President Bola Tinubu has extended his condolences to the family of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
TVN reports that Senator Uba, who represented the Anambra South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, died on Saturday morning.
He was a renowned businessman and a governorship aspirant for the forthcoming Anambra State gubernatorial election.
Reacting to the sad incident, President Tinubu in a statement by his spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, prayed to God to strengthen the family of the deceased.
“President Tinubu commiserates with the friends and colleagues of the late Senator, the National Assembly, and the government and people of Anambra State over this sad loss.
“The President prays for the repose of the soul of the departed lawmaker, as well as for strength and comfort to his family”, he said.
President Tinubu mourns Senator Ifeanyi Ubah
President Tinubu mourns Senator Ifeanyi Ubah
Daniel Bwala has no political relevance in Borno
Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Ali Ndume, has described the former spokesman to the Atiku Abubakar presidential campaign organisation, Daniel Bwala, as a failed lawyer and politician.
Bwala had, in an X post on Friday, alleged that Ndume was planning to mobilise youths in his (Bwala’s) local government area of Borno State to attack him for criticising the Senator over his recent comment on President Bola Tinubu.
Reacting to the allegation in a chat with reporters at his Maiduguri residence on Saturday, Ndume said Bwala’s allegation was baseless and a move to get Tinubu’s sympathy and attention.
Ndume said it was unfortunate that Bwala claims to be an indigene of Hawul, but cannot even trace his actual roots, not to talk of the people in Hawul LGA.
He said, “Ordinarily, I do not want to join the issue or wouldn’t have replied Mr Bwala, who claimed to be from Hawul Local Government Area, which is part of my constituency.
“I can describe Daniel Bwala as a failed lawyer and empty drum making noise in Abuja. As I said, I did not want to respond, but because Bwala talked about threats or that I am mobilising youths to attack him, which has security implications and is very sensitive. I believe Bwala’s strategy is how to get the attention and sympathy of Mr President to give him police cover and maybe a job.
“We have credible people in the Hawul Local Government Area, and they know who Daniel Bwala is. In fact, when I saw his message on X handle, I thought it was Inuwa Bwala, who was the former Caretaker Chairman of Hawul and a renowned journalist. I quickly drew his attention to it, which he said, he was not the one.
“Later, I was made to understand that it is Daniel Bwala who has no political relevance as far as Southern Borno is concerned. In fact, I replied to his post and said, that if accusing and abusing me on Twitter or pages of Newspapers would fetch him something from Tinubu to survive after being a failed lawyer in Abuja, I would be happy for him.”
The lawmaker also stated that Bwala has no political relevance, adding that he can’t instigate Hawul people to go into political violence.
He added, “We have three former deputy Governors from Hawul, and all of them are my ardent supporters and people I take in high esteem throughout my political sojourn.
“Bwala wants to portray the peace-loving youths as violent people. You can’t instigate Hawul people to go into political violence, because it is not in their character. All I can say is that Bwala is trying to get sympathy from Mr. President.
“Bwala was once a member of the APC, but later ran away shamelessly and joined former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, where he started accusing Tinubu with all sorts of abusive and insulting words on live television. Bwala can only be useful in attacking people, but the 2027 general elections are coming. All I can advise is for Bwala to come to Borno and trace his roots.”
Youth coalition in Benue backs out of planned nationwide protest, cites insecurity
A coalition of youth groups in Benue State has withdrawn from the proposed nationwide protests scheduled for August 1 and 10.
The Benue Youth Good Governance Movement, BYGGM, Benue Advancement Forum, BAF and Benue Pro-Active Network, BPN in a joint statement issued on Saturday, said the decision followed a careful consideration and intervention by Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation.
The coalition, in a statement co-signed by its conveners, Abajih Terhide Gabriel and Oche Daniel Itodo expressed worries over the security situation in the state, saying that Benue is currently volatile and prone to violence.
According to them, there is no need to exacerbate the security situation of the state with a rally that may lead to unrest.
“We have been monitoring the situation closely, and we believe that protest will not be in the best interest of our people at this time.
“Instead, we have decided to channel our energy into more positive and productive activities that will benefit our communities.
“We are grateful for the intervention of Professor Utsev.
“We believe that violence and unrest are not the solutions to our problems.
“Instead, we should work towards finding constructive solutions through dialogue and engagement. We urge them to support the government and Utsev who are working tirelessly to address our concerns.”
TVN reports that the country is tense following plans by some youths and activists to stage protests across the country against hunger.
Youth coalition in Benue backs out of planned nationwide protest, cites insecurity
Ifeanyi Ubah’s death, great loss to Anambra
The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has mourned the death of the Senator representing Anambra South, Ifeanyi Ubah, who died on Saturday at the age of 52.
Soludo expressed his “profound shock and grief” over Ubah’s death, describing him as a “vibrant businessman and politician”.
The governor, in his condolence message, lamented that the untimely death of the Senator came as a sorely regrettable loss to Anambra South and Anambra State in general.
Soludo’s message was contained in a press statement by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, on Saturday, regretting that Ubah’s death came at a difficult time when Ndigbo and Nigeria had just lost another patriot in the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
The statement read partly, “The governor described Senator Ifeanyi Ubah as a prominent son of Anambra State and an outstanding Nigerian whose impact on the polity and business sphere was quite significant.
“As the representative of Anambra South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, and the CEO of Capital Oil, his contributions to the development of Anambra State and Nigeria were also quite commendable
“Besides, Senator Ubah was a magnanimous philanthropist whose generosity touched countless lives as an employer of labour and a businessman of remarkable vision and acumen.”
The governor further remarked that, despite their political differences and contestations, Ubah remained “a dear younger brother and friend” to him as his selfless passion for the progress of Anambra State would be most missed.
“Therefore, Governor Soludo hereby conveys his deepest condolences to Senator Ubah’s family, friends, and associates during this difficult time. He prays that the soul of the deceased rest in perfect peace as the family finds strength in his memorable legacies,” the statement added.
Hardship: Arewa group kicks against protest, rallies support for FG
A group, the Arewa Youth for Peaceful Coexistence has said the present government is working in the interest of Nigeria and should be supported instead of being protested against.
Addressing newsmen in Abuja, the Chairman of the FCT Chapter of the group, Mr Mark Ogar said a protest could cause chaos and destabilize the economy of the nation.
“Today’s event is all about sensitization of Nigerians against the planned protest next week. We have come to realize the plans by some politically disgruntled elements to destabilize our economy, to cause chaos in FCT, hiding under the guise of a peaceful protest just like they did in Lagos during the EndSARS.”
“And we have noticed that this is the government that is on its feet to ameliorate our crisis and poverty. So we don’t think that it is thoughtful for any group or individual to come out against the government working in the interest of the people.”
Ogar advised Nigerians especially all sons and daughters of Arewa extraction to disassociate themselves from the planned nationwide protest, stressing that it was a plan to destabilize the nation and destroy infrastructures.
He explained that there were international economic challenges not peculiar to Nigeria, stressing that President Tinubu had continued to provide palliatives that would cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.
“Without any form of pretence, yes Nigerians are experiencing some form of economic hardship but I want to bring to your notice categorically that this situation is not peculiar to Nigeria alone, there are international economic challenges.
“If you go to Switzerland, if you go to Paris and other economies in the Western world, they’re experiencing the same challenges. But what is important, we have a responsive government, a government that is aware of our plights, a government that has created a lot of palliatives. A lot of economic shock absorbers to cushion the effects of this economic hardship on Nigerians.”
He advised those calling for such protests to study the recent crisis in Kenya which led to the destruction of government infrastructure and avoid the protests.
Ogar pointed out that in the Federal Capital Territory, the Minister, Nyesom Wike had achieved unbeatable developmental strides and that such protest could jeopardize his positive agenda.
He emphasized that Nigerians were passing through a phase and that the cooperation of every citizen would help bring a turnaround in the nation’s socio-economic development.
Hardship: Arewa group kicks against protest, rallies support for FG
NSCDC arrests couple for alleged job scam in Akwa Ibom
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, says it has arrested a couple in Akwa Ibom for scamming thousands of Nigerians and defrauding them of millions of naira.
The State Commandant of NSCDC in the state, Mr Eluyemi Eluwade, disclosed this on Saturday while briefing newsmen at the Command’s headquarters in Uyo.
Eluwade said the arrest was made on Monday, July 22, along IBB Avenue in Uyo following complaints from members of the public about the suspect’s fraudulent extortion of huge sums of money with a promise to offer them employment in the state civil service.
He said the suspects Blessing Ezekiel, aged 27 and her husband Joseph Ufot, who is 46, collected money from various persons with a promise to offer them employment.
The statement in parts, “Furthermore, the suspect, Ezekiel also used a fake NGO – Child Support Foundation, which she claimed was sponsored by UNICEF to register about 7, 000 children at N1,000 each for a supposed UNICEF children grant, which turned out to be a scam.
“Ezekiel claimed to be a Personal Assistant to one Dr Helen Akpan, who she claimed is an SSA to Akwa Ibom Governor on Special Duties.
“She also allegedly offered employment letters to hundreds of unsuspecting victims after they paid N4,800 but without salaries for months, which led them to question her project as a scam.”
Eluwade, who condemned the act as criminal to defraud unsuspecting persons in these hard times, appealed to job seekers to be wary of employment scams.
The state commandant reminded Nigerians that recruitment into any organisation in the country, government and private is free, advising that citizens should desist from paying for jobs.
He urged citizens seeking employment to visit government offices or check the websites of organisations to verify if they are recruiting and take the demand for money as a red flag.
The Commandant assured the victims that the suspects would be charged in Court, as soon as investigations were concluded.
NSCDC arrests couple for alleged job scam in Akwa Ibom
Protest: Nigerians should be patient with Tinubu – Ondo Monarch
The Deji of Akure Kingdom in Ondo State, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade has advised Nigerians to exercise patience and faith in the Tinubu-led government.
The first-class monarch explained that President Bola Tinubu who is just one year in office needs more time to address and lessen the nation’s economic hardship.
He stated this on Saturday after a meeting with the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egba land, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, in Abeokuta.
Oba Ogunlade who expressed confidence in the present administration, maintained that Nigerians will call for a second term at the end.
“ You know when this president took over the governorship of Lagos state the economy was like this and he said they should wait and he turned everything around now, he is appealing to the whole nation that they should wait.
“ This is just one year, the economy was a mess before he took over, let them wait before you know before he finishes the first term they will be calling him for the second term.
The Akure monarch who was in town for the funeral ceremony of Titus Odedina, father to the former Ogun commissioner for Agriculture, Samson Odedina, described the deceased as a man who lived a good life.
“Baba lived a good life and he had good children, one of them is the honourable Odedina who I have known for too long. He is an adopted son of Akure and we love him so much. That is why the whole of Akure shifted here since yesterday to celebrate with him. We pray that Baba continues to be in the bosom of the lord and the children we know will follow in his footsteps.
“Honorable is a marvellous human being when he was the provost of the school of agriculture, he did excellently well and when he was the commissioner for agriculture in Ogun State everyone was talking good about him so we love and appreciate him” he said.
Protest: Nigerians should be patient with Tinubu – Ondo Monarch
Hardship: IYC directs Niger Delta youths to join nationwide protest
The Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, has directed youths in the region to join the nationwide protest against bad governance billed to commence on 1st August 2024.
The council also urged security agents to be cautious in their approach and not to be overzealous and brutal while monitoring the protest to maintain law and order.
TVN reports that frustrated Nigerians have scheduled the one-week protest tagged “one week of rage” to protest against the hardship in the land.
However, the federal government has rallied traditional rulers, and religious leaders, to persuade the youths against joining the protest.
Reacting to statements issued by the Chief of Army Staff, Inspector General of Police, State Governors, Ministers and other top government functionaries not to stage any protest, the President of IYC, Dr Theophilus Alaye said from the colonial era to the present dispensation, Nigerians have protested to register their displeasure against bad governance.
The council said, “Dr Alaye Theophilus has on behalf of the Council called on the Youths of the Niger Delta, particularly those of Ijaw extraction to join the proposed nationwide protest billed for 1st August 2024.
“The hardship faced by the people of the Niger Delta particularly those at the hinterlands is becoming unbearable as a litre of fuel now sells for over N2,000; one pure water sells for N100 and other essential commodities have gone beyond the reach of the people.
“Sudden death has become a common occurrence in the rural area due to hunger and untold suffering.”
Alaye wondered why the present administration was kicking against citizens’ decision to express their dissatisfaction over the current hardship in the country.
The IYC president recalled that the APC government rode to power in 2015 on the crest of protest against the then Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for its inability to tackle rising insecurity, unemployment and corruption.
Alaye said a protest is the universal right of citizens to draw the attention of those in authority to examine their conduct, programmes and policies and tailor such for the overall development of the country.
Hardship: IYC directs Niger Delta youths to join nationwide protest
SEC approves NGX impact board to boost sustainability
The Securities and Exchange Commission has granted Nigerian Exchange Limited to launch its Impact Board, a platform to enhance the listing and visibility of sustainability-focused instruments.
In a statement made available to our correspondent on Saturday, this initiative was announced during a Closing Gong Ceremony in Lagos.
According to the statement, the NGX Impact Board is designed to cater to green financial products, address climate change and promote sustainable economic practices.
The ceremony, which was held at the NGX headquarters recently, featured attendees including the Minister of Environment and Co-Chair of the Green Bond Advisory Group Meeting, Balarabe Lawal, who underscored the importance of the initiative, particularly as the government prepares for a proposed Green Bond issuance aimed at furthering environmental sustainability.
The Director-General of the SEC, Emomotimi Agama, emphasized the regulatory body’s support for innovations that advance sustainability and drive responsible investment practices in Nigeria’s capital market.
“The NGX Impact Board is expected to provide a dedicated platform for issuers of green bonds and other sustainability instruments, facilitating greater investor participation in environmentally friendly projects. This move is anticipated to attract both domestic and international investors who are increasingly prioritizing ESG factors in their investment decisions,” he said.
The Group Managing Director of NGX Group, Temi Popoola, stressed that the Impact Board will enhance transparency and accountability in sustainability investments, fostering trust and confidence among investors.
“The introduction of the Impact Board also comes in conjunction with ongoing discussions about the federal government’s Green Bond issuance, which is aimed at financing projects that contribute to environmental conservation and sustainable development. The NGX’s initiative will provide a robust framework for the successful implementation and management of such bonds,” he noted.
He added that the approval and launch of the NGX Impact Board represent a step forward in Nigeria’s financial sector, positioning the country as a leader in sustainable finance in the region.
Nationwide Protest: Group begs Nigerian youths, others to shelve plans
An Initiative for Good Leadership and Accountability, PRIFGLA, on Saturday, appealed to Nigerian youths and organizers of the proposed nationwide protest to shelve their plans and give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu time to fix the current challenges facing the nation.
A statement by the founder, Pastor Reuben Wilson, made available to TVN, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, noted that though every citizen of the county has the constitutional right to embark on a peaceful protest, they should rally around the government and proffer laudable solutions and ideas on the best way forward.
Pastor Reuben claimed that President Tinubu has marshalled some life-transforming policies geared towards changing the fortunes of the people which may not be seen now but in no distant time.
He said ” Let us be patient with President Tinubu to enable him chart a positive economic blueprint to turn the socio-economic situation of the country around for good. Tinubu in his one year in office has to a large extent fulfilled most of his campaign promises to Nigerians.
“He campaigned on an eight-point agenda of tackling insecurity, boosting agricultural production for food security, economic reforms, unlocking the energy sector and diversification of the economy which are steadily being tackled.
“Therefore all these policies and programs need time to mature and yield positive dividends. Protest at this time is a distraction so Nigerians should be patient with the Renewed Hope Agenda as Mr. President is determined never to disappoint them.”
Nationwide Protest: Group begs Nigerian youths, others to shelve plans