The President of the National Harmonized Traders Union, Dr Bature AbdulAziz, has directed the Nation’s Traders and Marketers to shun the planned August protests against the government of President Ahmad Bola Tinubu over bad economic policies leading to suffering in the land.
Dr Bature AbdulAziz also directed his members to stop their children and relatives from joining the protests, which he said might lead to the breaking of Nigeria.
Speaking in a press release he signed and issued to newsmen in Kano, AbdulAziz explained that apart from creating a serious crisis it might lead to further economic woes in Nigeria.
Giving examples of the #EndSars Protests, he said many traders were killed while their goods were looted and their stores burnt to ashes.
“In any case, we are not against peaceful protests but in Nigeria, we don’t see any peaceful protests, any time people, mostly youths and in most cases, jobless youths take to the streets, outcomes are always devastating”.
Similarly, the Traders Union President reminded most countries of the world like Yoghoslavia who protested for a long time against their leaders today. Those countries are not only divided but they have completely fallen out, with their citizens left wallowing in greater destitution before their actions.
Bature Abdulaziz said, “We share the pains and agony of Nigerians in the present economic devastating conditions they find themselves or we find ourselves but allowing the government to gradually fix the situation is better than creating yet another problem that will drive the Country 100 years backwards”.
He said the government must try and measure up by quickly coming out with an assured means of salvaging the situation so that Nigerians will see clearly that there is an effort which will pacify them to shelve their planned mass protests.
Dr Bature AbdulAziz who doubles as the National President of the Patriotic Elders for Peace and Unity, called on parents to as a matter of urgency begin a serious consultation on the children against joining any kind of protests that might lead to the break of the country.
“In these planned protests, one can see the hands of the enemies of Nigeria who have been angling to have a chance to make the country ungovernable, this should not be supported by every sensible person and parents have a greater role to play by stopping their wards from joining the Protests”, he advised.
“We called on the government of Ahmad Bola Tinubu, to amplify means that will reduce the pains and agony, hunger, starvation and hyperinflation which results in many homes sleeping without food.
”Introduce more serious intervention, although we thank the government for starting the distribution of 20 Trucks of Rice to each state, this is commendable”.
Anti-Government Protests: Nigerian traders warned to boycott rallies
Anti-Government Protests: Nigerian traders warned to boycott rallies
Belgium refuse to host Israel match over security fears
Belgium will not host the Nations League match against Israel on September 6 over security fears.
The Belgian Football Federation announced this on Tuesday.
The city of Brussels said last month that the match would not be played at the King Baudouin stadium because it could spark demonstrations.
Authorities had deemed it “impossible to organise this very high-risk match” in the city due to tensions linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Other Belgian cities also refused to host the match.
The host city has not yet been designated with Budapest being cited as an option.
Concerns were likely raised by the attack in Brussels in October in which an Islamist gunman killed two Swedish football fans before a Euro 2024 qualifier between Belgium and Sweden, although the motive of the attack was not anti-Semitic.
France and Italy are in the same Nations League Group A2 as Belgium and Israel.
AFP
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Kano files fresh fraud charges against Ganduje
The Kano State Government has filed fresh charges against the immediate past Governor of the state and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje before a Kano State High Court with Case No. K/143c/24.
According to the charge sheet sighted by The Punch, Ganduje and his former Commissioner for Justice, Musa Lawan are 1st and 2nd Defendants, respectively.
They are being accused among others of Criminal Conspiracy, contrary to Section 96 and punishable under Section 97, Criminal Breach of Trust contrary to Section 311 and punishable under Section 315, Criminal Misappropriation contrary to Section 308 and punishable under Section 309 of the Penal Code (as amended) CAP 105, Vol. 2, the Laws of Kano State of Nigeria.
The duo are standing trial for; “dishonestly, fraudulently and without reasonable justification, in the abuse of your respective officers, conspired between yourselves, misappropriated, diverted and converted the sum of Two Hundred and Forty million naira to finance purely personal and private case for your own personal and private benefit thereby causing wrongful gain to yourselves and wrongful loss to the Government and people of Kano State.”
The charge sheet further reads: “The prosecution intended to present 4 witnesses and will at the trial of the Defendants adduce evidence to show that the 1st Defendant in betrayal of his official trust, taking advantage of his privileged position as the Governor and Chief Executive Officer of Kano State.
“That between the period of November 2022 or thereabout, Conspired with his subordinate, the 2nd Defendant who is in blatant display of abuse of office initiated a memo to the 1st Defendant to approve the release of Two Hundred and Forty Million Naira for the purpose of civil litigation in respect of the staff of Kano State who were being accused by the EFCC which in reality the funds were converted to secure order against the EFCC not to investigate bribery and corruption allegation against the 1st Defendant in purely private and personal matter.”
However, no date has been fixed for the commencement of the trial.
Lawyer threatened with bench warrant for court absence
A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Maitama on Tuesday threatened to issue a bench warrant on an Abuja-based lawyer, Victor Giwa, in an alleged charge of unlawful eviction, criminal intimidation, and threat to the life of one Ms Asabe Waziri.
The defendants, in the suit, marked CR/222/2023, are facing a nine-count charge bordering on unlawful eviction, criminal intimidation, threat to life, and damage to property to the tune of N300 million.
When the matter was called upon for hearing at today’s sitting, all three defendants as mentioned in the suit, Mr. Cecil Osakwe, Mr. Victor Giwa, and Ms. Edith Erhumwuuse were absent for their scheduled arraignment.
The plaintiff’s counsel, M.A Una, had told the court that at the previous sitting in the matter, Victor Giwa, the 2nd defendant, had written to the court that he was sick but there was, however, evidence that he was before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court Abuja as a counsel in another matter.
He, therefore, urged the court to grant a bench warrant for his arrest for arraignment.
Giwa’s counsel Deborah Nwoke, in her response, insisted that her client was sick and had a medical report to prove it but did not contest the fact that he was in court that day.
The plaintiff’s lawyer also told the court that the 1st defendant, Cecil Osakwe, is evading service and that several attempts to serve him failed.
He asked the court to grant an application for substituted service that can be pasted on his residence at No11, Aso Drive, Abuja.
In a short ruling, Justice Samira Bature granted the substituted service request to be pasted on the residence of the 1st defendant.
She also threatened to issue a bench warrant on the 2nd defendant should he fail to appear on the next adjourned date.
The judge held that the 2nd defendant is being pardoned only on the grace that he is a lawyer.
She urged him to appear in the next adjourned date or the application for a bench warrant would be granted.
Justice Bature adjourned to Wednesday, July 17 for further mention and subsequent arraignment.
UEFA unveils Euro 2024 team of the tournament
UEFA has revealed its official Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament, showcasing the standout performers from this summer’s championship.
The lineup, presented in a 4-3-3 formation, features players from various nations who excelled throughout the competition, but however, dominated by winners Spain.
In goal, France’s Mike Maignan gets the nod after a series of impressive performances.
The defence comprises England’s Kyle Walker, Switzerland’s Manuel Akanji, France’s William Saliba, and Spain’s Marc Cucurella.
The midfield trio consists of Spain’s Rodri, Fabián Ruiz and Dani Olmo.
The forward line is particularly exciting, featuring Germany’s Jamal Musiala as the central striker, flanked by Spain’s Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.
This youthful attacking trident made significant impacts on their respective teams.
Meanwhile, Rodri was named the best player of Euro 2024 after helping La Roja beat England 2-1 to win the competition for a fourth time in Berlin on Sunday.
Rodri had to be replaced at half-time of the final after picking up a knee injury but was rewarded for his excellent performances as Spain also overcame hosts Germany and France to reach the final.
The Manchester City man’s only goal of the tournament came in scoring the equaliser in a 4-1 win over Georgia in the last 16.
However, he was hailed by coach Luis de la Fuente as a “perfect computer” for his metronomic passing and reading of the game that proved vital to carrying a young side through a devilishly difficult draw to glory.
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Kaduna Gov Sani mourns late House of Representatives member, Adams
The Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani has expressed pain over the sudden death of Ekene Abubakar Adams, a lawmaker representing the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency.
Uba who was devastated over the news of the death of Ekene Adams said he lived an exemplary life of active service to the people of his constituency and Kaduna State at large, adding that in his lifetime, Ekene Adams was well respected as a politician, community leader, sports administrator and philanthropist.
In a statement by Muhammad Lawal Shehu, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kaduna State, said because of the love he has for football, Ekene established KADA City FC, a Nigerian football club based in Kaduna, to discover talents and promote football within Kaduna State.
“He was often regarded as one of the youngest football club owners in Nigeria. The late Mr Adams was Chairman of the House Committee on Sports,” it said.
Governor Sani in a condolence message to the family of the deceased and the people of Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, eulogized the late Representative as a trailblazer and fearless politician and administrator.
“On behalf of the people of Kaduna State, Governor Uba Sani has extended his deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and has called for prayers from well-meaning Nigerians for the people of Kaduna State, during this time.”
Kaduna Gov Sani mourns late House of Representatives member, Adams
Ogun workers threaten strike over unremitted N40bn pension funds
Organised labour unions in Ogun State have issued a stern warning of impending industrial action due to the Ogun State government’s failure to remit over N40 billion in contributory pensions deducted from workers’ salaries over the past 15 years.
In a joint letter addressed to Governor Dapo Abiodun, signed by Comrade Akeem Lasisi (State Chairman, TUC), Hammed Benco-Ademola (NLC counterpart), and Isa Olude (JNC Chairman), the unions expressed deep concern over the state’s handling of the issue.
They highlighted that despite the establishment of a committee to investigate the matter in October 2022, the government has not made the committee’s report public.
The unions emphasized the urgency of the situation, particularly in light of the impending effective date of July 1, 2025, for the Contributory Pension Scheme as stipulated by the 2013 State Pension Reform Law (amended 2008). They lamented the lack of tangible progress or assurances from the government regarding the implementation of this scheme.
According to the unions, the government owes more than 160 months of unremitted deductions, with past administrations also failing to fulfill their obligations. They pointed out that former Governor Gbenga Daniel left office with 25 months’ worth of unpaid deductions, while Governor Ibikunle Amosun only paid for 9 out of his 8-year tenure, and Governor Dapo Abiodun has yet to remit any amount since assuming office in 2019.
Read also: Kogi sets October 19 for local government elections
The workers further criticized the government for not remitting the 7.5% contributory pensions deducted monthly from each worker’s salary to Pension Fund Administrators (PFA), nor paying its counterpart contribution of 7.5%, totaling 15%, as required by law.
“It is evident that our welfare in retirement is at risk due to the government’s mishandling of our pension funds over the years,” the unions stated in their letter, warning of imminent industrial unrest within the State Civil/Public Service if the situation remains unresolved.
The letter concluded with a plea for transparency and immediate action from Governor Abiodun, urging the release of the Committee’s report and the State Government White Paper on the Contributory Pension Scheme to alleviate mounting tensions among workers.
The unions stressed that such steps were crucial to restoring confidence and addressing the financial uncertainties faced by Ogun State employees ahead of the looming July 1, 2025 deadline.
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Large number of children have no identity in Nigeria – UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF has expressed concern over the increasing number of children without identification in Nigeria.
This, according to the charity, would have an impact on the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, one of which was to ensure legal identification for everyone by 2030, with a specific target of 16.9 under Goal 16.
Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of UNICEF Field Office for South West Nigeria, stated this on Tuesday during a 2-day media dialogue held in Lagos to drive e-birth registration in Southwest.
The dialogue themed “Giving Every Child a Legal Identity” was organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Youth & Social Development, in collaboration with the National Population Commission, NPC and the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF.
Lafoucriere emphasised the need to grant every child the right to identification, stressing that without it, the child is invisible.
The UNICEF Chief of Field noted that the E-registration is an opportunity to produce the statistics required for efficient planning, adding that the government cannot properly plan for children if it lacks adequate statistics.
In his remarks, the Lagos State Director of the National Population Commission, Sadiku Bamidele, maintained that eliminating the problems associated with duplicate registration and giving an identity to every child is the primary purpose of the registration.
Bamidele, however, harped on the need to create awareness of birth registration, and engage community structure, age groups, and governments, saying everyone should be involved so that things can be done properly.
Large number of children have no identity in Nigeria – UNICEF
AfDB tops global transparency index for second year
The African Development Bank’s sovereign portfolio has been recognised once again as the most transparent among global development institutions, achieving a top score of 98.8 in the 2024 Aid Transparency Index released on Tuesday.
The Bank’s sovereign portfolio rose four places from 2022 to lead the Index, setting a benchmark for high-quality data publication.
This marks the second consecutive year the Bank has topped the Index, underscoring its ongoing commitment to transparency and data excellence.
According to the President of the African Development Bank, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, the 2024 Index assesses six sovereign and six non-sovereign portfolios of development finance institutions.
Adesina emphasised, “The sovereign portfolios of development finance institutions occupy three of the top five positions in the ranking with the African Development Bank coming first, the InterAmerican Development Bank second, and World Bank International Development Association fourth.”
“I am delighted by this recognition from Publish What You Fund,” Adesina added. “It is a testament once again to the commitment of the Bank’s Board, management, and staff to continuously improve the disclosure of aid flows by providing consistent, high-quality, and easily accessible data.”
The Chief Executive Officer, Publish What You Fund, Gary Forster, commended the AfDB for its detailed publication of project objectives, impact appraisal documents, environmental studies, and evaluation reports in both French and English.
Forster highlighted, “We congratulate the African Development Bank as it continues to lead the Aid Transparency Index with its sovereign portfolio. This is the result of a persistent focus on transparency, meaningful involvement with the Aid Transparency Index process, and proactive engagement with the IATI community.”
The 2024 Index underscores the growing role of development finance institutions as crucial vehicles for international aid amidst ongoing reforms and increased capital market borrowing.
In addition to its sovereign portfolio, the AfDB’s non-sovereign portfolio was separately assessed in the 2024 Index, ranking 13th among the 50 global development institutions compared.
Kogi sets October 19 for local government elections
Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission has announced October 19 as the date for local government elections across the state, following a recent Supreme Court ruling that deemed caretaker committees managing local government affairs nationwide illegal.
According to Mamman Eri, Chairman of the commission, the decision to fix the date was in compliance with the Nigerian Constitution and the authority vested in the state’s Independent Electoral Commission. He emphasized that a detailed timetable had been prepared to ensure a transparent, fair, and credible electoral process.
Read also: Another House of Reps member, Ekene Adams, dies at 39
“In the timetable provided, candidates for councillorship are required to deposit N100,000 with the commission, while chairmanship candidates must deposit N250,000,” Eri explained during a stakeholders meeting in Lokoja on Tuesday.
He also highlighted eligibility criteria for candidates, stating, “Those dismissed from public service or found guilty of offences involving narcotic drugs are disqualified.”
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