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Police warn against protest in Borno, say state under emergency

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Police warn against protest in Borno, say state under emergency

The Borno State Police Command, on Thursday, warned residents against taking part in the planned nationwide protest.

The command stated that the state of emergency on insecurity still in force in Borno automatically bans protests or any form of mass action.

This was contained in a press statement signed by Nahum Daso, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, issued on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Yusufu Mohammed.

The police stated that it is aware that some “disgruntled unpatriotic individuals” are mobilising youths for a mass protest tagged #EndbadgovernmentinNigeria2024 through social media platforms and other publications.

“The police, as a civil and responsive institution, is not unaware of the fundamental human rights to peaceful procession by any group, but experience has shown that protests are often hijacked by mischievous and disgruntled individuals with ulterior motives.

“The general public should note that Borno State is still under a state of emergency, and therefore, the ban on any form of public procession in the state still subsists.

“The command is in active collaboration with other security agencies to nip in the bud any act of lawlessness,” the statement read.

While warning organisers and their sponsors to shelve their protest, the statement noted that efforts were ongoing to protect lives and property, adding that “unpatriotic and clandestine plans aimed at disrupting the relative peace enjoyed by the good people of the state, and any attempt to damage critical government and public infrastructure will be considered an act of terrorism.”

The CP equally appealed to parents and guardians to warn their wards not to be used by any group or individuals to disrupt the sustainable peace in the state, stating that “members of the public are advised to remain law-abiding and report any suspicious activities within their domain.”

The scheduled nationwide protest is expected to start on 1 August 2024.

The Federal Government, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the military have warned against the protest.

Oyo plans fresh selection process for Alaafin

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Oyo plans fresh selection process for Alaafin

A fresh process in the selection of the new Alaafin of Oyo has commenced, The According exclusively learnt on Wednesday.

There has been a crisis over the selection of the new paramount ruler after the demise of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi on April 22, 2022.

The According reports that there has been a legal battle over the selection of the new monarch among the kingmakers of the ancient town.

Kingmakers in Oyo town, otherwise known as the Oyomesi in Council, had in a suit marked HOY/38/2023 before the Oyo State High Court, ought to restrain Governor Seyi Makinde from rejecting  Prince Lukuman Gbadegesin, whom they said they unanimously selected at a September 30, 2023 meeting.

The suit has led to a stand-off between the kingmakers and the governor.

Investigations by our correspondent revealed that the state government had ordered a fresh selection process to ensure that the right person emerged as the new monarch.

Unconfirmed reports also added that the government wanted to announce the next Alaafin, shortly after some Oyo Mesi (kingmakers) visited Governor Seyi Makinde a few days ago.

When contacted, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ademola Ojo, “The governor is not around. He has travelled and nobody can announce the new Alaafin. The fresh selection process will begin soon.”

An informed government source, who did not want her name in print, said, “Fresh selection process will begin soon. What the governor is trying to do is to ensure a right person emerges.”

Another impeccable source said, “We are doing everything possible to ensure that there is no crisis about the selection of the next Alaafin. I want to tell you that the government will announce the next Alaafin very soon. But it will take a due process.”

When contacted, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, simply said, “I’m not aware of it.”

Manufacturers seek improved waiver from NPA to use Calabar ports

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Manufacturers seek improved waiver from NPA to use Calabar ports

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has appealed to the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority for more waivers to utilise the Calabar ports.

They made the call on Wednesday when the leadership of the association paid a familiarisation visit to their facility as a way of fostering closer collaboration in Calabar.

The acting Chairman of the Cross River and Akwa Ibom States branch of MAN, Usen Umoh, said there are many manufacturers in both states eager to utilise the services at the Calabar port.

He noted that, since it has become very functional, manufacturers no longer need to undertake stressful journeys to Onne Port in Rivers State and Badagry Port in Lagos State to export or receive their goods, especially given the poor road infrastructure.

He said, “We are very happy to note that the Calabar Port, which is nearby, has since become functional and active.

There has been an increasing number of our members who have realised this and are patronising the port. We appeal to the management of Calabar Port to grant our members more waivers on our export-bound goods.

“We also want to take full advantage of the 180-day window granted to local manufacturers to export their goods and also import through the Calabar Port instead of Lagos or Onne ports,” Umoh disclosed.

The Calabar port legal officer, Barrister Ekanem Bassey, who represented the Port Manager, Olumati Festus, at the interface, welcomed the MAN delegation.

She confirmed that Calabar Port has become active and very functional, adding that the ocean-going vessels conveying bulk cargo, dry and wet, and general cargoes arriving at Calabar Port are significant.

Bassey also added that 16 to 18 mega ships of up to 190 LOA capacity now berth at the port every month.
“But regretfully, many manufacturers still prefer, in ignorance, to pass through so much stress to move their goods through either Onne or Lagos ports.

“We give lots of concessions and waivers to exporters and importers at the port as a way of discouraging them from incurring huge expenses and stress at other distant ports,” she said.

She further disclosed that they are automated and have three terminals, adding that the issue of dredging has been sorted out.

Also speaking, the Traffic Manager, Albert Alaleye, disclosed that they have held meetings with firms that do imports and exports in both states to sensitise them about the functionality of the port.

Alaleye disclosed that the Calabar Port serves the Adamawa/Taraba/Borno axis, confirming that vessels from the port also service neighbouring countries like Cameroon, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea.

He added that they, however, prefer flat-bottom vessels because of the tide, adding that they have equipment that can handle all manner of cargoes

Ondo youths demand sanctions for monarchs harbouring criminals

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Ondo youths demand sanctions for monarchs harbouring criminals

Youths in Ondo State, under the aegis of Indigenous Youth Leaders, have called on the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to sanction any traditional ruler across the state who harbours criminals in their communities.

The group also expressed its readiness to support the state security network agency, also known as Amotekun, in the fight against criminals across the 18 local government areas of the state.

This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of its meeting in Akure the state capital on Wednesday.

The communiqué was signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Youth Empowerment and Job Creation.

According to the communique, the indigenous youth leaders resolved to support the government to combat the crimes of drug abuse, prostitution, cultism, rape, terrorism and all other forms of social vices which are threats to the development of the state.

The youths further identified roles that must be played by traditional institutions and why they must provide support within their respective communities to curb the crimes.

They demanded that the government, register all immigrants to Ondo State and “no motorcycle rider should be allowed to wear unrevealing mask but use transparent helmets to avoid concealing of identity which is a new trend for many offenders.”

“Any traditional leaders caught providing tacit support to invaders be rejected by the youths of their respective community and extreme punitive measure should government intervention with such traditional rulers. ”

The youths also urged the government to “empower our traditional institutions to be able to work hand in hand with the youths of their community to safeguard their domains”

The communiqué read, “Any brothel involved in child/underaged prostitution or child trafficking be shut down and made to face the full wrath of the law. Sellers of illicit drugs must be apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law.

“The youths unequivocally reject the growing menace of drugs, giving the drug cartels and lords two options: Either desist from the business or leave Ondo State,” the statement read.

The group also called for redeployment of security personnel who have spent more than five to ten years above in the state.

Group seeks inclusion of traditional, religious leaders in peace building structures

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Group seeks inclusion of traditional, religious leaders in peace building structures

The Conflict Research Network, West Africa (CORN), has advised governments at all levels to incorporate traditional and religious leaders in peace building structures across the country.
CORN Director, Dr Tarila Marclint Ebiede made the call in a statement made available to TVN on Thursday through the Director of Communications of the organisation, Professor Oludayo Tade.
Ebiede, in the statement, maintained that traditional and religious institutions play significant roles in fostering community cohesion.
Ebiede also urged President Bola Tinubu to initiate a national peace policy that integrates federal, state and local peace building institutions.
He added that this will help to ensure that all government policies are conflict sensitive and do not contribute to conflict.
He also used the opportunity to appeal to the federal government to empower national peace building institutions such as Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, National Boundaries Commission, National Orientation Agency and other relevant institutions to work with state and local actors to build peace in Nigeria’s conflict zones.
“The levers of peace study were conducted in the six geopolitical zones and extracted data from 220 interviews and 44 focus group discussions with peace builders at the state and local government levels in Nigeria. The research on levers of Peace in Nigeria showed that sustainability of peace requires resources.
“There is inadequate resources to sustain the peace building efforts in Nigeria at the moment. The capabilities of states and communities should be strengthened, with specific focus on their abilities to effectively and proactively respond to early warning signs.
“Closer relations between and among contiguous states should be bolstered in ways that enable them to collaboratively identify and respond to common security challenges.
“Traditional and religious institutions play significant roles in fostering community cohesion and should be incorporated into the peace building structures,” he added.
Group seeks inclusion of traditional, religious leaders in peace building structures

Oro festival, like other religious activities, Lagos not involved, says govt

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Oro festival, like other religious activities, Lagos not involved, says govt

The Lagos State Government has distanced itself from the rumoured upcoming Oro festival scheduled for August 1 to 15, coinciding with the #EndBadGovernance protest.

The government likened it to other religious activities held across the country.

Speaking in a telephone conversation with According Online, Gboyega Akosile, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the state’s Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said no one questions the government when other religions hold their activities.

He noted that the same respect should be maintained for traditional worshippers because they have the right to worship according to the constitution and can go about their lawful exercises.

“Oro festival is like Muslim and Christian activities and has no business with Lagos State government interference. We don’t have a hand in how any religious group goes about their lawful activities.

“The protesters have their rights just like the traditional worshippers who want to perform their activities too. What is our business in that?” he queried.

Details later…

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Using Oro festival to stop protest, huge joke – Sowore, Yesufu, others

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Using Oro festival to stop protest, huge joke – Sowore, Yesufu, others

Some rights activists under the auspices of the ‘De Renaissance Patriots Foundation’, including Omoyele Sowore and Aisha Yesufu, have faulted the use of the Oro festival to stop the planned national protest slated for August 1.
The rights activists described the move as a huge joke, insisting that the protest would go on as planned.
The Oro festival has been trending on X after a pro-Lagos social media page announced that the festival would take place during the planned nationwide protests from August 1 to 15, 2024.
The X post read, “Attention residents and visitors of Lagos. Please be informed that the Oro festival will be observed in various communities across Lagos from the 1st of August to August 15. This traditional Yoruba cultural event involves significant rituals.”
Reacting to the post, the De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, through its Media Office, said, “This government is bastardizing our cultures and traditions. What business does the state government have with ‘Oro’ and for what purpose? Let’s assume that the protesters defy this, and we think they should. How will the state enforce it as such enforcement is tantamount to a restriction of their fundamental human rights of freedom of movement, association, etc.? Again, for the Oro festival, will the government declare a work-free week?
“Government should separate our traditions from this impending madness.
“What will the government do to assuage the feelings of those who will not be able to conduct their legitimate business during this period of malaise that the government is getting into? Yoruba will regret this unconscionable act of the government hiding behind this spiritual and traditional act in trying to scuttle the protest. Can’t they find another means?”
Also reacting to the development, Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) wrote, “Oro festival in Lagos now allegedly scheduled for the first two weeks of August. The same period as the planned protests by the youths.”
Aisha Yesufu Jibrilla (@ukocarter) reacted via her X page, “The prestigious Oro Festival is now a political tool. Y’all now understand why they tried to ban ‘Gangs of Lagos’ because it exposed them.”
A United Kingdom-based writer Abanikanda Olumoro, added, “Why are you so particular about Lagos and not your states where your indigeneship, by constitutional rights, is domiciled? The festival of masquerade does not last long. You should be ashamed because Lagos State owners and indigenes are poised and have resources to take back their State, and you cannot stop them.
“If Nigerians are staging a nationwide protest against bad governance in Abuja, Kaduna, Port Harcourt, Gombe, Sokoto, etc., don’t think anyone will take you seriously to say it is a Lagos issue. No. It is a show for Nigeria being staged by Nigerians across tribes and religions. President Tinubu has begged them not to protest, but you have spoiled all of that because these Nigerians, from the information I receive daily, are not going back regardless of the military and police forces you are deploying.”
Using Oro festival to stop protest, huge joke – Sowore, Yesufu, others

Anyim, Kalu, others pay tributes to ex-NIMASA DG, Ferdinand Agu

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Anyim, Kalu, others pay tributes to ex-NIMASA DG, Ferdinand Agu

A former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, ex-Abia State Governor, Orji Kalu, the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Simon Ochindo, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu and erstwhile Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi were some of the eminent Nigerians who paid their last respect to the former Director General of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Ferdinand Agu, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Agu, who was Chief Executive Officer of the defunct National Maritime Authority, now NIMASA, from 2000 to 2005 died on June 7, 2024, at the age of 64.

Other distinguished guests at the “Night of Tributes” held on Wednesday night in honour of Agu were former Minister of Women Affairs, Pallen Tallen; former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka; former Minister of Information, Frank Nweke Jr., former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Farida Waziri, among others.

Anyim, who also chairs the planning committee, recalled the great times he shared with the deceased.

He said, “Your presence here certainly shows your commitment and loyalty to friendship, which was the hallmark of Ferdinand’s life.

“I have known him for over 20 years. He was deep and thoughtful and yet humble. He was brilliant and ebullient and yet honest and straight.

“He was loyal and committed to every relationship he finds himself and yet, a man of his own convictions. That was the Ferdinand I knew for over 20 years.”

Also speaking, a former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, said from what he’s heard of Agu, there’s no doubt he was revered by all who came into contact with him.

He stated, “Ferdinand, we may not be contemporaries, but as a respectful individual who carried himself with charisma; you cannot ignore him.

“Personality is something that is naturally endowed. He was endowed. It is difficult to talk about him in the past, but the truth is that he is gone.

“To the family, if you turn around and see the galaxy of individuals here, it will give you a little bit of solace. If you also take a closer look at the qualities of individuals who have attended this occasion, it goes to confirm what some of us know about Ferdinand.”

On his part, the Deputy Speaker said Agu’s sudden departure has left a void that cannot be filled easily.

Kalu described Agu as a beacon of hope and a pillar of strength for many.

“Ferdinand was a gentleman of profound kindness and humility. His life was a testament to the power of compassion and the impact one individual can have on countless lives.

“He reached out to those in need, offering not just material support, but a listening ear, a kind word, and a spirit of encouragement. His philanthropy was not about grand gestures but about the quiet, consistent acts of generosity that changed lives and built communities,” Kalu said.

In his contribution, the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Simon Ochindo, described the deceased as a lover of humanity and the youth.

For Mrs Tallen, Agu was “A reliable, dependable, committed and a good man,” adding that “Apart from his intellectual capacity, Agu was simply phenomenal. Nigeria has lost one of her best. He lived an impactful life.”

On his part, the Director General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, recalled that when Agu resumed as DG of the agency in 2000, he brought in a breath of fresh air.

“He was appointed as an undertaker; however, Ferdinand Agu with his true passion, personal conviction and professionalism turnaround and transformed NIMASA. He was a paradox, an enigma. There was no financial scandal during his time,” he said.

The Director General, Department of State Services, Peter Afunnaya, on his part, described Agu as a tiger without harmful claws.

Extreme wealth gap widens globally as top 1% gains $42tn — Report

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Extreme wealth gap widens globally as top 1% gains $42tn — Report

The world’s richest 1 per cent have amassed $42 trillion in new wealth over the past decade.

This is nearly 34 times more than the entire bottom 50 per cent of the world’s population, according to a new analysis released by Oxfam.

Oxfam is a British-founded confederation of 21 independent non-governmental organisations, focusing on the alleviation of global poverty.

This wealth disparity comes as taxes on the rich have reached historic lows.

According to the release, the average wealth per person in the top 1 per cent rose by nearly $400,000 in real terms over the last decade, compared to just $335 – less than nine cents a day – for a person in the bottom half.

A Thursday statement from the international agency’s website disclosed this.

It was titled, “Top 1 per cent bags over $40 trillion in new wealth during the past decade as taxes on the rich reach historic lows.”

“The richest 1 per cent have amassed $42 trillion in new wealth over the past decade, nearly 34 times more than the entire bottom 50 per cent of the world’s population,” according to new analysis by Oxfam today ahead of the third meeting of G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

“The average wealth per person in the top 1 per cent rose by nearly $400,000 in real terms over the last decade compared to just $335 – an equivalent increase of less than nine cents a day – for a person in the bottom half.

“This week G20 Finance Ministers are expected to lay the foundations of a groundbreaking global deal to increase taxes on the super-rich. Championed by the Brazilian G20 Presidency and backed by countries including South Africa, Spain, and France, the proposal comes amid growing public demand for measures to rein in extreme levels of inequality and ensure that the rich pay their fair share,” it read.

Oxfam International’s Head of Inequality Policy, Max Lawson, criticised the extreme inequality and government inaction, urging G20 governments to show political will in implementing higher taxes on the super-rich to address the disparity.

“Inequality has reached obscene levels, and until now governments have failed to protect people and the planet from its catastrophic effects.

“The richest one per cent of humanity continues to fill their pockets while the rest are left to scrabble for crumbs.

“Momentum to increase taxes on the super-rich is undeniable, and this week is the first real litmus test for G20 governments. Do they have the political will to strike a global standard that puts the needs of the many before the greed of an elite few?” Lawson said.

A “war on fair taxation” has seen tax rates on the wealth and income of the richest collapse.

“Oxfam has calculated that less than eight cents in every dollar raised in tax revenue in G20 countries now comes from taxes on wealth.

“Oxfam’s research also found that the share of income of the top 1 per cent of earners in G20 countries has risen by 45 per cent over four decades while top tax rates on their incomes were cut by roughly a third.

“Globally, billionaires have been paying a tax rate equivalent to less than 0.5 per cent of their wealth.

“Their fortunes have risen by an annual average of 7.1 per cent over the last four decades, and an annual net wealth tax of at least 8 per cent would be needed to reduce billionaires’ extreme wealth. G20 countries are home to nearly four out of five of the world’s billionaires,” it added.

Jigawa: Gov Namadi inaugurates Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy

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Jigawa: Gov Namadi inaugurates Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy

Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi on Wednesday announced the creation of the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy, appointing Dr. Siraja Musa as its pioneer commissioner.
The inauguration held in the Council Chambers of the Government House.
Highlighting the significance of the new ministry, Namadi said, “Today we are making history; we have just sworn in Dr. Siraja Musa as a member of the State Executive Council. Dr. Musa is not new to this government; he has been my technical adviser on power and renewable energy for the past year.
“Why did I say we are making history? For the first time in the history of Jigawa State, we are creating the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy. Fortunately or unfortunately for Dr. Musa, he will be the pioneer commissioner for this ministry.”
The governor acknowledged the challenges ahead, emphasizing the complexity of establishing a new ministry.
“Setting up a ministry is not an easy task, even though I do not doubt your capability and capacity. But I am sure you will need to consult more with your colleague commissioners because this is a different ball game, so you are going to play an entirely different role from your former role,” he remarked.
In his new role, Musa will oversee the integration of various departments previously under other ministries, notably the ministries of Works and the Environment.
The governor added, “As a commissioner, you will join the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy, where you will collaborate closely with your colleagues. For example, you will take over all of the Ministry of Works’ electrical departments, as well as the Rural Electrification Agency, which is one of the Ministry’s major components.
“They will all come under your control, so you need to discuss them with the Commissioner of Works. In the same vein, the renewable energy department under the Ministry of Environment will now be under the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy.”
The governor also announced the creation of a new regulatory body, under the supervision of the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy, to regulate the distribution and transmission of electricity within the state.
“There will be a new regulatory agency established to oversee the distribution and transmission of electricity in Jigawa State, which is going to be one of the biggest agencies.
“I urge the commissioner to work round the clock to ensure the successful takeoff and success of the new ministry.”
Musa expressed his gratitude for the governor’s trust and pledged to work diligently to serve the people of Jigawa State.
Jigawa: Gov Namadi inaugurates Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy

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