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The President met with Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) yesterday while the protest was ongoing.
Nyesom Wike arrived at the Presidential Villa around 4pm in an SUV and briskly walked into the Presidential Office in what was said to be a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
While the exact purpose of Wike’s visit was not disclosed, it comes amidst ongoing protests in the nation’s capital.
The FCT witnessed protests in some parts including around the Central Area, particularly the vicinities of the Eagle Square where protesters defied warnings from security agencies to vacate the area.
A court order had restricted protests in the FCT to the Moshood Abiola Stadium.
The protesters left the stadium a procession to the Eagle Square which the FCT had said was not approved.
Their movement caused disruptions to traffic and businesses in the Central Area.
It was learnt that the situation with the protest in the FCT might have warranted the minister’s meeting with the President.
[TheNation]
One of the domestic workers of Aribemchukwu, the slain daughter of Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, has owned up to being involved in the murder of her boss, a police source exclusively disclosed on Thursday.
PUNCH Metro reported that the deceased, popularly called Chuchu, was reportedly killed in her Parkview Estate residence in the Ikoyi area of Lagos State.
Although a family source said she was killed Tuesday night, her lifeless body was discovered on Wednesday morning outside the gate of her residence.
Her three domestic employees, which included the house help, a security guard, and a driver, were, however, arrested in connection to the murder.
Providing updates on the findings made so far, a police source who craved not to be mentioned as he was not authorised to speak on the matter said the house help confessed to the crime during interrogation.
The source also clarified that the deceased was murdered inside her room, and her body was thereafter dragged from the spot outside the gate where it was dumped.
According to the source, the suspects attempted to clean up the blood stains but missed some spots because the act was perpetrated at night.
“The deceased was killed in her room and her body was dragged to the front of the gate to make it look like she was killed on the spot. After that, all the blood stains were carefully cleaned but still, they missed some spots. They did not clean it well because it happened at night.”
“The house help did not deny what happened. She said, ‘We do am, na we do am’, during an interrogation and everything she said tallied with the evidence on the ground.” the police source disclosed.
The suspects were also said to have immediately packed all the valuables of the deceased after killing their boss.
The source also confirmed that the three domestic workers were employed at the same time a week before the incident.
Until her death, the late Aribemchukwu was a doctor and had recently married.
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said investigations were still ongoing.
He said, “Investigations are still ongoing on the incident. We will provide updates as soon as there are more developments.”
[Punch]
No fewer than 14 protesters, including a policeman, yesterday lost their lives on the first day of the protest against hardship in the country.
Those killed included six at Suleja in Niger State; four in Maiduguri, Borno State; three in Kaduna State; and one in Kebbi State.
Aside from those killed during the protest, a curfew was also declared in Borno and Kaduna states, as the protests, which started on a peaceful note, turned violent later.
Clashes between the police and protesters were equally recorded in Abuja, Delta and Bayelsa states but the protest was largely peaceful in Lagos, Oyo and Osun states.
At Suleja, where dozens of protesters also sustained injuries, victims were said to have been killed while security operatives were struggling to dislodge a group of protesters who mounted barricades on a section of Abuja-Kaduna highway, entrapping hundreds of passengers and motorists for hours.
Some policemen who were around the barricade, could not control the youths who outnumbered them.
However, a reinforcement team was said to have been sent to the scene where pandemonium occurred.
Among those killed was said to be Yahaya Nda Isah, a resident of Hassan Dalatu Road, Suleja, who was hit by a stray bullet.
The bullet reportedly hit Isa on his bike in front of Suleja Police ‘A’ division where protesters had assembled.
A nephew of the deceased said his uncle was on his bike when the bullet fired to disperse protesters hit him on his chest and he died on the spot.
“He was my uncle, he was not even protesting. He was passing in front of the Police ‘A’ division where some people were protesting when a stray bullet hit him on his chest and he died. As I speak with you, I am in his house, alongside other mourners. It’s unfortunate,” he said.
Another victim, simply identified as Mallam Abu, also died on the spot, having been hit by stray bullets.
One of the residents, who did not want his name in print, said three other people were shot at the same scene, while two others were shot at the Suleja Junction on Abuja-Kaduna road but could not confirm if other victims were dead.
Another resident, who said his shop was not far from the Suleja Police “A” Division, said he closed his shop and ran for his life.
“We heard people shouting and gunshots were heard for about 20 minutes at Emir Roundabout. The situation in Suleja is ugly,” said Bala Abdullahi, another resident.
Protesters burnt down Tafa local government secretariat, Sabon Wuse, along Kaduna-Abuja expressway at about 9:30 am.
Besides setting the secretariat ablaze, two cars were also burnt down, while two others were vandalized and valuables looted in the secretariat.
The development, it was gathered, created a traffic logjam along the ever-busy expressway before a combination of security agencies mobilized to the area and dispersed the miscreants.
Police Public Relations Officer of the state, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, who confirmed the development, said eleven persons had already been arrested and that the highway was now free for traffic.
The PPRO said in a statement: “Some miscreants of Tafa area of Kagarko LGA of Kaduna State and that of Hayin-Diko Gurara LGA of Niger State mobilized and stormed Tafa LGA Secretariat of Niger State located along Abuja-Kaduna expressway, Sabon-Wuse Niger State.
“The hoodlums vandalized the secretariat, partly set it ablaze, two cars were also burnt and two other others vandalized.
“They further looted valuables there-in, while the police and other security agencies responded to the scene and arrested eleven violent miscreants with different dangerous weapons, including firearms as others were dispersed from the scene and some of the looted items recovered.’’
4 killed at Kime filling station in Maiduguri
In Maiduguri, Borno State, four persons said to be staff of Kime filling station around Bolori junction of the metropolis, lost their lives to the protest.
At press time yesterday, the victims were still in the pool of their blood, even as video of the killings were viral on social media.
Already, Police authorities have imposed a 24-hour curfew on the state, citing violence that escalated in the nationwide protests and the bomb blast that took place in Kawuri village of Konduga Local Government Area of the state which left 20 people dead and 16 injured less than 24 hours before commencement of the protest.
Unconfirmed reports indicated that the victims/workers of the filling station died from stray bullets, while another version revealed that there was no sign of bullets/gunshots on the victims.
Speaking to one of the filling station attendants, Baba Musa, in a telephone interview, said: “It was an explosion that took place and killed four persons instantly, while I managed to escape unhurt.”
Chairman of Independent Markerters Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, Borno State branch, Alhaji Mohammed Kuluwu, confirmed the killing of four persons at Kime filling station in the afternoon, noting he had been been making contact with the Director of the affected station, but couldn’t get his phone line to ascertain details of what led to the killing of the victims.
But, some other witnesses insisted the victims were felled by stray bullets fired at protesters whose protest against hardship in the country had turned violent.
Protest turns violent in Kaduna, 3 feared killed, many injured, taken to hospitals
Similarly, the otherwise peaceful protest against bad governance in the country also turned violent in Kaduna, leaving no fewer than three youths dead and many other protesters injured.
An eyewitness said the number of protesters, mostly youths and the unemployed, which had outnumbered security operatives, marched from the Rigasa area and from the Abakwa end, towards the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, the official residence and office of the state governor.
A surviving protester, who craved anonymity, said: “We were marching peacefully and no one was carrying any offensive weapon.
“I think the security operatives near Government House were threatened by our large number. Suddenly, a vehicle they use to spray hot water on protesters came speeding towards us from the Government House axis and sprayed us with hot water, then another security vehicle came on speed from the 44 Reference Hospital end.
“In the confusion that ensued and as we scampered to save ourselves from being hit by the security vehicles, three peaceful protesters were hit and they died. No one carried any weapon, we were just carrying placards and chanted slogans against bad governance.’’
Meanwhile, reports indicated that the office of the Kaduna State Traffic Agency, KASTLEA, was touched by the protesters.
Major streets in the state capital were deserted, while markets and shops were closed due to fears the protest might be hijacked by hoodlums.
Combat-ready policemen and other security operatives were stationed at potential flashpoints to forestall any eventuality.
Citizens, majority of who embarked on panic buying of foodstuffs and other essentials the previous day, had remained indoors and monitored happenings on local radio and television.
Schools and other vocational training institutions, also remained closed.
Spokesperson of the Kaduna State Police Command, ASP Mansir Hassan, accused members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, also known as Shi’ites, of turning the peaceful protest violent.
He said they attacked a Police Armoured Personnel Carrier and some of their operatives, warning that the police would not allow hoodlums break law and order in Kaduna State.
He also clarified that the number of personnel deployed for the protest in the state was 2,500 and not 25,000 earlier reported, saying the command has arrested 25 suspects involved in attacking state-owned agencies.
Meanwhile, a former lawmaker, Shehu Sani, called on protesters to shun violence and be law-abiding.
He said: “The images and clips of the looting in Kano are unfortunate and condemnable. All efforts must be put in place to secure people’s lives and properties.
“The protesters have the right to protest but they should not allow hoodlums and criminals to hijack the protest and start looting.
“I totally condemn the looting in Kano. And the security should live up to expectation by ensuring law and order.’’
Businessman killed in Kebbi
In Kebbi, a businessman lost his life in the protest in Yauri local government area, having been hit in his shop where he sold plastics.
An eyewitness, Malam Umar Yelwa, who confirmed the incident, said the protest became violent when protesters blocked the federal highway to traffic coming into Yauri town.
He said while marine police engaged the protesters to disperse them, they allegedly fired bullets at the protesters, one of which killed the innocent plastic dealer in his shop.
However, efforts to get the reaction of the police in the state at press time were unsuccessful as the police image maker, SP Nafiu Abubakar, didn’t answer calls made to his line.
He also didn’t reply text messages sent to his mobile phone.
The situation in the state capital, Birnin Kebbi, remained calm after the protracted protest in some parts of the state.
Yobe govt imposes curfew
To prevent the protest from turning violent, Yobe State government yesterday imposed a 24-hour curfew on Potiskum, Gashua and Nguru areas of the state after some hoodlums reportedly cashed in on the harship protest to loot government property.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Security matters, Brig. Gen Dahiru Abdussallam, retd, in a statement yesterday, said the curfew would be fully enforced.
“Yobe State Government has considered the security situation in Potiskum, Gashua, and Nguru towns where some hoodlums are taking advantage of the protest to vandalize and loot government and private properties.
“In view of the above, therefore, the state government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Potiskum, Gashua and Nguru. The public is hereby advised to abide by the curfew and stay at home for peace to reign in these areas and the state at large.
“Security agencies have been directed to ensure enforcement and full compliance of the curfew,” the statement read.
Violence, looting spree as Gov. Yusuf declares 24hrs curfew in Kano
In Kano, the situation turned violent as protesters embarked on a looting spree, which compelled Governor Abba Yusuf to declare a 24-hour curfew with immediate effect.
The governor, who announced the curfew while addressing newsmen at Government House, said the action became imperative to ensure full protection of lives and property in the state as hoodlums and thugs hijacked the process.
He said the decision was taken after an emergency state security council meeting and directed all security agencies to ensure full and immediate compliance.
The governor said: “It is with a heavy heart that I address you today regarding the unfortunate events that transpired during the recent peaceful protest.
“You may recall that on July 31, 2024 we organized a town hall meeting with stakeholders, religious leaders, leaders of business community, traditional leaders, academia, technocrats, youth and women’s groups and civil society organizations.
‘’During the meeting, I acknowledged that the protest is a constitutional right. However, I urged the protesters to conduct themselves in a peaceful and orderly manner and I expressed my intention to receive their complaint and assured them that their grievances would be forwarded to Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief for possible attention.
“Our goal was to facilitate a constructive dialogue and address the issues raised by our fellow citizens. Similarly, this morning (yesterday), we received the representatives of the peaceful protesters where they submitted their demand in writing which I promised to deliver to Mr. President.
“While I commend the vast majority of peaceful protesters who stated their concerns responsibly, it is however, regrettable to say that the whole protest that was meant to be a demonstration of democratic right to voice our concerns was hijacked by thugs and hoodlums who embarked on looting of business premises, government properties and maiming of innocent citizens.
“Such miscreants have become persistent in wanton destruction of private and public properties aided by enemies of the state who have been reported to the security agencies a few days back.
“After exhaustive deliberations during emergency state security council meeting, it was collectively decided that 24-hour curfew should be put in place to prevent further looting and vandalism of shops, including indiscriminate killing and maiming of innocent citizens.’’
Bonfire, teargas in front of Kano Govt House
Angry protesters had set ablaze tyres in front of Government House to express their displeasure over bad governance.
The protesters also pelted security agents stationed in the area with stones, and it took the interventions of security agencies who shot tear gas into the air to disperse the angry protesters.
Looting spree
The hoodlums, wielding dangerous weapons, hijacked and took advantage of the protest to loot facilities and properties, such as Nigerian Communication Commission, NCC, office located in Audu Bako Secretariat, Kano Printing Press, shops, banks and street lights and foods, among others.
Journalists escape attack in Kano
Not fewer than 11 journalists covering the protest narrowly escaped attack by the hoodlums who hijacked the protest in the state.
Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports have it that two persons were feared killed, with several others sustaining injuries during the protest.
Although the governor confirmed that there were indiscriminate killing and mayhem on innocent citizens, he did not, however, give the number of those killed, while the Kano State police command was, at press time, yet to officially confirm the number of casualties and arrest made in the state.
Military takes over Abuja-Kubwa highway as protesters turned violent, extort motorists, others
In Abuja, the military was forced by violent protesters to take over the popular AYA-Kubwa highway, which provides access to the biggest housing estate in Africa, Gwarimpa, and leads to other parts of Northern Nigeria.
Although the protesters started their demonstration peacefully in the morning, they later became violent and exploitative as the protest gathered momentum later in the day.
The unruly protesters, made up mostly of street urchins and criminals, started by blocking the road and molesting motorists on service lanes of the ten-lane highway, and subsequently extended their heinous trade to the centre of the road, blocking it and making bonfires, to stop motorists and extort money from them.
They also brazenly ignored the presence of policemen and civil defence operatives, attacking motorists and passers-by who did not pay them what they requested.
As the hoodlums blocked the highway and extorted motorists, they also beat up those who refused to part with cash.
The information immediately spread to the military authorities, which immediately dispatched troops and armoured trucks to take over the highway.
As the military forces arrived, they cut off the highway at Katampe roundabout with an armoured truck to check incoming and outgoing movements.
The military placed similar armoured trucks and personnel at different and strategic locations to push the mob away.
But the troops could not immediately clear the road of the huge stones, tree trunks and burnt tyres as well as other impediments which the hoodlums erected to stall free movement before the military arrived.
The protesters, led by the convener of the Take it Back Movement, Deji Adeyanju, had earlier stormed the Moshood Abiola Stadium which the court order secured by the federal government less than 24 hours to the protest restricted, wielding placards with varied inscriptions.
Soon after they got to the stadium, pro-government protesters, conveyed in at least 12 Toyota Coaster buses arrived in the area, this set off a confrontation not only between the pro and anti-hunger protesters but also with the police.
The protesters soon moved into the streets, with the police firing teargas at them, thus setting off a clash that made the protest violent.
We’re ready for dialogue —FCT Minister
Reacting to the protest in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, again called on those protesting against President Bola Tinubu’s government to come for dialogue, saying the government was ready to listen to them and also walk them through some governance issues they might not have been privy to.
He spoke while presenting staff of office to the four newly appointed graded chiefs of Karu, Kwali, Pai and Yaba in the territory.
Commending protesters in the FCT for being non-violent, Wike urged them to continue to resist those who would want to destroy the nation.
He said: “Let me take this opportunity to commend the people, the youths of Abuja for not being violent. We have said severally that it is better to dialogue with the government and keep the peace. He who makes peace will at the end of the day enjoy the dividends of peace.
‘’I still want to talk to our people that we are still ready to sit down and dialogue with them and let them know things that they may not know because information is power. I commend the protesters in Abuja who have refused to be violent.’’
In Lagos, the protest was generally peaceful as security agents, led by the police, led the protesters in a process from Ikeja to Ojota, the venue designated by a court order two days earlier.
The protesters put forward what they described as a non-negotiable 15-point demand before the government for the protest to be called off.
The demands include:
•Scrap the 1999 Constitution and replace it with a people-made constitution for the Federal Republic of Nigeria through a Sovereign National Conference.
•Toss the Senate arm of the Nigerian Legislative System, keep the House of Representatives (HoR), and make lawmaking a part-time endeavour.
•Pay Nigerian workers a minimum wage of nothing less than N250,000 monthly.
•Invest heavily in education and give Nigerian students grants, not loans. Aggressively pursue free and compulsory education for children across Nigeria.
•Release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu unconditionally and demilitarise the South-East. All EndSARS and political detainees must also be released and should be compensated.
•Renationalise all public-owned enterprises sold to government officials and cronies.
•Reinstate a corruption-free subsidy regime to reduce hunger, starvation and multidimensional poverty.
•Probe past and present Nigerian leaders who have looted the treasury, recovered their loot, and deposited it in a special account to fund education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
•Restructuring of Nigeria to accommodate Nigeria’s diversity, resource control, decentralization and regional development.
•End banditry, terrorism, and violent crimes; Reforms of security agencies to stop continuous human rights violations and duplication of security agencies and enhance the physical security of Nigerian citizens.
•Establish a Special Energy Fund immediately to drive massive, corruption-free power sector development.
•Immediate reconstitution of the Nigerian Electoral Body @inecnigeria to remove corrupt individuals and partisan-backed appointments to manipulate elections.
•Massive investment in public works and industrialization will help employ Nigeria’s teeming youths.
•Massive shake-up in the Nigerian judiciary to remove cabals of corrupt generations of judges and judicial officers that continue denying everyday citizens across to real justice.
•Diaspora voting.
Tinubu, Wike meet in Aso Rock amid protests
Meanwhile, amid the protest yesterday, President Bola Tinubu met with the Minister of the FCT, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Wike, dressed in a white suit, drove into the State House, Abuja, in a Prado SUV for the meeting with President Tinubu at about 4 pm.
Although the agenda of the meeting was not made public at the time of sending this report, it may be in connection with the ongoing protests in the nation’s capital which turned violent in some areas.
The protest which the organisers had said would be peaceful, turned violent in some areas at the seat of power.
Miscreants also had a field day in some parts of the FCT as they harassed and extorted motorists and passersby, especially in Kubwa expressway axis.
Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), says security agencies have identified a senator who sponsored protests in the nation’s capital.
On Thursday, a youth-led nationwide protest against the rising cost of living kicked off.
Speaking after a security council meeting in Abuja, Wike said the unnamed senator provided food for the protesters.
“We also have information that a senator had to invite some security agencies to lead some of them to go and provide food for the protesters,” the minister said.
“That is sponsorship. A senator providing food for protesters.
“At the appropriate time, security agencies will invite the senator and find out how you will be sponsoring this kind of thing against the government of the day.”
Wike said there is intelligence suggesting that protesters want to destroy public property on Friday.
“You saw what happened today where some people tried to move into Eagle Square,” he said.
“Miscreants may not have succeeded in what they wanted to do, but we have intelligence that they are coming out tomorrow to destroy property that will lead to loss of lives.
“The security agencies will not allow that. Every protester, please, go to the MKO Abiola stadium and do your protest. That is what the court said.
“See what happened in some of the states today. Now, look at the loss of lives. If such a thing happens in the FCT, what do you think people would say? Here we have the international community carrying out their businesses.”
The protest is expected to continue on Friday.
[TheCable]
Popular singer, Paul Okoye, aka Rudeboy, has said his twin brother Peter Okoye, aka Mr P, was behind his recent arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
In a recent interview with City FM, Lagos, Rudeboy said Mr P wrote a petition to the anti-graft agency to invite him over alleged fraudulent dealings.
He said that despite the EFCC clearing him of all allegations after a thorough investigation, his twin brother refused to apologise over the false accusations.
“This year, I was invited by the EFCC after they received a petition against me from my twin brother. I never thought it [our beef] would get to this extent. I thought it was just music,” he said.
“The next thing, people are asking me, ‘What do you do?’ Somebody said, ‘You’re going to go to jail for 20 years. They’re going to lock you up.’ I got to the EFCC office, they told me everything. They’ve already printed all my account statements. They asked me to explain every transaction.
“First of all, what entered my mind was, what if I was into fraud? That’s how my brother would have finished me? But I took it. Then they started the investigation. At a point, I was no longer comfortable with the kind of questions they were asking me. When I knew it was serious was when they asked me to get a lawyer and sureties. I did everything.
“One month ago, they called me, my twin brother and our elder brother [Jude Okoye], and said, ‘First of all, we have to say that after all investigations, Paul is innocent. Paul is cleared. Everything you accused him of, we’ve done our investigation and he’s innocent.’
“Despite the fact that I was proven innocent, my twin brother didn’t apologise for the false accusations,” he narrated.
The Department of State Security Services, DSS, has said that the abduction of the former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, EKSU, Prof. Olorunfemi Olaofe, was masterminded by his domestic staff.
Olaofe was kidnapped from his residence in a housing estate along Afao Road in Ado-Ekiti on July 9, 2024.
In a statement in Ado Ekiti, DSS confirmed that the kidnapping was carried out by a gang of seven who were invited by the househelp to his residence, located at Plot 12, 15th Avenue, Federal Housing Phase II, Ado Ekiti, on July 9, 2024.
The statement confirmed that further investigation by the operatives of the command led to the discovery of Olaofe’s remains buried in a shallow grave at a farm settlement along Airport Road, Afao-Ekiti.
It confirmed that the case would soon be transferred to the state police command for prosecution, having established a case of homicide.
The former Deputy Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Prof. Olorunfemi Olaofe, who was kidnapped on July 9, has been found dead.
Sources, who could not confirm whether the 79-year-old retired university teacher died as a result of weakness due to age or that he was killed by the kidnappers, told PUNCH Metro that the don was found buried in a shallow grave in the bush.
Olaofe was kidnapped in his house alongside his guard on July 9, over three weeks ago, and driven away in his car which the police said they recovered days after the kidnap incident.
Our correspondent gathered that the kidnappers initially demanded N50m ransom and thereafter remained incommunicado.
The Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, Mr Adeniran Akinwale, who confirmed Olaofe’s death, said, “Yes, the professor has been found dead and we are doing everything possible to exhume the body for burial.
“However, we have arrested so many people and you know the circumstances surrounding the incident and we suspected insiders’ work in which the security man employed by the professor was the one who planned it.
“They (abductors) kidnapped the man with him so that we would not suspect. In the process of rescuing him, we have arrested some people. I can’t say much about the security guard, but at the appropriate time, we will brief the public,” the CP said.
While the search for the former university teacher lasted, members of the Are Ekiti Progressives Union; Ekiti Council of Elders; and Nigerian Universities Pensioners’ Association, EKSU Branch, charged the security agencies and the state government to intensify efforts to rescue the old man.
#EndBadGovernance Protest: Kwara Court restricts nationwide hunger protest to Ilorin metropolitan square
AFOLABI
A few hours to the August 1-10, 2024, nationwide hunger protests in the country, a Kwara State High Court has restricted protesters to the Ilorin Metropolitan square in the state capital.
Granting an ex parte order on Wednesday, the court said it agreed with the Attorney General of the State and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Senior Ibrahim Sulyman that such a protest could degenerate into violence if the protesters were allowed to do as they wished.
The respondents in the case are the Director State Security Service, Kwara State, Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, the Commandant, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Take-It-Back Movement, Mr. Buhari Olanrewaju Ahmed and unknown persons.
“After listening to Ibrahim Sulyman Esq., Attorney General of Kwara State, the applicant herein and after a careful perusal of the 5-paragraph affidavit, as well as the written address in support of the motion ex-parte, the following orders are hereby granted:
“An order of interim injunction restraining the 4th-6th respondents whether by themselves, agents, privies, servants or any other person(s) acting through them to converge, carry, conduct any act or form of their proposed peaceful public protest, rallies, processions and or meetings in any other place other than Metropolitan Square/Asa Dam Road, Kwara State in the interest of the general public for a period of 7 days, effective from the 1st August, 2024.
“It is also ordered that the 1st-3rd respondents are directed to provide adequate security for the protection of lives and properties of all citizens and residents of Kwara State, as well as the infrastructure provided by the Kwara State Government against the 4th-6th respondents’ act, protest, or any form of protest for a period of 7days effective from the 1st August, 2024 or any other day pending the determination of the motion on notice.
“It is also ordered that all the court processes filed in respect of this suit be served on the 4th-6th respondents by pasting same at the High Court of Justice premises,” the order read.
The court adjourned further hearings in the case to 14th of August, 2024, according to a statement by the press secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Mrs Adesikeola Ajiboye in Ilorin on Wednesday.
..cites hoodlums’ plan to attack markets
Bashar Binji, the convener of a planned nationwide protest in Sokoto, announced the cancellation of the protest on Tuesday.
Mr Binji cited an alleged plot by hoodlums to attack markets in the state as the reason for their decision.
Addressing journalists in Sokoto, Mr Binji stated that credible intelligence reports had uncovered plans by hoodlums to exploit the gathering and attack some markets within the state’s metropolis.
While acknowledging the constructive intent behind the peaceful protest, Binji emphasised that the complex and sensitive environment could lead to unintended and potentially destabilising consequences.
“The chairman of the Sokoto Marketers Association, Abubakar Sarkin-Gishiri, reported the hoodlums’ planned attack to the Department of State Services, and it was confirmed.
“Moreover, there is another security report indicating that another group has perfected plans to attack banks and other government properties. As responsible citizens, we do not want to give them that opportunity.
”We have therefore resolved to withdraw from the planned protest for the safety of all the residents and their properties,” Mr Binji explained.
Mr Binji appreciated the security agencies’ commitment to safeguarding the state. He assured that the group would explore other ways to express their grievances to the government.
“We appeal to the people to support us and shun any actions that could breach the peace of the state,” Mr Binji said.
(NAN)
Popular rights activist and co-convener of BringBackOurGirls, BBOG, advocacy group, Aisha Yesufu, has called for the impeachment of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
Yesufu said senators would not encounter any resistance if they opted to impeach Akpabio.
Posting on X, Yesufu wrote: “Dear Senators. It is time to impeach Godswill Akpabio. It is still one of you that will replace him as Senate President.
“You will not encounter any resistance. Propaganda cannot work on people that are hungry. The growling of their stomach will drown out the noise and they won’t be able to hear the propaganda.”
Her remark came after Akpabio mocked Nigerians planning to hit the streets on August 1 to protest against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The Senate President had urged aggrieved Nigerians willing to protest to go ahead, saying “but let us be there eating.”
Noting that all Nigerians are feeling the impact of the hardship in the country, Akpabio assured that the situation would last only for a short time.
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Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has announced that credible intelligence indicates that mercenaries and thugs have been hired from outside the state, disguised as protesters, to damage valuable infrastructure.
The governor emphasized that the people of Rivers have decided not to participate in the nationwide 10-day protest scheduled to start on August 1.
He shared this information while addressing representatives from Civil Society Organisations, the National Association of Nigerian Students, ethnic and youth groups in Rivers State, and the Port Harcourt Motor Spare Parts Dealers Union, Ikoku Branch, among others, at the Banquet Hall of Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
A statement from Nelson Chukwudi, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, was sent to news outlets detailing the situation.
Governor Fubara asserted that recent public and covert actions by self-proclaimed adversaries suggest that Rivers State faces threats from those determined to destabilize it.
“You are already aware of the political situation of our State where people are looking for every avenue to destabilize this state. We don’t need to give them that opportunity to carry out that act.
“And that is the reason why I, representing the government, and the service commanders, have always been in touch with you all, pleading that we should shelve this protest. And even if you have to do it, we should do it in a way and manner that it will not get out of control,” Governor Fubara said.
The governor mentioned that he possesses information unavailable to others, stating, “I am aware of the people who are being hired to come into this state to cause mayhem. If anything happens here, we are going to be the greatest losers. Our property will be destroyed. Our economy will be destroyed. And when they finish, they will go back to their states.”
He referenced the situation in Kenya, suggesting that it could take two decades to repair the damage caused by similar unrest.
“In Rivers State, we are not that financially buoyant to now start retrogressing where we have already passed. Instead of maintaining and increasing what we have, we will be thinking of rebuilding, if destroyed. Let us not allow it to happen,” he cautioned.
While acknowledging the economic challenges facing Nigerians, Governor Fubara assured that the Federal Government, led by President Bola Tinubu, is implementing effective measures to alleviate the current hardships and secure a better future for citizens.
He urged activists to carefully consider the motives behind the proposed protest and avoid supporting it merely to appease those dissatisfied with the current system.
[NaijaNews]
The latest data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) shows that the currency in circulation (CIC) reached a year-high of N4.05 trillion in June 2024, up by 56% from N2.6 trillion in the same month of the previous year.
The CIC comprises the currency outside the banking system and the vault cash of banks.
This increase in currency circulation could have both positive and negative impacts on the economy. On the positive side, higher cash circulation might indicate increased economic activities and consumer spending. However, it also raises concerns about inflationary pressures, as more cash in the economy can lead to higher prices for goods and services.
For the first time in Nigeria’s history, the currency in circulation has surpassed N4 trillion, according to data from the CBN.
The month-on-month (MoM) growth rate was 2%, from N3.65 trillion recorded in May 2024.
The data further indicated that 94% of currency in circulation is outside the banking system, as cash outside banks hit a new high of N3.79 trillion. The currency outside banks has more than quadrupled over the past year.
[Dailytrust]
The President Bola Tinubu administration has implemented positive economic reforms which led to improvement in some key economic areas.
An infographic posted on X by Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Social Media, Dada Olusegun highlighted six parameters that have seen positive changes under President Tinubu.
Here are six positive economic reforms under President Tinubu’s administration:
1. Foreign reserves:
Nigeria’s external reserves increased to $35.77 billion from $33.09 Billion at the end of 2023, data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the country’s external reserves movement has revealed.
The figure released on Thursday signifies a $2.68 billion increase in the country’s external reserves in the past six months.
The data revealed that the country’s foreign reserve crossed the $35.05bn on July 8 to the $35.77 mark on Thursday.
2. Minimum Wage:
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, July 18, approved N70,000 as the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers.
A significant increase from the 30,000 amount accepted by the federal government, led to the enactment of the National Minimum Wage Act 2019 in March 2019.
3. Debt to Revenue Ratio:
The Nigerian government recorded significant strides in its fiscal management, with a dramatic decline in debt service and a surge in non-oil revenue.
The minister of finance, Wale Edun, disclosed these positive developments during an assessment of the economy’s first-half performance.
According to the minister, the debt service ratio has plummeted from a staggering 97% in June 2023 to a more manageable 68% in 2024.
4. Oil production:
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has said the country dominates crude oil production in Africa with an output of 1.61mbpd as of July 23, 2024, boasting proven reserves of 37.50 billion barrels and a production capacity of approximately 2.19 million barrels per day (mbpd).
The Commission’s Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe made this known at the House of Representatives Special Committee Two Day Public/Investigative Hearing on Oil Theft/Losses.
5. Forex backlog:
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on March 20, 2024, cleared the $7 billion foreign exchange (FX) backlog inherited by Governor Yemi Cardoso.
CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso said that it decided to settle the $7.5 billion forex backlog owed, to build investor confidence in the domestic economy and build lasting credibility for the country.
6. Ways and Means:
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun noted that the government is not relying on ways and means of borrowing, which can be inflationary, and has paid back the previous N7.3 trillion obligation within a year of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking at the newly introduced quarterly media briefing yesterday in Abuja, Edun highlighted that the economy grew faster in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023.
According to him, economic activity in the first quarter of 2024 was not only faster than the first quarter of 2023, but it was also the second fastest first-quarter growth in the last six years.
[TheNation]
A popular caterer and Chief Executive of Country Kitchen, in Akure, Ondo State, Mrs. Olakunbi Adene, has reportedly been hacked to death by some unknown assailants, five days after celebrating her 54th birthday.
Source told Vanguard that the victim was killed at her residence, Oda Road, in Akure metropolis.
Her lifeless body was discovered on her bed by her neighbours, who later informed the caretaker of the house.
A family source, who spoke with newsmen, said: “The mother of two was hale and hearty with no sign of illness few days before she was sent to her early grave by her killers. Her lifeless body was found in a pool of blood on her bed with no trace of her killers.
“It was just five days ago that she marked her 54th birthday, she entertained many visitors in her residence and served assorted wine and drinks to her guests.”
Speaking with newsmen, the deceased’s husband, Dele Adene said the news of his wife’s demise came to him as a rude shock.
Adene said: “I was told that my wife’s corpse was found on her bed in a pool of blood, which showed she was hacked to death.
“I cannot believe that no arrest has been made up till the moment of talking to you. I feel suspects should have been arrested.
“Her phone should be tracked and I don’t know how dwellers in the building did not know such thing happened in a house with four flats apartment.”
Also, the deceased’s daughter, Tejumade, said it was the caretaker of the house where her mother lived, that called to inform her that she was found dead in a pool of blood.
Meanwhile, the remains of the deceased had been deposited at the mortuary in Akure.
Contacted, the state police imagemaker, Funmi Odunlami confirmed the killing, saying: “I am aware of the incident and an investigation is currently ongoing.”
[Vanguard]