is bent on creating enemies for the president rather than friends due to his utterances on social media. It is no secret that our country is going through a period of intense economic hardship.
“As a special adviser, Onanuga ought to be working towards fostering unity and ensuring that government policies are communicated effectively to the Nigerian people. However, his actions and words seem to be doing quite the opposite. His rhetoric has been divisive and inflammatory, creating adversaries for the President and his administration across the country,” he stated.
ADC lawmaker, Abejide threatens to leave party over criticism of Tinubu
Leke Abejide, the lawmaker representing the Yagba East/Yagba West/Mopamuro Federal Constituency in Kogi State, has warned he may leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) if conditions within the party become untenable.
Abejide made the statement on Monday at the National Assembly Complex in response to recent criticisms of President Bola Tinubu by ADC National Chairman, Mr. Ralph Nwosu.
Last week, Nwosu accused President Tinubu of mobilizing security forces to suppress the nationwide protest scheduled for August 1, 2024. Speaking in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, at the ADC’s state office chapter and Youth Development Centre commissioning, Nwosu expressed concerns about the government’s approach to curbing the protest amid widespread economic hardship.
Nwosu commented, “This morning (Saturday), I tweeted: Why are you people scared of protest? You are telling people who are hungry not to protest? And you have empowered security apparatuses with every arsenal to stop that protest, moving money from legislators to everywhere. The executive members of the cabinet have been giving money out to stop the protest.
“Why can’t you bring the money for people to buy food to eat? Is this a democracy or a dictatorship?” he asked.
Reacting to Nwosu’s remarks, Abejide distanced himself from the ADC National Chairman’s comments, stating that if the situation within the party continues to deteriorate, “I will return to my home.”
When asked if he would switch to the ruling party, Abejide replied, “I am not leaving the ADC but if the heat becomes too much, I will return to my home.”
Read also: Police denounce vandalism of MTN office in Lagos
He recalled his decision to move from the APC to the ADC, citing internal party issues. “I was a leader of the APC in Kogi State. It was because of the problems in the party that I landed where (ADC) I am today.
“Following the death of our leader, Alhaji Abubakar Audu, we all thought that Abiodun Faleke would take his place. But when things did not work out that way, we thought that the government (of Yahaya Bello) would work with everybody. This did not happen and we were frustrated out of the APC.”
Abejide noted his support for Tinubu in the 2023 elections, contrasting it with Nwosu’s backing of Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, pointing out, “This difference has been there.”
He emphasized the importance of supporting the current administration, saying, “While I understand the concerns that have led to this call for protest, and indeed share some of these sentiments, I must firmly oppose such action at this critical juncture in our nation’s journey.
“We cannot deny that our country faces significant challenges. The cost of living has risen and many Nigerians are struggling to make ends meet. These are real issues that require our collective attention and effort.
“However, it is precisely because of these challenges that we must rally behind an administration that has shown remarkable courage and vision in tackling our long-standing problems head-on,” Abejide stated.
He commended President Tinubu’s efforts, listing achievements such as economic stabilization, improved national security, and local government autonomy since assuming office in May 2023. “The president is carefully sowing seeds which will germinate and yield in both the short term and the long term, just as we have annual crops and perennial crops, thus requiring calculative patience,” Abejide concluded.
The post ADC lawmaker, Abejide threatens to leave party over criticism of Tinubu appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Assassination attempt: FBI to conduct victim interview on Trump
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, has agreed to carry out a “victim interview” on former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate.
FBI explained that the victim interview will be conducted on Trump over the failed assassination attempt on his life about one month ago in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Kevin Rojek, FBI special agent, said the interview with Trump will be “a standard victim interview like we would do for any other victim of crime under any other circumstances”.
Thomas Mathew Crooks had attempted to assassinate Trump during his presidential campaign in Butler, but missed and was subsequently killed.
In a statement on Monday, Rojek said: “We want to get his perspective on what he observed.
“We have learned the subject was highly intelligent, attended college and maintained steady employment.
“His primary social circle appears to be limited to his immediate family as we believe he had few friends and acquaintances.”
The FBI officials said Crooks’s parents have said they had no advance knowledge of their son’s plot. “We do find that to be credible at this stage,” Rojek said.
Assassination attempt: FBI to conduct victim interview on Trump
No amount of threats can stop nationwide protests
The organised Civil Society under the umbrella of United Action Front of Civil Society on Monday warned the government at all levels against any form of intimidation against protesters during the August 1 to 10 nationwide protests against hunger.
The body of CSOs in a statement signed by the Head of the secretariat, Wale Okunniyi, also urged citizens to hold the government responsible for any intended outcome.
Recall that certain activists have organised a nationwide protest slated for August 1 to 10, 2024. The planned protest has gained traction on social media, trending under the hashtags ‘#EndBadGovernance,’ ‘#TinubuMustGo’ and ‘#Revolution2024.’
The presidency and police authorities have called on youths to abandon the plan.
The statement read, “We wish to advise the Tinubu government to immediately take proactive steps to address the demands and concerns already raised by citizens groups participating in the planned nationwide citizens’ protests, if they are really sincere about averting the mass action beyond grandstanding and hoodwinking of Nigerians, as no amount of threats and gimmicks presently being deployed by agents of the Nigerian government can stop the nationwide mass demonstrations.
“Key among the citizens’ demands already put out by initiators of the nationwide protests is the urgent reversal of the price of fuel from ₦1,000 per litre for which it is being unofficially sold today to pre-January 2023 price of ₦167 per litre.
“Second on these demands is the drastic reduction of government profligacy and high cost of governance in Nigeria, which will require slashing of the humongous emoluments and allowances of all elected government officials in Nigeria by fifty per cent of what currently receive from state covers.”
The group noted that the government is to be held responsible for not taking steps to address the crucial concerns and interests of the Nigerians.
The statement said, “For the Nigerian Civil Society and citizens, the most fundamental of the problems of stability, insecurity and development in Nigeria are entrenched in the warped and undemocratically imposed constitution of the country by the military as decree 24 of 1999, which has been largely corruptive and divisive of the country and sadly has no remedy except it’s replaced through a democratic and legitimate process.
“In the light of the foregoing intervention of the organised civil society, the government is to be held responsible for not taking urgent steps in addressing the crucial concerns and interests of the Nigerians critical to the planned nationwide mass protest and any unintended consequences therefrom.”
Police arrest 32 suspects after violent attack in Lagos college
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, has confirmed that 32 suspects have been arrested following a violent attack on a Ministry of Education team at the Federal College of Education (Technical) in the Akoka area of the state.
According to Hundeyin, the team had been sent to mediate a three-month-long impasse between staff and the Provost, who had been locked out of his office.
However, the situation escalated when staff and students attacked the team, damaging over five vehicles and the Provost’s quarters.
He added that the rioters also blocked all entrances and exits to the college, prompting a police response.
Hundeyin made this known while reacting to a viral report by Tomisin, who identifies as #TomisinWhyte on X.com on Monday, reporting police shooting and tear gas used during the protests.
#TomisinWhyte had tweeted, “Emergency Alert. There are reports of police shooting and tear gas being used on students at Akoka Road.
“This is happening during ongoing protests. Please help spread the word.”
Hundeyin clarified the situation, emphasizing that the police intervention was necessary to maintain peace and order.
Hundeyin wrote, “For over three months, staff of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka locked out their Provost, depriving him use of his office.
“A team set up by the Minister of Education arrived the school today to mediate the ongoing impasse. However, staff of the college aided by students attacked the team from Abuja, damaging over five vehicles and the Provost’s official quarters.
“Not done, the rioting staff and students also blocked all entrances in and out of the college. The police arrived the scene and restored normalcy after being attacked with stones and sachets of water by the rioters.
“Meanwhile, 32 suspects have been arrested while men of the Nigeria Police Force from Area Command, Surulere remain on ground to ensure that the restored peace remains intact.”
Click the link below to watch the video:
Nationwide protest: Provide security for citizens – Group urges Nigerian Govt
A civil society group, Voice of Women in Nigeria Leadership Initiative, has called on government to provide security and protection for all citizens, including those participating in the planned nationwide protest.
The group urged the authorities to ensure the prevention of what happened during the #EndSARS protest, in which lives were lost and there was no accountability from government.
This was contained in a press statement made available to journalists in Jos, Plateau State capital, by the President of the group, Hajiya Halima Tijjani.
The statement reads: “In light of the current economic hardships and the growing discontent among our citizens, we find it essential to address the pressing concerns and the constitutional right to peaceful protest.
“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria enshrines the right to peaceful assembly and protest.
“The fundamental right is a cornerstone of our democracy, ensuring that the voices of the people are heard, especially during times of crisis.
“Today, our nation faces a severe economic downturn, with widespread hunger and hardship affecting countless families. The cry of the masses cannot and should not be ignored.
“As an organisation committed to amplifying economic development, fostering community engagement, a leveraging volunteer support to make tangible impacts nationwide, we unequivocally support the right of Nigerians protest peacefully”, she maintained.
“It is their constitutional right to express their grievances and demand accountability from the government peaceful protest is a legitimate form of expression and a vital mechanism for citizens to participate governance and advocate for change.
“The government must recognise and uphold the constitutional right of the people to peaceful assembly and protest. Any attempt to suppress this right is a violation of o democratic principles and an affront to the cule of law.
“Government must provide security and protection all citizens, including those participating in peaceful protests and any attempt to repeat the unforeseen event that to place during the END SARS protest which led to mothers losing their children with no accountability from the government should be highly discouraged.
“We urge the security agencies to act with restraint, professionalism, and respect for human rights, ensuring the safety of all protesters.
“We stand with the people in their rightful demand for good governance, transparency, and accountability.
“It is not to late for the government to heed the call of the masses and take decisive action to address the pressing issues faci our nation.”
Nationwide protest: Provide security for citizens – Group urges Nigerian Govt
ADC lawmaker threatens to dump party over attack on Tinubu
The lawmaker representing the Yagba East/Yagba West/Mopamuro Federal Constituency, Kogi State, Leke Abejide, has threatened to leave the African Democratic Congress for the All Progressives Congress if the former becomes inhabitable.
Abejide stated this on Monday at the National Assembly Complex while reacting to the recent criticism of President Bola Tinubu by the ADC National Chairman, Mr Ralph Nwosu.
Last week, Nwosu accused the president of deploying security agents across the country to stop the nationwide protest slated for August 1, 2024.
Nwosu, who spoke in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, at the official commissioning of the ADC’s state office chapter and Youth Development Centre, expressed worry over the Federal Government’s plan to stop the protest given the economic difficulties being felt across the country.
Nwosu said, “This morning (Saturday), I tweeted: Why are you people scared of protest? You are telling people who are hungry not to protest? And you have empowered security apparatuses with every arsenal to stop that protest, moving money from legislators to everywhere. The executive members of the cabinet have been giving money out to stop the protest.
“Why can’t you bring the money for people to buy food to eat? Is this a democracy or a dictatorship?” he asked.
Not happy with the comments credited to the ADC National Chairman, Abejide, while addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday, distanced himself from Nwosu’s remarks, saying if things continue the way they are, “I will return to my home.”
Asked if he would leave his party for the ruling party, Abejide said, “I am not leaving the ADC but if the heat becomes too much, I will return to my home.”
He recalled the events that culminated in his decision to swap APC to join ADC.
“I was a leader of the APC in Kogi State. It was because of the problems in the party that I landed where (ADC) I am today.
“Following the death of our leader, Alhaji Abubakar Audu, we all thought that Abiodun Faleke would take his place. But when things did not work out that way, we thought that the government (of Yahaya Bello) would work with everybody. This did not happen and we were frustrated out of the APC.”
Abejide added that in the 2023 elections, he supported Tinubu while Nwosu rallied support for the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, noting that “this difference has been there.”
According to him, there are cogent reasons to support Tinubu to move the nation forward.
Highlighting the reason for the briefing, the Kogi-born lawmaker said, “While I understand the concerns that have led to this call for protest, and indeed share some of these sentiments, I must firmly oppose such action at this critical juncture in our nation’s journey.
“We cannot deny that our country faces significant challenges. The cost of living has risen and many Nigerians are struggling to make ends meet. These are real issues that require our collective attention and effort.
“However, it is precisely because of these challenges that we must rally behind an administration that has shown remarkable courage and vision in tackling our long-standing problems head-on.”
Abejide noted that the president “is carefully sowing seeds which will germinate and yield in both the short term and the long term, just as we have annual crops and perennial crops, thus requiring calculative patience.”
He listed Tinubu’s achievements since assuming office in May 2023 to include economic rebirth and stability, improved national security and local government autonomy, among others.
Leadership crisis: ASCSN President accuses Police of undermining court order
President of Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Comrade Innocent Bola Audu, has accused the Nigerian Police Force of undermining a recent judgment of the National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja, which reinstated him as the president of the association.
TVN gathered that the court presided over by Justice Oyewumi Oyebiola, had on July 9, 2024, voided the purported suspension of Audu.
The court subsequently ordered his return as President of ASCSN till when his tenure will be completed.
Justice Oyebiola, in the judgment, held that Audu’s suspension by the Central Working Committee of ASCSN and his subsequent expulsion by the National Working Committee of the association was “unlawful, illegal, null and void and of no effect whatsoever”.
Our correspondent however gathered that since Audu got the certified true copy of the court order, all efforts to assume duty as president of the association had been unsuccessful.
In a statement made available to TVN on Monday, Audu expressed dismay at the way the police is handling the issue.
He alleged that rather than upholding the order of court, the police are being complicit in the matter.
He urged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene and ensure that justice prevails.
Audu said, “Regrettably, those responsible for my ordeal have refused to respect the court’s judgment, seeking to frustrate its implementation. I have drawn the attention of relevant law enforcement agencies to this matter to no avail.
“Ironically, the Police, who should be providing protection, are now hindering my resumption of office. I am aware of plots to frustrate the court’s judgment and I therefore call on the Inspector General of Police to withdraw his men from our office as requested by our members.
“We were invited by the FCT Commissioner of Police last Sunday for a meeting. Luckily, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, (Simon Lough), who is a police officer was present as an arbiter.
“He read the judgment for all of us, we were about 40 or more in the office of the Commissioner of Police. After reading, the judgment, he told the cabal who has been resisting me from assuming my office that what they were doing is wrong.”
Leadership crisis: ASCSN President accuses Police of undermining court order