A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Ambassador Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, has declared that the planned protest across the country may negatively affect the economy and other areas of human endeavour.
Mumuni made this declaration via a statement signed on his behalf by his media aide, Rasheed Abubakar, a copy of which was made available to TVN on Wednesday.
A protest over the scarcity of food and other necessities of life has been fixed for August 1.
Mumuni said in the statement: “Dialogue is key in this kind of situation. The people involved should be able to embrace dialogue since we don’t have another country to call ours apart from Nigeria. There should be negotiations between the government and the people involved.
“A peaceful and inclusive approach is key to addressing this problem. The protesters have a right to protest but it must be done in line with the laws of the land.
“Protest will affect the economy and other social structures. The economy will not be running at that time. This will also have an impact on other social structures in the country. Property may also be tampered with or vandalized during that time. We all knew what happened during the #EndSARS protest. Some people have yet to get over it up till now.
“It may escalate into violent clashes between the protesters and security forces, as well as between different groups of protesters with opposing views. So, I am appealing to our people to think twice and to shelve the plan. We don’t have any other place to go apart from Nigeria.”
Protests may have negative consequences – APC chieftain appeals to Nigerians
Protests may have negative consequences – APC chieftain appeals to Nigerians
Atiku’s ex-spokesman visits Tinubu again, confirms switch to APC
Daniel Bwala, former spokesman for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, paid a solidarity visit to President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday in Abuja.
Bwala, who spoke to State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, said he visited the president to show solidarity for what he was doing to address some concerns raised by Nigerians.
He said the planned protest against bad governance in the country to a large extent, had a political undertone.
Bwala had met President Tinubu at least four times since the latter assumed office on May 29 last year.
He said: “Because if you see some of the issues the people planning to protest are raising, they talk about hunger in the land, lack of transportation; minimum wage for the workers and Mr. President has taken good steps.
“He has agreed to a new minimum wage, which is now a law. We have seen the release of truckloads of food to the Nigerian people, and in the coming days, more are going to be done in that regard.
“Everybody in Nigeria acknowledges that there is suffering and the suffering did not start last year.
“There is no easy reform. Go to Brazil, or any part of the world, if you’re going to do reform, it is not going to be easy.
“It means that all of us will have to readjust. But the role of the government when initiating a reform is to bring about interventions, which is what the President is doing.”
He said the local government autonomy was a masterstroke because it had taken governance to the grassroots.
“So, I came to celebrate, encourage and show our solidarity and encourage the Nigerian people to rally round the President.
“We have only one President, and to me, patriotism is defending the leader, patriotism is showing support and ensuring that we push the development of this country.
“What is exciting for me in this entire situation is that the President has a firm grasp of what is going on in the country, the sufferings of the Nigerian people, and he has shown that concern,” the lawyer-turned-politician added.
Bwala said he had officially left the Peoples Democratic Party and decided to rejoin the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“So, yes, I’m on my way to APC and that is where I have always belonged.
“Remember, I had been in APC for eight years, from the days of President Buhari.
“I left because of differences but I’m back, and this time it is not about party, is about us coming together as a country to make sure that the country not only survives, that it is on a good trajectory.
“When that time for politics comes, those who are there will do. But I’m fully committed to President Bola Tinubu and in the coming days I will do my official re-entry to APC,” he concluded.
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Three men sentenced to life in jail for raping deaf woman in Kebbi
Justice Sharafadeen Jafar of the Kebbi State High Court, Birnin Kebbi, on Wednesday, sentenced three men to life imprisonment for raping an am 18-year-old deaf woman.
The convicts are – Amiru Sani, Aliyu Umar, and Bashar Dan-Inno of Warfarin Zaromawa village – were arraigned on a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy and rape.
The prosecution counsel, Faridah Muhammad, in her submission, told the court the convicts perpetrated the act at Wararin Zaromawa village in Gwandu local government area of the state.
She said: “The defendants had broken into the victim’s house, while she was asleep and forcefully had carnal knowledge of her.
“They had choked her with a thick piece of cloth and tied her two hands with a rope before having carnal knowledge of her one-by-one.”
The counsel urged the court to convict the defendants because the law imposed a mandatory sentence.
She said criminal conspiracy and rape were offenses punishable under sections 259 and 60 of the Kebbi State Penal Code Law, 2021.
The prosecution had earlier called three witnesses, and tendered six exhibits of both English and Hausa statements of the three prosecution witnesses in support of her case.
The defense counsel, Ahmed Abubakar-Filgila, called the three convicts to give evidence and testify to their defense without tendering any document or exhibit.
He urged the court to temper justice with mercy.
In his judgment, Justice Jafar said the prosecution had established all the ingredients of carnal knowledge of the victim.
READ ALSO: Teenager jailed six months for attempting to rape 35-year-old woman in Ogun
“I am of the firm view that all the defendants conspired in perpetrating the act.
“Meanwhile, the convicts conspired and raped the victim, who is an 18-year-old deaf, who is also a married woman, at her husband’s residence.
“All ingredients needed to establish a criminal conspiracy to commit rape were established beyond reasonable doubt by the prosecution.
“The court has no option than to act upon the evidence before it.
“Having found you guilty of the charge, you Amiru Sani, Aliyu Umar, and Bashar Dan-Inno are hereby sentenced to life imprisonment under section 259 and section 60 of Kebbi State Penal Code Law, 2021,” he declared.
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Attend to subordinates’ needs promptly, army chief tells commanders
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, on Wednesday, directed commanders in the North West region of the country to promptly attend to the administrative needs of their subordinates.
According to him, doing this would strengthen and boost the morale of troops in the theatres of operations.
Speaking at the closing of a three-day retreat for past and present commanders of operations in North West in Abuja, Lagbaja who was represented by Chief of Operations, Maj.-Gen. Boniface Sinjen, stated that the North West region is a trade hub of the country, urging commanders to step up their efforts to restore peace in the region.
He said, “Commanders in the northwest zone must be courageous, ingenious, innovative, critical thinkers and good communicators. Because the Northwest zone is a major trade axis in the country, it must be secured for the benefit of the entire nation.
“Commanders must up their games and attend to the administrative needs of their subordinates promptly to strengthen the moral component of our fighting power.”
The Army chief said the retreat had helped them to clarify events, strengthen the positives and correct shortcomings in army operations in the Northwest.
He added that the various recommendations made would assist in the review of current happenings on the ground for better performance by the army.
“I believe we have been able to reduce the spikes of kidnapping, banditry and adoption in rural communities in the zone. However, our concern is now on the shift of these criminals to urban centres in the entire northwest.
“One major objective of this retreat, therefore, was to examine the operational logistics, administrative factors and interagency cooperation and collaboration in the zone.
“This necessitated the call to our senior colleagues who have operated in the area before disengaging from the service,” he added.
He also charged them to fully embrace cooperation and collaboration in their operations, reiterating that the army must relate and work closely with other agencies and services involved.
According to him, it is through a collaborative effort that we can ensure that Nigerians go about their daily chores without fear of any form of harassment or intimidation.
In his remarks, the Director-General, Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Maj.-Gen. Garba Wahab (retd.), said all the operations being conducted by the armed forces were in joint efforts with other security agencies.
He noted that the retreat was aimed at appraising the Nigerian army operations, looking at their performance in terms of strength and shortcomings as well as what could be done for a better performance.
He explained that the Nigerian military, especially the army, had what it takes to address the challenges but required the support of all stakeholders and the society to succeed.
Monitor your children’s movement, APC warns parents
The All Progressives Congress, on Wednesday, called on parents to watch the movement of their children to prevent them from being recruited for violence ahead of the nationwide planned protest.
The warning comes in the wake of Tuesday’s threat by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, that security operatives wouldn’t hesitate to make arrests if the planned protest turns violent.
The protest, scheduled to run from August 1 to 10, has continued to generate tension and elicit mixed reactions from Nigerians.
Several groups who indicated interest in championing the campaign said the call for protest was provoked by the soaring cost of living and economic hardship in the country.
Addressing newsmen after its 153rd National Working Committee meeting, the National Secretary of APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru, announced that the ruling party has joined the President to appeal to those planning protests to shelve their plans and have confidence that the Federal Government would address most of the economic challenges facing the nation.
Basiru also urged Nigerians to monitor the movement of their children to ensure they are not caught on the wrong arm of the law.
He said, “We noted that since coming on board in 2023, the government met quite several challenges, especially economic challenges, and Mr President is gradually implementing programmes and policies that would in the nearest future bring succour and relief to the citizens.
“The NWC noted that some issues highlighted by the protestants are political, while others are constitutional matters that can only be addressed through the amendment of the constitution, which is ongoing at the National Assembly.
“We, therefore, urge all those planning the protests to have confidence in Mr President’s unrelentless efforts at repositioning the economy, while assuring Nigerians that the challenges will sooner or later come to pass.
“The meeting urged parents and well-meaning Nigerians to monitor the movement of their children/wards so that they will not be used in causing chaos in the country.”
Continuing, the national secretary added that an emergency meeting of all Chairmen of the APC in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory has been called for ‘further discussions.’
Although he did not specify the date, According Online gathered that the state party leaders would meet with the leadership of the APC at the secretariat on Friday.
This was also confirmed by the National Deputy Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru, in an exclusive phone call with our reporter.
Duru, however, confided that the protest was not the sole reason for the meeting.
“Yes, the meeting is scheduled for Friday. That issue (protest), of course, and the State of the Nation,” he said.
Nigerians must rally round Dangote refinery
Shareholders under the auspices of the Pragmatic Shareholders Association of Nigeria have defended Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, while criticising the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed, for a “deliberate attempt” at demarketing Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals.
The group also said that Nigeria and Nigerians must rally around Dangote Refinery.
In a statement by its National Coordinator, Bisi Bakare, on Wednesday, PSAN expressed dismay over recent allegations from the petroleum regulatory agency regarding the quality of diesel produced by Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The NMDPRA boss has recently faced backlash for suggesting that the diesel produced by the Dangote Refinery is of inferior quality compared to imports into the country.
Bakare commended Dangote for his visionary approach to establishing one of the world’s foremost refineries in Nigeria.
She highlighted Dangote’s commitment to national development, stressing his patriotism and resolute character through substantial investments like the refinery.
“Dangote has ensured that the bulk of his business investments are local, contributing significantly to economic development through tax payments, extensive job creation, and consistent returns for shareholders,” she added.
The shareholders group strongly condemned what they termed as “unwarranted efforts to demarket the refinery” by regulatory bodies.
They cautioned that such actions could deter both local and international investors and undermine government efforts to stabilise fuel prices and ensure availability.
“We must rally around Dangote Refinery,” Bakare urged.
She stressed the refinery’s potential to save Nigeria “over 30% in foreign exchange currently spent on offshore refining, which could significantly alleviate the country’s foreign exchange challenges.”
Bakare added, “As shareholders, we remain steadfast in our support of Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s vision to bolster the nation’s economy and create more opportunities for our citizens.”
PSAN has joined the list of Nigerians rallying support for Dangote in the ongoing standoff.
The statement noted that prominent figures and associations such as the President of the African Development Bank Group, Akinwumi Adesina; billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola; federal lawmakers; former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar; former Anambra state governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi; Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture; and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria have all voiced their support for Dangote Refinery.
Ogun orders illegal occupants out of forest reserves
The Ogun State Government has ordered illegal occupants in its forest reserve at Area J3 in Ijebu-East Local Government Area to vacate and stop the sale of government lands.
Commissioner for Forestry Taiwo Oludotun gave the order during a fact-finding visit to the reserve on Wednesday.
Oludotun stressed that individuals or groups that have no legitimate business in the forest would not be allowed to stay.
The commissioner, while emphasising the need to protect all of government’s forest reserves against criminality perpetrated by unscrupulous elements, added that the present administration would continue to ensure the safety and proper management of the reserves.
“Ogun State government will not fold its arms and allow people who do not have business in this reserve to stay. Those harbouring criminals should desist, as government is ready to take drastic action against any culprit,” he warned.
He stated that a means of identification would be made compulsory for legitimate occupants and directed forestry officials to take the data of people living in the area.
Earlier in his remarks, the permanent secretary in the ministry, Timothy Olatunji, urged baales in the area to protect the reserves by sustaining tree planting all through the year.
He said farmers in the reserve are permitted to plant cassava, maize and other food crops, noting that such agricultural practices should not be done to the detriment of the trees that were planted.
Responding, a representative of baales in the area, Chief Adewale Aderinwale, appreciated the commissioner and the management team for the visit, assuring them of their cooperation at all times.
Ogun orders illegal occupants out of forest reserves
Pastor defiles 14-year-old foster daughter in Ondo
An Ondo State Family Court has ordered the remand of a pastor, Adetunji Obatayo, in prison custody for sexually assaulting his foster daughter and procuring abortion for her three times.
It was gathered that the victim had been living with the defendant since 2020 when her parents handed over her to the pastor.
Obatayo is also the principal of the school where the 14-year-old victim attends.
The 55-year-old defendant was arrested by the men of the state police command after the victim informed her parents about the sexual relationship with the pastor.
He was later charged to court on three counts bothering on defilement, unlawfully prescribing drugs to procure abortion thereby killing an unborn child.
The offences, according to the charge, contravened Sections 218, 230, and 328 of the Criminal Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
At the proceeding, the victim told the court that Obatayo had been having intercourse with her since she started staying with him when she was 10 years old.
She said, “My parents released me to live with the pastor due to his desire to train me. On my first day in his house, he forcefully had sexual intercourse with me and told me not to tell anyone about it.
“He had impregnated me thrice and he gave me N5,000 to buy some contraceptive drugs to abort the pregnancy after many preventive drugs. But during the third pregnancy, he refused to give me money for the drug, and I stole his money to buy the pills.
”Pastor later accused me of stealing his money for my boyfriend which led to the arrest of a boy in our school and I informed my parents about his ordeal.”
Ruling, the magistrate, B.A. Alphonso, ordered the defendant to be remanded in the Olokuta Correctional Centre and directed the case file sent to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for advice.
The magistrate ordered the victim to be taken for rehabilitation and adjourned the case to August 29, 2024 for mentioning.
Attend to subordinates’ needs promptly, My chief tells commanders
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, on Wednesday, directed commanders in the North West region of the country to promptly attend to the administrative needs of their subordinates.
According to him, doing this would strengthen and boost the morale of troops in the theatres of operations.
Speaking at the closing of a three-day retreat for past and present commanders of operations in North West in Abuja, Lagbaja who was represented by Chief of Operations, Maj.-Gen. Boniface Sinjen, stated that the North West region is a trade hub of the country, urging commanders to step up their efforts to restore peace in the region.
He said, “Commanders in the northwest zone must be courageous, ingenious, innovative, critical thinkers and good communicators. Because the Northwest zone is a major trade axis in the country, it must be secured for the benefit of the entire nation.
“Commanders must up their games and attend to the administrative needs of their subordinates promptly to strengthen the moral component of our fighting power.”
The Army chief said the retreat had helped them to clarify events, strengthen the positives and correct shortcomings in army operations in the Northwest.
He added that the various recommendations made would assist in the review of current happenings on the ground for better performance by the army.
“I believe we have been able to reduce the spikes of kidnapping, banditry and adoption in rural communities in the zone. However, our concern is now on the shift of these criminals to urban centres in the entire northwest.
“One major objective of this retreat, therefore, was to examine the operational logistics, administrative factors and interagency cooperation and collaboration in the zone.
“This necessitated the call to our senior colleagues who have operated in the area before disengaging from the service,” he added.
He also charged them to fully embrace cooperation and collaboration in their operations, reiterating that the army must relate and work closely with other agencies and services involved.
According to him, it is through a collaborative effort that we can ensure that Nigerians go about their daily chores without fear of any form of harassment or intimidation.
In his remarks, the Director-General, Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Maj.-Gen. Garba Wahab (retd.), said all the operations being conducted by the armed forces were in joint efforts with other security agencies.
He noted that the retreat was aimed at appraising the Nigerian army operations, looking at their performance in terms of strength and shortcomings as well as what could be done for a better performance.
He explained that the Nigerian military, especially the army, had what it takes to address the challenges but required the support of all stakeholders and the society to succeed.
Suspended Abia health commissioner resigns
The Commissioner for Health in Abia State, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, has resigned from the position.
Governor Alex Otti suspended Okoronkwo on June 11.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Njoku Ukoha, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Umuahia.
Ukoha said the commissioner tendered her resignation letter on Tuesday even when the panel set up to investigate her for alleged misconduct was still sitting.
He added that the governor accepted the resignation and thanked her for her services and modest achievements in repositioning Abia State’s health sector for better service delivery in the last one year.
Otti, according to the CPS, reaffirmed his commitment to the transformation of the state.
“Otti further noted that his mandate also extends to rejigging and reshuffling his cabinet, when the need arises for the sole purpose of delivering all his promises to the people,” Ukoha added.
Okoronkwo’s resignation brought to three the number of commissioners that have so far resigned from the state government.
The Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Chima Oriaku, and his Agriculture counterpart, Prof. Monica Ironkwe, quit the cabinet last week.
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