The Federal Government has tightened security at the nation’s borders ahead of the planned nationwide protests slated for August 1.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap, stated this in a statement issued by the Service Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Udo, on Saturday in Abuja.
She directed the immigration’s Zonal Heads, State Command Comptrollers, and Divisional Immigration Officers across the country to be extra vigilant and intensify surveillance because of the planned protests.
The CG stressed that the directive was to ensure that foreign elements do not participate in the protests.
A group of Nigerians had called a nationwide protest tagged: “EndBadGovernance to express their displeasure over the economic hardship and other problems plaguing the land.
Nandap said: “In keeping with the responsibility of safeguarding the nation’s gateways placed on the shoulders of the Service, officers especially Heads of Border Commands, are tasked to rise to the occasion.
“This is by ensuring that no foreign element can take advantage of the protest to destabilize the country.”
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Nigeria tightens security at borders ahead of #EndBadGovernance protests
Ifeanyi Ubah: ‘It’s sunset at noon’ – Governor Mbah
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has expressed sadness and shock over the death of the federal lawmaker representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, describing it as sunset at noon.
Mbah recalled the late Senator’s legislative brilliance in the upper chamber of the National Assembly, regretting his death at a time his ideas and humanitarian services to his constituents were most needed, describing it as a huge loss to the nation as a whole, and Ndigbo in particular.
“A young and ebullient leader, he had a sprawling and promising future ahead of him, which has now been cut short by the cold hands of death.
“Senator Ubah was committed to the Igbo cause and passionate about his service to the nation as a lawmaker. He was courageous at the floor of the Senate, intensive in his legislative advocacies, and sponsored quite a number of brilliant bills and motions that impacted the nation and its economy very positively.
“He was a true representative of his people, and very committed to addressing issues affecting them both in his official and personal capacities. He will be remembered for his philanthropy and various audacious efforts to better the welfare of his people
“My heart goes out to his family, the Government and people of Anambra State, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ndigbo, and the nation in general,” the governor stated.
Mbah prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased.
TVN reported that Ubah died in London on Saturday.
Ifeanyi Ubah: ‘It’s sunset at noon’ – Governor Mbah
OSOPADEC seeks Ondo communities’ cooperation to prevent flooding
The Ondo State Oil-Producing Area Development Commission has called on the residents of riverine communities in the state to assist the government in preventing floods.
The state is among those predicted to experience flooding this year.
Speaking with journalists in Akure on Saturday, the Secretary of OSOPADEC, Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole, said the commission had begun clearing and removing invasive water hyacinths from the waterways in Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas as part of efforts to prevent blockages and flooding.
According to her, residents of the coastal communities and stakeholders need to cooperate with the clearing team to ensure a seamless and successful operation. She noted that the clearing had started last Monday.
“This initiative aims to enhance economic activities and ensure the safety of life and property in these areas. We are mindful that this is the rainy season and the season for water hyacinths on the waterways. This exercise aims to remove aquatic vegetation, debris, and other obstacles hindering the free flow of water, thereby preventing flooding, improving navigation, and enhancing the overall ecosystem in Ilaje and Ese-Odo.
“This effort is to mitigate the occasional damage to boat engines caused by this stubborn aquatic weed and to eliminate delays in travel time while promoting the use of water transport as a viable alternative that is safe, fast, and secure. We urge the residents of the coastal communities and stakeholders to cooperate with the clearing team to ensure a seamless and successful operation,” she said.
Bayo-Ilawole also noted that the water hyacinths had blocked waterways, affecting the economic productivity of rural dwellers. Hence, the clearing exercise aimed to remove aquatic vegetation, debris, and other obstacles to prevent flooding, improve navigation, and enhance the overall ecosystem in Ilaje and Ese-Odo.
In his remarks, a youth leader, Prince Taye Akinbuwa, assured OSOPADEC of massive cooperation from the youths to ensure the water hyacinths are removed from the waterways. He promised that the youths would fully support the commission’s team in ensuring a successful operation.
He also called for more support for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration to foster growth, prosperity, and environmental sustainability in the mandate areas.
Be patient with Tinubu, Ondo monarch begs Nigerians
The Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade, on Saturday, urged Nigerians to exercise patience and have faith in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The first-class monarch explained that Tinubu, who has been in office for just one year, needs more time to address and alleviate the nation’s economic hardship.
Ogunlade made this statement on Saturday after a meeting with the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, in Abeokuta.
The royal father, who expressed confidence in the current administration, maintained that Nigerians would call for a second term for President Tinubu after witnessing his first-term achievements.
He said, “When this President took over the governorship of Lagos State in 1999, the economy of the state was in a similar state. He asked people to be patient, and he turned everything around. He is similarly appealing to the whole nation now, assuring that things will soon get better for all.
“This is just one year; the economy was a mess before he took over. Let the people exercise patience. Let them wait a bit longer for the President to work more on revamping the economy. I know that before he finishes his first term, the people will be calling for a second term because of what he will have achieved.”
The Akure monarch, who was in town for the funeral ceremony of Pa Titus Odedina, father of the former Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture, Samson Odedina, described the deceased as a man who lived a good life.
He added, “Pa Odedina lived a good life, and he had good children. One of them is Dr Odedina, whom I have known for a long time. He is an adopted son of Akure, and we love him very much. That is why the whole of Akure came here on Friday to celebrate with him. We pray that Pa Odedina continues to rest in the bosom of the Lord, and we know that his children will follow in his footsteps.
“Dr Odedina is a marvellous human being. When he was the Provost of the School of Agriculture, Akure, he performed excellently, and when he was the Commissioner for Agriculture in Ogun State, everyone spoke highly of him. We love and appreciate him, and we pray that others will be diligent like him in our efforts to achieve the Nigeria of our dreams.”
Economy has not been kind to Nigerians
The lawmaker representing Delta Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Ede Dafinone, has said “the economy has not been kind to Nigerians, especially those at the lower rung of the ladder”.
Senator Dafinone stated this on Friday as he distributed palliative items including grinding machines, generators, sewing machines, make-up kits, food items and other empowerment tools to members of his constituency.
“We are aware of the hunger in the land and have deemed it necessary to support the less privileged,” he said.
No fewer than 2,500 constituents benefitted from the gesture held at Dafinone’s company premises in Amukpe, Delta State.
The palliative items distributed on the occasion comprised 65 grinding machines, 30 sewing machines (Butterfly – Manual), 40 vulcanizing machines (DS 200 Tiger), 40 welding machines (Maxmech), 60 industrial gas burners (Local), 20 water pumping machines (SUMEC), 40 car washing machines (power sprayer).
Also were 60 local industrial oven (Local), 60 three-legged pots and fryers, 40 generator – (Shineray Generator 2.5KVA), eight freezers – Hisence 142 litres chests, 32 makeup box sets with ring light (14 inches ring lights with USB cables and Tripod), 24 hair washing basin (plastic) – fibre washing hair basin, 24 hair dryers, 1,200 Big Bull – 25kg bags of rice and 1,200 kegs of palm oil.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony, Dafinine urged Nigerians to exercise patience, assuring them that the government was cognisant of the prevailing economic challenges.
Dafinone who acknowledged the biting economic conditions, particularly as affecting the vulnerable, however, justified the government policies amidst criticisms saying “The increase in fuel prices, dollar exchange rates and food costs are outcomes of policies designed to strengthen the economy.”
“It’s like taking a bitter pill; it’s unpleasant now, but it’s for the long-term benefit,” he stated.
According to the lawmaker, “the government is committed to ameliorating the pains associated with these measures.”
He further said, “We are taking steps to alleviate these challenges. This empowerment programme is a testament to our commitment.
“The APC government is responsive to people. The increase is designed to strengthen the economy and things will get better. The decision of the President is for us to adjust for the economy to take off.
“This is the first phase of our own empowerment initiative. We plan to reach more people in subsequent programmes. We understand that there might be some disparities in the distribution process, but we assure you that we are working to ensure that the most deserving benefit.”
Dafinone commended President Tinubu for his “bold decisions”, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, which he described as a long-overdue step.
He said, “The President is aware of the people’s suffering and is implementing palliatives to cushion the effects.”
The woman leader of the Dafinone Foundation and Dafinone Cooperative, Mrs. Obakpolor Vic, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the empowerment programme saying “Working with Senator Dafinone has been a seamless experience.”
A beneficiary, Innocent Ededegba from Ughelli South, also lauded Dafinone for the initiative, noting that “this gesture is a huge relief to our people, especially in these challenging times.”
Chief of Staff to Senator Dafinone, Olorogun Adelabu, urged beneficiaries to make optimal use of the items which, according to him, “are meant to empower you financially.”
“We expect you to utilise them wisely,” he stated.
Ondo police demand details of hunger protest
The Ondo State Police Command has asked organisers planning to protest on August 1, to submit the details of their activities to the command to prevent the protest from being hijacked by hoodlums.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Abayomi Oladipupo, gave the directive on Saturday following the earlier order from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
This was contained in a statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami. The statement was titled ‘Nationwide Protest: organizers to furnish police command with locations of protest before d day for security arrangement.’
The statement read, ” Ahead of the planned protest slated for 1st – 10th of August, 2024 tagged ‘End Bad Governance’. and in compliance with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun PhD, NPM that all organizers of protest to give details of their activity to their Police command for security arrangement before the date of commencement.
“The command also recognizes the fundamental rights of citizens to protest with a view to ventilate their frustration and also note that no responsible government will allow violent protests that will breach the rights and freedom of other citizens who may not want to participate.
“In view of the above, the Commissioner of Police CP Abayomi Peter Oladipo has directed that organizers of the protest, if any, within Ondo State are to submit details of their activity with the office of the command PPRO indicating the venue of convergence for the command to make arrangement on the required security in identified areas of the protest.
” The CP Abayomi urged both the organizers and protesters to partner with the Police during this time to be able to wade off criminal elements who may want to hijack the protest or use it as a means to carry out their dastardly act as the command will provide adequate security for the Protesters and the state at large.”
The command appealed to all participants in the protest to maintain the sanctity of public gatherings and lawful assembly while avoiding acts that could lead to the breakdown of law and order in the state. He also assured citizens transiting through the state of police protection, peaceful and violence-free protest.
Senate confirms Ifeanyi Ubah’s death
The Senate has confirmed the death of the Senator representing Anambra South, Ifeanyi Ubah.
The Senate Spokesman, Yemi Adaramodu, confirmed Ubah’s death in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.
The lawmaker died in a United Kingdom hospital earlier on Saturday.
Adaramodu said: “It is with deep sorrow and profound regret that the Senate announces the passing of our esteemed colleague, Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah, who, until his passing, represented Anambra South Senatorial District.
“Ubah was an exemplary leader, a committed public servant, and an indefatigable advocate for his constituents.
“His untimely departure represents a significant loss to the Senate, his community, and the nation at large.”
He added that Ubah had distinguished himself as a prominent businessman and a philanthropist.
The spokesman said the deceased as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited made substantial contributions to Nigeria’s energy sector and created job opportunities.
“Through the Ifeanyi Ubah Foundation, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s philanthropic endeavours provided scholarships, healthcare, and vital support to the less privileged and impacted countless lives.
“Throughout his tenure in the Senate, Ubah demonstrated unwavering dedication to the progress and development of Anambra South and Nigeria as a whole.
“He was a beacon of hope, a champion of economic empowerment, and a steadfast supporter of legislative reforms aimed at improving the lives of all Nigerians, he stated.
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Protest: Stop cosmetic approach in tackling hardship, Nigerians losing hope – CAN to govt
The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in the 19 northern states and Abuja, says it is worried over the fear and apprehension the planned nationwide protest against hunger and economic hardship has generated among citizens.
The Secretary of the forum, Elder Sunday Oibe, in a statement on Saturday said the planned protest is an indication that things have gone really bad in the country and advised the government to acknowledge that in a democracy, citizens have the right to peaceful protest over issues affecting their welfare.
He explained that although Nigerians are resilient, they are now becoming hungry, angry and hopeless about the state of the Nigerian nation.
The statement explained that the government’s efforts in addressing the problems have not brought about the desired succour to the people as the cost of living has continued to rise amid security challenges.
“The government should stop cosmetic or temporary approaches to tackling the issues. It should provide pragmatic solutions that produce tangible and lasting relief,” the statement further advised.
CAN noted that since the removal of subsidy on petrol by President Bola Tinubu over a year ago, Nigerians have yet to enjoy its benefits, stressing that insecurity continues to undermine the Nigerian state daily as bandits/terrorists unleash mayhem.
According to the Secretary, “Mindless killings and kidnappings for ransom seemed to have become acceptable norms. Many communities, especially in Plateau, Southern Kaduna, Benue, Taraba, Zamfara, Katsina, and Niger States, have been displaced by bandits.
“This has been happening for years, and the government does not seem to have permanent solutions to it. Economic activities, particularly the agricultural sector, cannot thrive when bandits go about terrorising people and hunger has now become a unifying factor for the masses.
“Government officials must be mindful of their utterances and actions to avoid provoking the people groaning under hardship. The insinuation by some people that the protest is being promoted by some opposition elements is an insult to the psyche of Nigerians who are going through pain.
“The government must be sympathetic and apologetic in its approach to handling the situation.”
Oibe noted that Nigerians are resilient people, who have been suffering and smiling for too long while those in power behave as if the people do not matter, saying that the continued decline in the value of the naira has completely weakened the purchasing power of Nigerians amid skyrocketing inflation.
He added that the naira exchanges for about N1,600 to the dollar, suggesting that the government must do something about this while the idea of removing import duties and taxes on food importation does not make sense when the currency has depreciated to the lowest ebb.
He said that Northern CAN is also worried about subtle attempts by some unscrupulous elements to introduce religious, ethnic and regional sentiments in the planned protest, saying that the issues at stake are not about tribe, religion, or region as hunger is not a respecter of any of those sentiments.
“The masses have lost confidence in the government because Nigeria seems to be moving backwards instead of moving forward. Rather than trying to induce and influence some religious and traditional leaders to stop the protest, as it is being speculated in certain quarters, the government should apologise for its ineptitude and failure to address challenges threatening the very foundation of the country and improve the living condition of the people,” the statement advised.
Protest: Stop cosmetic approach in tackling hardship, Nigerians losing hope – CAN to govt
ADC alleges govt using public funds to quash protest
The African Democratic Congress has cautioned the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to stop the movement of money and deployment of security apparatuses across the country to stop the proposed hunger strike slated to start from August 1, 2024.
The National Chairman of the party, Dr Raph Nwosu, expressed disappointment over the government’s plan to stop the strike and demanded to know why President Tinubu was scared about the protest.
Nwosu spoke in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State during the official commissioning of the State Campus and Youth Development Centre along Udotung Ubo Street, on Saturday.
“This morning, I tweeted that why are you people scared of protest? You are telling people who are hungry not to strike? And you have marshelled security apparatuses, every arsenal to stop that strike, moving money from legislators to everywhere. The executive members of the cabinet have been giving money to stop the strike.
“Why can’t you bring the money for people to find food to eat, is it a democracy or dictatorship?” he asked.
While noting that the abuse and ‘rape of the country’ must stop, the ADC chairman disclosed that his party was carrying out a crusade aimed at moving Nigeria forward.
He stated that billions of dollars misused in Akwa Ibom State alone in the last 24 years was enough to develop a city in America.
He said “the abuse and rape of this country must stop. We are carrying out a crusade and the crusade is that Nigeria must move forward. If I tell you within the last 24 years the billions of dollars that have been spent in Akwa Ibom, it will develop a big city in America.”
He tasked his members to embark on an aggressive membership drive, stressing that the party’s presence must be felt in every nook and cranny of the country.
“In 2027, we must take over the Aso Rock villa, all the state government houses including that of Akwa Ibom must be under our control to give Nigerians a better leadership, we can only achieve this by multiplying our membership drive and getting people to see why we have better plans for the country,” he said.
On his part, the state chairman of the party, Mr Dick Udom expressed the party’s readiness to win the state gubernatorial and state House of Assembly elections in 2027.
“The two big parties have failed the people and they are eager to give us a chance to make the difference in 2027. We are not going to rest on our oars until we achieve that goal,” he said.
The newly appointed member Board of Trustee of the party from Akwa Ibom state, Dr Godwin Umontuen said the party has remained steadfast in advocacy and defence of good governance in Nigeria, stressing that they will make a big difference by being at the forefront of governance in Nigeria from May 2027.
Ifeanyi Ubah, one of APC pillars
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has expressed shock over the death of the lawmaker representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Mr Ifeanyi Uba.
The businessman cum politician died on Saturday in London, United Kingdom, at the age of 52.
Expressing his condolences in a statement issued by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Speaker, Musa Krishi, Mr Abbas described the deceased as “One of the pillars of the ruling All Progressives Congress in the South-East geopolitical zone.”
He also said that Uba was a dedicated lawmaker, successful businessman and great philanthropist.
The speaker recalled how Ubah recently donated an undisclosed sum of money in support of the Anambra State Chapter of the APC and how only a few days ago, he (the deceased) celebrated the creation of the South East Development Commission.
Speaker Abbas extended his condolences to the Ubah family, the people, and government of Anambra State, and the Senate for the “huge loss,” and prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest.
Dirisu, has over 12 years experience covering political parties, National Assembly, sports, transportation, etc, and currently works with The According
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