Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has appealed to the organisers of the planned nationwide protest to reconsider their decision and shelve the idea so that the fragile peace in the country would not be disrupted.
Senator Barau, the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, said President Bola Tinubu is making genuine efforts to address the country’s challenges.
The promoters of the protest have scheduled a nationwide demonstration for Thursday, August 1.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, the Deputy President of the Senate, urged the promoters to give the government more time to implement lofty programmes and policies of the administration as captured in the Renewed Hope Agenda for the country’s socio-economic development.
He said that since the government was inaugurated on May 29, 2023, it has diligently worked hard to restore the country’s glory and return it to the path of progress and prosperity for the benefit of all.
“As we all know, one year is not enough to address the challenges facing the country for decades. Various interventions have been rolled out, and more are being conceived by this administration. Short, medium and long-term measures are being put in place to tackle the challenges that have been with us for decades,” he said.
He said the signing of the North West and South East Development Commission bills into law by President Tinubu was one of the measures to address the challenges facing all parts of the country.
He drew the attention of the promoters of the protest to how what started as peaceful demonstrations in Syria, Yemen, Libya and Sudan turned bloody and took the countries backwards.
“Against this backdrop, I urge everyone to reflect deeply on the problem and reconsider the idea of a protest. There is a risk that the protest could be hijacked.
” This is our country; we have no place to go other than the Federal Republic of Nigeria bequeathed to us by our forefathers. Exercise more patience and allow for more time. We will get it right. The efforts of the new government will yield the desired results, by the grace of God,” he said.
Barau Jibrin appeals to organisers to shelve planned protest
Barau Jibrin appeals to organisers to shelve planned protest
Twins, pairs battle for N100m as BBN Season 9 begins
Reality TV show, Big Brother Naija, has made its return with its ninth season themed “Dynamic Duo.”
The new season which premiered on Sunday promises to deliver 10 weeks of thrilling entertainment and unexpected twists.
The opening night was nothing short of spectacular, featuring an electrifying live show that introduced the audience to the housemates.
This season’s unique format saw contestants enter in pairs, starting with the couple Zion and Chinwe aka Zinwe.
Following them were friends Michky and Fairme David, known as the Radicals, and another duo of friends, DJ Flo and Ruthee, who goes by the name Flourish.
The fourth pair, a niece and her aunt, Chinne and Nne—dubbed Ndi Nne— also made their way into the house
The excitement continued with colleagues Topher and Sooj, known as Aces, followed by close friends, Shaun and Victoria, referred to as Shatoria.
The introduction of popular female DJs- Wanni and Handi further ramped up the energy in the house. Another set of twins, Tjay and Ben, known as Beta were the next to make it into the house.
The lineup also included friends Damilola and Toyosi, aka Tami; Anita and Nelly, known as Nelita; Ocee and Ozee aka Mbadiwe twins; Toby Forge and Mayor Frosh, who go by Streeze; married couple Kassia and Kellyrae, aka Double Kay; and finally, sisters Chizoba and Onyeka, known as Chekas.
Adding to the vibrant atmosphere was a stellar performance by Afrobeat queen Niniola Apata.
As housemates vie for a grand prize of N100 million—comprising N65 million in cash along with other enticing rewards—the stage is set for drama, alliances, and unforgettable moments in the Big Brother Naija house.
PDP accuses Edo police of bias, favouring APC ahead of governorship election
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has accused the state police command of operating as an arm of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the September 21 governorship election approaches.
At a press conference in Benin on Sunday, Tony Aziegbemi, the state PDP chairman, expressed concern that the police’s actions could undermine the fairness of the upcoming election. He alleged that the police have shown partiality towards the opposition party.
“This is to express our concern over the police disposition to a level playing field for parties ahead of the September 21 governorship election in the state,” Aziegbemi said. “The party has witnessed instances in which the police acted in manners that suggest that they are a wing of the All Progressives Congress.”
Aziegbemi highlighted that the police’s actions and inactions at both the state and national levels seemed to favor petitions raised by the APC.
“The operatives’ actions and inactions at the state and national level in the wake of developments appeared to be that they are disposed only of petitions raised by the APC,” he added.
Read also: Lawyer urges NCC to probe telcos for restricting internet access, frustrating protest
He also noted recent incidents that support his claim, including the arrest of Rev. Olu Martins, Deputy Director of Media for the PDP Election Campaign Council. Martins was detained following a petition, later arraigned in court, and granted bail.
Aziegbemi compared this to the lack of action on a petition he submitted concerning threats made by the APC’s state chairman against Governor Godwin Obaseki.
“A video evidence of this threat and an accompanying petition was submitted to the Commissioner of Police in Edo State. Surprisingly, no action has been taken on the matter since the petition was submitted, unlike the swift manner in which the Police responded to the petition against Martins,” he said.
The PDP chairman also alleged that the police have deployed a tactical team to monitor and intimidate at least 22 PDP members and leaders.
In response, Edo State Commissioner of Police Funsho Adegboye stated that the cases have been transferred to Abuja. “Whatever observations or comments anybody has should be directed to Abuja,” he said.
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Group knocks PDP acting chairman Damagum over support for nationwide protest
The acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ambassador Iliya Umar Damagum, has come under heavy criticism over his alleged support for the looming nationwide protests.
Reports had emerged that Damagum, in an interview on national TV, endorsed the planned protest coming up on August 1 to 10.
The PDP chieftain opined that the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu should not be kicking against peaceful demonstrations, stating that they staged “protests when they were in opposition, claiming things were not alright.”
He said: “Now, they are afraid of people protesting. But it’s the right of Nigerians to express themselves through peaceful protests. We, as Nigerians, must uphold this fundamental right.”
Reacting, a pro-democracy group, Conscience of Democracy in Nigeria, in a press conference in Abuja on Sunday called for the arrest of the PDP acting chairman, stating that Damagum’s outburst was “shocking” and “inciting.”
Adamu Kabir Matazu, who addressed journalists on behalf of the group, said: “We see Damagum’s support for the protest as a ploy to overthrow the government. We will not allow this to happen. We call on all Nigerians to stand against this attempt to destabilise our country.
“We wish to remind Damagum and those for whom he runs errands that the log is in their eyes. They should first look at what they contributed to the cost of living and economic crisis facing Nigeria today.”
Group knocks PDP acting chairman Damagum over support for nationwide protest
Oyo plans to renovate Obafemi Awolowo Stadium
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Sunday, said the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan would wear a new look soon.
Makinde, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Suleiman Olanrewaju, appreciated President Bola Tinubu for giving approval to take over the stadium.
He said, “I want to thank President Tinubu for the approval given to the state to take over the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan formerly known as Liberty Stadium. The stadium would wear a new look soon.”
Makinde, who also commended the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes and all the leaders in Ibadanland for working towards the growth and development of the city, said his administration had been doing its best to uplift the state capital.
The governor added that as part of such efforts to uplift the city, he would inaugurate a committee to steer the planned upgrade of Ibadan Airport tomorrow (Monday) and that the government would break the ground for the project in about six weeks.
He reiterated that within 18 months, there will be a new Ibadan Airport that is of international standard, appreciating the president for approving the airport upgrade.
“I greet the members of the Ibadan Progressive Union, Omo Ajorosun, and other prominent Ibadan Social Clubs. I greet our religious leaders, Chief Imam of Ibadanland, and other important guests,” he added.
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Lawyer urges NCC to probe telcos for restricting internet access, frustrating protest
Human rights lawyer and member of the Lagos Judicial Panel of Inquiry into the outcome of the #EndSARS protest, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa has urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to probe telecommunication operators’ alleged disconnection of subscribers.
According to a statement on Sunday, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) warned that telcos should not attempt to sabotage the forthcoming protest against economic hardship in Nigeria by restricting internet access among displeased citizens.
“For the past few days, some telecom companies have been disconnecting their subscribers for flimsy and untenable reasons. Some allege lack of NIN registration or linking while some didn’t give any reason at all,” Adegboruwa said.
“This action is coming on the heels of the proposed struggle of the people against hunger, poverty, suffering and the suffocating economic policies of the Tinubu administration.
“From all indications, it would seem that the underlying target of the telecom companies is to limit the reach of their customers in order to restrict access and thus frustrate the protests.”
The senior lawyer said the contract between telecom companies and their subscribers remains sacrosanct and should not be tampered with arbitrarily.
“Sufficient information and opportunity should be given for subscribers to remedy any alleged breach or error.
“So many telephone users deploy their numbers for their businesses and other lawful engagements, not to talk to those who may have medical and health-related emergencies.
“The NCC is urged to look into this and come to the rescue of the subscribers.”
By: Babajide Okeowo
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NCC urged to ensure uninterrupted internet access during protest
Human rights lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has called on the Nigerian Communications Commission to ensure uninterrupted internet access during the planned #EndBadGovernance protest.
This follows outrage on social media, with many Nigerians sharing their experiences and complaints on platform X that their SIM cards were barred despite completing the linking exercise.
The nationwide protest, scheduled to commence on August 1, aims to draw attention to the country’s economic woes and demand improved living conditions.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria cautioned telecom companies against attempting to stifle the upcoming demonstration against economic hardship by limiting internet access for Nigerians.
Adegboruwa warned that any attempt to restrict internet connectivity would be seen as an attempt to sabotage the citizens’ right to free speech and assembly.
He emphasised the importance of ensuring uninterrupted internet access during the protest, allowing Nigerians to exercise their democratic rights without hindrance.
“For the past few days, some telecom companies have been disconnecting their subscribers for flimsy and untenable reasons.
“Some allege lack of NIN registration or linking, while others didn’t give any reason at all.
“This action is coming on the heels of the proposed struggle of the people against hunger, poverty, suffering, and the suffocating economic policies of the Tinubu administration,” the SAN said.
Adegboruwa emphasised that the contract between telecom companies and their subscribers remains sacrosanct and should not be tampered with arbitrarily.
He added, “Sufficient information and opportunity should be given for subscribers to remedy any alleged breach or error. So many telephone users deploy their numbers for their businesses and other lawful engagements, not to mention those who may have medical and health-related emergencies.
“The NCC is urged to look into this and come to the rescue of the subscribers.”
The human rights activist had notified security agencies, requesting protection for planned public meetings, rallies, and processions organised by the Take It Back Movement, its members, and other patriotic Nigerians and groups.
In a letter dated Friday, July 26, 2024, Adegboruwa, writing as solicitor to the Take It Back Movement, informed the Inspector General of Police and the Director of the Department of State Services that the planned rallies would commence from August 1 to 10, 2024, or any time thereafter.
He said the rallies would be held at the Eagle Square in Abuja and other public spaces in the capital cities of the 36 states and the headquarters of the 774 local government councils.
Ondo youths reject planned protest, say it’s politically motivated
A group, under the auspices of the platform Coalition of Akoko Youths for Good Governance, in Ondo State, has described the nationwide protest scheduled to take place across the country on August 1, as politically motivated.
The group which declared no interest in the planned protest said that President Bola Tinubu should be given enough time to reposition the country.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary General of the group, Ayejuyo Tayo, a copy of which was made available to our correspondent on Sunday.
According to the group, which comprises youth leaders across the four local government areas in Akoko land, there was a need for Nigerians to exercise patience and give Tinubu a chance to turn around the fortune of Nigeria but some detractors of the present administration are behind the protest.
The statement read, “Rising from a meeting with our members and after careful deliberations, we have concluded that joining the protest would not be in the best interest of our organisation and the Akoko community and Ondo State in general because it is politically motivated.
“Instead of participating in the protest, we will continue to engage in constructive dialogue with our leaders and work towards building a better future for Akoko land. We believe in the power of youth-led initiatives and will focus on projects that promote education, economic empowerment, and good governance.
“In addition, the youths of Akoko do not want to be seen as an ungrateful set of people. The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration appointed our son and brother, Hon. Bunmi Tunji Ojo, the starboy of this administration and his appointment has been a blessing to Nigerians within and outside the country with his initiatives to rejuvenate the Interior Ministry.”
The group urged Nigerians to continue praying for the prosperity of Nigeria, expressing optimism that the Tinubu administration meant well for the country.
“We urge all Akoko youths to shun the proposed national protest and work towards building a better future for ourselves and our community. We also plead with Nigerians to give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu enough time to turn around the economy of the country,” the statement pleaded.
Kogi PDP suspends ward congress indefinitely after thugs raid secretariat
The Kogi State Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Senator Danjuma Laah, has indefinitely postponed the party’s state ward congress initially set for Saturday.
The suspension follows an incident in which hoodlums invaded the party’s state secretariat, stealing sensitive electoral materials.
The decision to halt the congress was made in collaboration with the congress committee chairman, Boyelayefa Debeleme, according to a statement by the committee’s Publicity Secretary, Dayo Akande.
The statement explained that the attackers arrived in an 18-seater bus and other unmarked vehicles.
Read also: NAF dismantles 12 illegal refining sites in Abia, Rivers
“All these happened in the presence of the INEC observer. These unauthorized persons went away with all sensitive materials meant for the congress across the 239 wards of the 21 LGA wards of the state,” Akande noted.
The committee strongly condemned the theft and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant bodies to disregard any results that may come from the disrupted congress.
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Police behaving like APC wing in Edo, says PDP
The Edo State Chapter of Peoples Democratic Party on Sunday alleged that the state police command is acting like a wing of the All Progressives Congress as the September 21 governorship election draws near.
Chairman of the state PDP, Tony Aziegbemi, who stated this at a press conference in Benin, said the disposition might rob the election of the needed playing field for a free and fair election.
The chairman alleged that the PDP has witnessed instances where the police acted in manners that suggest that they were favourably disposed to the opposition party in the state
He said, “This is to express our concern over the police disposition to a level playing field for parties ahead of the September 21, governorship election in the state.
“The party has witnessed instances in which the police acted in manners that suggest that they are a wing of the All Progressives Congress.
“The operatives’ actions and inactions at the state and national level in the wake of developments
appeared to be that they are disposed only of petitions raised
by the APC.”
The PDP chair said disregarding complaints by other actors in the polity portends an ominous sign as the election in Edo State is barely two months away.
Aziegbemi said a few weeks ago, the Deputy Director of Media for the PDP Election Campaign Council, Rev. Olu Martins was invited and arrested by the police based on a petition against him.
He noted that Martins was subsequently arraigned in court and granted bail after meeting the necessary bail conditions set by the trial Judge.
He added, “However, I, the chairman of the PDP in Edo State wrote a petition over comments by the chairman of the State’s chapter of the APC where he threatened to mobilise and lead youths to stone Governor, Godwin Obaseki.
“A video evidence of this threat and an accompanying petition was submitted to the Commissioner of Police in Edo State.
“Surprisingly, no action has been taken on the matter since the petition was submitted, unlike the swift manner in which the Police responded to the petition against Martins.
“The police have also deployed a tactical team of policemen to arrest and harass at least 22
members and leaders of the PDP who are currently under heavy surveillance,” he added.
Reacting, the State Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adegboye said the cases have been transferred to Abuja, adding, “whatever observations or comments anybody has should be directed to Abuja.”