Home Blog Page 812

DSS warns against nationwide protest

admin
-
0
DSS warns against nationwide protest

The Department of State Services has warned the organisers of the planned nationwide protests against proceeding with them.

The service said it uncovered a plan by some criminal elements to hijack the protest and cause unrest in the country.

The military and police have also warned against the protest scheduled to be held from August 1 to 10 in response to the economic hardship experienced in the country.

The DSS, in a statement on Thursday by its spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, described the motive behind the protest as political.

Afunanya added that the plotters of the protest intended to use the violent outcome of the protest to smear the federal and sub-national governments.

He said, “The DSS has followed the discourse on planned protests in parts of the country in the coming weeks by persons and groups yet to identify themselves in public as leaders of the plot.

“While peaceful protest is a democratic right of citizens, the Service has confirmed a sinister plan by some elements to infiltrate the protest and use it to cause chaos and extreme violence in the land. It has also identified the reason behind the protest as political.

“The plotters desire to use the intended violent outcome to smear the federal and sub-national governments, make them unpopular, and pit them against the masses. The long-term objective is to achieve regime change, especially at the Centre.

“The Service has also identified, among others, the funding lines, sponsors, and collaborators of the plot. However, it does not think that aggression should be the first line of action in handling the emerging scenario.

“It has instead, variously applied non-kinetic and conflict resolution strategies, including moral suasion, stakeholder engagement, and other multi-track diplomatic shuttles, to dissuade the planners from actualising their undesirable objective.”

Afunanya warned the protesters to eschew any form of anarchy among others in the interest of peace.

He said, “Based on the foregoing, the Service wishes to warn all the protest groups to eschew any form of proposed rage, anarchy, and spoliation. While the different levels of Government have routinely explained their agenda to ameliorate alleged harsh economic conditions, the Service urges the prospective protesters to listen to the voice of reason and good conscience and patiently engage with the authorities in the interest of peace.

“This has become important given that violence begets the destruction of lives and property as well as serves as a distraction to governance. The agitators are encouraged to use ample ways available to them to channel their grievances without resorting to violence.”

He also called on all citizens to turn down the invitation to participate in any form of violence.

Afunanya said, “The Service calls on people of goodwill, leaders of thought, captains of industry, labour unions, student associations, youth leaders, civil society, clergy, NGOs, women’s groups, civil servants, and politicians to shun any invitation to participate in any orchestrated violence, deliberately designed to cause disaffection in the country.

“Similarly, parents, guardians, and heads of traditional and academic institutions are urged to advise their children, wards, subjects, and students not to take part in the planned protest. Let us all join hands to build a nation without rancour, bitterness, or stained banners.

“The Service will work with other sister security and law enforcement agencies to maintain peace. It will, where necessary, apply all legitimate methods to achieve this.”

INEC has capacity to conduct LG elections – Mahmoud Yakubu

admin
-
0
INEC has capacity to conduct LG elections – Mahmoud Yakubu

Following the Supreme Court’s verdict on financial autonomy for local government councils in the country, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof Mahmoud Yakubu, on Thursday declared that the electoral body has the capacity to conduct elections for the third tier of government if provided with necessary resources.
Yakubu, who spoke when he appeared before the National Assembly Joint Committee on INEC and Electoral Committees in Abuja, maintained that the electoral umpire, under his leadership, has the capacity, competence, human resources and adequate experience to conduct local government elections across the 774 councils of the country.
He justified his position with the successes already recorded by the commission in the six Federal Capital Territory Area Councils, including frequent off-season and bye-elections conducted by the INEC.
The Chairman said the fact that the commission had been conducting elections at the federal and state levels over the years successfully was an indication that it has all it takes to conduct council polls.
He said: “So if this responsibility for the conduct of local government elections is transferred to INEC, can INEC cope? The answer is yes, INEC can cope. What are we? By definition, INEC is the Independent National Electoral Commission.
“Right now, we do national elections, we do state elections, we do local government elections.
“A national electoral commission may be expected to implement only the presidential and National Assembly. We also do governorship elections, we do state assembly elections, and we do area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory.
“Our track report actually proves that we can do it. Take the case of the Federal Capital Territory. I would like to say one or two things about the FTC local government elections.
“There are six area councils of the FCT. So there are six chairmen of area councils, and there are 62 wards in the FCT. Each ward has a councillor for the election of councils.
“This is one part of the country where INEC has conducted local government elections and it has resulted in the following.
“First, it is perhaps the only part of the country where local government elections are held regularly.
“Second, there has never been a caretaker committee for any Area Council in the FCT. INEC has been conducting the elections regularly.
“Thirdly, there is stability of tenure or security of tenure. It used to be three years, but in 2022, the National Assembly amended the Electoral Act to provide for a four-year tenure for area councils in the FCT. So, they enjoy the security of tenure.
“No single political party has ever won elections in all the constituencies in the FCT, not one.
“In fact, what is interesting now is that out of the six chairmen of the FCT, actually the council and the constituencies are evenly split between the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party which won three councils each.”
Yakubu also noted that FCT councils are made up of urban and rural communities, an indication that it has adequate experience to do so in any part of the country.
“So, in terms of capacity to do it, we can do it, we have been doing it in the Federal Capital Territory.
“However, if the decision of the National Assembly is to amend the constitution. I need to put that responsibility back to you (that) we need an engagement with the National Assembly.
“There are certain special amendments that are to be done for us to be able to handle those additional responsibilities.
“For instance, will the Federal Government continue to fund the elections for the states and the local government will fund this?
“The second proposition we have had is that there should be a new federal electoral commission for local government elections.
“Sadly, there is another argument that does not want the state electoral commissions to conduct local government elections in the spirit of federalism, but they should find a way of ensuring that they improve on the conduct.
“Right now, the law has not been amended. The same constitution that creates INEC also creates the State Independent Electoral Commissions.
“So, it is up to the National Assembly to amend the law to transfer that responsibility to INEC. If that is done, the question is can INEC cope? Yes, we can.
“We have said that we should not be unbundled beyond the conduct of electoral activities rather than elections. There are two activities we handle. That is what is called electoral activities, not necessarily related to elections.
“We believe that some of these responsibilities can be handled by other agencies. And this point has been made consistently since 2008 by committees established to reform our electoral processes beginning with the Justice Mohammed Uwais Commission in 2008, that some responsibilities should be removed from the Independent National Electoral Commission.”
The chairman, while assuring the joint panel that INEC had made adequate arrangements to conduct the two off-cycle elections in Edo and Ondo States, also said the commission had prepared budgets for the outstanding by-elections in about seven federal and state legislative constituencies.
Yakubu also explained to the federal lawmakers that the agency’s 2024 budget is currently being adequately funded by the Ministry of Finance.
In terms of the performance of the N40 billion appropriated for the commission in the 2024 budget, he said the Ministry of Finance broke the INEC budget into 12 tranches.
“Every month they give us one-twelfth of the budget for the year. And for the last seven months, since the beginning of this year, the Ministry of Finance has been releasing the sum of N23.3 billion to the Commission, which is one-twelfth of the 40 billion as of yesterday (July 24)
“The monthly releases to the Commission, this year, is now N23.3 billion out of 40 billion. That is 58.3%. What is outstanding is N16.6 billion amounted to 41.67% not released,” he stressed.
INEC has capacity to conduct LG elections – Mahmoud Yakubu

873 complete NYSC in Gombe, three abscond 

admin
-
0
873 complete NYSC in Gombe, three abscond 

A total of 873 Batch B stream II Corps members in Gombe State completed their one-year mandatory national youth service, while three absconded, and one received an extension of service.

The state coordinator, Chinwe Nwachuku disclosed this on Thursday at a low-key passing-out ceremony at the Gombe Zonal Office.

He said, “A total number of 873 deserving Corps Members were issued with certificates out of the 877 expected to have completed the national service but four fell short of the Byelaws hence, three abscondment cases for re-mobilisation and one extension of service were recorded.”

Nwachuku lauded the 873 corps members for their selfless service to their host communities, the state and the nation at large, urging them on self-discipline in their future endeavours.

She introduced a reward system to recognise outstanding Community Development Service leaders who have worked tirelessly to achieve the desired CDS goal hence, letters of commendation and cash awards were issued to the pioneer winners; Dr Inuwa Bazallahi Hassan GM/23B/1571 of Medical / Health Aids CDS group and Asiya Abdullahi Muhammad GM/23B/2624

Also, sample presentations of Certificates of National Service were presented to a few deserving Corps members at the occasion as well as commendation letters to Corps Liaison Officers of the LGAs for dedication to duty.

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]

August 1: Tinubu moves to avert nationwide protest, engages traditional rulers in Aso Rock

admin
-
0
August 1: Tinubu moves to avert nationwide protest, engages traditional rulers in Aso Rock

Moves to avert a planned protest over economic hardship being faced by citizens may have prompted a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and traditional rulers from across the country at the State House, Abuja.
The meeting is being held after the President’s meeting with the Progressive Governors’ Forum, PGF, also in the villa.
The monarchs, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III and the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, arrived at the Forecourt of the State House in a single bus which conveyed them for the meeting in the Presidential Villa.
No details could be confirmed before the commencement of the closed-door session, but multiple sources say that the meeting is in connection with the desperate moves by the administration to appease those planning to protest over the prevailing untoward situation in the country.
Recall that ahead of the August 1 hunger protests in Nigeria, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) had initiated consultations and instructed its 104 affiliated youth organisations to remain on standby.
NYCN in a statement said “We recognise the challenges faced by our country and the need for urgent action to address these issues. As we prepare to address the nation, we call on all stakeholders to support our efforts and to work together towards a better Nigeria.”
This is just as a group representing the Rebuild Arewa Initiative for Development (RAID) has warned against plans to stage a protest against President Bola Tinubu, urging those involved to refrain from taking actions that could destabilise the country.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, also joined President Tinubu at the meeting ostensibly to stem the planned protest.
Also seen among those called for the meeting were the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, and the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State.
More details later…
August 1: Tinubu moves to avert nationwide protest, engages traditional rulers in Aso Rock

Edo asks court to suspend judgment reinstating Shaibu

admin
-
0
Edo asks court to suspend judgment reinstating Shaibu

The Edo State Government and the state assembly have filed two separate applications before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja to suspend a judgement reinstating Philip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of the state, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

The two applicants, in separate motions, challenged Shaibu’s reinstatement on the grounds of the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the suit.

While the Edo State Attorney General, on behalf of the state government, filed its motion on notice through its counsel Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), the House of Assembly filed theirs through their lawyer Ken Mozia (SAN).

Recall that Shaibu was impeached on April 8, 2024, following the adoption of the report of a seven-member investigative panel set up by the Chief Judge of Edo State, Daniel Okungbowa, which was headed by S. A. Omonuwa, a retired justice.

The reinstated deputy governor was impeached on the grounds of misconduct, perjury, and disclosure of government secrets. He, however, challenged his impeachment in a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/478/2024.

On July 7, 2024, while delivering judgement in the suit, Justice Omotosho voided his impeachment and ordered his reinstatement to office because the House of Assembly failed to comply with due process in the impeachment.

Justice Omotosho also declared that the allegation on which the assembly based the impeachment proceedings was untenable in law and did not constitute gross misconduct.

At Thursday’s sitting, Justice Omotosho adjourned the hearing on the motion on notice till September 24.

The applicants, in their grounds of argument, said that given their dissatisfaction with the judgement that reinstated Shaibu as deputy governor, they filed an appeal against it via a notice of appeal dated July 18 and filed the same day.
“The said notice of appeal raises serious and arguable grounds.”

In the motion dated and filed on July 18, the AG sought two orders: “An order staying the execution of the judgement in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/478/2024 between RT. HON. COMRADE PHILIP SHAIBU v. INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE AND 5 ORS delivered on the 17th day of July 2024, pending the determination of the appeal filed against the said judgement.”

He also sought an order of injunction restraining the respondents from giving effect to the July 17 judgement pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.

“It raises the issue of the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court to entertain the subject matter of this suit,” they said.
They argued that their right of appeal would be stifled if the application was not granted.

The applicants said the smooth operation of the machinery of the state government would be impeded if Shaibu “is allowed to take over as the Deputy Governor of Edo State, having regard to his recent open declaration of support for the rival political party (The All Progressives Congress).”

“Monetary damages would be an adequate compensation to the 1st respondent (Shaibu) should it turn out that this application ought not to have been granted,” they argued, among other grounds.

Also in the motion dated and filed on July 18 by Mozia, the Edo lawmakers sought an order suspending the judgement and restraining Shaibu from parading himself or attending any official function as deputy governor pending the hearing and determination of their appeal.

Yoruba youths condemn planned protest, seek dialogue

admin
-
0
Yoruba youths condemn planned protest, seek dialogue

The Coalition of Yoruba Youth leaders on Thursday called on organisers of the planned nationwide protest in August to shelve the idea and remain calm.

President-General of the coalition, Dr Tolani Hassan, said in a statement in Lagos that the apex umbrella body for all Yoruba youth associations and organisations had dissociated itself from the protest.

Hassan, who is also the National President, Yoruba Youths Association Worldwide , however, said that the coalition recognised the plight of Nigerians.

“The economy is unfriendly, the cost of living is outrageous and out of the reach of the common man.

“It is also true that the inflation rate is in the double digit and the unemployment rate in Nigeria is alarming.

“So many graduates are out there with no means of survival. The Federal Government has not employed people in the last couple of years.

“However, the leadership of Yoruba youth leaders do not want a repeat of the ENDSARS saga, hence, our call for protest cancellation and calm,” he said.

The president-general urged the organisers to rather employ other measures to make the government across levels understand the economic hardship in the land.

“There should be a more refined manner of getting our leaders to hear our plights other than protest.

“There are agitations and insecurity in every part of the country, any attempt to have a protest now may cause mayhem, which is not the solution to our pressing challenges.

“The apex body of the entire youths in Yoruba land expressly dissociates itself from the planned protest.

“We will defend the entire South-West against any form of destruction by disgruntled elements, who may want to cause havoc in the region, particularly, Lagos state,” Hassan said.

Similarly, Hassan stated that the need to embrace unity, pointing out that dialogue is the best way while consultation is a better approach.

He, however, pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to listen to the youth -“his children”, who were agitated.

“We love you Sir, Mr President, but we are hungry and unemployed,” the president-general said.

The youth leader advised Tinubu to directly interface with all the youth leaders in the various geo-political zones, saying the use of intermediaries would not bring results.

He called for a National Youth Summit, where all the various youth leaders would discuss with Mr President and address all the prevailing issues.

Stressing the coalition’s continued support for the President, Hassan urged the Federal Government to review both the monetary and fiscal policies, in the interest of the Nigerian masses.

He called for concerted effort by both the public and organised private sector to engage in massive employment generation and reduction of job losses.

“The economy should be friendly to both local and foreign investors. The power sector should be completely overhauled. This is the hub of the economy,” Hassan said.

He called for the review of educational curriculum from primary to tertiary level and inculcation of practical skills, including agriculture, to make Nigerian youths self-reliant.

The youth leader, who appreciated the inclusion of youths in the Federal cabinet, demanded for more, and urged the Federal Government to regularly engage the youth leadership of the various geo-political zones.

“35 per cent slots should be given to youths in the federal cabinet and federal boards appointment,” he said.

There have been reports that some Nigerians, under various bodies, are planning a nationwide protest from Aug.1 to Aug.10, over the rising cost of living and economic hardships.

(NAN)

Sign HIV Anti-stigma bill into law – INGRA begs Gov Ododo

admin
-
0
Sign HIV Anti-stigma bill into law – INGRA begs Gov Ododo

The Initiative for Grassroot Advancement INGRA in Nigeria has appealed to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to sign into law an HIV Anti-stigma bill which was recently passed by the Kogi State House of Assembly.
The Executive Director of INGRA, Hamza Aliyu made the appeal on Thursday in Lokoja at a media round table on advancing the HIV Anti-stigma bill and addressing issues around HIV stigma reduction.
TVN recalls that the Kogi State House of Assembly on 19th June 2024 passed into law the bill to provide for the prevention of HIV and AIDs based discrimination and protection of the rights and dignity of people living and affected by HIV and AIDs.
Aliyu explained that the purpose of this proposed law is to protect the rights and dignity of people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS; and eliminate all forms of discrimination based on their health status.
Aliyu asked Governor Ododo to sign the bill into law to create a supportive environment for people living with HIV and AIDS to work under normal conditions for as long as they are medically fit to do so.
“When signed into law, it will promote appropriate and effective ways of managing HIV in the workplace, community, institutions and other fields of human endeavour. Create a safe and enabling working and learning environment for all people living with and affected by the disease HIV and AIDS.
“It will also create a balance between the rights and responsibilities of all persons in the society; and give effect to human rights guaranteed in Chapter 4 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, and obligations under international and regional human rights and other instruments”.
He opined that the rationale behind the proposed law is a lack of understanding about the virus and how it spreads, which results in discrimination against those infected with HIV and AIDS.
Continuing he said, “Other rationales behind the proposed law is “Lack of information and awareness, combined with outdated beliefs, lead people to fear getting HIV, and the thought that only certain groups of people get the dreaded disease thereby attaching negative value judgements about the people who are accordingly infected and affected.
“The disease itself has challenged the sense of well-being, complicated the existence, in most cases, with mental health conditions, as well as affected the nervous system of those living with and affected by it. People living with HIV are discriminated against, their rights denied and, regrettably, this has also contributed to an increase in suicide and poor treatment outcome”.
Sign HIV Anti-stigma bill into law – INGRA begs Gov Ododo

Senate vows to expose economic saboteurs in petroleum sector

admin
-
0
Senate vows to expose economic saboteurs in petroleum sector

The Senate has pledged to expose and bring to book individuals and entities responsible for economic sabotage in the petroleum sector, including those behind the importation of toxic fuel into Nigeria.
The Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Economic Sabotage in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry made this assertion at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday.
Chairman of the Committee, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, emphasized the gravity of the task, citing threats to economic prosperity, fiscal stability, and public health.
He said the committee was determined to unravel the roots of sabotage and make recommendations to promote global best practices, attract investments, and protect national interests.
He said, “We are taking this task seriously with a view to addressing fundamental issues that pose grave threats to our economic prosperity, fiscal stability, and public health as a federation.
READ ALSO:Senate, Women’s Group push for inclusion of domestic servants in National Minimum Wage
“In line with our mandate, we will definitely unravel the roots of economic sabotage in Nigeria’s petroleum industry and make necessary recommendations that will entrench global best practices in the industry and open it up for more investments, especially in the midstream and downstream sectors.
“We are utterly committed to this mandate. We shall also carry out this national assignment without fear or favour.”
Bamidele assured that the committee would conduct its investigation without fear or favor, ensuring fairness and justice for all parties involved.
He added, “We shall be fair and just to all parties with a view to promoting and protecting the strategic national interests of our fatherland.”
This move signals a significant step towards addressing the longstanding challenges plaguing Nigeria’s petroleum industry and holding accountable those responsible for the toxic fuel scandal.
The post Senate vows to expose economic saboteurs in petroleum sector appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Edo Guber: I have forgiven Obaseki – Shaibu

admin
-
0
Edo Guber: I have forgiven Obaseki – Shaibu

The court-reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, says he has forgiven Governor Godwin Obaseki for marginalizing him despite his sacrifices and loyalty.
Shaibu made this announcement while speaking with newsmen after meeting with the national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, at the party headquarters in Abuja.
He said as human beings everyone has different ways he or she behaves, stressing that only God is perfect.
The Deputy governor said he had to forgive his principal because God handed down a commandment of loving one’s neighbour as himself, stating that there would be peace in the world in adherence to that commandment.
“From my own end, I gave everything. I gave all to have him succeed because, for me, it is about the state and the state in everything. So, I gave up all my earnings. Even to my official earnings. I forfeited lots of my official entitlements. Why? Because I didn’t want any trouble or disagreement. And the easiest way you can have disagreements could be money. Even my official entitlement, most of them I didn’t apply for.
“As small as 28 days, that is the first earning that you earn whether as a civil servant or in government, the first and second terms I didn’t have it. That is, anything that has to do with going to meet the governor, to apply for anything even personal entitlements or official entitlements, I didn’t. I confined myself to the official salary that came to me.”
The Deputy Governor, who returned to APC last Saturday, also faulted the state government for asking him to return the 22 official vehicles in his care.
According to him, all but one Jeep the governor bought for him in the third year of their administration belongs to him.
He reiterated the need to strengthen internal party democracy to stabilize the country’s fledgling democracy and identified the lack of internal party democracy as the major cause of leadership crisis among politicians who always want their interests to override the wishes of the majority.
On the forthcoming Edo State governorship election, Shuaibu said the contest is for the APC candidate to win.
Edo Guber: I have forgiven Obaseki – Shaibu

Northern youths knock Reps over call for NMPDRA boss’ suspension

admin
-
0
Northern youths knock Reps over call for NMPDRA boss’ suspension

Northern youths under the aegis of Northern Youths Frontiers on Thursday condemned the call for the suspension of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority, Farouk Ahmed by the House of Representatives.

The According had earlier reported that the House of Representatives called on the Federal Government to suspend the NMDPRA boss pending the conclusion of the investigations of allegations against him.

The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the member representing Esosa Federal Constituency, Edo State, Esosa Iyawe, during Tuesday’s plenary on the need to address issues arising from Farouk’s utterances about the nation’s local refineries.

The lawmaker reminded his colleagues that claims of adulterated fuel in the Nigerian market must be thoroughly investigated, stating that fuel quality can impact engine hardware.

In a statement by its North-west coordinator, Abdul Usman, the group expressed shock at the call by the legislative arm of government.

“We are appalled by the House of Representatives’ resolution to sack the Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority, Farouk Ahmed, over alleged ‘unguarded comments’ on local refineries.

“This move reeks of desperation and blatant bias,” Usman said.

Speaking further, the group asked, “the House of Representatives to retract its resolution and uphold fairness and protection for whistleblowers and industry regulators who dare to speak truth to power.”

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]

1...811812813...2,830Page 812 of 2,830
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv