The Active Citizens Group Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, has informed the state Commissioner of Police about their upcoming participation in a nationwide protest scheduled for August 1 to 10, 2024.
In a letter, the group’s state coordinator, Adamma Ukpabi, outlined their plans for a peaceful demonstration, emphasizing their right to free speech and assembly.
The protest will follow two designated routes: the mainland route, starting at NAHCO Bus Stop and concluding at International Airport, Ikeja, and the island route, beginning at Marwa Bus Stop in Lekki Phase 1 and ending at Eti-Osa Local Government.
The letter, titled “Subject: Notification of Peaceful Protest and Request for Security Support,” addressed to the Commissioner of Police, reads:
“Dear Commissioner of Police, I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing on behalf of Active Citizens Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, to formally notify you of our planned participation in the nationwide peaceful protest against bad governance scheduled to take place from August 1 to 10, 2024.
“Our aim is to peacefully exercise our constitutional right to free speech and assembly as we voice our demands for improved governance and accountability from our leaders,” Ukpabi wrote.
The group has requested police support at both protest sites to ensure safety, manage traffic, and reduce disruption to public activities.
“We trust in the professionalism and dedication of the Lagos State Police Command to uphold public safety and protect citizens’ rights. We are open to any advice or suggestions you may have to facilitate the success of these peaceful demonstrations,” the letter continued.
The protest, which has gained significant attention on social media, is organized under the hashtag #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria and seeks to address the ongoing economic challenges in the country.
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters has voiced concerns that the protest might escalate similarly to the recent demonstrations in Kenya, which started peacefully but turned violent over tax issues.
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Group requests security support from Lagos CP for upcoming hunger protest
BUA group gifts Babcock varsity N250m publishing house
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative Africa, Dr Ubon Udoh, reiterated on Friday the commitment of BUA Group to coordinated efforts designed to advance the cause of humanity and make life more meaningful for people across Africa.
Udoh disclosed this during the groundbreaking ceremony of the N250m Integrated Publishing House donated to Babcock University, Ilishan Remo by ASR, Africa, the foundation owned by the billionaire industrialist and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu.
Represented by Nakama Keri, Multilateral Coordination Specialist, ASR, Africa, Udoh described the Chairman of BUA Group as someone who believes in impacting people’s lives, and this he has institutionalised with his foundation, ASR, Africa.
He said that ASR, Africa, spent $100m per year per annum in interventions in social development, health, and education and that while $50 million is committed to programmes within Nigeria, the balance of $50 million is used to execute programmes all over Africa.
He said, “Education is of particular importance and priority to Alhaji Abdul Samad. So, far, we’ve invested about $35 billion in education. We have built libraries in Ghana in rural areas; we are building hostels for female students in Niger; and we have committed a billion naira each to about six universities in 2021.
“And we’re also doing a tertiary education grant scheme, of which Babcock University is a beneficiary. About 100 tertiary institutions actually applied for this grant, out of which 22 institutions were picked after a rigorous assessment.
“Babcock University in this category won a N250 million grant for the ASR Integrated Publishing House, which we believe should be ready in about six months from now.”
Udoh said that the university got the approval for the grant because of the impact the publishing house will have not only on the lecturers and the students but also on the entire community and society at large.
Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Ademola Tayo, said that the generous donation of the billionaire industrialist has suddenly made the university achieve its long-time vision of having an integrated publishing house.
The professor, while lauding the selfless disposition of Rabiu to the development of education across Africa, hailed the gift of the integrated publishing house for the university.
He said that the university press plays a crucial role as the intellectual heart of the academic community, fostering knowledge creation, dissemination, and academic discourse.
The VC said, “As we break ground today, we are not just laying the foundation for a building; we are laying the foundation for future generations of scholars, researchers, and thought leaders.
“This complex will serve as a beacon of knowledge and a hub of intellectual activity, contributing to the academic and cultural enrichment of our university and beyond.”
The VC has therefore called for further collaboration that could help to further strengthen the education sector in the country.
Director of Babcock University Press, Dr Sam Okere, described the gift of the Integrated Publishing House as a long-awaited dream becoming a reality.
Okere, an Associate Professor of Publishing and Media Studies, described an integrated publishing house as one one-stop shop for publishing, a resource centre that provides all that is needed to have a published work and get it to the end users.
NSIB accuses NIMASA, NRC of non-remittance of revenue
The Director-General of the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau, Alex Badeh, has accused the Nigeria Railway Corporation and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency of failing to remit the statutory percentages of their revenues to the bureau.
He stated that this constitutes a disregard for the bureau’s Establishment Act of 2022.
Badeh noted that this breach of the law has continued to adversely affect the bureau’s activities, thereby impeding its obligations to safeguard the lives of Nigerians.
He made these remarks at the re-opening of the bureau’s regional office in Lagos State on Friday after it was demolished to make way for development during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
Badeh said, “However, our journey is far from complete. We continue to face significant challenges in fulfilling our mandate, notably securing the necessary funding to support our operations.
“The non-compliance with the NSIB Establishment Act of 2022 by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and the Nigerian Railway Corporation in remitting the statutorily required percentages of their revenue to the NSIB has severely impacted our ability to conduct comprehensive multi-modal accident investigations.
“The NSIB Establishment Act of 2022 stipulates that NIMASA should remit 3% of the gross freight from international cargo, while the NRC is required to contribute 5% of ticket sales and cargo charges. This financial shortfall not only limits our operational capabilities but also hinders our growth and effectiveness in safeguarding Nigerians’ lives.”
The NSIB boss, however, appealed for the Federal Government’s financial support “to enable us to effectively fulfil our mandate, conduct thorough investigations, enhance safety standards, and contribute meaningfully to advancing transportation safety across Nigeria.
“We implore the Federal Government to further support the critical role the NSIB plays in ensuring the safety and security of our nation’s transportation networks. The value of human life and the importance of public safety cannot be overstated.”
Responding at the event, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, appreciated the DG’s work, recalling how the NSIB office was demolished “for no reason.”
He said, “A functional office owned by the NSIB was demolished for no reason. That was very sad, and the DG spoke with me when I got into office. We had no choice but to make this happen, and all the accolades should not come to me but to the DG of NSIB for his drive and passion for this agency, which has propelled it forward. This looks good; I thank you and all the other directors here present.”
On the issue of the non-remitted funds from the other agencies, Keyamo assured Badeh that “a lot has happened regarding making what you want to happen, and a lot is still going on behind the scenes. Very soon, you will begin to see some changes in attitude from the other agencies.”
Iwuanyanwu contributed over 60% to building Imo airport
The Vice-President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, South-East, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, has mourned the passing of the President-General of the body, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, describing him as a man who was truly committed to the Igbo cause.
Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at the age of 82, after a brief illness. Before his death, he was the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide and President of Owerri Peoples Assembly.
In a telephone interview on Friday, Okeke-Ogene described the death as a very big and colossal loss not only to the Ndigbo but to Nigeria in general.
He disclosed that the deceased contributed over 60 per cent to building the Imo airport, adding that he would be missed for his commitment to nation-building and philanthropic gestures.
According to him, Iwuanyanwu, as PG of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, stabilised the Ndigbo, adding that the Igbo have lost another great leader in the mood of the great Zik of Africa, late Nnamdi Azikiwe, Odumegwu Ojukwu and the likes.
He said, “It’s a very big and colossal loss to the Ndigbo. He was a man who came to bind the Ndigbo together. He ensured the unity of Igbo and Nigeria. He had the mission to unite all the tribes in the country together. It’s very unfortunate that he did not complete his mission to unite all the tribes in Nigeria.
“His leadership helped to stabilise the Igbo unions all over the world. They looked up to him, and every step he took was applauded. He worked hard to build bridges across every tribe in the country by reaching out to every tribe in the country. He was well-known across the country.
“So, he was a true Nigeria. We will surely miss his great leadership style, and it’s so sad because the late Iwuanyanwu was in the likes of prominent Igbo leaders such as Nnamdi Azikiwe, Odumegwu Ojukwu, and others.
“Igbo has lost another great leader, like Zik and Ojukwu. He was committed and dedicated to seeing how best the Ndigbo should be protected and accommodated in Nigeria.
“He was a detribalised Nigerian. If we start talking about what Iwuanyanwu stood for, we will not exhaust it. He was a very generous man. He contributed over 60 per cent to building the Imo airport. He built many structures for his people. He was a man of many parts.
“We want the Ndigbo to emulate his commitment, he was a man well committed to the service of the Ndigbo, he did that during the war, he fought gallantly and he came back to lead the Ndigbo to the promised land before his unfortunate death. He was a great leader that followed always found it easy to follow.”
Kwara: Gov Abdulrazaq urges citizens to work for peace, stability
Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq has called for peace and stability in the state as the planned August 1-10, 2024 nationwide protests loom.
AbdulRazaq said the people of the state are very peaceful and thoughtful and will avoid any action that may disrupt the peace of the state or cause the destruction of lives and businesses.
In a statement by his spokesman, Rafiu Ajakaye in Ilorin on Friday, the governor said, “I’m confident that the people of Kwara, whether old or young, understand that challenges of life are not to be tackled through actions that may cause further damage or have negative consequences for themselves, their families, our state, and our country.
“Kwarans learn from history. Together as a people, we faced the horror of the ENDSARS protest that some roughnecks used as a smokescreen to loot properties, and businesses, and attack innocent citizens. We had to deploy scarce resources to support many of the businesses that were ruined so that no further job losses would be recorded. The scars of ENDSARS remain with many families today.
“I understand that many of our citizens want faster actions to ease the economic situation. This is a valid concern to which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all of us in government continue to respond through multidimensional approaches.
“However, the worst we can do to ourselves at this time is to adopt any action that may worsen things, especially for businesses or public infrastructure put in place to serve all of us.
“To our young people, social media influencers, and opinion moulders, I urge you to help mobilise for national growth, peace, harmony, improved socioeconomic development, general well-being, and stability. Let us avoid any action that may end in collective regret, loss of lives, or destruction of our common patrimony.
“A protest of any kind, however well-intentioned, may trigger destructive actions. Let us not give in to whatever temptations to set our state or country on the path of instability.
“I commend the different stakeholders in the state, including community associations across the state, for mobilising for peace and stability. That is the way to go as our challenges will not disappear when we turn against one another. Our challenges are better discussed and steadily resolved in an atmosphere of peace and stability,” the statement added.
Kwara: Gov Abdulrazaq urges citizens to work for peace, stability
Anambra police parade 13 for kidnapping, others, recover explosives
The Anambra State Police Command has reported the recovery of no fewer than 20 improvised explosive devices, rifles, and other exhibits during several operations carried out across different parts of the state.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra, CP Nnaghe Itam, disclosed this to journalists in Awka during a press briefing on Friday, adding that the operations were conducted by police operatives and other allied agencies.
During the briefing, the CP also paraded 13 suspects, who he said were arrested in various parts of the state for offences including kidnapping, armed robbery, and cult-related crimes.
While parading the suspects, Itam revealed their names: Emeka Okolo (aged 29), from Ihiala, Anambra State; Uchenna John (aged 21), from Ebonyi State; and Victor Iniukpong (aged 31), from Akwa Ibom State. They were arrested while attempting to disconnect the tracker from a car belonging to a victim they had kidnapped on July 15 in Nimo community, Njikoka LGA of Anambra, where they also shot one person dead during the incident.
The CP also mentioned Nnatu Chiedozie (aged 43), from Enugu Ukwu, Anambra; Onyeka Okoye (aged 22), from Uruagu Mbaukwu in Anambra; and Ndubuisi Abate (aged 19), from Ayamelum, Anambra, as other suspects who were arrested for a kidnapping-related crime committed in Obosi on July 21.
Additionally, Emeka Okotor (aged 18), from Awka; Chidubem Ejiofor (aged 18), from Awka; Chigbo Nwankwo (aged 20), from Awka; and Chijioke Onyibor (aged 18), from Awka, were arrested for armed robbery and cultism-related crimes in Awka.
Also paraded were Chigbogu Favour (aged 33), from Ihiala, Anambra, and Mbanefo Udeze (aged 36), from Oraifite, Anambra, who had travelled to Anambra to kidnap their victims and took them to Asaba where they had their hideouts.
Other suspects paraded included Chigaemezu Okafor, popularly known as England (aged 26), from Mbano, Imo State, and Uchenna Nwaiwu (aged 20), from Ngor Okpala, also in Imo State, who have masterminded several kidnapping incidents in different parts of Anambra State.
Ugochukwu Francis (aged 36), who has been involved in a series of kidnapping and armed robbery cases in Anambra State with his syndicate, was also paraded.
Itam noted that arms and ammunition were recovered from the suspects. He also announced that police operatives and other security agencies had recovered about 20 improvised explosive devices from different parts of the state, where the gunmen had strategically positioned them for detonation.
He said, “The recovered bombs include: Attacking Mile IED (recovered from an ESN camp at Ugbenu, close to Isuaniocha in Awka North LGA); Attacking Mile IED (recovered from Aguluezechukwu ESN Camp); six Light-and-Spark IEDs (recovered from Ogbunka ESN Camp); nine Light-and-Spark IEDs (recovered from an ESN camp); and two Light-and-Spark IEDs (recovered from a vehicle abandoned by the ESN along the Ogbunka axis).”
“We reassure you that the Command will maintain the tempo of operations to restore peace throughout the state. I also want to use this opportunity to assure Ndi Anambra and all those engaged in legitimate businesses that we are prepared to sustain our efforts to restore peace across the state.
“On behalf of all law enforcement and security agencies in the state, I want to say that we understand the magnitude of the trust placed in us to protect life and property. Despite obvious systemic challenges, the officers and men of the command are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all well-meaning citizens, and I am confident that we are winning the fight against crime in the state.”
Regarding the recent spate of kidnappings around Dubai Estate in Awka, the Police Commissioner noted that the Command is investigating to ascertain the true situation.
He warned against the circulation and peddling of unverified security-related information in the media, which, he said, creates panic and could jeopardise police investigations.
He advised anyone with security-related information to contact the police for proper action and response.
Reacting to the proposed nationwide hunger protest, Itam said the Anambra State Police Command would not prevent people from protesting. However, any form of violence or violent protest that threatens the fragile peace in the state would not be tolerated.
He cautioned that some people might attempt to hijack the protest to perpetrate crimes or victimise others, including those not involved.
“I want to state clearly that the Police are mandated to regulate assemblies and protect peaceful protesters, including their routes and locations of interest. However, the Command will not tolerate any violence or any protest that threatens the fragile peace in the state,” Itam added.
The According reported that within two months of Itam assuming duties as Anambra Police Commissioner, he announced the arrest of no fewer than 200 other suspects involved in various crimes and the recovery of several guns and over 1,644 bullets.
Reinstate Ndume as Senate Chief Whip now – Borno APC leaders
Leaders of the Southern Borno Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, have demanded the immediate reinstatement of Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume to his position as Senate Chief Whip.
Spokesperson for the APC group, Baba Ahmed Mustapha, made this demand during a press conference on Friday in Abuja.
The APC leaders while expressing support for Ndume for speaking truth to power, said there was nothing wrong with his decision to point President Bola Tinubu to the hardships Nigerians were going through.
They urged the APC National Working Committee, NWC, and the Senate to reinstate Ndume as the Chief Whip of the Senate, stressing that Ndume has no plans to leave the party.
They also faulted a recent verbal attack by one Mr Daniel Bwala, on Ndume, describing him as an inconsistent fellow whose political antecedents are not so legendary.
“We appreciate and respect Daniel Bwala’s right to express his opinion on any issue as guaranteed by the Constitution just as the Senator when he knew that the observations made were within the bounds of the Constitution.
“As a learned lawyer, he knew that the provision of section 39 which guarantees the freedom of expression is applicable to all citizens. We make no excuses for the Senator. As a being, he has deficiencies. As a politician, he may not have lived up to people’s expectations. But we are proud that he has stood up to be counted when it matters most.
“He refused to behave like the ostrich, who, seeing the approaching storm, buried its head in the sand. His statement was made within the context of a call for a proactive action by the government rather than an instigation against it,” They said.
They wondered why Bwala who once accused President Tinubu of ruling with a stolen mandate could turn out to support what he had condemned.
Reinstate Ndume as Senate Chief Whip now – Borno APC leaders
CAC issues guidelines for banks recapitalisation, merger
The Corporate Affairs Commission has issued fresh guidelines to assist Deposit Money Banks in the ongoing recapitalisation.
The commission, in a statement signed by its management and posted on its Facebook account on Friday, said the new directive is pursuant to its powers under Section 8 (1) (e) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 3 of 2020, stressing immediate adherence to the policy.
It said the new guidelines were issued to guide proper filing for new incorporations, increase in share capitals, mergers and upgrade or downgrade of licence authorisation.
For new incorporations, the CAC stated that intending applicants must submit necessary requirements including, “An approved name reservation or availability, approval-in-principle from sector regulator, duly completed on-line incorporation form and payment of stamp duty and filing fees for the category of license authorisation.”
It added that a certificate of incorporation shall be issued within 24 hours for applications that satisfy all requirements for incorporation of companies prescribed in the, “Commission’s operations checklists available at www.cac.gov.ng/resources.”
Also, banking institutions seeking to increase their share capital through private placements, rights issues and/or offers for subscription must submit a duly signed company resolution, return of allotment and other statutory declaration by directors verifying that the issued share capital is fully paid- up
Other requirements include, “Notice of the fact that regulatory approval is required, an affidavit deposed to by a director of the company to the effect that regulatory approval is required for the increase, an amended memorandum of association reflecting the new share capital.
“Payment of stamp duties and filing fees, Issuance of a letter acknowledging notice of increase and requirement of regulatory approval, filing of regulatory approval and the issuance of a certificate of increase.”
Under this category, the commission warned that the notice of the fact that regulatory approval is required must be filed in accordance with the provisions of Section 127 (3), (4) & (5) of CAMA.
“Annual returns and information on persons with significant control must be filed up-to-date and certificate of increase shall be issued within 24 hours of filing of regulatory approval,” it said.
Similarly, small and medium banking institutions seeking to merge must submit duly signed special resolution for merger by each of the merging companies.
Other requirements are “the scheme of merger duly approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
“A certified true copy of court order authorising Extraordinary General Meeting of each of the merging companies. Evidence of publication of court ordered meeting in two newspapers and the Federal Gazette and a CTC of Court order sanctioning the Scheme of Merger.
“All enquiries and complaints on these guidelines and applications submitted in pursuance of the recapitalisation exercise should be addressed to [email protected] or call +234 816 920 9551,” the statement added.
Recall that the Central Bank of Nigeria in March 2024 directed all banks to increase their capital base for improved productivity.
The apex bank had directed commercial banks with international authorisation to increase their capital base to N500bn and national banks to N200bn.
It also said commercial banks with national licences must meet a N200bn threshold, while those with regional authorisation are expected to achieve a N50bn capital floor.
This process has commenced fully with banks issuing public offers and rights issues to meet the two year target.
Lagos suspends e-call-up system on Lekki-Epe corridor
The Lagos State Government has suspended plans for the commencement of its e-call-up system on the Lekki-Epe corridor until further notice.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, in a statement on Friday, said the decision is coming after further consideration of stakeholders’ request to extend the timeliness in order to give adequate room for full compliance.
“As a result of this, the Lagos State Government has postponed the commencement of the E-Call Up system on the Lekki-Epe corridor,” Osiyemi said.
He, therefore, urged all stakeholders to seize the opportunity to ramp up full preparation in readiness for the successful take-off of the technology-driven solution of truck movement on the Lekki-Epe corridor.
Recall that the state government had planned to commence the e-call system operation on the Lekki-Epe axis to tackle the chaotic traffic gridlock being caused by truckers.
According to the state government, the e-call up system is an innovative digital platform designed to manage and coordinate the movement of trucks within the Lekki-Epe Free Trade Zone corridor.
It is hoped that the system will help to prevent traffic congestion and improve the efficiency of logistics operations in the area.
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We need N60bn to provide furniture for 4.5m primary schools pupils – Kano govt
The Kano Government says it needs over N60 billion to provide furniture for 4.5 million primary and secondary school pupils who learn sitting on the bare floor in the state.
The state Commissioner of Education Umar Haruna revealed this while speaking to newsmen, Thursday in his office, emphasizing that over 80 percent of schools were left to decay by the former administration.
Umar who lamented the decay in the education sector in Kano blamed the situation on the immediate past Governor Abdullahi Ganduje said hundreds of boarding schools are now occupied by reptiles and Rabbits.
“The former Governor Ganduje destroyed a very good system he inherited from his predecessor Rabiu Kwankwaso by closing down some schools which has contributed to killing the structures.”
He explained that Kano has ten thousand schools with seven million students adding that out of that number, 4.5 million students receive lessons sitting on the ground.
Haruna commended the initiatives of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for declaring a state of Emergency on Education and improving its budget.
He expressed the readiness of the state government to revive the sector and make Kano a citadel of learning.
The Kano Education Commissioner added that plans are on by the state government to implement the Education policy beginning with Government College Kano through the provisions of instructional materials and renovation of dilapidated infrastructure.
We need N60bn to provide furniture for 4.5m primary schools pupils – Kano govt