Elder statesman, Dr Chike Obidigbo, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to restrain his aide, Bayo Onanuga, from making intemperate public statements that could destroy Nigeria.
Obidigbo regretted that the Special Assistant to the President on Media and Strategy has been making inciting remarks and provocative hate speeches that could not only damage Nigeria’s feeble national cohesion but also set the nation on a needless conflagration.
The industrialist condemned Onanuga’s recent statement claiming that the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party LP), Peter Obi and his supporters called the Obidients should be blamed for the planned national protest against bad governance.
In a statement released to journalists on Sunday, Obidigbo lamented that despite Onanuga’s experience in media practice and knowledge of Nigeria’s troubled political history, the presidential aide continues to spew hate and divisive utterances.
“Many people still remember Onanuga’s role during the military era, when the Nigerian press adopted guerilla tactics to call attention to the oppressive regimes in the country. But, having witnessed and currently benefiting from the nation’s democracy, this veteran journalist has thrown caution to the wind.
“Onanuga has formed the habit of talking down on Nigerians as if he is at the head of a military junta. When he is not withdrawing ill-conceived communication, he churns out statements dripping with deep-seated bile and hateful innuendos sentences.
“His latest attempt to link the former Governor of Anambra State with the youth-propelled national protest comes as one of the unthinking statements unbefitting a presidential aide. Onanuga should be reminded that when the dark clouds he is invoking bring down rain, nobody’s roof will be safe,” Obidigbo stated.
He regretted that at a time when countless multinational business organisations were leaving the country due to unstable economic indices, the likes of Onanuga should find time to gloat about the last presidential election.
Obidigbo stated: “Onanuga and indeed all those in public offices should reckon that Nigeria is at a tricky crossroads and show some level of empathy to Nigerian masses who are going through excruciating hardship compounded by insecurity, rising food prices and cost of living challenges.
“In his heart of hearts, Bayo Onanuga knows that Mr Peter Obi has been exemplary in conduct and character and has remained focused on the issues of economic development, especially mitigating mass poverty and giving a helping hand to the poorest of the poor.
“During the electioneering, Mr Peter was elegant in his public communication and campaign messaging. He resisted provocations and attempts to be drawn to divisive rhetoric that bedevilled Nigeria’s partisan politics.
“But, Onanuga’s attempt to single out Igbo for hate by his dangerous innuendo is not lost on well-meaning Nigerians. This is not the first time the veteran journalist should descend so low to promote bigotry and ethnic baiting against the Igbo. And it is high time President Tinubu calls him to order unless Igbo bashing is at the core of the presidential communication.”
Obidigbo said the myriad of socio-economic challenges confronting Nigeria trumps the continuing efforts to isolate Igbo through nepotism and ethnic bashing, adding that the day equity and justice become the hallmark of national reconciliation, Nigeria will begin the process of national healing.
“Denying Igbo of political offices could be excused but trying to despoil their reputation and dependence on self-help could end up as the last straw that breaks the Camel’s back,” he cautioned.
Peter Obi: Onanuga will destroy Nigeria if you don’t restrain him – Obidigbo to Tinubu
Peter Obi: Onanuga will destroy Nigeria if you don’t restrain him – Obidigbo to Tinubu
Bangladesh’s Supreme Court slashes govt job quota which caused deadly protests
The apex court in Bangladesh has drastically reduced a government job quota system that was responsible for street protests which claimed the lives of over 100 people and caused injuries to several hundreds of other people.
The Supreme Court on Sunday virtually quashed the quota system after weeks of unrest across the nation between the demonstrators and police operatives who fought desperately to contain the situation.
Students who feared a bleak future as unemployment rose in the country, had crossed the streets demanding an end to the quota system which reserved 30 percent of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in the country’s 1971 War of Independence.
The government which had previously stopped implementation of the quota in 2018 after mass student protests, resumed its implementation in June after Bangladesh’s High Court reinstated the quota system, prompting the latest protests.
The Supreme Court, ruling on an appeal on Sunday, ordered that the veterans’ quota be cut from 30 percent to 5 percent, with 93% of jobs to be allocated on merit while the remaining 2 percent is to be set aside for members of ethnic minorities and transgender and people with disability.
It was unclear by Sunday afternoon whether the protesting students would calm down in reaction to the court verdict.
Before the Supreme Court sitting, the street protests had gotten so out of hand that the authorities had to place the country on a strict curfew.
Home Minister, Asaduzzaman Khan had said the curfew which largely confined citizens to their respective homesteads would be relaxed from 3pm to 5pm on Sunday for people to rush around for their essential needs.
Bangladesh’s Supreme Court slashes govt job quota which caused deadly protests
Discountenance Bill for LG Electoral Commission – Obono-Obla tells Senate
Former presidential aide, Okoi Obono-Obla has called on the Nigerian Senate to discountenance the bill proposed by Senator Sani Musa of Niger State to establish the National Local Government Independent Electoral Commission.
This is even as moves are being made to conduct elections for Council leaderships across the country following recent judicial approbation by the Supreme Court.
In a statement released in Calabar, Obono-Obla said the attempt by some people to federalise the conduct of local government elections should not be entertained.
He contended that if the local governments are a tier of government and autonomous, then they should be allowed to conduct their own elections and do whatever they want.
“Local governments are a tier of government that has been given judicial approbation recently by the Supreme Court of Nigeria in the celebrated case of Attorney-General of the Federation versus 36 Governors.
“I cannot understand the rationale behind the Bill tabled before the Senate by Senator Sani Musa of Niger State, for the establishment of the National Local Government Independent Electoral Commission, which would be vested with the power to conduct local government elections in the country.
“The federal government is already overburdened with so many responsibilities that are making it clay-footed and inefficient and I therefore do not see any reasons whatsoever why it should again be saddled with the responsibility for the conduct of Local Government Elections in 774 local government areas in the country.”
He called for the abrogation of state Assemblies if they are unable to perform their basic functions of making progressive laws for the peace, stability and good governance of the states.
“If local governments can not regulate themselves responsibly, then they shouldn’t exist.”
The lawyer and public activist advocated that power to conduct Local Government Elections should remain with the States’ Electoral Commission, cautioning, however, that these commissions must be democratized and free from the control of state governors.
Obono-Obla advised the State Houses of Assembly to “awake from their present state of self-induced and inflicted comatose and free themselves from the control and freedom of magistral and dictatorial governors”.
He cautioned that the local government system in Nigeria should not be federalized under any guise.
Discountenance Bill for LG Electoral Commission – Obono-Obla tells Senate
Ignore critics of tariffs suspension on food importation — APC Chieftain urges Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has been urged to ignore criticisms over the suspension of tariffs, duties and taxes on the importation of food grains and other products into the country.
The appeal was made by an All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye while speaking with journalists in Osogbo on Sunday.
TVN recalls that the Federal Government on July 8, 2024, announced the suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes on some essential food items imported through land and sea borders.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari during a press briefing in Abuja, said the listed food items, which include maize, wheat, husked brown rice, and cowpeas, will enjoy a 180-day Duty-Free Import Window.
Oyintiloye, who claimed that Nigerians were highly hopeful and were eager to get dividends of democracy said it is either those criticising the policy were benefiting from the economic challenges that Nigerian masses face or are planning to push the masses against the president by causing unnecessary unrest.
Insisting that the global economic crisis, coupled with unavoidable policies introduced by the present administration, were working against the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, he hinted that steps taken in recent times to revamp the economy were beginning to yield the desired results.
“Although the tariff suspension might not be the lasting solution to the food crisis in the country, it will cushion the effects of the food crisis ravaging the country in the short term, the president should be commended for taking the bold step.
“For the president to give relief to the consumer on certain products against trade policy on import ban, it shows that his administration was responsible and responsive to the outcry of Nigerians.”
Oyintiloye revealed that the latest data released by the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS indicates that food inflation in the country rose to 40.66 per cent in May from 40.53. per cent in April, was a signal that the government needed to take a bold step as the president did to address the situation.
“The president should ignore the criticism by those who see nothing good in the decision.
“Nigeria voted for good governance, high standard of living, and to achieve this and many others, the president should be focused on how to improve the economy and lift the country out of inherited economic quagmire and ignore the critics,” he said.
Oyintiloye while noting that agriculture remained a cornerstone of Nigerian life, called on the government not to relent in its aggressive efforts to make food available in abundance.
“I urge government at all levels to discard the old subsistence system of farming, storing, and processing and embrace mechanised systems of farming
“The government should empower and encourage farmers with soft loans and subsidize farming implements for genuine farmers, provide adequate security, and integrate the youth into agriculture systems
“I strongly believe that with all the interventions the government has put in place to tackle the food crisis in the country, the projection of the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, that the government will crash food prices in the next 180 days is achievable,” he said.
Ignore critics of tariffs suspension on food importation — APC Chieftain urges Tinubu
Police debunks video of northern youths allegedly destroying Tinubu’s billboard
The Yobe State police command has debunked reports that some northern youths on Saturday destroyed a billboard erected by the state government to welcome President Bola Tinubu into the state.
TVN reports that a video clip that captured the alleged incident has been making the rounds on social media since Sunday morning.
According to X microblogging users who posted the video, the incident occurred shortly after the Vice President, Kashim Shettima visited the state on Saturday.
TVN reports that Shettima was in Damaturu, the state capital on Saturday to launch the Yobe State Agricultural Empowerment Programme.
When contacted by TVN over the trending video, the Yobe State Police Public Relations Officer, Dungus Abdulkarim said there was nothing like that in the state.
“I saw that video too but I don’t think it is in Yobe. When Shettima visited, we conducted the program peacefully and nothing happened.
“There was no single challenge. Nothing like that happened”, he noted.
Video:
Exclusive: Youths in Damaturu, the Yobe state capital vandalising billboards shortly after President Tinubu, (represented by VP Kashim Shettima) launches agricultural empowerment scheme on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/8WaSD4WLlj
— Tkr__khalifa (@Tkr__khalifa) July 21, 2024
Police debunks video of northern youths allegedly destroying Tinubu’s billboard
Planned Protest: ‘Onanuga tweets like 19yr-old Tiktoker’ – Analyst berates Tinubu’s Aide
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
‘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
