The Middle Belt Forum, MBF, Kaduna State chapter, has advised all the youths from the Middle Belt resident in the state to refrain from participating in the planned protest against the government of President Bola Tinubu.
The Kaduna MBF noted that the protest is not only over security and safety concerns, adding that it could be used to achieve the objectives of the unknown sponsors.
Mr Yusuf Solomon Danbaki, the Public Relations Officer of the MBF Kaduna, in a statement released after an executive meeting on Wednesday, said, “While the Kaduna State Chapter of the MBF acknowledges that peaceful demonstration is legitimate and necessary over the current hardships faced in the country and the need to draw government attention, the involvement of violent sponsored foreigners has raised genuine security concerns to the Chapter.
“Our youths, known for their orderliness, civility, and discipline, must not be associated with inappropriate acts.”
He explained that the security situation has been reported to the National President of the MBF, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, who is currently gathering feedbacks from other states of the Middle Belt before issuing an official position on behalf of the entire Middle Belt.
According to him, reports reaching the EXCO indicated that foreigners from northern neighboring countries had already arrived in Kaduna State ready to join the demonstration and make it violent.
According to him, such a development would jeopardize the safety of the event and compromise the message of the demonstration.
He explained that the meeting agreed that it was time people of the Middle Belt resident in Kaduna State unite for a common front in the interest of their wellbeing, the progress and development of Kaduna State and Nigeria as a whole.
Middle Belt Forum preaches against planned protest
Middle Belt Forum preaches against planned protest
FG resumes mass trial of terrorism suspects
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), stated in December 2023 that the Federal Government secured 366 convictions in the trial of Boko Haram terrorists conducted in 2017.
In addition, he said 896 suspects were discharged for lack of evidence, while 61 other cases were adjourned for further hearing.
In December 2023, the FG also secured the conviction of four Boko Haram financiers.
In a statement on Wednesday by the Head of Strategic Communication, NCTC-ONSA, Abu Michael said the trial would be conducted in line with the international criminal justice system.
Michael stated that at least 300 suspects are on trial, with five judges presiding over the five courts and chambers established for the swift administration of justice.
He added that the suspects were being represented by lawyers from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria.
Michael said, “In pursuance of its commitment to promoting social justice by entrenching a transparent administrative system, the Federal Government has resumed mass trials of persons allegedly involved in terrorism and suspects of other heinous crimes against the Nigerian State.
“The ongoing trial, which is in line with the international criminal justice system, is being administered by the Federal High Court of Nigeria with the Complex Casework Group of the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation in collaboration with other critical stakeholders under the coordination and supervision of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser.
“More than 300 suspects are on trial with five reputable judges manning the five courts and chambers set up for the speedy administration of justice on the ongoing trial in terrorism and other related cases in the country.
“The trial involves multiple stakeholders, CCG prosecutors, and defence counsel from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria.”
Michael also noted that 800 cases had been reviewed, and charges had been prepared for thorough prosecution.
He said, “Before now, over 800 case files have been reviewed, and charges are drafted for efficient prosecution to ensure that justice is appropriately served.
“Between 2017 and 2018, the trials so far resulted in 163 convictions, 882 discharges, and five acquittals. Non-culpable suspects are being deradicalised, and engaged in profitable ventures, and efforts to reintegrate them are being sustained.
“The NCTC-ONSA is working assiduously with relevant authorities in fulfilling its mandates and boosting the efforts of the incumbent administration towards realising good governance and a just society.”
Minimum wage: Rep identifies businesses that won’t pay workers N70,000
A member of the House Representatives, Akin Alabi, has said not all businesses would be mandated to pay the N70,000 minimum wage.
Alabi, who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Works, said businesses with less than 25 employees would be exempted from paying the new minimum wage.
The member representing Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency of Oyo State, made the clarification via a post on his X page.
Alabi also said businesses that have part-time staff and workers on commission would not be mandated to pay the minimum wage.
According to Alabi: “Today (Tuesday), we amended Section 3 of the National Minimum Wage Act. Section 3 (1) was amended from N30,000 to N70,000. Section 3 (1) amended the period of review from 5 years to 3 years.
“Here are some points of note from the National Minimum Wage Act: The minimum wage as the name says is the minimum amount an employer of labor is required to pay the lowest worker. For example, in the civil service, N70,000 is for Level 1, Step 1.
“It is not binding on staff working part-time or on commission basis. It is not binding on establishments with less than 25 employees.”
Minimum wage: Rep identifies businesses that won’t pay workers N70,000
Be patient with Tinubu, minister begs Nigerians
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has urged Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu and give him more time to interpret his vision for the country.
Ekpo, in a statement by his spokesperson, Louis Ibah, made available to our correspondent in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Tuesday, said Tinubu had taken bold steps aimed at addressing the economic crisis occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy.
He revealed that some businessmen had taken advantage of subsidised fuel in Nigeria by diverting large volumes to neighbouring countries where they make huge profits, while ordinary Nigerians groan in acute scarcity.
The minister highlighted the huge gas deposits in Nigeria which at present stands at about 209 trillion cubic feet proven reserves with potential reserves increase opportunity to 600trillion cubic feet, adding that Tinubu meant well in ending fuel subsidy.
He added that the decision has allowed for increased focus and investments in the gas sector and the utilization of gas as an appropriate, more cost-effective, and cleaner alternative to petrol and diesel as vehicular fuels.
He said, “Mr. President has a good vision for the country. He has been a player in the industry, and he has seen that gas is cheaper, cleaner, and safer.
“Gas has been abandoned for years, but with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and other executive orders, we are now focusing on utilizing our natural gas resources.
“The President is working assiduously to fix things, I urge us all to be patient with him and give him more time to interpret his vision.”
He disclosed that licences have been granted to some companies to take out the gas flared in the country for commercial purposes, while efforts are ongoing through various government programmes and initiatives to ensure more Nigerians use LPG and CNG for cooking and transportation.
South East commission’ll curb agitation
The Special Adviser on Inter-Governmental Affairs, to the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Chijioke Chukwu, has said the newly signed South East Development Commission law will curb agitations in the region.
Chukwu expressed his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the speedy action on the bill.
According to him, “It will not only help in dousing tensions in the South East but will also stop the agitations in the zone.
“I am calling on Ndigbo to see it as a welcome development and I am calling on all those agitating for one thing or the other to sheath their swords.”
This bill was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.
The commission will be charged with the responsibility of receiving and managing funds from the federation account to reconstruct and rehabilitate roads, houses and other infrastructural damages suffered by the region as a result of the effect of the civil war after 54 years.
Kalu in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, said the commission will also tackle the ecological problems as well as any other related environmental or developmental challenges in the region.
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Nigerians donate over N4.2m to quadruplets family
Nigerians have contributed over N4.2m to the family of one Sodiq Olayode, whose wife, Abiodun, recently gave birth to a set of quadruplets.
A colleague of Olayode, identified as James, tweeting as #jamysax on X.com, shared the news on Wednesday.
James had written X.com on Tuesday, “Fun fact: A colleague of mine who had two kids already said he should do it and add one more.
“Guess how many his wife gave birth to? Four at once (quadruplets). The man wan craze. Na so so lament for status every day.”
He further shared a screenshot of what he said was one of Olayode’s WhatsApp posts about the number of diapers used in a short period.
The post read, “105 pieces of diapers in 6 days. Haaa, mo gbe mo daran. E shanu mi eyin quadruplet yi.”
James’ post on X.com gained the attention of netizens, with some highlighting the challenges of raising young children.
By Wednesday, James stated that he had received permission from the couple to share the picture of the parents and the children, as well as Olayode’s bank account details, for those who had been asking.
He wrote, “I reached out to them yesterday for their permission to post their picture and that of the children, as well as his account details.
“Also, if you would love to send them diapers or anything else, kindly reach out to me. I will find a way to get it to them. Proper accountability would be done.”
Sharing further details, James stated that as of 9.42 a.m., Olayode had received N1,598,750, and some individuals had offered to give him baby items and diapers.
Sharing hourly updates alongside a screenshot, James revealed that, as of 10:03 a.m., Olayode had received N2,811,277.
“As of 11:03 am they have received N4,226,769. Husband and wife are both in awe. They are speechless. God is kind,” he added.
The Lagos State Government reported on July 7 that the state Health Management Agency recorded its first-ever quadruplets from Gbagada General Hospital under the State Social Health Insurance Plan, popularly known as “Ilera Eko.”
The quadruplets were said to have been born to Saka and Abiodun Olayode, who had been previously blessed with a child.
The Permanent Secretary of LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, also said that “LASHMA would ensure that the babies were enrolled in the scheme so that they could enjoy unhindered medical care.”
In an interview with Feelrightnewstv on Facebook, Sodiq stated that they had been blessed with a daughter before the arrival of the quadruplets (two boys and two girls).
He added that the quadruplets were born at eight months because the pregnancy was becoming “life-threatening.”
The couple also sought the assistance of the government to raise the children.
Earlier in January, a mother, Deborah Olaki (also known on X as Mummy Zee) became a millionaire in less than 48 hours after a post on X.com stating how she wakes up as early as 4.50 am to prepare her husband’s lunch.
Dangote: MAN cautions Nigerian Govt against demarketing local industries
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government against demarketing local industries.
The Director General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, who issued the warning, said government agencies that provide regulatory oversight functions should promote an enabling business environment for local investments to thrive.
Ajayi-Kadir also called for caution from major actors, government agencies, and regulators in the oil and gas sector of the economy regarding the Federal Government-Dangote Refinery saga, stressing that no regulatory agency should cast a shadow over a homegrown investment like the Dangote Refinery.
According to him, the allegations of poor quality, and monopolistic tendencies levelled against Dangote Refinery by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, were unsubstantiated.
Ajayi-Kadir stressed that local investors in Nigeria, particularly the Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) play a vital role in driving economic growth, paying taxes, creating jobs and fostering development within the country. As such, these investors must be protected and given the necessary support to thrive in this business environment.
He said a business colossus like Alhaji Aliko Dangote, with investments in diverse sectors of the economy and across the Continent of Africa, should be accorded all needed support to grow and invest in more sectors and positively impact the well-being of the people.
Dangote: MAN cautions Nigerian Govt against demarketing local industries
BREAKING: SGF, NSA, ministers in emergency meeting over planned nationwide protest
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, George Akume, is currently meeting with ministers over the planned nationwide protest against economic hardship.
The meeting, which is taking place behind closed doors, has all the over 40 ministers in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet in attendance.
Some of the Ministers spotted are Nyesom Wike (FCT), Yusuf Tuggar (Foreign Affairs), Zephaniah Jisalo (Special Duties), Tahir Mamman (Education), and Abubakar Bagudu (Budget and Planning).
Others are Wale Edun (Finance), Mohammed Idris (Information), Bello Matawalle (Defence), David Umahi (Works), and the National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, amongst others.
Recall that the President had earlier on Tuesday pleaded with Nigerians to shelve the #EndBadGovernance protest slated to commence on August 1.
The protest against economic hardship, organized by faceless persons, has gained traction on social media and is scheduled to hold across the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Details shorly…
BREAKING: SGF, NSA, ministers in emergency meeting over planned nationwide protest
US election: Kamala Harris radical, will destroy America – Trump
The Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump, has Vice President Kamala Harris and the Democrats nominee as a radical who will destroy the United States, US.
Trump disclosed that the United States, US, does not need Harris.
Addressing reporters, Trump said of Ms Harris: “She’s a radical left person, but this country doesn’t want a radical left person to destroy it.”
Trump also said he was open to debating her in September, when he was originally due to face Biden on ABC News.
This is coming when the Vice President described Trump as a cheat, rapist, and violent offender in her campaigns.
But, Trump’s campaign team accused Harris of bailing out “accused murderers, rapists and other violent offenders”, insulting Israel and deceiving the US public about President Joe Biden’s “cognitive decline”.
US election: Kamala Harris radical, will destroy America – Trump
Hardship: NLC clarifies position on withdrawing from proposed nationwide protests
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has dismissed a report alleging it has withdrawn from the proposed national protests.
This is even as labour said that it stands in solidarity with the Nigerian people over the current economic hardship and worsening hunger in the country.
In a release on Wednesday by its president, Joe Ajero, NLC said it cannot withdraw from a protest that it did not organise.
Ajero maintained that t is only the organisers of the speculated national protest that can decide whether to pull out or continue with the protest.
“A news report of the withdrawal of the Nigeria Labour Congress from the widely discussed national protest has been brought to our attention. The Nigeria Labour Congress debunks such story as patently false.
“The truth is that the Nigeria Labour Congress cannot withdraw from a protest that it did not organise. It is only the organisers of the speculated national protest that can decide to pull out or continue with the protest. The Nigeria Labour Congress has internal trade union mechanisms especially leadership decision-making processes that its industrial actions such as protests pass through before such activities are undertaken.
“Yet, the fact that the Nigeria Labour Congress is not the body organising the protest does not mean that organised labour is oblivious of the dire living conditions Nigerians have been subjected to by the harsh economic policies of government. The Nigeria Labour Congress stands in solidarity with the Nigerian people in this very trying and excruciating times.
“Pursuant to proactive engagement with the issues canvassed by the protest organisers, we have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to invite the leaders of the protest movement to dialogue on their demands. We have advised that it would be counter- productive for government to meet the widespread anger in the land with brute force.
“Once again, we implore the Federal Government and the sub-national governments to listen to the cries of the Nigerian people and do the needful. After all, it is said that the voice of the people is the voice of God,” the statement read.
Hardship: NLC clarifies position on withdrawing from proposed nationwide protests