The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s recent economic policies, saying they have undermined Nigeria’s sovereignty.
HURIWA noted that the condemnation comes in the wake of Tinubu’s dramatic policy shift, which starkly contrasts with his previous stance against similar policies under former President Goodluck Jonathan.
In a press statement, HURIWA recalled that before ascending to the Presidency, Tinubu was a vocal critic of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank’s economic prescriptions.
According to the group, during Jonathan’s administration, Tinubu, and other prominent figures, including then-opposition leader Muhammadu Buhari, fiercely opposed the IMF and World Bank’s recommendations such as the removal of subsidies and the devaluation of the Naira, arguing that these policies would harm Nigeria’s economic stability and undermine the nation’s sovereignty.
“However, since taking office, Tinubu has adopted and intensified these very policies, leading to accusations of hypocrisy from various quarters.
“Critics have criticized Tinubu for this reversal, labeling it a betrayal of his earlier principles. According to them, Tinubu’s current endorsement of the IMF and World Bank measures, which he previously opposed, represents a significant departure from his earlier stance and effectively compromises Nigeria’s economic independence,” HURIWA stated.
HURIWA echoed these concerns, arguing that the devaluation of the Naira and the implementation of foreign-influenced economic policies weaken Nigeria’s financial sovereignty.
The association pointed out that by aligning Nigeria’s economic strategy with foreign interests, the current administration is ceding control over the country’s financial system to external forces, stressing that this shift not only diminishes the nation’s economic autonomy but also places Nigeria at the mercy of international economic pressures.
In addition to criticizing the economic policies, HURIWA also linked these measures to broader security concerns.
The association contended that the failure of Nigeria’s security agencies to effectively protect the country’s borders is directly related to the administration’s economic strategies.
According to HURIWA, inadequate border security has allowed armed non-state actors and criminals to infiltrate the country, further threatening Nigeria’s sovereignty. This situation, HURIWA argues, is a consequence of prioritizing foreign economic directives over national stability and security.
HURIWA’s critique extended to a call for the government to adhere to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, which obliges the administration to stabilize the Naira.
The association emphasized that protecting the national currency is crucial for maintaining Nigeria’s economic sovereignty and stability. Additionally, HURIWA urged the government to improve efforts to secure Nigeria’s borders, reinforcing measures to prevent the infiltration of terrorists, arms smugglers, and other illicit actors.
Drawing comparisons with other nations, HURIWA highlighted how countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom have successfully defended their economic and territorial sovereignty.
“These countries have implemented policies that prioritize national interests, maintaining strong control over their economic systems and borders. For instance, the United States has resisted external pressures to devalue the Dollar, ensuring a stable currency that supports its economic strength. Similarly, Australia and Canada have fortified their borders against illegal entries, safeguarding their territorial integrity”, HURIWA added
HURIWA further argued that Nigeria’s political leaders should adopt similar strategies to protect both economic stability and national security.
The association suggested that by resisting foreign-imposed economic measures and focusing on strengthening border protection, Nigeria can safeguard its sovereignty and ensure a more secure and prosperous future.
“HURIWA’s criticism of President Tinubu’s policy reversal underscores the broader implications of adopting IMF and World Bank directives. Our call for adherence to the CBN Act and the enhancement of border security highlights the interconnectedness of economic policies and national sovereignty.
“As Nigeria faces ongoing economic and security challenges, Our recommendations offer a pragmatic approach to achieving stability and defending the nation’s interests against external influences,” the statement added.
You’ve surrendered Nigeria’s sovereignty to IMF, World Bank – HURIWA knocks Tinubu
You’ve surrendered Nigeria’s sovereignty to IMF, World Bank – HURIWA knocks Tinubu
Tinubu appoints John Obafunwa NIMR boss
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Professor John Obafunwa as the new Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, with effect from July 24, 2024.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, stated this in a statement titled “President Tinubu appoints new Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research” on Monday in Abuja.
According to the statement, Professor Obafunwa succeeds Professor Babatunde Salako, whose tenure expires on July 23, 2024.
The President also extended his appreciation to the outgoing DG for his service to the nation and wished him well in his future endeavours.
The statement added, “The President expects the new Director-General to bring his immense wealth of experience and qualifications to bear in this role to further drive the NIMR’s objective of leading research into diseases of public health importance in Nigeria.
“The President expects him to develop structures for the dissemination of research findings while providing the enabling environment and facilities for health research and training in cooperation with the federal and state ministries of health.”
Profile of Obafunwa
Obafunwa qualified in medicine from the University of Lagos in 1980, following which he specialized in Anatomic Pathology (morphological study of diseases), graduating in May 1987.
He later sub-specialized in Forensic Pathology in Scotland in 1991 and obtained a law degree from England in 2004. He has a number of other academic qualifications and holds membership in various professional bodies in the UK, USA, and Nigeria.
Obafunwa had worked in the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, and the UK before returning to Nigeria in November 2004 to take up an appointment as a Professor of Forensic Pathology at the Lagos State University College of Medicine.
He is a former provost of LASUCOM, Chief Medical Examiner for Lagos State, and former Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University. Before his appointment, he was the International Regional Advisor of the Royal College of Pathologists (UK) for Sub-Saharan Africa.
Obafunwa has authored several scientific publications and contributed chapters to textbooks. His research spans anatomic and forensic pathology, and he is currently involved in research in forensic entomology and taphonomy at the University of Nebraska, USA.
Spanish PM to testify against wife in graft case
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will testify on July 30 in a preliminary corruption inquiry into his wife Begona Gomez’s business ties, a Madrid court said Monday, an issue that caused him to consider resigning three months ago.
The investigation over alleged corruption and influence peddling has infuriated Sanchez, who has characterised the allegations as an effort to undermine him and his left-wing government.
Judge Juan Carlos Peinado will hear Sanchez as a “witness” at his official residence at 11:00 am (0900 GMT) on July 30, a court statement said.
He will be questioned over suspected influence peddling by his wife, the court said.
Santiago Abascal, the leader of the far-right Vox party, added: “We have always said that we will use all the means at our disposal to end the most corrupt government in history”.
The Socialist Party’s spokesperson to the Congress of Deputies, Patxi Lopez, was quick to speak out against Sanchez’s hearing and said the case against his wife was unfounded and “unacceptable political persecution”.
“Today and more than ever, the socialists are all behind Pedro Sanchez”, said Lopez, adding that the case had evidently been “entirely fabricated, it is a fabrication of the far right and the right against the head of government”.
“Sanchez has given no explanations to parliament or to the media: he has to do so before a judge,” said Borja Semper, spokesman for the main opposition People’s Party.
“Nobody is above the law, not the prime minister or his entourage, all politicians should understand this,” Semper added.
The head of the People’s Party, Alberto Nunez Feijoo, called once again for Sanchez to resign: “What an image for the country when a prime minister goes before a judge to talk about his wife’s alleged corruption!”
Gomez on Friday invoked her right to remain silent under questioning by a judge.
She had briefly appeared before the same judge on July 5, but the hearing was suspended after her lawyer said they had “not been notified” about all the complaints against her and asked for time to study them.
– Complaints by NGO, pressure group –
The investigation began on April 16 following a complaint by Manos Limpias (“Clean Hands”), an anti-graft NGO linked to the far-right, alleging corruption in the private sector and influence peddling, while admitting its claims were based on media reports.
A second complaint, citing influence peddling, was filed by Hazte Oir (“Make Yourself Heard”), an ultra-Catholic pressure group with far-right ties.
Sanchez has repeatedly insisted his wife has done nothing wrong, with his justice minister, Felix Bolanos, coming out in her defence on Friday.
Gomez, who has worked in fundraising for years, notably for foundations and NGOs, is alleged to have used her husband’s position as leverage within her professional circles, notably with a businessman called Juan Carlos Barrabes who was seeking public funding.
Barrabes — who teaches part of a master’s course at Madrid’s Complutense University that Gomez runs — acknowledged meeting her five or six times at Moncloa, the premier’s official residence while testifying.
Sanchez was also present at two of those meetings, he said.
Barrabes — who got two letters of recommendation from Gomez before pitching for a public tender worth several million euros — said they only talked about innovation matters, judicial sources said.
Sanchez’s Socialist party said there was “absolutely nothing” unusual in such meetings, which were normal for the prime minister, and police investigators also presented a new report to the court earlier this month saying they found no irregularities on Gomez’s part.
The public prosecutor’s office also called for the case to be closed for lack of evidence at the end of April. But Peinado refused, insisting there was “sufficient” evidence to continue.
When news of the probe broke in April, Sanchez shocked Spain by saying he was considering resigning over what he described as a campaign of political harassment by the right. He ultimately decided to stay on.
AFP
Olukoya receives US Presidential Achievement Award
The General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Worldwide, Dr. Daniel Olukoya, has received a Presidential Achievement Award from the President, United States of America, Joe Biden.
The award of honour was presented by an official representative of Biden at the ministry’s America headquarters in Houston on Sunday.
It was said to be in recognition of the ministry’s valuable contributions to communities in the US and “countless hours, days, moments, and years spent in changing the lives of others.”
This was disclosed in a video shared on Olukoya’s official YouTube page on Sunday.
The caption read, “A big congratulations to our spiritual parents on their incredible success.
“Today in Houston, Texas, our parents were awarded the Presidential Achievement Award from the United States President, Joe Biden.
“We are grateful for visionary leaders such as Dr. and Dr. Mrs. Shade Olukoya; you always start the course for us, progressively setting excellent standards for us to follow. We love and appreciate you, sir.”
Watch video here
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Hardship: Don’t join protest against Tinubu – Ohanaeze tells Igbos
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, on Monday reiterated its charge to Igbos against joining the planned nationwide protest against President Bola Tinubu’s government.
Ohanaeze said the planned nationwide protest is an outcome of the current hardship in Nigeria which is “the comeuppance of Igbophobia”.
Recall that popular activist, Omoyele Sowore had urged Nigerians to file out on August 1 to protest against the hardship and current state of the nation.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo made its position on the protest known in a statement released on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alex Ogbonnia.
The statement reads, “Ohanaeze Ndigbo seizes this opportunity to reiterate our position with respect to the widely publicized nationwide protest scheduled for the days of August, 2024.
“On February, 20, 2024, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, MFR; OFR; CFR; FNICE; FNSE; FNIST; KSG (Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo) directed the Igbo not to join in the protest against President Bola Tinubu.
“The Igbo Leader explained that “Igbo youths and youths from other ethnic groups at various times expressed their dissatisfaction with events in the country. It is clear to us that when youths from other tribes of the country are involved, they are reprimanded and forgiven; but when the Igbo youths are involved they are arrested, incarcerated and even charged for serious offences. For example, the arrest and detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu generated a lot of problems for the Igbos” amongst others.
“Emphatically, the current hardship in Nigeria is the comeuppance of Igbophobia. It is an unavoidable outcome of an orchestrated injustice, marginalization, callous conspiracies, corporate shenanigans and ethnic bigotry against the Igbo.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo stands on a firm wicket based on reason, history and experience, to state that “there can never be peace, progress and national development when there is a deliberate government policy of injustice, tantrums and brimstones against a vibrant, capacious, resourceful, resilient and populous ethnic group such as the Igbo.
“On Saturday, March 25, 2023, during the occasion of one year in Office of Professor Chukwuma Soludo, the Governor of Anambra State, the former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo condemned the persistent aversion to the people of southeastern extraction, which he described as Igbophobia. Obasanjo added that unless Nigeria throws its doors open to merit and full inclusion of the Igbo in national affairs, the country will continue to flounder and grope in the dark.
“Finally, the Igbo are once again requested not to join the forthcoming nationwide protest. When President Muhammadu Buhari appointed about 15 service chiefs in Nigeria and Igbo was secluded, did the lopsided policy abate the security situation in Nigeria? And have we died? And many more? It was Robert Schuller who posited that “Tough times never last but tough people do.”
Hardship: Don’t join protest against Tinubu – Ohanaeze tells Igbos
Police arrest five robbers, cultists in Delta
The Delta State Police Command says it has arrested suspected armed robbers, and cultists in Oghara, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, and recovered AK-47 magazine.
The Command’s Spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, stated this in a statement on Monday in Asaba
He said, “Sequel to series of cult-related activities, kidnapping and armed robbery in Sapele, Oghara, and environs, the Commissioner of Police Delta State, Olufemi Abaniwonda, directed the team on special assignment to work collaboratively with the DPOS Oghara and Sapele Division in order to nip it at the bud.
“On June 18, 2024, in a covert intelligence-led operation by ASP Julius Robinson raided three different syndicates of cultists/suspected armed robbers at various locations in Oghara Town, Ethiope East LGA of Delta State, and arrested five suspects namely Ochuko Joel Ofoye 35, of Jeddo Community in Okpe LGA Delta State, a member of Juris Confraternity and Michael Anwul 29, of Alisimie Community Agbor, in Ika South LGA Delta State of Juris confraternity
“Other suspects include Great Ojareri 35, of Oghareki Community in Ethiope West LGA Oghara Delta State, a member of Eiye Confraternity also a custodian of arms, and Innocent Esefeta aged 31, of Efisere Community in Ughelli North LGA Delta State and Ogaga Ebuke 27, member of Juris Confraternity.”
Edefe said that items including two AK 47 magazines, 29 rounds of live ammunition, a locally made pistol with one live cartridge concealed in a shoe were recovered
He said the suspects were in custody and an investigation was ongoing.
Economic hardship: Protest can’t solve Nigeria’s problems – Ogun chiefs
The Ogun State Council of Chiefs has urged Nigerians to prioritize dialogue and engagement as a means of addressing the country’s economic challenges rather than resorting to the planned 10-day protest.
The Council maintained that protest cannot solve the current economic crisis, noting that, rather, it can result in the destruction of lives, properties and government infrastructure.
The Oluwo Ijemo and Aro of Egba, Chief Oluyinka Kufile who spoke on Monday during a press conference heralding the 2024 Ijemo Day celebration, stated that once these vital elements are damaged, it may become challenging to create new development initiatives.
Kufile stated that the celebration slated for August 3rd to 10th is to celebrate the 110th Ijemo Massacre, history and culture.
The high chief while recounting the 1914 Ijemo massacre warned that engaging in violent protests tends to cause more harm than to offer solutions.
Kufile stressed that Nigerians must find a way to provide for themselves and reduce the tension and hunger in the country without solely depending on the government.
He said, “What happen then in our own time was because someone was arrested and died while in detention.
“Now as at that time whether everybody likes it or not people will die and people will live. But in an environment where there’s an issue the only solution is amicable resolution.
“If we have some buildings and there is no money to renovate them then, some people will now say they want to protest and burn things down. Where are we going to get money to build another one? it is important that we have to dialogue.”
The Council of Chiefs maintained that while the country might be facing challenges with the development of new infrastructures destroying existing once would only cause more harm than good.
“It is getting difficult for development now, money is no longer the issues that we use to have, creating houses, great infrastructure are very difficult to put together now. We have money in existence but the value is limited.
“So whatever we have or that our forefathers have built either the federal, state or local government level let us strive to make sure that we sustain and maintain them. Damaging what we have been able to put together cannot solve any problem.”
Economic hardship: Protest can’t solve Nigeria’s problems – Ogun chiefs
‘#EndBadGovernance protest will lead to anarchy in Nigeria,’ Gumi warns
Popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has called on organizers of the planned EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest scheduled to commence on August 1 to shelve the idea because it could lead to anarchy.
The Kaduna-based cleric made the plea in a statement on his Facebook page on Sunday.
He said though corruption is wrecking Nigeria and hampering the country’s development, the planned nationwide protest should be postponed for fear of widespread anarchy.
Gumi noted that the pervasive corruption in various sectors of Nigerian society, from government institutions to the economy, has taken the country several years back.
But he warned that the timing of the protest could trigger unrest in the country.
READ ALSO:Sowore lists individuals provoking Nigerians to #EndBadGovernance protest
He said: “With due apology to the few honest Nigerians, as corruption has permeated the fabric of the society, leaving virtually no institution without blemish, the recent move by the youth to demonstrate against bad governance and poor leadership is a great precursor of a brighter future for this nation.
“At a time, the executives are largely corrupt. So also the legislature, the academia, the judiciary, the armed forces, the labor unions, and even the affluent citizens, all watching as the nation is drifting slowly to hunger and lawlessness, every quarter is after its interest of amassing wealth, the youth suddenly have stood out as the last hope of this nation.
“On this note, I am calling on the youth to postpone their intended protest this August to the first of January next year.
“The reasons are: First and foremost, to give enough time to coordinate their various youth groups for better organization so that whatever demands they want, would be articulated well for the betterment of the nation. It is said if you don’t plan to succeed you are then planning to fail.
“Any premature action by the youth is mostly likely to lead to anarchy and greater turmoil as not every person is on the same page with their noble ambition. And I believe they should not be given a free ride to do so.”
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‘We’ve been in darkness’ – Protesters shut down crude oil flow station in Delta
Angry protesters on Monday shutdown the flow-station in Jones Creek, an oil facility operated by the Management of NPDC/NECONDE OML 42 JV, after chasing workers away.
The protesters who are from Egwa, Odidi, Bayan and Okerenkoko communities in Warri-West, said they have been in darkness since December 2023.
They demanded that the oil firm must connect them to the gas turbine serving their yard for them to have light. They issued a three months ultimatum to the company to act on the demand.
The protesters, who are mainly women, chanted solidarity songs as they danced into the premises of the firm.
They carried placards with inscriptions such as,”NECONDE/NPDC No light, No Operation. Give us light”,” Okerenkoko Community is tired of darkness. Give us light. NECONDE/NPDC”,”Let there be light in Okerenkoko” and “Enough is enough of darkness”.
Leader of the protest, Esther Ene, in a chat with newsmen said the protesters will remain at the flow-station until their calls are heeded to by the oil firm.
“It’s light issue that brought us here. As we are here, if darkness is sweet, they should shutdown the flow-station so that we will stay in darkness with them,” she said.
Claiming that the community is the highest oil producer in the Niger Delta, Ene said, “We are not supposed to be in darkness.
“Anybody they will call from above, we are ready to stay with that person. If it’s Tinubu that comes here, we will stay with him here. They should find a way. The highest we are giving them is three months, we should have light day and night. They should fix the turbine for us so that we will have light.”
She said if the company fails to heed to their demand, they will shut down more of its flow-stations in the area.
One of the protesters, Akpoaboere HelpMe, who also spoke with newsmen, said, “We’re suffering. We don’t have drinking water. Only if rain falls before we can get water to drink.
“The situation has affected the Nigeria Maritime University, NMU. Students now go about in search of where to charge their mobile phones. Students can no longer study as many are leaving the town already.
“We are suffering again because there’s no network from telecommunication providers. NPDC/NECONDE OML 42 JV have refused to give us light. Please, give us light within the next three days or we shut you down completely.”
‘We’ve been in darkness’ – Protesters shut down crude oil flow station in Delta
CPPE urges CBN to suspend increase in interest rate
Ahead of Tuesday’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has asked the apex bank to suspend the planned increase in banks’ interest rate.
The Chief Executive Officer of the think-tank, Dr. Muda Yusuf, the call in an interview with journalists on Sunday in Lagos.
He urged the MPC to keep the increase minimal if there must be an increase at all.
The CBN had recently embarked on interest rate increase to tame inflation and stabilise the foreign exchange market.
READ ALSO:CBN finally takes over dormant accounts, to invest funds in treasury bills
However, this has not worked out with the inflation rising to 34.19% while the forex market has witnessed significant volatility to reach almost N1,600/$ on the official market.
The consistent increase in interest rates has been condemned by members of the business community citing increases in the cost of accessing capital, among others.
Yusuf said: “Knowing the disposition of the Central Bank of Nigeria, given the fact that the bank has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to tame inflation, there is a very high probability that the MPC is likely to hike interest rates, although it may be marginal.”
“My wish is that the Central Bank should put a hold on interest rate hikes for now. I believe that monetary policy instruments have been practically over-stretched in this quest to tame inflation.”
By: Babajide Okeowo
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