A financial analyst, Kalu Aja has berated Bayo Onanuga, Spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu, over his statement on the proposed nationwide protests.
Aja in a post on his X handle on Sunday said Onanuga ‘tweets’ like a 19-year-old Tiktok influencer.
He said: “Bayo Onanuga, the spokesperson of the President of Nigeria, tweets like a 19-year-old Tic Tok influencer.”
The response came after Onanuga alleged that supporters of Mr Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, were planning mayhem in Nigeria.
Onanuga also painted Obi as a failed presidential candidate, saying he should be held responsible for whatever crisis that would emanate from the action.
The spokesman for Tinubu further claimed that the proposed protest planners are also the same people who were instigated by the incarcerated IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu to launch the destructive ENDSARS protest in Nigeria in October 2020.
Planned Protest: ‘Onanuga tweets like 19yr-old Tiktoker’ – Analyst berates Tinubu’s Aide
Planned Protest: ‘Onanuga tweets like 19yr-old Tiktoker’ – Analyst berates Tinubu’s Aide
‘It was a sombre day for me’ – Peter Obi mourns Rep Abubakar Adams
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr Peter Obi said it was a sombre day for him as he mourned the passing of Ekene Abubakar Adams.
Obi said Adams was a dedicated member of the Labour Party and Representative of Kaduna State in the House of Representatives.
In a statement on his X handle on Sunday, the former Anambra State Governor said he regretted he could not attend the funeral service in person due to circumstances beyond his control.
Obi said he, however, asked his aide, Yunusa Tanko to represent him at the burial while he joined remotely via Zoom.
He further asked God to console the deceased family always, saying he will keep remembering and praying for his eternal rest.
Obi’s words: “Yesterday was a sombre day for me as I mourned the passing of my younger brother, Hon. Ekene Abubakar Adams, a dedicated member of the Labour Party and Representative of Kaduna State in the House of Representatives.
“Despite my best efforts, I regretfully could not attend the funeral service in person due to circumstances beyond my control. I explored every possible option to travel to Kaduna, including flights from Lagos and Abuja, but unfortunately, none were available.
“Even my attempt to use the train was unsuccessful. Therefore, I requested Dr @YunusaTanko to represent me at the burial, while I joined remotely via Zoom. After the ceremony, I personally spoke with Mrs. Abubakar Adams, the wife of the deceased, offered my heartfelt condolences.
“I expressed my gratitude to the officiating priest, Minister Rev. Father Okewu, and Rev. Father Gajere for their compassionate service and thoughtful sermon. I also appreciate the presence and kind words of the House of Representatives members, led by Hon. Amos Gwamnan Magaji.
“The promise of the HOR Leader that all the noble initiatives Ekene started will be completed is truly commendable.
”Furthermore, I extend my gratitude to Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State for sending a representative, the Ministry of Sports, and all the members of the House of Representatives who attended the burial ceremony. Specifically, I thank Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, Hon. Joshua Chinedu Obika, Hon. Donatus Mathew Kuzalo, Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyricus Umeah, and Hon. Chijioke Okereke for their presence and kind words.
“May God Almighty, who called him home at this time, grant him eternal rest and comfort his family, people of his constituency, and Kaduna State with the fortitude to bear his irreplaceable loss.
“May God Almighty bless his family always. Today, at Church, I remembered him in my prayers, praying for his eternal rest and graciously thanking God Almighty for his life.”
‘It was a sombre day for me’ – Peter Obi mourns Rep Abubakar Adams
Dangote Refinery: Nigeria kills its own – Aisha Yesufu
A social and political critic, Aisha Yesufu has said that Nigeria kills its own.
While appealing that the Dangote Refinery not be allowed to fail, Yesufu urged all hands to be on deck to ensure it succeeds.
Her statement comes after the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority said the Dangote refinery has not been licensed to begin operations in the country.
Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of NMDPRA, had made the claims during a chat with journalists at the State House, Abuja on Thursday.
Ahmed revealed that the refinery was still in the pre-commissioning stage and had not been licensed yet, noting that there were concerns about the quality of petroleum products produced by the Dangote refinery.
He had alleged that the quality of product churned out from the new refinery was inferior to imported commodities.
He said, “So, in terms of quality, currently, the AGO quality in terms of sulfur is the lowest as far as a West African requirement of 50 ppm”, he said.
However, reacting to a call by an X user @Oluseun Onigbinde for the regulator to be sanctioned for the claim against the Dangote refinery, Yesufu said Nigerians should speak up.
The social critic said that Dangote now feels what Nigerian business people with no government connections feel and go through always.
She said: “Nigeria kills its own. I truly agree with you, the refinery should not fail. All hands should be on deck to ensure it succeeds.
“Alhaji Dangote @AlikoDangote now feels what Nigerian business people with no government connections have always felt and gone through.
How dreams are stolen and destroyed. Just yesterday LandMark got its share and there was silence from the business community.
“When you speak up when others are affected, it is to ensure that a stop is put to such injustice so it never gets to you.”
Dangote Refinery: Nigeria kills its own – Aisha Yesufu
Tinubu’s policies not friendly, causing Nigerians hardship – Primate Ayodele
The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele has disclosed that the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration are not friendly and fueling more economic hardship.
Primate Ayodele stated that the current government would have been the best if they listened to advice but the policies formulated so far have not been helpful to the country and her citizens.
In a statement signed by his Media Aide, Oluwatosin Osho, Ayodele said the decisions of Tinubu’s government have further destroyed the country and will likely bring more hardship and pain.
’Tinubu’s government would have been the best if they listened to advice. The government is formulating policies that have bad intentions because they are not friendly. Sending money and rice to people will further destroy the economy.
“The tax policy is not helping the country at all. There is so much wrong in the government that is yet to be explained, if care isn’t taken, this is how they will destroy the country and people will be facing more hardship and pains.’’
He advised the President to avoid being deceived by those celebrating his government because citizens are yet to experience a better economic situation where they can afford basic needs.
Ayodele said the country has resources that can help curb hardship but they are not being put to use. He urged the president to adjust his policies to become friendly.
‘’Things are not palatable; Tinubu shouldn’t be deceived by those celebrating his government. The economic policy should be adjusted and let them put things in place because people are not happy. We have resources that can help curb economic hardship but we are not using them.’’
Furthermore, Primate Ayodele mentioned that his prophecies are not to abuse the government or speak against them but to put them to work and speak truth to power.
‘’My prophecy isn’t to abuse the government or create panic but to put the government on their toes and whether they are fake or not, time will tell. The government needs to do something urgently, Tinubu should not be deceived. Economic hardship causes corruption and encourages insecurity.’’
Tinubu’s policies not friendly, causing Nigerians hardship – Primate Ayodele
Job creation panacea to insecurity in Nigeria – Onwusoanya Ezendigbo
Ex-presidential hopeful and former CBN official, Onwusoanya Ezendigbo, has expressed deep concern over the escalating insecurity affecting various parts of Nigeria.
He stated that addressing insecurity effectively requires job creation at all levels of government. Ezendigbo, who ran as an independent candidate in the 2023 presidential election, shared his views in a statement released on Saturday.
“No peace without security. Unemployment and poverty are driving insecurity in Nigeria. When people have legitimate work, they are less likely to turn to crime.
“People are hungry. Nigeria should not be poor. To combat crime, we must create jobs for our people. The economy flourishes when there is a skilled workforce,” he stated.
Ezendigbo also criticized the rampant corruption within the nation’s institutions and urged political leaders to fulfill their responsibilities.
“Our country is one of the largest oil producers in the world, yet we import the fuel we consume. We have the highest number of foreign doctors in the UK and the US, yet our leaders travel abroad for medical treatment.
“We shoot unarmed protesters while negotiating with bandits. We rehabilitate terrorists, but their victims languish in refugee camps.
“Countries like the UAE and Qatar have transformed deserts into paradises, yet Nigeria, once a paradise, seems to be descending into chaos.”
“When corruption is rewarded and honesty becomes a rare virtue, it signifies a doomed society,” Ezendigbo added.
Job creation panacea to insecurity in Nigeria – Onwusoanya Ezendigbo
Immigration receives 66 trafficked Nigerians from Ghana
The Seme Area Command of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on Saturday evening received 66 trafficked Nigerians from Ghana.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 66 trafficked Nigerians arrived Seme-Krake Joint Border Post office of immigration at about 4.00.p.m.
It was gathered that there are 59 women including children and seven young men among the 66 returnees.
Speaking with newsmen shortly, Comptroller Abdullahi Adamu, the Area Controller of Seme command of NIS, said the rescued efforts were in collaboration with the High Commissioner in Ghana.
“The rescue mission was our collaborative efforts from here to Ghana, our Attache in Ghana with the assistance of the high commissioner in Ghana
“They assisted us in apprehending these people and then they returned them to us. Now, from here will hand them over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), from where they will find their way back to their different destinations.
“They are 66 in number, male and female,” he said.
Immigration receives 66 trafficked Nigerians from Ghana
Trending bandits video: Zamfara group warns govt officials over Bello Turji’s claims
The Zamfara Conscience Movement (ZCM) has warned that there must not be an apparent close relationship between the government officials and notorious bandits and criminal gangs operating in the state.
The group noted that these bandits and criminals have devastated the state and neighboring areas in the North-West region.
This was following the emergence of a video clip featuring Bello Turji, a prominent bandit leader.
In the clip, Turji openly criticised the Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle.
ZCM said it finds it highly improbable that such bold statements could have been made without governmental support.
In a statement signed by ZCM Chairman Sahabi Lawali, the movement highlighted a prior video showing hooded armed bandits confessing to having ties with government officials.
“These disturbing revelations, coupled with Turji’s audacious declarations, suggest a worrying trend of collusion between the current administration and criminal groups,” the group said.
“This tactic undermines the rule of law, erodes the ethical foundations of our political process, and jeopardizes the safety and well-being of our citizens.”
Lawali said it is no wonder that the security situation in Zamfara State has significantly deteriorated.
“The lack of action from Governor Lawal in addressing these frequent invasions is disappointing.
“It is time for Governor Lawal to shift his attention from political squabbles to the pressing issue of security in the state.
“Cooperating with the federal government’s effort in addressing the root causes of these attacks and implementing effective measures to prevent future invasions should be the main focus of the government,” Lawali said.
Trending bandits video: Zamfara group warns govt officials over Bello Turji’s claims
Rubber producing governors charged to take advantage of World Rubber Summit
Governors of natural rubber-producing states, especially in the southern part of Nigeria, regarded as a bastion of the cash crop, have been urged to take advantage of the arrival of investors and international rubber experts for the World Rubber Summit.
The event is slated to be held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja at the end of the month, where President Bola Tinubu is to formally declare the three-day conference open.
Minister of Industries, Trade, and Investments, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, who is the chief host, has emphasized the economic importance of the subsector and why the rubber-producing governors and their key rubber players should attend.
She said the federal government secured the hosting rights because the rubber industry is of critical importance to the country’s economic mainstay.
In his statement, the national vice president of the National Rubber Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NARPPMAN) for the South-South, Usen Umoh, also appealed to governors in the region, which is regarded as the bastion of rubber production, to ensure participation.
He said, “This summit presents an unparalleled opportunity to rejuvenate the rubber industry, fostering economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social progress within the South-South region.
“By engaging in this summit, our states can attract investments, boost local economies, and create jobs.”
He disclosed that rubber is a vital cash crop with significant export potential, revealing that global leaders and industry experts will provide invaluable insights into the latest advancements and opportunities in the rubber sector.
Umoh listed key advantages, saying rubber plantations contribute to carbon sequestration, which enables them to combat climate change and promote ecological balance.
He maintained that participation in the summit will enable producing states to adopt sustainable practices and enhance their commitment to environmental conservation.
In view of the harsh times, Umoh called for the revitalisation of the rubber industry to improve the livelihoods of thousands of farmers and their families.
Rubber producing governors charged to take advantage of World Rubber Summit
N70k minimum wage can only buy a bag of rice —Ndume
The senator representing Borno South in the National Assembly, Ali Ndume, has faulted the recently agreed minimum wage of N70,000 for Nigerian workers, saying the amount can only buy a bag of rice in the present economy.
Ndume who got into trouble after he criticized President Bola Tinubu which led to his removal as Chief Whip of the Senate, made the assertion during an interaction with journalists in Abuja, insisting that despite being removed by his colleagues, he would not stop pointing out flaws in the government in the interest of the people.
“People are suffering, people are angry, people are not happy. I am happy that the president agreed with NLC to increase the salary to N70,000, which is a good move, but it takes more than that because, realistically, that is like a bag of rice, money that will buy a bag of rice or cover the cost of a bag of rice.
“So, I call on the president to still open up and listen to the people,” Ndume said.
READ ALSO:NLC gives reasons for accepting Tinubu’s N70K minimum wage offer
The Borno lawmaker also described his action of criticising the government as patriotic, and advised President Tinubu to listen to the cries of Nigerians and immediately address the concerned areas.
“I insist it is unpatriotic to stand by the president in whichever or whatever he does. It is patriotic to speak the truth not only to the president but also to anybody, for that matter.
“It is unpatriotic not to speak the truth to power or anybody and I still stand by that. In doing so, it is also known that God is always with the person that speaks the truth.
“So, I know that I am not wrong. The people are not wrong by speaking the truth and standing by the truth, and I pray that the president, who is now, I expect that the message has gotten to him, to look at what I have said and take appropriate measures to eliminate the sufferings of the people,” he stated.
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Court orders INEC to investigate, prosecute offenders of electoral violence during 2023 polls
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, in a groundbreaking judgment, has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to hold Nigeria’s state governors, their deputies and others to account over cases of electoral violence, bribery, vote-buying, and conspiracy during the chaotic 2023 general elections.
In a first, the court ordered INEC to ensure “the appointment of independent counsel to investigate cases of electoral violence and other electoral offences against state governors and their deputies during the 2023 general elections.”
The court also ordered INEC to “to promptly, thoroughly and effectively investigate cases of electoral violence and other electoral offences committed during the 2023 general elections and to identify suspected perpetrators and their sponsors and ensure their effective prosecution.”
The judgment was delivered last Thursday by Hon. Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwuatu following a mandamus lawsuit number: FHC/ABJ/CS/583/2023, brought by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).
Justice Egwuatu also ordered INEC “to swiftly prosecute all arrested offenders in the 2023 general elections in the custody of the Nigeria Police Force, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and other law enforcement agencies.”
In his judgment, Justice Egwuatu held that, “I have compassionately evaluated the depositions in the affidavit of SERAP and I have no reason not to believe the depositions more so when there are documentary evidence in support of the depositions”.
Justice Egwuatu also stated that, “In the circumstances therefore, I find merit in the application. The sole issue of whether this Court ought to grant the relief of judicial review and orders of mandamus is resolved in favour of SERAP. Accordingly, I grant the prayers sought”.
Justice Egwuatu’s judgment, dated 18 July, 2024, read in part: “Being citizens of this great country, SERAP and its members have the legal interest whose enjoyment or enforcement directly or substantially depends on the performance of public duty by INEC.
“In requesting the performance of the public duty imposed on the electoral body, SERAP has demonstrated a great zeal of patriotism.
READ ALSO:INEC lacks constitutional mandate to conduct local govt elections – Mahmood Yakubu
“The substance of SERAP’s grouse is the violence associated with elections in Nigeria which tends to prevent citizens from exercising their franchise during elections, thus preventing credible election and in the long run credible leaders.
“There is no gainsaying the fact that electoral violence and the associated crimes committed during elections in Nigeria is a great bane to the development of this country both democratically and economically.
“SERAP has also shown vide exhibit A8, a letter addressed to INEC requesting amongst other things the appointment of independent counsel to investigate allegations of electoral offences, including bribery, conspiracy, and undue influence against state governors and their deputies during the 2023 general elections.
“Exhibit A8 is thus a distinct and clear demand for the performance of the duty made by SERAP. The electoral body till the date of filing the action failed to, refused and or neglected to carry out or perform the duty requested by SERAP.
“There is no doubt that the Electoral Act 2022 creates some electoral offences. Sections 123, 124, 125, 126 127, 128 and 129 are some of the provisions of the Electoral Act that created some specific electoral offences.
“Trial of offences created by the Electoral Act are done in a Magistrate Court or a High Court of a State in which the offence is committed, or the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja”.
The judge went on to state, that by sections of the same Act, prosecution for the offences shall be undertaken by legal officers of INEC or any legal practitioner appointed by INEC. “Clearly therefore, the law imposes on INEC the performance of a public duty.”
Reacting to the ruling, SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare said: “This ground-breaking judgment is an important milestone for Nigerians’ right to free and fair elections, and for victims of electoral offences in their search for justice, truth and reparations for the crimes which took place during the 2023 general elections.
“Justice Egwuatu’s judgment now provides a binding precedent for INEC to immediately pursue justice for those who suffered egregious abuses in Nigeria’s 2023 general elections”.
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