The Taraba State Commissioner of Police, David Iloyanomon, has emphasized the importance of maintaining a peaceful demonstration, free from violence or damage to both government and private properties.
Addressing stakeholders on Saturday in Jalingo, the state capital, regarding the upcoming protest scheduled for August 1, 2024, he urged them to ensure that the protest is not hijacked by unruly elements such as hoodlums or thugs.
The commissioner also urged the organizers of the protest to submit detailed plans for the forthcoming national protest.
Among the details requested by the command, are the protest routes, duration, and names of the organizers.
“To facilitate smooth operations, we requested that organizers submit detailed plans, including the protest routes, duration, and names of the organizers, to the police,” he stated.
The commissioner explained that this information will enable the deployment of sufficient and effective security measures to safeguard the event from start to finish.
Recall that operatives of security agencies conducted a show of force on Friday in Jalingo metropolis ahead of the forthcoming nationwide protest.
Echoing the sentiments of the Commissioner of Police, the Commander of the 6 Brigade, Brigadier Kingsley Uwa, told journalists that the ‘show of force’ was aimed at ensuring the safety and security of the residents and people of the state.
“Our duty is to maintain law and order. We want to assure everybody that they can go about their lawful business without the fear of being intimidated,” he stated.
‘Submit your plans to us’ – Police tell protest organisers in Taraba
‘Submit your plans to us’ – Police tell protest organisers in Taraba
Israeli army orders new evacuations in southern Gaza
The Israeli military issued new evacuation orders for residents of southern Gaza’s Khan Yunis City on Saturday, after retrieving the bodies of five Israelis and warning of new operations.
The United Nations said more than 180,000 Palestinians have already fled fierce fighting in Khan Yunis since the military began an operation in the area last Monday.
The evacuation orders and “intensified hostilities” have “significantly destabilised aid operations”, the UN said, reporting “dire water, hygiene and sanitation conditions” in the Palestinian territory.
After Israel warned its forces would “forcefully operate” in the Khan Yunis region, including an area previously declared a safe humanitarian zone, the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said on Monday that an Israeli operation in Khan Yunis killed 70 people and wounded more than 200.
The military said at the time that it would act to stop rocket fire coming towards Israel from the area, which had already seen heavy fighting early in the year.
On Wednesday the military said forces carried out a rescue operation in Khan Yunis and retrieved the bodies of five Israelis.
They had been killed during the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas militants, and their bodies were taken back to Gaza, the military said.
On Saturday, it ordered residents from more parts of Khan Yunis “to temporarily evacuate to the adjusted humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi” — the second such adjustment made to the safe zone within a week.
Witnesses and rescuers said heavy battles continued around eastern
Khan Yunis on Friday, and medics at the city’s Nasser Hospital reported at least 16 bodies brought to the facility from different parts of the southern governorate.
The war in Gaza began after Hamas militants attacked southern Israel on October 7, resulting in the deaths of 1,197 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.
Militants also seized 251 hostages during the attack, 111 of whom are still held captive in Gaza, including 39 the military says are dead.
Israel’s retaliatory military campaign in Gaza has killed at least 39,175 people, according to Gaza’s health ministry, which does not provide details of civilian and militant deaths.
AFP.
Ifeanyi Ubah: Ben Murray-Bruce confirms Anambra Senator’s death
Former lawmaker, Ben Murray-Bruce, has confirmed the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
Ubah reportedly died in London. The cause of his death is yet to be confirmed.
However, in a post on X, Murray-Bruce paid tribute to the late Anambra lawmaker.
He wrote: “With a heavy heart, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
“His contributions to our nation, both in the oil sector and public service, will never be forgotten.
“May his soul rest in peace, and may his family find strength during this difficult time.”
Ubah died at 52 years.
Ifeanyi Ubah: Ben Murray-Bruce confirms Anambra Senator’s death
6,700 applicants jostle for 380 teaching jobs in Enugu
No fewer than 6, 700 applicants were currently jostling to take up 380 teaching jobs at various Secondary Schools in Enugu State.
The News Agency of Nigeria correspondent who monitored the examination on Saturday in some of the designated centres for the examination, reports that the applicants turned out in large numbers.
The Chairman, Enugu State Post Primary School Management Board, Fr. Hilary Mgbodile, told NAN that the board received more than 12,000 applications.
He said that out of the number, 6,700 people were shortlisted for the 380 positions needed to replace those who had retired.
Mgbodile disclosed that five centres namely Union Boys Secondary School, Queen School, Enugu, Holy Rosary College, College of Immaculate Conception and Trans Ekulu Girls Secondary School,
Enugu were selected as the venue for the examinations.
He said that the shortlisted applicants were being tested in English, Information Communication Technology, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
According to him, over 2,000 applied to teach English while in ICT, the board needs only 80 but 1,700 applied for the subject.
“So we are picking the best of the best which is the only consideration and parameter for the selection of the teachers,” he said.
He added that after the test and the needed competent teachers were not found, the board would call for another application, stressing that he was optimistic that with the number of applicants, the board would get the qualified ones.
“We cannot lower the standard because we cannot get what we want.
“The recruitment is being done by PPSMB but in order to reduce pressure and to ensure meritocracy and absolute objectivity, we decided to seek the assistance of an independent recruiting company,” Mgbodile said.
On why they dropped a large number of applicants, he noted that after sorting out the applications, it was noted that some were non-indigenes and some were over-aged as they pegged the age requirement at 45 years.
“While some did not have the requisite qualifications for the subject they intend to teach, those that studied Social Studies may apply to teach English which is not compatible,” he said.
The chairman also said that those people who were awaiting their statements of result and others who could not provide their certificates were excluded from the examination.
Explaining the idea behind the recruitment, the chairman said the board observed upon assumption of office in 2023, that Secondary Schools in Enugu were lacking teachers, especially in the rural areas.
He said that at the instance of Gov. Peter Mbah’s directive, the board posted some teachers from the urban to the rural areas.
“As we were doing that, we discovered that we lacked teachers in some key subjects like sciences and other core subjects.
“We made a recommendation to Gov Mbah on the need to recruit teachers to fill the shortfalls of science teachers which he approved.
“That is why we want to recruit competent professionals who studied Engineering, to teach Chemistry.
“I want to restore the legacy of teaching and learning and make it easier for parents to stop borrowing while taking their children to private and mission schools.
“I want to restore confidence in the public schools and Mbah is a pathfinder in this regard and we want to follow his mantra,” he said.
NAN
Senator Ifeanyi Ubah dies at 53
The Senator representing Anambra South in the National Assembly, Ifeanyi Ubah, is dead.
Ubah, who was the Chief Executive Officer of Capital Oil, was said to have died in a hotel in London, the United Kingdom, on Saturday.
He would have been 53 on September 3.
Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, confirmed Ubah’s death to our correspondent on Saturday.
Ubah, who was re-elected into the 10th Senate under the Young Peoples Party, had last year defected to the All Progressive Congress.
In September 2022, Ubah escaped assassination when he was attacked by gunmen on his way to Nnewi in Enugwu-Ukwu in Anambra State.
His convoy was shot at, and at least five persons, including two policemen, were killed.
He survived as the vehicle he was riding in was bulletproof.
Details soon…
Tope, The According journalist, has over a decade of experience in health reporting, environmental issues and investigative journalism, and currently covers the National Assembly, specifically the Senate
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Embrace dialogue, Ogun youth group tells hunger protest organisers
The Ogun Youth Assembly has declared the proposed national hunger protest scheduled for August 1 as faceless, lacking direction and a misplaced priority.
The youth group said that rather than embarking on any activity that could further make life difficult for Nigerians, the option of dialogue which is quite beneficial to all should be considered.
The Chairman of the youth group, Habeeb Whyte, disclosed this at a press briefing held on Friday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
Whyte said though it is within the fundamental rights of every citizen to protest, such energy should be channelled towards meaningful dialogue as progress and development are only guaranteed in a peaceful environment.
He said, “We recognise the inherent right of all Nigerians to peaceful protest, yet we are also acutely aware of the potential for such protests to devolve into destructive actions, especially during times of heightened emotional intensity.
” It is crucial to pursue dialogue even as we seek change through peaceful demonstration.”
Whyte, flanked by other executives of the assembly, further said that though the country is going through its most difficult times, he noted that the recent local government autonomy posed a good trend for future hopes.
“Currently, the average Nigerian is enduring unprecedented hardship characterised by severely diminished purchasing power, lack of basic amenities, and a shortened life expectancy.
“This crisis is closely linked to the nation’s economic state. As a demographic grappling with a bleak future and uncertainty, it is only natural for the youths to seek avenues for expression and redress. It is unjust to suppress their right to protest when they are being battered by such dire conditions.
“While acknowledging that the dire straits affecting Nigerians can largely be traced to the policies of the Federal Government, we affirm that accountability spans all levels of government, including local authorities.
“Going forward, we want to emphatically announce that the era of lethargic local government is over. There will no longer be space for non-performing local government chairmen and ward councillors now that the nation has moved toward local government autonomy”, he added.
He however challenged the state government to as a matter of urgency, convene dialogue with the youth constituency, adding that it is a necessary step to foster transparency and accountability, ensuring that plans and stewardship are communicated.
“We held an engagement with the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. We appreciate his willingness to engage further and are encouraged by his commitment to continue these discussions. This dialogue is a positive step towards addressing the pressing issues faced by our youth.
“In light of this, we challenged the Ogun State Government to convene a series of public engagements with the youths across all Senatorial districts. This proposed engagement, which the Governor has since accepted is a necessary step to foster transparency and accountability, ensuring that future plans and stewardship are communicated.
“We emphasised to him that this period demands more than temporary measures or palliative solutions. It is essential to implement a comprehensive, sustainable framework that empowers citizens and residents to secure honest, safer and better livelihoods.
“Government action must focus on significantly reducing the exorbitant cost of petroleum, enhancing electricity supply, and fostering a conducive environment for business growth. Additionally, increasing grant opportunities for small and medium enterprises and promoting meritocracy in all operations are crucial”, he stressed.
Don faults discrimination against Muslim women
A lecturer at the Lagos State University, Dr Ganiyat Tijani-Adenle, has lamented the growing discrimination against Muslim women in Nigeria.
Dr Tijani-Adenle said that Muslim women are heavily marginalised in various aspects of life, including education, employment and politics in the country.
The university lecturer said that this has many times put some women in tight corners, and are often forced to choose between their faith and career in some situations.
Dr Tijani-Adenle disclosed this on Friday in her keynote address delivered at the opening ceremony of the four-day 8th biennial women’s conference of NASFAT held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.
She spoke on the theme of the conference “Strengthening Women Leadership through Empowerment and Islamic Values”.
Dr Tijani-Adenle said one of the most pressing issues is the restriction on the wearing of hijabs in government schools, agencies such as the police, and hospitals, among others.
She said, “Inequality in Nigerian society is a serious issue for women, especially Muslim women. For instance, Muslim girls in various schools in some places in Nigeria are denied the right to wear hijab on their school uniform.
“Why is it that a Muslim woman who is a police officer cannot wear hijab on their uniform? This is unfair. Why is it that our Muslim sisters, who are nurses, cannot wear their long skirts and hijab? Must they wear shorts before they can render healthcare service?
“Muslim women will go for an interview and pass the interview but will be denied employment because of their hijab, no matter the length of the hijab.”
The university lecturer said the government and every other stakeholder should address any form of discrimination that may not allow Muslim women to achieve their full potential.
Speaking earlier, the Deputy Governor of the State, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said that the current administration frowns at women’s marginalization and has constantly initiated different empowerment programmes for women in the state.
Salako-Oyedele also stressed that the Abiodun-led government has always encouraged women’s inclusion, reassuring the women that the state government will continue to ensure equal treatment between men and women in Ogun.
“Islam has always championed the cause of development in Nigeria, and we will continue to support women’s empowerment,” he said.
In her welcome address, the National Women Affairs Secretary of the Islamic Society, Alhaja Ganiyat Babalola, said that over 1000 participants are expected to grace the conference and that people could also join virtually across the globe.
Babalola said that the essence of the conference is to further build in women the capacity to contribute towards having a more prosperous society.
She said that the theme of the conference has been thoughtfully chosen in line with the LEAD thrust agenda of the current National Executive Council(NEC) of NASFAT revolving around leadership, empowerment, serving as an agent of change and
dawah.
Babalola explained that the 4-day conference will feature visitation to General Hospital Ijaye, Abeokuta, during when some items will be donated, sightseeing of Olumo rock and Adire Kampala market, a walk for fitness/ aerobics, a workshop on environmental sustainability where the concept of zero waste, zero plastic and backyard farming shall be discussed in details among others
Ogun youths opt for dialogue
The Ogun Youth Assembly has declared the proposed national hunger protest scheduled for August 1 as faceless, lacking direction and a misplaced priority.
The youth group said that rather than embarking on any activity that could further make life difficult for Nigerians, the option of dialogue which is quite beneficial to all should be considered.
The Chairman of the youth group, Habeeb Whyte disclosed this at a press briefing held on Friday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
Whyte said though it is within the fundamental rights of every citizen to protest, such energy should be channelled towards meaningful dialogue as progress and development are only guaranteed in a peaceful environment.
He said, “We recognise the inherent right of all Nigerians to peaceful protest, yet we are also acutely aware of the potential for such protests to devolve into destructive actions, especially during times of heightened emotional intensity. It is crucial to pursue dialogue even as we seek change through peaceful demonstration.”
Whyte, flanked by other executives of the assembly further said that though the country is going through its most difficult times, he noted that the recent Local government autonomy posed a good trend for future hopes.
“Currently the average Nigerian is enduring unprecedented hardship characterised by severely diminished purchasing power, lack of basic amenities, and a shortened life expectancy.
“This crisis is closely linked to the nation’s economic state. As a demographic grappling with a bleak future and uncertainty, it is only natural for the youths to seek avenues for expression and redress. It is unjust to suppress their right to protest when they are being battered by such dire conditions.
“While acknowledging that the dire straits affecting Nigerians can largely be traced to the policies of the Federal Government, we affirm that accountability spans all levels of government, including local authorities.
“Going forward, we want to emphatically announce that the era of lethargic local government is over. There will no longer be space for non-performing local government chairmen and ward councillors now that the nation has moved toward local government autonomy”, he added.
He however challenged the state government to as a matter of urgency, convene dialogue with the youth constituency, adding that it is a necessary step to foster transparency and accountability, ensuring that plans and stewardship are communicated.
“We held an engagement with the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. We appreciate his willingness to engage further and are encouraged by his commitment to continue these discussions. This dialogue is a positive step towards addressing the pressing issues faced by our youth.
“In light of this, we challenged the Ogun State Government to convene a series of public engagements with the youths across all Senatorial districts. This proposed engagement, which the Governor has since accepted is a necessary step to foster transparency and accountability, ensuring that future plans and stewardship are communicated.
“We emphasised to him that this period demands more than temporary measures or palliative solutions. It is essential to implement a comprehensive, sustainable framework that empowers citizens and residents to secure honest, safer and better livelihoods.
“Government action must focus on significantly reducing the exorbitant cost of petroleum, enhancing electricity supply, and fostering a conducive environment for business growth. Additionally, increasing grant opportunities for small and medium enterprises and promoting meritocracy in all operations are crucial”, he stressed.
Dialogue with protest organisers, there is hunger in Nigeria – Isoko youths urge Tinubu
In a bid to avert the proposed nationwide protest slated for August 1 to August 19 against hunger and hardships in Nigeria, the Isoko National Youth Assembly (INYA) Worldwide has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently dialogue with the protest organizers and review some of his administration’s policies that have caused hardship for the people to prevent the strike action from taking place.
INYA President, Comrade Eniwake Orogun, in a statement made available to the press on Saturday, stressed that there is hardship in the land occasioned by hasty government policies.
The Isoko youth body also appealed to the youths and security agencies to avoid violent protests and the destruction of national and state assets.
It also appealed to security agencies to treat protesters in a civil manner if the protest goes ahead due to the failure to dialogue and engage with the protesters.
The Isoko youth body said, “Today, we are at the edge as a nation, with all aspects of existence greatly troubled, from the economy, security, socio-political, and corporate existence coming under some form of distress and perplexity.
“It is said that light exists at the end of the tunnel, but this particular tunnel seems too long that not even a flicker of light is in sight.
“It will be foolhardy to try to deny or explain the hardship which pervades the land, exacerbated by policies such as fuel subsidy removal, which many believe has produced the unintended outcome, or should we say, the exact intended outcome associated with wrong timing or hasty policy implementation, favorable only to some fifth columnists?
“Many are hungry, weak, and beggarly. The hardship is palpable, and succor seems far. The proposed protest is only a natural response, which is the least the vast majority of those who live below the baseline can do at this material time.
“Regardless, this protest can be avoided. We call on the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to act as a matter of urgency by doing the following:
“Constructive engagement of critical stakeholders with a genuine view to providing short, medium, and long-term solutions to the myriad of problems facing the people.
“Reevaluate its priorities and address head-on issues such as inflation, insecurity, and the high cost of governance.
“Reconsider policies such as fuel subsidy removal, floating of the naira, and liberalization of our economy which have never worked in Nigeria or any part of Africa and have proven to be very injurious to individuals, families, and businesses.
“Our leaders must learn from the 2011 Arab Spring and the recent not-too-good experience of the EndSARS protest, from which Africa and Nigeria are yet to fully recover, and act in the best interest of the nation.
“To our dear youths and fellow comrades, we stand by you at this trying time.
“However, if the protest must hold, hopefully it does not, let us be reminded that though our right to peaceful protest is inalienable and guaranteed by our constitution, we do not have the right to be destructive and violent. No one benefits from the destruction of national assets; if anything, it increases the suffering which the protest stands against.
“To our gallant security personnel, we implore you not to fall to the temptation of responding with brute force to our people, should the protest hold.
“Understand that people are hungry and angry, and the least expected of you is the performance of your constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.
“This is a trying period in our history as a people, and together we shall overcome.”
Dialogue with protest organisers, there is hunger in Nigeria – Isoko youths urge Tinubu
Focused on your core mandate, stop seeking cheap popularity – Ogah blasts Odinkalu
A member of the House of Representatives, Hon Chinedu Ogah, has cautioned the former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Professor Chidi Odinkalu, for criticizing Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State.
Ogah represents Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State in the lower chamber.
Odinkalu’s criticism is over the purchase of four-wheel-drive vehicles for newly ordained Catholic priests in the state.
The former NHRC Chairman, in an interview with Channels TV, said the governor’s action was an irresponsible use of public funds, especially considering the current economic challenges.
In a swift reaction, Ogah, who is the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Reformatory Institutions, described Odinkalu’s statement as an act of seeking cheap popularity and displaying unsolicited propaganda.
The lawmaker called on Odinkalu to focus on his human rights assignments instead of delving into socio-economic matters beyond his comprehension and area of jurisdiction.
“The professor, wanting cheap accolades and popularity, decided to put his mouth into issues that concern Ebonyi State Government. The governor has the right to buy official vehicles for reverend fathers because 98% of the population in Ebonyi State are Christians.
“These priests have been assisting the state government in bringing substantive peace to many troubled communities in Ebonyi State.
“And these people (priests) are crusading for the peace and unity of the state. Since Governor Nwifuru’s assumption of office, those areas, locations, or states that share boundary axes with Ebonyi State, where there had been crises and wars, have not had conflicts again through the implementation of the Ebonyi State Charter of Needs.”
According to the House of Representatives member, the money meant to be used to take care of large security personnel in those areas can be channeled towards evangelical activities by the priests for peace and conflict resolution.
He berated Odinkalu, saying that since he was Chairman of the Commission, he has never made his statutory report known to the National Assembly, to the President, and to the Local Government, according to the mandate of the NHRC.
“From available reports, he doesn’t have any accurate record of those he has helped in justifying their rights in prison or in the international community. He may still come now and say that the governor does not have the right to assist the traditional institutions in the state.”
Ogah further emphasized that the governor has the right, within the ambit of the Constitution, to use his security votes to ensure peace and harmony in different parts of the state.
He added that the governor was not misappropriating any funds meant for the people of Ebonyi.
According to him, Nwifuru, since assuming office, has been doing the will of the people as captured in the Ebonyi People’s Charter of Needs. He advised the professor to be focused and articulate in carrying out his core mandate.
“And as someone within the circle of the Human Rights Commission, he should give us a report of those he has defended or his achievements when he was the Human Rights boss in this country.
“It’s on record that when he was in office, about 700 individuals were to be recruited into the Human Rights Commission; how many people were recruited from Igboland or his village or community? And he has the audacity to say that our governor is misappropriating public funds. I want to call him to order to avoid delving into matters outside his core mandate.”
He challenged Odinkalu to use the opportunity to visit Ebonyi State and find out for himself what the governor has done so far to ameliorate the socio-economic situation of the people through his numerous empowerment programs and policies.
“I want to use this medium to invite him to Ebonyi State to see what the governor has done. We elected him (Nwifuru), and he is doing what we want in all aspects of life. Let him go and crosscheck the records, and he will find out that Ebonyi State is notable for the judicious management of public funds in this country.
“It’s on record that since the governor’s assumption of office, he has never borrowed or approached any financial institution for any form of loan. Instead of criticizing what he doesn’t know, the professor should appreciate what our governor is doing, which is tailored towards peace, progress, and prosperity of Ebonyi State.
“There’s peace in Ebonyi State, and the governor is strategic about it. He is empowering the people through the creation of jobs, massive employment into the state civil service and the health sector, among other areas. The governor’s policies are people-oriented, and we are happy about it.”
Focused on your core mandate, stop seeking cheap popularity – Ogah blasts Odinkalu