Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has said the nationwide protests are not the solution to the difficult situations facing Nigeria.
Governor Namadi stated this while speaking at an emergency town hall meeting held at the Banquet Hall, Government House on Monday over the planned nationwide protest in the country.
He acknowledged the hardships many Nigerians are experiencing, including economic difficulties, insecurity, and social unrest.
He noted that expressing grievances through protests is a democratic right but not the most effective way to resolve issues.
According to him “I firmly believe that protests alone will not provide the solutions we seek. It is time for all of us to turn to Allah, look at our relationship with our creator, seek His forgiveness, and ask for His guidance in overcoming these challenges.”
The governor urged citizens to turn to Allah and seek divine intervention as the ultimate remedy for the country’s challenges.
He noted that the government is doing their best to ease the suffering of citizens including; approving the duty-free importation of major food items, empowerment packages.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, the Emir of Hadejia Adamu Abubakar Maje, lamented that Nigerians are currently going through the most difficult situation but the planned mass protest may not be the solution to the problems.
According to him, “we are not in support of the protest, let each one of us look into his doing between him and God, families and relatives”
Chairman council of Ulama Shiek Khadi Bashir Ahmad noted that only God has the power to change the situation.
He urged the citizens to repent and continue seeking forgiveness from Allah SWA and His quick intervention to solve the problem.
Nationwide protests not solution to Nigeria’s problems- Governor Namadi
Nationwide protests not solution to Nigeria’s problems- Governor Namadi
We must constantly review counter-insurgency operations in North West – Lagbaja
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has said the insecurity bedevilling the North West region of the country was being made worse by criminal elements involved in illegal mining, banditry, and cattle rustling, among others.
He added that their continuous activities had led to the destruction of life and means of livelihoods.
Lagbaja, represented by the Nigerian Army Chief of Operations, Major General Benson Sijen, spoke at the opening of a three-day retreat for retired and serving commanders in the Northwest, held in Abuja on Monday.
He lamented that despite the Army’s efforts to curb their activities, they continue to impact the Northwest and the country as a whole.
Lagbaja said, “The current security challenges the nation is facing are volatile, complex and fluid and vary from one zone to another. In the Northwest, the security situation is made complex and persistent by activities of non-state actors who engage in banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, illegal mining, and violent attacks leading to the destruction of life and means of livelihoods.
“The activities of these non-state actors have continued to impact the security environment in the Northwest region and, by extension, in our country despite efforts to curb the trend by the Nigerian army, sister services, and other government departments and agencies.”
Lagbaja noted that to rid the North West region of insecurity, the army must review the situation and ensure they are ahead of the criminals.
He said, “Surmounting insecurity in the North West region needs a periodic review of the situation, which in turn will allow us to truly understand the generality and specifics for seamless planning and executing of operations. The threats, as I mentioned, are always fluid and evolving, thus requiring us to quickly adapt, for us to be at least a step ahead of the adversary. This retreat has provided a unique opportunity for us to review the situation in the North West by brainstorming for the next three days to arrive at potent solutions.”
The Director General, Nigerian Army Resource Center, Maj. Gen. Garba Wahab (retd.) said though the military can’t solve all the problems, it should provide the enabling environment for other political focus.
He said, “As I mentioned, the military cannot solve the issue completely, but it should provide an enabling environment for other political focus. And that’s the essence of why we are running the three-day retreat of past commanders and present troops who have served in the north-western geopolitical zone.
“For them to come up with the issues, operationally, logistical-wise, administrative-wise, and then their relationship with others so that we can find truth and find out, improving on what is happening right now.”
Appeal Court upholds Ighodalo’s candidacy, fines Shaibu N1m
The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has upheld the candidacy of Dr. Asue Ighodalo as the duly nominated and authentic candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for the September 21 governorship election in Edo State.
In the ruling on Monday, Justice, A. M Lamido-led three-man panel dismissed the case brought before it by the reinstated Edo Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, upholding the ruling of the trial court which affirmed Ighodalo as the valid candidate.
The Federal High Court had ruled that the appellant did not satisfy the condition precedent (internal dispute resolution mechanism) before instituting the action and therefore declared that the suit was premature.
Upholding the judgement of the trial court, the panel held that the suit was premature, noting that the position of the lower court was unassailable.
The court, therefore, awarded a cost of 1,000,000 against Shaibu and in favor of Ighodalo, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and two others.
According to the ruling, the appellant failed to comply with provisions of Article 9 (g) (h) (i). NYAME V. INEC that condition precedent must be complied with before filing an action.
The court noted that failure to comply with the provision of Article 9 (g), (h), and (i) is not one that can just be glossed over as it goes to the issue of jurisdiction.
Resolving against the appellant and in favour of the respondents, the court held that “the suit is premature” and “the position of the lower court is unassailable.”
The Appeal Court also stated that where the authenticity of a document relied on is challenged, oral evidence ought to be called to resolve the issue, adding that the conduct of an election as well as results are presumed regular until the contrary is proved.
“No evidence from the affidavit of the appellant to show votes were allocated to the 4th respondent. The appellant failed to prove his case as held by the trial court. The issue is resolved against the appellant and in favour of the respondents.
“Judgment of trial court is hereby affirmed. A cost of 1,000,000 is awarded against the appellant and in favour of the respective respondents,” the court ruled.
Tinubu appoints ex-LASU VC Obafunwa new DG of NIMR
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Prof John Obafunwa as the new Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, NIMR.
According to a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s spokesman, on Monday, Obafunwa will succeed Prof. Babatunde Salako, whose tenure expires on July 23.
The appointment takes effect from July 24.
“President Tinubu extends his gratitude to Professor Salako for his service to the nation,” said the statement.
The President expects the new Director-General to bring his immense wealth of experience and qualifications to bear in this role and to further drive the NIMR’s objective of leading research into diseases of public health importance in Nigeria.
He also 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.
Obafunwa qualified in medicine from the University of Lagos in 1980, following which he specialised in Anatomic Pathology (morphological study of diseases), graduating in May 1987.
He later sub-specialised in Forensic Pathology in Scotland in 1991 and obtained a law degree from England, in 2004.
He has several other academic qualifications and holds membership in various professional bodies in the UK, USA, and Nigeria.
He had worked in the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, and the UK before returning to Nigeria in November 2004 to take up an appointment as Professor of Forensic Pathology at the Lagos State University College of Medicine, LASUCOM.
Tinubu appoints ex-LASU VC Obafunwa new DG of NIMR
FG rejigs FRSC, approves appointment of eight deputy corps marshals
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has approved the appointment of eight Assistant Corps Marshals (ACMs) to the rank of Deputy Corps Marshals (DCMs) of the Federal Road Safety Corps.
The Acting Corps Public Education Officer, FRSC, Olusegun Ogungbemide, announced this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
Ogungbemide said that three of the DCMs were to proceed with immediate retirement, adding that the remaining five were to fill up existing vacancies.
He named the vacant places as the South-South, South-East, South-West, North Central, and North-West geopolitical zones, respectively.
According to him, the officers to fill up existing vacancies were DCM Clement Oladele, who represents the North Central geopolitical zone, and DCM Chidiebere Nkwonta, who represents the South-East geopolitical zone.
“DCM Sunday Iyamah is appointed to fill up the vacancy in the South-South geopolitical zone.
“Others are DCM Musa Yerima, to represent the North West geopolitical zone, and DCM Abiodun Akinlade, to now represent the South West geopolitical zone when DCM Bisi Kazeem bows out in August.
“The promoted senior officers to proceed on immediate retirement are DCM Kingsley Agomoh, DCM Jonas Agwu, and DCM Zubairu Mato.”
Ogungbemide quoted the SGF, George Akume, as expressing delight over the level of transparency and objectivity that heralded the whole process.
Akume urged the appointed officers to show more commitment and rededicate themselves to achieving the corporate vision of the Corps.
This, he said, was to eradicate Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) and create a safer motoring environment in the country.
The SGF stated that the appointment was part of President Bola Tinubu’s drive towards rewarding excellence, diligence, and hard work.
“This is in line with the administrative philosophy of the present leadership of the Hope Agenda regime,” he said.
Reacting, the FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, equally congratulated the newly elevated officers for their excellent performances during the exercise.
Mohammed said that every promotion comes with greater responsibilities.
He charged them to put in their best in the course of their duties as the new rank called for more focus, more dedication, commitment, and passion.
He admonished those who were not fortunate in the appointment to keep their faith alive and be loyal to the system.
The FRSC Corps Marshal promised to improve the general welfare of the personnel of the Corps.
“I beckon on all personnel to be of good cheer and put in great efforts towards the realisation of the corporate mandate of the Corps,” he said.
(NAN)
NANS urges Tinubu to address economic crisis
The National Association of Nigerian Students has urged President Bola Tinubu to take immediate and decisive action to address the precarious state of the country’s economy.
The student also asked the President to address the exorbitant fuel prices that have wreaked havoc on the lives of citizens.
This is contained in a statement by the Senate President of NANS, National Headquarters, Okunomo Adewumi, a copy of which was made available to According Online on Monday.
According to the student body, the current economic downturn has had a devastating impact on the nation and Nigerians, perpetuating poverty, hunger, and hardship.
The statement reads, “The relentless increase in fuel prices has triggered a chain reaction of inflation, rendering basic necessities unaffordable for the average Nigerian. This has resulted in unprecedented suffering, with many struggling to survive.
“While we acknowledge President Tinubu’s efforts to revitalize the economy through his “Renew Hope” agenda, we implore him to adopt a more comprehensive approach to tackle the economic crisis.
“We urge him to convene an emergency economic summit, bringing together all relevant stakeholders and agencies to brainstorm innovative solutions to this quagmire.
“The astronomical fuel prices have far-reaching consequences, including escalated transportation costs, skyrocketing food prices, and reduced purchasing power. This has led to a significant decline in the standard of living of Nigerians, with many unable to afford basic necessities. The cumulative effect is a nation plagued by poverty, hunger, and desperation.”
NANS further warned that should this situation persist, it may precipitate widespread protests and social unrest, hence destabilising the nation.
It added, “We urge President Tinubu to take proactive measures to mitigate this crisis, ensure economic stability, and restore hope to the Nigerian people.
“We believe that with swift and decisive action, Nigeria can overcome these economic challenges and emerge stronger and more resilient. We stand in solidarity with the Nigerian people and pledge our support for any efforts aimed at revitalizing the economy and improving the lives of Nigerians.”
Davido’s father offers automatic jobs to first-class engineering graduates
Nigerian billionaire and founder of Adeleke University, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, has pledged his support for first-class degree graduates of engineering from the institution.
Adeleke made the announcement during his address at the university’s 10th undergraduate and 6th postgraduate convocation.
Adeleke, who is also the group chairman of Pacific Energy Company, stated that every first-class engineering student is welcome to serve at the branches of the Pacific Energy plant in Ondo or Ogun State for their National Youth Service Corps programme.
Furthermore, Adeleke pledged automatic employment for these graduates after the completion of their service year.
He said, “Try as much as possible to get NYSC to post you to either Ogun State or Ondo State, where we have our power plant. You are welcome to serve at the plant, and after your service year, you have an automatic job.”
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Explosives discovered in parcels from Germany, Russia’s FSB alleges
Russia’s Domestic Intelligence Agency, the FSB, said on Monday that it had discovered explosive material and electric detonators for possible terrorist attacks in packages from Germany and Italy in St Petersburg.
In a video released, the FSB showed explosives experts removing components hidden among shock absorbers from a German manufacturer.
The FSB said that it had thwarted a channel for spare car parts via a transport company that had brought the packages to Russia.
The agency announced that several arrests had been made, without giving details.
However, the recordings and the information provided by the FSB could not be independently verified.
The FSB said that Ukraine had directed the suspects under investigation and specifically blamed the deputy head of the presidential office in Kyiv, Roman Mashovets, for attempting to stage terrorist attacks in Russia.
Mashovets, according to his official government biography, is a military intelligence expert. From July 2014, he organised technical assistance for the Ukrainian army.
He was also one of the founders of the Ukrainian special operations forces, and he has been deputy head of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office since 2020.
Since the beginning of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, there have been sabotage attacks on the Russian rail network in order to disrupt the supply of Russian troops in Ukraine.
Prominent Russian supporters of the war and Ukrainian defectors have also been targeted.
In many cases, the involvement of Ukrainian secret services is obvious, and the services have also revealed knowledge about some of the actions.
However, the claims regularly released by the FSB about allegedly uncovered Ukrainian plans or actions cannot be verified.
Although, videos and other evidence accompanied them, they often appear staged.
The FSB said on Monday it informed European intelligence services and requested assistance in order to identify the masterminds behind acts of terrorism and sabotage in Russia.
The requests have not been answered to date.
dpa/NAN
My friend warned me against investing in Nigeria – Dangote
President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has said a wealthy friend of his, who had previously warned him against investing in Nigeria is now laughing at him for ignoring his advice.
He made this disclosure following reports that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, criticized the quality of diesel from the Dangote Refinery.
Dangote, in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES, reflected on the advice he received four years ago from a friend who chose to invest abroad due to concerns over policy inconsistencies and interest group shenanigans in Nigeria.
“Four years ago, one of my very wealthy friends began to invest his money abroad. I disagreed with him and urged him to rethink his actions in the interest of his country.
“He blamed his action on policy inconsistencies and shenanigans of interest groups.
“That friend has been taunting me in the past few days, saying he warned me and that he has been proven right,” Dangote was quoted to have said.
The 67-year-old, who expressed his commitment to solving Nigeria’s longstanding fuel crisis through the refinery, also voiced frustration over what he perceives as efforts to undermine his investment, despite the refinery’s potential to provide high-quality products and create jobs.
Dangote indicated that if necessary, he would be willing to sell the refinery to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, to ensure its operation and benefit the country.
The businessman, who said he is getting to 70 years and needs very little to live the rest of his life, stressed that everything he does is in the interest of the country, adding that he would not take the refinery or any other property or asset to his grave.
He said Nigeria had been facing a fuel crisis since the 70s, restating that the refinery could help in resolving the problem, alleging that some people were uncomfortable that he was in the picture.
The NMDPRA had claimed that the Dangote Refinery is still in the pre-commissioning stage and has not been licensed to begin operations.
The Authority’s Chief Executive Officer, Farouk Ahmed, had also raised concerns about the quality of diesel produced by the refinery, which Dangote has disputed.
However, analysts believe the recent comments from government quarters are all geared towards frustrating the success of the refinery to protect their vested interests.
My friend warned me against investing in Nigeria – Dangote
Israel’s Olympic delegation departs for Paris
Israel’s Olympic delegation departed for Paris on Monday, according to AFP journalists, with the team of 88 athletes participating in a competition marked by controversy over the ongoing war in Gaza.
Ahead of their departure, demonstrators, activists and a hard-left member of the French parliament had urged Israel’s team to stay away.
French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said on Monday the Israeli athletes were “welcome in France”.
“Our first victory is that we are here and going (to the Olympics) and that we didn’t give up and have been competing in hundreds of competitions since October 7,” Israel Olympic Committee president Yael Arad told journalists at Ben Gurion airport, referring to the date of the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel that launched the war.
French organisers have stepped up security in Paris where the Israeli delegation will be subject to strict security protocols in the wake of global tensions caused by the war in Gaza.
AFP
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