Home Blog Page 765

ADC alleges govt using public funds to quash protest

0

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

0

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 Yakubu

Dirisu, has over 12 years experience covering political parties, National Assembly, sports, transportation, etc, and currently works with The According

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]

Enugu APC suspends chairman, 3 others for anti-party activities

0

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State has suspended its chairman, Chief Ugochukwu Agballah, and three other executive committee members over alleged anti-party activities.
The state APC Publicity Secretary, Chief Micheal Ezeanyanwu, disclosed this at a media briefing on Saturday in Enugu.
He said executive committee members had passed a vote of no confidence on their colleagues following their anti-party activities.
He said: “We, the members of the State Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress, Enugu State do hereby pass a vote of no confidence on Chief Ugochukwu Agballah (state Chairman), Chief Augustine Alumonah (State Deputy Chairman).
“Others are Mr. Jude Aniogbo (State Treasurer) and Mr. Emeka Eze (State Organizing Secretary) and they are hereby suspended from the party.
“Our decision is predicated on a series of acts of abuse of offices, usurpation of powers, creation of factional executives, and unconstitutional removal of party executives.
“Others include instigation of crisis in the party in some local government etc. committed by the named officers against the party.”
He said the chairman has been running the affairs of the party like a personal business since his confirmation.
The post Enugu APC suspends chairman, 3 others for anti-party activities appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

IYC yet to decide on hunger protest

0

The Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide, on Saturday, declared that the group “has not taken any position on whether or not it will massively participate in the proposed hardship protest scheduled to commence on August 1, 2024”.

This was contained in a statement signed by the group’s spokesman, Binebai Yerin Princewill, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri, Delta State.

“While the IYC is not comfortable with the current hardship faced by Nigerians and the underdevelopment rocking the Ijaw areas, we are yet to decide on whether we are to protest or not, but rather considering the high-powered meetings, only the coming days shall tell as the cost of living is very high in Nigeria”, the statement read.

The IYC, however, stated that it was “using this medium to inform the Federal Government, the various state Governors, interventionist agencies to rather work swiftly in addressing the unbridled and harsh economic realities rocking Nigerians and not to dare make any attempt to intimidate protesters.”

According to the statement, the IYC resolved to “come out to clear the air on the issue as one of the most vibrant, largest and formidable youth organisations in Nigeria and the world at large.”

It added, “Government must act swiftly now before the protest becomes inevitable in the coming days. The level of hardship faced by Nigerians has really reached a boiling point. This is really unbearable.”

The Council called on Ijaw youths to “remain calm as the coming days shall tell on our next line of action.”

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]

Nasarawa CAN, JNI caution youths against hunger protest

0

The Christian Association of Nigeria and the Jama’atu Nasril Islam in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State have cautioned youths in the area against joining the August 1, 2024, planned protest, which is expected to be held simultaneously across the country.

The State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, had on Friday appealed to Chairmen of the 13 local government areas of the state, religious leaders and traditional rulers to prevail on the youths in their respective communities not to partake in the protest for the continuous peaceful coexistence of all residents of the state.

Speaking at a press briefing in the Karu LGA on Saturday, the chairman of CAN in the area, Rev. Joshua Dakulu, urged the several youth groups organising the protest to seek dialogue with the federal government instead of embarking on the protest, which may lead to the loss of lives and properties.

While emphasising that nationwide protests had never done good to the country, he lamented that the painful outcome of the ENDSARS protests in the year 2020 was still fresh in the memories of many Nigerians who lost their loved ones and means of livelihood.

“I know that the situation of the country is not pleasant at the moment due to the increase in prices of foodstuff and other commodities, but on behalf of CAN, I make an appeal to all Christian citizens and our Muslim brothers and sisters in Karu and other parts of the state to avoid participating in the planned protest.

“Instead, let us embark on dialogue and offer prayers for the government at all levels so that God will give them direction on how to address the challenges facing the nation,” he added.

On his part, the Secretary of JNI in the LGA, Atiku Gurku, said Muslims in the area had pulled out from the upcoming protests because Islam does not permit faithfuls to go on a rampage or go against constituted authority except through dialogue.

“We are appealing to both the federal and state governments that despite our stand not to participate in the protests, they should come to the aid of the masses by ensuring that prices of food items in marketplaces are regulated,” he said.

Earlier, the Youth Leader of Karu LGA, Samuel Mami, said they had pledged not to participate in the nationwide protests slated for August 1 to 10 to maintain the existing peace in the area.

He said, “Protests can certainly serve as a powerful tool for bringing attention to pressing issues. However, we have seen firsthand how they can also lead to unrest and disruptions.

“History has shown us that protests can sometimes escalate into violence which not only undermines the message we aim to convey but can also lead to severe consequences for the participants and the community.”

Immigration intensifies surveillance at borders

0

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs. Kemi Nandap, has directed Zonal Heads, State Command Comptrollers and Divisional Immigration Officers nationwide to intensify surveillance at the borders.

Nandap also announced the “temporary suspension of all leave applications,” by personnel of the service, urging them to rise to the occasion.

This follows growing calls for a nationwide protest from August 1 – 10, 2024.

The service public relations officer, Mr. Kenneth Udo, revealed these developments in a statement he signed Saturday titled ‘Planned protest: CGIS expresses readiness to secure Nigeria’s borders.’

Udo said the directives are “in keeping with the responsibility of safeguarding the nation’s gateways placed on the shoulders of the Service, officers especially Heads of Border Commands.”

She urged personnel to “rise to the occasion by ensuring that no foreign element can take advantage of the protest to destabilise the country.”

“She directs temporary suspension of all Leave applications and charges officers to exercise utmost professionalism and patriotism in the discharge of their duties during and after the protest, explaining that Nigeria is the only country we have as our own,” the statement continued.

The Immigration Chief also assured Nigerians of the Service’s preparedness to safeguard theNation’s borders to enhance national security.

The August 1 planned protest comes on the heels of similar demonstrations in Kenya, from which experts say Nigerians may have drawn inspiration.

Kenyan youths have staged massive protests for weeks, forcing President William Ruto’s government to backtrack on tax hikes. Organisers used social media platforms like X and Instagram to mobilise millions of young Kenyans for protests—a similar strategy deployed on Nigerian social media space.

In October 2020, Nigeria saw massive protests nationwide when thousands of young people demonstrated against police brutality.

The protests, which were later hijacked, turned violent, with billions of naira worth of properties destroyed and bloodshed, which organisers blamed on the security forces who denied using live rounds.

Kano Business Community constitutes committee to ensure security

0

Ahead of the planned nationwide protest, the Kano business community on Saturday set up an ad-hoc security operations committee to provide adequate security across markets and business places during the protest.

 

The business community, under the leadership of Alhaji Sabi’u Bako, made the disclosure after an emergency meeting with representatives from major markets and supermarkets in the city.

 

The 20-member committee was inaugurated during the meeting attended by renowned businessmen and the Chairman, National Harmonised Traders Union, Alhaji Bature Abdul Aziz.

 

Speaking on behalf of the market leaders, the chairman, Kantin Kwari Market Traders Association, Alhaji Balarabe Tatari urged youth to desist from engaging in acts capable of disrupting the peaceful atmosphere in the state.

 

According to him, reports going around indicate that the protest will be conducted peacefully, saying that adequate measures must be put in place to protect Kano as the centre of commerce.

 

“But in such cases, bad elements penetrate and turn it into something else by looting and destroying properties”

 

He said as business owners, they must protect the lives and properties of their members as such they must put modalities in place to achieve the desired objectives.

 

The chairman urged youths to shun violence, embrace dialogue and avoid exposing themselves to unethical acts.

 

“I am appealing to the youth to put it at the back of their mind that Kano is their home and any attempt to make it inhabitable would lead to unforeseen circumstances.

 

 

“Kano is our state and we must all work together to ensure that whatever comes up is not aimed at breaking law and order,” he said.

 

The Managing Director, Kantin Kwari Textile Market Management Board, Alhaji Hamisu Sa’adu Dogon Nama explained that the meeting was organized to share ideas on how to protect their markers.

 

He called on traders and other business owners at Kantin Kwari to comply with directives and contribute their quota in maintaining a peaceful atmosphere.

 

Also speaking, the Managing Director, Sabon Gari Galadima and Singa Markets, Alhaji Abdullahi appealed to the public, especially the youth, to keep in mind that whatever they do should be in the interest of Kano.

 

“We have contacted the Nigeria Police Force, local security, and relevant stakeholders regarding the need for security around the markets.

 

“We have informed our members to come out on the day of the protest to protect our business premises,” he added.

FG begins Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano highway rehabilitation

0

The Federal Government has commenced work on the dualisation of the 375.9 km Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Federal Highway, with a timeline for completion set for May 2025.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, made this announcement during the inauguration ceremony and site handover of the 38km dual carriageway section of the road to Dangote Group of Companies on Saturday.

The Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano highway is a 375.9km transportation artery connecting Nigeria’s capital city to major commercial and industrial centres in the north.

The road spans across several states and local governments, and experiencing high traffic volume, but has been in disrepair.

The situation prompted the Federal Government to commence rehabilitation work, with plans to upgrade it to a world-class standard.

The move is aimed at improving road safety, reducing travel times, and boosting economic activities in the region, despite security challenges and economic significance.

The Special Adviser (Media) to Umahi, Uchenna Orji, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

“We are determined to complete this project within the shortest possible time. We will review the project rate to cushion the effects of the increase in material costs, given the last review that was done about 9 months ago”, the statement quoted Umahi as saying.

The minister also inaugurated the Federal Government’s “Operation Free Our Roads”, aimed at making all federal roads under rehabilitation motorable starting from this rainy season.

“We will use the stone base to fill all potholes and maintain one carriageway for vehicles to follow while consistently working on the other carriageway,” he explained.

Umahi commended Julius Berger Plc for already starting work on their section of the project and doing a good job.

He emphasised the need for the Ministry’s engineers and Federal Emergency Management Agency officials to take the task seriously, ensuring the project’s completion by May 2025.

This development is part of the Renewed Hope administration’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s infrastructure and transportation network.

With the completion of this project, commuters can expect reduced travel times, improved safety, and increased economic opportunities.

Decayed, dilapidated Abia govt house will be brought down by December – Gov Otti

0

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has said his administration will bring down the dilapidated government house buildings in Umuahia before the end of December 2024 and transform them.
Governor Alex Otti disclosed this at the Arochukwu LGA headquarters on Saturday while commissioning some projects executed by the Mayor of Arochukwu LGA, Joe Eze-Aru.
Governor Otti explained that he has not been operating from the government house in Umuahia because of the dilapidated nature of the buildings.
“Today, l am not operating from the government house in Umuahia because there is no government house. Everywhere is dilapidated and decayed. The option would have been to use the money I used to pay pensioners to begin to retrofit the government house. But, I felt that we could operate from anywhere while doing the most important things first.
“And I am proud to report that before the end of this year, we are going to break down those dilapidated buildings and we’ll put up structures that are befitting for our people who are enlightened like Abia people.” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor claimed that the projects executed by the council Mayor are in line with his vision for Abia State, explaining that everything his administration is doing, whether in health, road infrastructure or others is always the best.
In his speech, the Mayor of Arochukwu, Joe Eze-Aru said the Arochukwu council headquarters was in dilapidated shape before he carried out its renovation.
Decayed, dilapidated Abia govt house will be brought down by December – Gov Otti

We cannot question God for calling Ifeanyi Ubah home

0

The Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has expressed shock over the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, the lawmaker representing Anambra South, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer, Capital Oil and Gas.

 

Senator Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central, noted that citing Ubah’s commitment to the development of his constituents, Anambra and South-east, the geo-political zone “has lost an illustrious and determined son.”

 

In a statement by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs on Saturday, Bamidele described Ubah as a philanthropist, oil magnate, and one of the legislators passionate about the development of his constituents – both old and young.

 

He said the late senator stood to be counted at a time when the South-East was ravaged by insecurity, pointing out how he mobilised vigilante groups against the agents of insecurity in his senatorial district and beyond.

 

The statement read in part, “I received the news of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s passage with grief and sadness. Until his passage, he was a prominent businessman, founder of the Ifeanyi Uba Foundation, Chief Executive Officer of Capital Oil and Gas, and most importantly Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

“He was passionate about the development and liberation of his people from the grips of poverty and penury. He was an astute business tycoon with a profound influence on the younger and future generations.

 

“He shared his political aspiration with and his plan for the people of Anambra State and South-East at large. While we were looking forward to the actualisation of his aspiration and plans, God Almighty, the Owner of Earth and Heaven took away.

 

“To God our Father, the time is right. To us, we are writhing in pain and sorrow. We cannot question His Maker for calling him home at a time he’s still pursuing greater goods for the greater number of his constituents.”

At the senate, Bamidele attested to the quality of Ubah’s contributions to nation-building at this challenging and how he had joined hands with his colleagues regardless of their ethnic, political, and religious leanings to build an efficient and functional federation.

While commiserating with the people and Government of Anambra State at large, Bamidele said Ubah would be dearly missed by his colleagues, given his willingness to support progressive courses and pro-people legislative interventions.