According to the human rights body, Nigeria police and Nigeria Army personnel shot 13 unarmed peaceful protesters on the first day of hunger protest by citizens tagged ‘EndBadGovernanceinNigeria‘ on Thursday.
Amnesty International report on Friday showed that Nigeria Police personnel killed 6 protesters in Suleja, Niger State and 3 other peaceful protesters in Kaduna State; while personnel of Nigeria Army shot dead four protesters in Maiduguri, Borno State.
“Amnesty International condemns the killing of peaceful protesters by security personnel across the country: Suleja Niger state 6 people killed, Maiduguri 4 people killed and Kaduna 3 people killed.
“Our findings, so far, show that security personnel at the locations where lives were lost deliberately used tactics designed to kill while dealing with gatherings of people protesting hunger and deep poverty,” the statement read.
The human rights group called on the federal government to investigate and ensure the security personnel involved in the killing of peaceful protesters are made to face the law.
The statement regretted that Nigeria security agency personnel applied force and used firearms in the management of peaceful protests.
“The Nigerian authorities must investigate these incidents and ensure that security personnel suspected of responsibility for deadly use of force are held to account through fair trial. Violent crackdown on peaceful protesters is unjustified and unacceptable.
“Nigerian security agencies’ unlawful attitude of using firearms as tactical tool for the management of protests must end,” Amnesty International said.
As Nigerians stage protests across the nation to voice their concerns about economic hardship and difficulties, an unnamed man chose to go naked to protest in Lagos State on Thursday.
In a viral video circulating on social media, the man could be seen naked and walking the street of Ojota, among other protesters, and singing “Solidarity forever.“
PUNCH Metro reports that a nationwide protest has erupted across Nigeria, as citizens express their frustration over the country’s prevailing economic hardship.
Nigerians began the #EndbadgovernanceinNigeria protest on August 1, 2024, to draw the attention of the government to the plight being faced by the masses.
Our correspondent who monitored the protest in parts of Lagos, gathered that protesters defied an order obtained from a court, confining them to some areas and took to the streets, roads, and Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, in Lagos, to express their grievances.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin in a statement posted on X.com assured the protesters and citizens of Lagos that the police were on the ground to ensure the safety and security of both protesters and non-protesters.
He wrote, “Area is calm!
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade, mni, has visited the protest ground at Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, Lagos and met the protesters being peaceful.
“He equally checked Alausa, Lekki toll gate and other parts of the state and found them peaceful too. Non-protesting Lagosians have also been going about their lawful duties without harassment or intimidation.
“Monitoring is ongoing. Your safety and security remain our priority.
The area is indeed calm!”
Anxiety was in the air when residents of Urora in Benin, Edo State, on Thursday, looted a truckload of rice parked in the vicinity on the opening day of the protest against bad governance and hunger, which took place across the nation.
In a 40-second viral video, watched by our correspondent, residents were seen running to a section of a street in Urora and emerged with mini bags of rice.
The person who shot the video was heard shouting, “This is our rice that (the) government gave us, this is where they hid it. We have located it. This is Urora. Look at rice everywhere, come and collect your rice. Look at the rice that (the) Edo State Government gave us, this where they hid it.”
In another video, a resident said the truck was packed behind Bethel Faith Secondary School, Urora, describing the Edo State Government’s action as wicked.
However, the All Progressives Congress stated it was not surprised by this discovery as the Godwin Obaseki government in the state had succeeded in converting everything received from the Federal Government on behalf of the Edo people to donations made by his administration.
The state chairman of the APC, Jarrett Tenebe, who stated this in an interview with PUNCH Metro, said it was clear that the Edo State Government did not care about the people of the state.
He said, “Last month, the Federal Government confirmed that the 36 states, including Edo, had received 20 trucks of rice, yet Obaseki has failed to account for them.
“In his usual deceptive style of governance, Obaseki has converted everything he received from the APC Federal Government on behalf of the Edo people, to donations made by his administration.
“He has achieved this by repackaging the rice and other grains in branded mini bags with Edo State insignia. He has announced also that his PDP government spends N1bn each month for the purchase of rice.
“If the Edo people were ever in doubt, the video that emerged on social media today, where an abandoned truckload of repackaged Federal Government rice with the Edo State Government inscription was discovered by Urora residents, has exposed Obaseki’s deliberate plan to deprive the people of accessing the different palliative measures.
However, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, said the state government did not have a warehouse in Urora and only distributed relief materials through a religious body.
He said, “The Edo State Government has received information about the looting of bags of rice from an unidentified truck and private residences in parts of Benin City in the wake of the #EndBadGovernance protests.
“The videos making the rounds are said to have emanated from the Urora area of Ikpoba Hill, Benin City, and the government does not have a warehouse in that location.
“The government supports the vulnerable with relief materials through religious organisations particularly the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and the Edo State Muslims Pilgrim Welfare Board.
“The state government does not keep any relief material by itself but reaches out to the people through these channels.
“We will not put this tactic past the All Progressives Congress, which is spreading malicious content to score cheap political points. This condemnable action is intended to cause chaos in the state and the APC is discouraged from such ignoble practice.”
The Abia State University, Uturu, has suspended a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Dr. Udochukwu Ndukwe, for three months following allegations of sexual harassment against a female student.
A letter signed by the school’s registrar, Dr Acho Elendu, dated July 30, 2024, and obtained by PUNCH Metro on Thursday, stated that Ndukwe would be investigated and would lose half of his pay “in line with the University Conditions of Service pending the conclusion of the investigation for which a panel has been set up.”
The letter described the suspended lecturer’s actions as an “embarrassment” to the The disgraced lecturer, our correspondent learnt, had repeatedly been accused of sexually harassing, intimidating and extorting female students of the department.
A viral social media video obtained by PUNCH Metro on Thursday showed the lecturer on his knees, being interrogated by several individuals in a room.
Ndukwe was, our correspondent gathered, allegedly set up by a final-year female student whom he was accused of continuously sexually harassing and intimidating.
PUNCH Metro investigations revealed that to expose the predatory lecturer, a female student he had allegedly been harassing for over two years collaborated with others to set him up at a popular hotel in Umuahia, where he was caught pants down, pleading not to be exposed.
Our correspondent also noted in the viral short video that the lecturer’s lips were bloodied and he had visible bruises.
According to the letter, a panel has been established to further investigate the suspended lecturer “pending the conclusion of the investigation.”
He said, “Following the disturbing online video clip involving you, trending on social media, which has brought embarrassment to Abia State University, the Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of the Governing Authorities, has approved your immediate suspension from duty for three months, in the first instance, with half salary, in line with the University Conditions of Service pending the conclusion of the investigation for which a panel has been set up.
“You are to hand over any university property in your possession to your Head of Department.
“By this notice, all relevant authorities of the university are to note, for strict compliance.”
All attempts by PUNCH Metro to get a reaction from the university registrar regarding the suspension were unsuccessful, as his mobile telephone number went unanswered on Thursday, and he had not responded to a text message sent as of the time this report was filed.
The Police Special Fraud Unit has arraigned students of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, and Resign Regal Academy, Timothy Oluwabukola and Anthony Odemerho, for allegedly hacking MTN Nigeria Communication Plc’s computers and stealing airtime and data valued at N1.9bn.
Oluwabukola and Odemerho who were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday are facing four counts bordering on conspiracy, unauthorised access into the company’s web-based platform known as Application Programming Interface and unlawful conversion, preferred against them by the police.
The police prosecution counsel, Justine Enang, told the court that the defendants committed the alleged offences with others now at large.
Enang told the court that Oluwabukola and Odemerho who are said to be students of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Abeokuta, Ogun State, and Resign Regal Academy in Benin City, Edo State, respectively, committed the offences sometime between January and April 2024, in Lagos and Edo states.
He said the defendants conspired and accessed the telco’s Application Programming Interface and obtained data from the said application, which they used to defraud MTN to the tune of N1.9bn.
According to the prosecutor the offences committed contravened Sections 27(1)(b); 6(2) and 28(1)(b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015 as amended in 2024, but punishable under Section 8(2) of the same Act.
He added that the offences also contravened Section 18(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prevention And Prohibition) Act, 2022, punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.
However, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.
Following their not-guilty plea, the prosecutor asked the court for a trial date and urged the court to remand them in the custody of a correctional centre till the determination of the charge.
But the defence lawyers informed the court that they had filed their clients’ bail applications and the same had been served on the prosecutor.
The prosecutor confirmed being served with the applications but told the court that he was served while the proceedings were on.
He asked the court for a short date to enable him to study the applications and respond to them accordingly.
Consequently, Justice Akintayo Aluko adjourned the case till August 5, 2024, for hearing of the defendants’ bail applications.
A disturbing number of casualties, looting and destruction of public properties were recorded on Day 1 of the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protests, which commenced on Thursday, August 1, across Nigerian states.
Recall that the protests were ignited by a crisis in the cost of living, linked to the removal of the petrol subsidy and the floating of the naira.
Properties worth hundreds of millions of Naira were looted and wrecked, with almost twenty people reportedly killed in major cities across several states during the demonstrations.
Additionally, opportunistic individuals exploited the situation to steal valuable assets from both the public and private sectors.
Naija News reports that despite several pleas by the President Bola Tinubu government, as well as traditional and religious leaders and warnings by security operatives, the organizers of the protest went ahead to converge across major locations to carry out their demonstrations.
However, the supposed peaceful protest turned violent, and hoodlums hijacked the demonstration while protesters also clashed with security operatives in some cases.
Furthermore, the protests caused widespread disruption to business operations, resulting in the closure of shops, financial institutions, and other establishments, while commuters faced prolonged delays due to road blockages.
In Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), clashes occurred between supporters and opponents of the protest in various locations.
For example, as protesters gathered at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, those organizing the event reportedly noticed buses transporting groups opposed to the protest.
Below are details of tragedies recorded on Day 1 of the Hunger Protest:
Protest In Niger State
It was reported that at least six protesters were shot dead, with many others sustaining injuries during the hunger protest in Suleja area of Niger State.
Naija News learnt that the victims were killed while security operatives were struggling to dislodge a group of protesters who mounted a barricade on a section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway, trapping motorists for several hours.
However, an uproar occurred after the arrival of the reinforcement team, which was sent to restore sanity to the area.
A resident of Hassan Dalatu Road, Suleja, identified as Yahaya Nda Isah, was reportedly hit by a stray bullet while on his bike in front of the Suleja Police ‘A’ division, where protesters had assembled.
A nephew of the deceased who spoke with Daily Trust said his uncle was on his bike without joining the ongoing protest when the bullet fired to disperse the protesters hit him on his chest, and he died on the spot.
“We heard people shouting and gunshots were heard for about 20 minutes at Emir Roundabout. The situation in Suleja is ugly,” Bala Abdullahi, another resident, told reporters.
However, the spokesman for the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, in a statement he issued, was silent on the deaths but said some hoodlums were arrested.
Protest In Maiduguri
Regrettably, four individuals lost their lives at Kime Filling Station, Bolori Junction in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, yesterday.
The station’s officials, who confirmed the deceased were their employees, provided varying explanations regarding the circumstances of their deaths.
“As I’m speaking to you now, they are still lying in the pool of their blood,” said one of the attendants, who gave his name as Malam Musa.
Musa, who confirmed that he was with the victims, said they died from an explosion.
“I nearly got affected, but as God would have it, I escaped unhurt”, he said.
However, another source, who pleaded anonymity, told reporters that stray bullets hit the deceased.
“I was opposite the filling station when the incident happened. There was nothing like a blast. We just heard sporadic gunshots and the boys were down. Four of them died instantly,” he said.
The Borno State Police Command, in collaboration with the Chief Security Officer of the state, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, decided to implement a curfew following a consultation.
Naija News reports that this decision was made in response to a tragic bomb blast in Kawuri village, Konduga Local Government Area, resulting in the loss of 19 lives.
Protest In Kano
One Ismael Ahmad Musa tragically lost his life during the protest in Hotoro, Tarauni Local Government Area of Kano State.
His passing was confirmed by his brother, Mubarak.
It remains uncertain whether he was actively participating in the protest.
He was laid to rest according to Islamic customs. Additionally, another individual who was struck by a stray bullet is currently fighting for survival at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH).
Naija News reports that there were incidents of looting of public stores and destruction of government properties in Kano during the protest on Thursday.
Videos and images shared online by different sources showed some citizens carting away electronics, food items and other materials from people’s shops.
More importantly, the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) office in Kano was set ablaze during the protest.
A large number of youths, armed with dangerous weapons, took over major roads in Kano, leading to widespread unrest.
The newly constructed NCC office was scheduled for inauguration next week.
In addition to the arson attack on the NCC office, the Hotoro area saw all shops closed, and both a filling station and a Rufaida shop were set on fire.
Residents have called for immediate action from the authorities to restore order and protect lives and property in the state.
Isa Musa, a resident of Charanchi in Gwale Local Government Area, described the current situation as a threat to humanity and urged the police to deploy additional personnel to address the deteriorating security situation.
Protest In Jigawa
Meanwhile, in Hadejia city, two individuals were reported dead, and four others were taken to the hospital for treatment, as confirmed by residents.
Meanwhile, in the state capital of Dutse, one person was believed to have lost their life and five others were quickly transported to Rasheed Shekoni General Hospital for medical attention.
Kebbi Protest
The hunger protest remained peaceful in Birnin Kebbi, the capital of Kebbi State, but turned violent in Yauri, a prominent town in the state, where reports indicated that one individual was fatally shot while attempting to secure his shop from being plundered.
Numerous other shops were reportedly looted in the area.
Kaduna Protest
According to an eyewitness account reported by Daily Trust, two protesters were reportedly killed in Kaduna yesterday.
One of the victims was allegedly shot by security forces near the Government House. The eyewitness mentioned seeing one of the bodies near Panteka Market, close to the Government House.
A video clip obtained by newsmen depicted the tragic incident, showing one of the victims who died on the spot as security agents dispersed the protesters. In the video, screams could be heard from protesters indicating that one person was shot in the stomach.
The victim was identified as wearing a white T-shirt. Additionally, reports indicated that a police officer was critically injured during an attack by protesters near the Kaduna State Traffic and Environmental Law Enforcement Agency’s (KASTLEA) office.
However, it remains unclear whether the officer survived. Attempts to reach the State Police Command’s spokesman, Mansir Hassan, through phone calls and text messages were unsuccessful.
Abuja Protest
Yesterday, it was reported that a teenager was tragically killed by a stray bullet at the NNPC Junction at Kubwa, Abuja, along the Abuja-Zuba Expressway.
According to resident Sani Abdullahi, police officers arrived at the area around 2 pm and dispersed the protesters.
“The youths, however, reassembled around Zenith Bank junction in the area, pelting the security men who tried to open the inner streets for free movement.
“The security men fired shots into the air, and in the process, the victim, who is yet to be identified, was reportedly hit around his neck”, the resident said.
It was gathered that policemen took the victim’s body to the Kubwa General Hospital.
The FCT Police Command spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, however, has not issued any official statement regarding the incident as at the time of filing this report.
NBA Vows To Probe Killings Of Protesters
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) yesterday confirmed the killings of some protesters in the Suleja area of Niger State, vowing to take action.
In response to the unfortunate event, Abdullahi Liman, the Chairman of the Suleja branch of the NBA, communicated with journalists via telephone, stating that he had visited the home of one of the victims, Yahaya Nda Isah, to gather reliable information for subsequent measures, as instructed by the national president of the NBA.
He said: “The national level of the NBA has asked all the branches to constitute monitoring committees in respect of the protest.
“So, we are going around to see what is really happening. I got information that a man was shot dead, and I came to the house of the victim (Yahaya Nda Isah) to confirm things for myself, and I have seen the corps.
“So, what we are doing now is to gather information in respect of the incident and I will reach out to the national level so that we know what to do next in respect of the issue. This cannot be denied.”
Nigerian singer, Paul Nonso Okoye, better known as Rudeboy, has confirmed the split of their music group, Psquare, for the second time.
Naija News recalls that the duo, which consists of Paul and his twin brother, Peter Okoye, popularly known Mr P, first split in 2016 but reunited in 2021.
In June, Nigerian celebrity journalist, Stella Dimokokorkus, said the twin brothers are at war over joint funds being allegedly diverted by their elder brother cum music executive, Jude Okoye.
In a recent interview with City FM, Lagos, Rudeboy confirmed that the group has broken up again, stating that the plan to produce hit albums together will no longer happen.
Rude Boy claimed that he was wrongly accused of saying that he is the music group singer while Peter is the dancer, and the issue hurt his brother.
The singer said Peter told him to his face that he was no longer interested in the music group and was not ready to make the issue public.
He said, “The plan of our coming back together was going to produce a lot of hit albums. But as it is now, I’m just focusing on Rudeboy. Trust me, it is not everything that I would want to say.
“I was being accused of saying that he [Peter] was the dancer and I’m the singer. I know whenever we go to the airport, people ask are you a singer or a dancer? I didn’t know it was touching him. But I know there was a time we came together and said, ‘don’t allow this thing get to you, you should be proud of what you’re doing. That’s the role you’re playing.’
“We have a song we did with T.I, ‘Eja Jo’. That was when the issue started. Till today, that song is still on 3 million views because people didn’t hear the PSquare’s voice that they are used to.
“When we came back together, because I didn’t want the issues that happened before, I told my brother to show himself, let us be involved in the creative process together. I told him we should share who carries the tracks equally but still it wasn’t working.
“The new PSquare was peaceful. I needed the past mistakes not to repeat themselves. But then again he [Peter] said he’s no more doing [no longer interested]. In fact, he told me in the face that he wants to quit. I asked if we could make it public and he refused. But what will happen when I go solo? People will call me the bad person. That’s why I’m speaking up now.”
#EndBadGovernanceProtest: Police Arrest Over 50 Suspects For Looting, Property Destruction In Katsina
AFOLABI
The Katsina State Police Command reported the arrest of more than fifty suspects linked to the looting and destruction of government and public properties during the #EndBadGovernanceProtest held in the state.
Naija News reports that Nigerians stormed major streets on Thursday to protest the economic hardship and food scarcity.
In a statement, Police Spokesman ASP Abubakar Sadiq emphasized that efforts are ongoing to capture individuals involved in the looting of both private and public properties.
The statement urged parents and guardians to advise their children and wards against engaging in illegal activities such as violent protests, vandalism, and looting.
The police also appealed to the youths to exercise restraint and resist being manipulated into committing acts of violence.
The statement highlighted that the police command, in coordination with other security agencies, will conduct regular patrols to enforce the curfew imposed across the state. It warned that anyone violating the curfew would face strict consequences.
The public was asked to cooperate with security forces and remain indoors during curfew hours. The statement called for collective efforts to maintain peace and order in the state.
Due to security concerns arising from the protests turning violent in certain areas, the Katsina State Police Command has begun enforcing a 24-hour curfew in Dutsinma Local Government Area (LGA) and a 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. curfew in the remaining LGAs. These measures aim to ensure public safety, prevent further violence, and maintain law and order.
The statement also addressed circulating rumors, denying that police used live ammunition on protesters, which allegedly resulted in fatalities.
It reassured the public that officers acted with restraint and professionalism, and there were no reports of casualties due to police actions at the time of reporting.
“Let’s work together to maintain peace and order in our state.
“Due to the current security concerns in light of the nationwide protests turning violent in some parts of the state, the Katsina State Police Command commenced enforcement of the Katsina State Government imposed 24-hour curfew in Dutsinma Local Government Area (LGA) and a 7:00 pm to 7:00 am curfew in the rest of the Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state, effective immediately.
“The 24-hour curfew in Dutsinma LGA is necessary to ensure public safety and prevent further escalation of violence, vandalism, and looting of public and private properties, while the 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew in the rest of the state is aimed at preventing nocturnal criminal activities and maintaining law and order throughout the state.
“Additionally, we wish to debunk the circulating rumors and misinformation that police personnel shot live ammo at protesters, resulting in loss of lives.
“We assure the members of the public that our officers exercised the maximum level of restraint and professionalism in handling the violent protesters.
“There is no record of any fatalities resulting from police actions as of the time of these reports,” the statement partly read.
WhatsApp is considering suspending its services in Nigeria following a $220 million fine imposed by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for data privacy violations.
Sources close to Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, suggest that they are evaluating the possibility of withdrawing some services from Nigeria due to increasing regulatory pressures.
In addition to the hefty fine, the FCCPC has instructed WhatsApp to stop sharing user data with other Facebook entities and third parties without explicit user consent.
The commission also demands that WhatsApp provide transparency about its data collection methods and improve user control over their data.
In an email to TechCabal, a WhatsApp spokesperson stated, “We want to be clear that, technically, based on the order, it would be impossible to provide WhatsApp in Nigeria or globally.”
The spokesperson criticized the FCCPC’s order as misleading and said it misrepresents WhatsApp’s data practices, requiring significant alterations to the platform’s infrastructure.
While Meta has not specifically addressed the FCCPC’s concerns about user opt-out options following the 2021 privacy policy update, the company insists that this update does not entail sharing user data.
According to their privacy policy, Meta maintains, “While traditionally mobile carriers and operators store this information, we believe that keeping these records for two billion users would be both a privacy and security risk, and we don’t do it.”
A potential withdrawal of WhatsApp from Nigeria would have serious implications for individuals and small businesses that depend heavily on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook for customer interaction.
Some privacy attorneys have questioned the FCCPC’s application of the National Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) as the basis for the fine.
The NDPR, introduced by the National Information Technology Development Agency in 2019, serves as Nigeria’s main data protection framework.
Two anonymous lawyers have expressed skepticism about the NDPR’s legal weight in such a significant case, questioning whether a government regulation can be definitive in privacy matters.
Additionally, two unnamed government officials have raised concerns about the $220 million fine’s fairness. “We are too revenue-focused. What is the opportunity cost of $220 million in government coffers?” questioned an industry expert.
Folalumi Alaran reports that Information and National Orientation Minister, Mohammed Idris, on Wednesday reeled out specific interventions of the President Bola Tinubu’s government especially in the area of youth development in the last one year.
The last few weeks have not been the best of times for the administration of President Bola Tinubu. The government at the centre in recent times had contended with various issues requiring urgent attention.
One of such issues has to do with the notice given by some aggrieved Nigerian youths to proceed on peaceful protests nationwide over rising cost of living in the country from August 1 to 14, 2024.
At various fora, government officials including President Tinubu had appealed to the organisers to give government some time to address the key issues raised by the youths.
On his part, Information and National Orientation Minister, Mohammed Idris on Wednesday invited Editors and Bureau Chiefs of media houses to a media parley where he laid bare programmes and activities of government targetted at the youths. He was in the company of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun and Budget and Economic Planning Minister, Atiku Bagudu and some other Ministers.
He traced the present administration to May 29, 2023 when Tinubu was sworn in as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. His inauguration marked the beginning of a new era, one aimed at addressing the nation’s longstanding challenges and ushering in a wave of reforms that promise to reshape Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape.
The Minister spoke about the N70,000 new minimum wage bill which the President signed into law on Monday ending months of deliberations between government authorities, labour unions, and the private sector.
The President signed the bill into law at the State House in Abuja days after the National Assembly had passed the Minimum Wage Act, 2019 to increase the National Minimum Wage from N30,000 to N70,000.
Also, the Nigerian Educational Loan Fund on Wednesday disbursed the sum of N850M to institutions as fees.This was apart from the over N1.7 billion that has been disbursed to about 20,000 students.
The Fund’s Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyer, who.made this disclosure said “the sum of N850 million will be leaving the account of NELFUND Today to institutions. This is apart from the N1.7 billion that has already been disbursed.”
He revealed that the Fund had disbursed institutional fees to 20,000 students through their institutions while noting that a total of 260,000 loans including institutional fees and upkeep have been approved. No fewer than 1.2 million students are expected to benefit from this cardinal programme of President Tinubu’s administration.
The President had earlier on April 3, 2023, approved N35bn for the take-off of the scheme after signing the law backing the scheme.
With rising food inflation and shortages posing significant challenges, Tinubu’s government took urgent action to ensure food security. The distribution of 42,000 metric tons of food nationwide and the promotion of agricultural mechanization were key steps in this direction. These measures are intended to boost agricultural production and empower young farmers, thereby strengthening the agriculture and food value chain.
Also recently, the Tinubu government sent 20 trucks of rice to each of the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory for distribution to the most vulnerable in the society to cushion the effect of rising cost of food items.
From the beginning, the Tinubu Presidency made it clear that economic reform would be at the heart of his administration. His decision to remove the long-standing fuel subsidy was one of his first and most controversial moves. This policy, which had cost the government approximately $10 billion annually, was seen as a drain on public finances and a breeding ground for corruption. By eliminating the subsidy, Tinubu aimed to free up resources for investment in critical sectors and reduce the fiscal deficit.
The immediate aftermath of the subsidy removal was turbulent. Panic buying and skyrocketing fuel prices led to nationwide strikes and protests. However, the administration’s steadfast negotiations with labor unions and strategic communication helped to stabilize the situation.
The World Bank hailed the move, acknowledging its potential to strengthen Nigeria’s economy by curbing wasteful spending and stimulating private sector investment in the oil industry.
In line with subsidy removal, Tinubu’s administration also embarked on unifying the exchange rate. By floating the naira, the Central Bank of Nigeria aimed to balance the official, investors, exporters, and parallel market rates. This bold step was intended to attract foreign investment and stabilize the economy, despite initial shocks to the currency’s value.
[Thisday]
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The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group has approved a loan of N750 billion ($500) million to Nigeria to support the first phase of the economic governance and energy transition support programme (EGET-SP).
EGET-SP is an initiative aimed at accelerating the transformation of the country’s electricity infrastructure and improving access to cleaner sources of energy.
The plan will, among other things, lift 100 million people out of poverty, reduce Nigeria’s carbon footprint, drive economic growth, and create jobs, according to the government.
In a statement on Thursday, AfDB said the loan will help close the financing gap of the government’s budget in the 2024/2025 fiscal year, particularly supporting the implementation of the country’s new Electricity Act and the Nigeria energy transition plan.
“The Nigerian government launched the energy transition plan in August 2022, and in June 2023, passed a new Electricity Act decentralising the electricity supply industry and setting the stage for increased investments by subnational governments and the private sector,” AfDB said.
“The energy transition plan envisions the development, by 2050, of 250 GW of installed electricity capacity, 90 per cent of which will be renewable.
“It will provide clean cooking access to the bulk of the population by 2030, using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), biogas, biofuels like ethanol, and electric cookstoves,” the statement said
It added that “The AfDB $500m support to the Federal Government of Nigeria is the latest in a series of initiatives aimed at supporting the country’s economic growth, poverty reduction, and climate action efforts.”
[Dailytrust]
Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Thursday night decried the dimensions of the ongoing EndBadGovernance protest in the country.
DAILY POST reports that Nigerians across many states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, took to the streets as they commenced an earlier announced 10-day protest against hardship in the country.
However, the first day of the protest witnessed widespread violence and lootings across major cities, with many protesters reported dead.
The major flashpoints were in Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, FCT Abuja, Niger, Jigawa and Nasarawa States.
Some of the states have already imposed curfew in a bid to contain the situation.
Addressing a press conference, the IGP, who knocked the promoters of the protest for being nowhere around to lead it, urged them to end it.
He said the security agencies had been vindicated in their earlier intelligence that the protest would turn violent.
According to him, “It is with a grave sense of responsibility that I address you this evening. You will recall that upon several indications by various groups of their intent to commence a nationwide protest on 1st August, 2024, we rolled out several warnings based on actionable intelligence at our disposal indicating that some groups were mobilizing our youths for violent protests with intent to create anarchy in the country.
“While some groups claiming to be mobilizing for peaceful protests were doing so with violent undertones, refusing to cooperate with the Police on measures to be taken to guarantee peaceful protest.
“On the basis of this intelligence, the Police advised that the protests should be shelved at the instant time. Where the organizers insisted on going on with the protests, they were advised to stage the protest in confined locations.
“This would have enabled the police provide adequate protection for the protesters and isolate the criminals whose intention was to loot and destroy in the name of a protest.
“This we were doing in furtherance of our duty to protect lives and property and maintaining law and order.
“While we affirmed the constitutional rights of citizens to assemble and express their views on issues of national importance, we were wary about the dangers posed by agitation instigated by some individuals who have shown tendencies to be disloyal to the government of the day.
“Despite our suspicions, we showed good faith through professional conduct by providing security at strategic locations all aimed at ensuring peaceful conduct during the protest as the promoters pledged.
“Our men deployed nationwide went out with a clear brief to ensure that no one is unnecessarily harassed or intimidated. In places where there were court orders, we gave instructions for observance of same.
“Regrettably, events in some major cities today showed that what was being instigated was mass uprising and looting, not protest.
“Those who were in the forefront of promoting the idea of the protest were not around to lead it. Hoodlums have been let loose on innocent Nigerians and their hard-earned businesses and property looted and destroyed.
“The motive of the rioters was basically two; loot and destroy both private and government property. The destruction so far has been mind-boggling.
“There has been destruction in Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, FCT Abuja, Niger, Jigawa. Police stations have been destroyed, there have been attempts to take over government houses, looting of government infrastructures, several warehouses and shops have so far been looted and, in several instances, completely destroyed.”
He decried that “ispite of the refusal of the protesters, for instance in FCT to adhere to a court order requesting that protest in Abuja should be at the National Stadium, they trooped into the streets, and yet the police provided security for them. At no point did we breach their fundamental rights even as they breached court order.
“In places like FCT, Kaduna, Kano and Gombe, among others, we recorded incidents of unprovoked attacks on security personnel, where one policeman has been reported murdered and others seriously injured.
“We alerted earlier on that terror elements may take advantage of the protests to infiltrate the crowd of protesters with suicide bombers. Yesterday in Lagos, our EOD team was informed of a suspected IED on Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja. The team responded swiftly and rendered safe what turned out to be an improvised explosive device (IED).
“Today in Borno State, we recorded one incident of an explosion which occurred in the crowd of protesters killing 4 instantly and severely injuring 34 others, many of whom are presently on danger list.
“We wish to advise law abiding citizens of Nigeria to heed and not dismiss warnings given by the police and other security agencies which were based on credible and actionable security intelligence.
“In the light of the current situation, the Nigeria Police Force has placed all units on red alert. Our officers are fully mobilized and prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to any further threats to public safety and order.
“We remain committed and resolute to protecting lives and property and ensuring that law and order are maintained across the nation.
“Groups who are hiding under the guise of exercise of a right provided in the Constitution to destabilize the country should remember that the same Constitution imposed on them the duty to obey the laws of the land and respect the rights of other citizens.
“The Police are equipped to respond appropriately to the unfolding situation and will get assistance from other security agencies, including the military if the need arises.
“We appeal to all citizens to remain calm and cooperate with the Police and other security agencies during this challenging period.
“Your safety is our top priority, and we will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure continued peace and stability in our country.”
[DailyPost]
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]