Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says it is immoral for the members of the national assembly to determine their salaries and allowances.
Obasanjo spoke on Friday when he hosted some members of the house of representatives in Abeokuta, the capital city of Ogun state.
The former president said it is the duty of the Revenue Mobilsation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMFAC) to determine what public officeholders earn.
“Look at your case, with all due respect,” Obasanjo said.
“You are not supposed to fix your salaries or your allowances; it is supposed to be done by the RMFAC, but you decide what you pay yourselves, the allowances that you give yourselves – newspaper allowances, pant allowances – you give yourself all sorts of things. With due respect, you know it is not right.
“It is not right for me to be the one to declare and determine what I pay myself. It is immoral, and then you are doing it.
“The senate is doing it, and in some cases, the executive gives you what you are not entitled to. You all got N200 million.”
The federal legislative arm of government is often criticised for the “huge pay” allocated to its members. The total remuneration the federal lawmakers receive every month is shrouded in secrecy.
In 2018, Shehu Sani, a former senator who represented Kaduna Central, said he and his colleagues received N13.5 million monthly as running costs, aside from salaries.
The Lagos government has announced a 25 percent cut in the blue rail transport fare for off-peak periods.
Abimbola Akinajo, managing director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), announced the reduction in a statement on Saturday.
Akinajo said the 25 percent discount is for commuters travelling “within the off-peak period set at 10.00 am and 4.00 pm daily”.
She said the Lagos rail mass transit (LRMT) blue line would increase its number of trips from 54 to 72 per day, from August 12.
However, Akinajo said the current schedule for Sunday operations remains unchanged.
Akinajo said passengers can now travel between Marina and Mile 2 on the blue line route in just about 18 minutes from the previous travel time of 25 minutes.
According to the LAMATA boss, this means there would be a train every 18 minutes both ways — thus allowing commuters to plan their trips.
“The new train schedule is potentially expected to reduce journey times, encourage more riders to use the train system during off-peak periods and reduce transport spending,” she said.
Akinajo said the new timetables is available on the LAMATA website, stations, and social media handles.
The blue rail line started operations on September 4, 2023 — running 12 trips per day.
On October 11, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, announced that the state would temporarily shut down the blue rail line from October 14, 2023.
But the the service resumed passenger operations days after with 54 trips.
[PRESS RELEASE] At Erelu's Installation, Governor Adeleke Speaks on Agric Processing, Unity Among Obas
Admin![[PRESS RELEASE] At Erelu's Installation, Governor Adeleke Speaks on Agric Processing, Unity Among Obas](/media/k2/items/cache/e4dd5028ecd080055754b64a1e0a81fa_M.jpg)
I will Recommit to People's Welfare -Erelu Adeleke
Governor Ademola Adeleke has called on traditional rulers to deepen unity among their ranks even as he spoke on his plans for the agricultural sector.
The Governor represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon Tola Faseru made the call at the coronation of the wife of the Governor, Her Excellency, Erelu Ngozi Adeleke as the Erelu Soludero of Erinmo Ijesa.
The paramount ruler of Erinmo land, His Royal Majesty, Oba Odunayo M. Ajayi, Arowotawaya II had this Saturday conferred the prestigious title on Mrs Adeleke who was already the Erelu Soludero of Oke Ila in Ifedayo Local Government.
Governor Adeleke expressed heartfelt appreciation to his royal highness for conferring this prestigious title on my wife, Erelu Ngpzi Adeleke, adding that “This is an open demonstration of affection and love for my family and the entire Adeleke dynasty.
“I must congratulate my dear wife for this honour conferred on her and the family. This chieftaincy title symbolizes the sustained efforts of our government and the Adeleke family to bring succor to the people of the state. I thank Kabiyesi for honoring my wife. This will propel us to do more for the people of Osun state”, the Governor posited.
While congratulating the royal father on his coronation anniversary, the State used the opportunity to affirm the importance of royal institutions, submitting that “ the contributions of our royal institutions to communal and state development cannot be brushed aside.
“In the turbulent art of governance, our royal fathers provide invaluable counsellings and moral support which steadied the ship of state and facilitated good governance.
“Our government will continue to accord traditional rulers their rightful place in the scheme of things. We will continue to consult and tap into the fountain of wisdom for which our fathers are made of.
“In this collaborative effort for the good of the people, our government will not abandon its responsibility to deliver dividends of democracy and to lift our people out of poverty and under-development.
“I must however plead with our royal fathers to revive and deepen the old spirit of unity across the traditional councils. We must avoid actions and inactions that breed disunity and fragmentation.
“A united traditional council across the local government will strengthen the capacity of our royal fathers to influence government policies. The increasing sign of fragmentation is worrisome and constitutes a threat to the sanctity of our traditional institutions”, Mr Governor advised.
On state governance , Governor Adeleke told the gathering that his government is implementing several initiatives in the agriculture sector.
According to the Governor , “We are specifically pursuing expansion of activities within such sub-sectors as cocoa, cashew and rice value chains. We will support provisions of facilities for paddy rice processing as well as further incentives for farmers in that sector.
“We are extending similar back up to farmers for other cash crops as a deliberate strategy to expand the state economy and deepen the state Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“In the next few days, our government will be unveiling and distributing several farm equipment and inputs including tractors, fertilizers and seedlings. This is a golden era for our farmers. We are determined to raise Osun into an agro-industrial state with excellent infrastructure for economic sustainability”, Governor Adeleke narrated.
I will Recommit to People's Welfare -Erelu Adeleke
Responding to the coronation, Erelu Ngozi expressed appreciation to the royal father and the entire people of Erinmo Ijesha , pledging to "redouble her efforts towards development of the town and realization of the aspirations of the young and the old in the state.
" I will push ahead with a vision of an Osun State where every citizen is empowered, embraced, and equipped to reach their full potential. I envision a future where compassion, integrity, and innovation drive our efforts to create inclusive opportunities for all.
"Together, we will champion education, healthcare, and sustainable development, ensuring that no one is left behind. With unity and determination, I will build a legacy of resilience, prosperity, and hope for generations to come", the new Erelu told the gathering.
Erelu Ngozi Abeni Adeleke founded the Esther Adeleke Humanitarian Foundation, an NGO dedicated to providing healthcare services, food aid, and education to those in need.
She is affectionately known as “Mummy Triplets” for her unwavering commitment to supporting families blessed with twins and triplets in Osun state. Through her foundation, she is providing care, support, and financial assistance to four sets of triplets and three sets of twins and still counting.
The Erelu has earned many honours and awards in recognition of her immeasurable contributions to the well being of children, women and less privileged members of the society.
The event was attended by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, the Chief of Staff to the Governor , Hon Kazeem Akinkeyeand his wife, members of the State Executive Council, Hon Ibukun Fadipe, and other dignitaries from home.and abroad.
Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor.
On Thursday, August 8, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, announced to Nigerians that the Port Harcourt Refinery would become operational in four weeks’ time, perhaps to meet the government’s August deadline of producing petroleum products.
The association went further to say that the refinery would equally be supplying between 10 and 12 million litres of petrol to marketers.
The IPMAN’s National Operations Controller, Zarma Mustapha, who let the cat out of the bag in an interview on national television, said the refinery would boost the supply of petroleum products in the country to about 11 to 15 million liters daily, and help ensure energy availability across the board.
According to him, the refinery was set to operate independently and sell at the prevailing market price with little or no government interference.
“There is this understanding that the Port Harcourt Refinery is going to perform independently and sell at whatever prevailing market price for them to recover their cost.
“It is not going to be run like a government entity as it has been before. I believe that the refinery coming up will really boost the demand and supply of PMS to nothing less than 11 to 15 million litres daily.
“I am confident and optimistic that this August deadline is going to be a realistic deadline. It will come on stream and fully produce all the necessary components that the refinery is supposed to produce,” he said.
However, instead of receiving the news with enthusiasm, Nigerians were rather skeptical considering the fact that several of such promises had been made in the past without any of them coming to fruition.
A segment of the society described the development as a harvest of promises with unending deceptions.
Some are of the opinion that the latest promise which is about the fourth in the series could still go the way of the previous ones, even as others have volunteered to give the government the benefit of the doubt.
Recall that earlier, Nigerians were told that the refinery would start operations in December 2023.
The Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, had sounded optimistic about the December 2023 deadline, but at the end of the day, nothing happened, and no apologies were offered.
On Thursday, March 13, 2024, Nigerians were again greeted with the news that the Port Harcourt Refinery would become operational in two weeks’ time.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Mele Kyari, assured Nigerians that the rehabilitated Port Harcourt Refinery would commence operations in two weeks. He made the revelation at an interactive session with the Senate.
He assured Nigerians that the delivery date of the Port Harcourt and other refineries remained sacrosanct.
According to the NNPCL spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, in a statement, Kyari said: “We will make sure that promises that we made about the rehabilitation of these refineries are kept. We completed the mechanical completion of PHRC in December.
“Now, we have crude oil already stocked in it. It is currently undergoing regulatory compliance tests before we re-stream it. I assure you that this refinery will start in next two weeks
“For the Warri Refinery, we have also done mechanical work on it. It is undergoing regulatory compliance processes that we are doing with our regulators. Kaduna will be ready by December this year, but we have not reached that stage. We believe that it will also be ready on schedule.”
Kyari noted that the Port Harcourt refinery had received 450,000 barrels of crude for processing since the mechanical completion of the plant in December last year.
He called for the cooperation of all stakeholders in the rehabilitation process, saying, “We are all serving this country dutifully and loyally. Nigerians must understand that gradually, we shall get this task done.”
The statement added that the Senate Ad-hoc Committee was expected to visit the three refineries in Kaduna, Warri, and Port Harcourt soon for an on-the-spot assessment of work progress.
The two week’s ultimatum ended in April and the refinery did not even produce a litre of petrol. Most Nigerians were not surprised as they never even believed the statement when it was released.
Again, on Monday, May 20, the National Public Relations Officer, Independent Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chief Ukadike Chinedu, promised Nigerians that the 210,000-barrel-per-day Port-Harcourt Refinery would finally commence operations by the end of July after several postponements.
He stated that the development would stimulate economic activities, reduce the price of petroleum products and ensure adequate supply.
Again, July came and ended without the Refinery working. Nigerians, again, did not give a whimper because they never took the statement seriously in the first instance.
So, the latest news that the PH Refinery would be operational in four weeks’ time did not receive cheers from Nigerians.
To many Nigerians, it has become a festival of promises. In fact, it has become a cliché to hear that the refinery, whether Port Harcourt, Warri or Kaduna, would work. Since 2015, when the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, wrested powers from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, which held sway for 16 years, there have been promises of a turnaround maintenance of the Port Harcourt Refinery and others and their eventual operation, but none has ever come to fruition. It has all been deceptions couched in political statements to hoodwink the Nigerian masses.
So, when the IPMAN’s National Operations Controller, Mustapha announced on Thursday that the PH Refinery would begin operations in four weeks’ time, as an indication of the government’s preparedness to actually end fuel importation, not many were excited, as most people expressed skepticism, considering the past promises.
There are various views about the development. While some dismissed the news outright as mere political talks, others said even though such promises never produced any positive outcome in the past, they were prepared to give the government the benefit of the doubt this time round.
Those who believe that nothing would come out of it and that it was just mere political talks said it was akin to a political campaign promise where politicians promise that they would build bridges even where there is no river.
However, those who want to give the government the benefit of the doubt are of the view that even a liar would have a day when he would decide to be honest. To them, the government might have decided to turn a new leaf and do the right thing this time.
One of the proponents of those pushing that Nigerians should give the government the benefit of the doubt this time round is the president of Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), Alhaji Yerima Shettima.
He said although he would like to remain optimistic this time round, he cannot blame those who don’t believe the government’s promise considering the previous promises about the same refinery, which ended with no positive result
He told DAILY POST that: “The problem with the promise is just that we have a government that speaks from both sides of the mouth and previous promises have come and gone without fulfillment. So, even if this one is genuine, a lot of people will have a lot of doubts in their minds.
“But, I hope this will not be the same story because you cannot continue to say one thing today, and then tomorrow, you say another thing.
“Doing that will always put you on the defensive because you always want to say something, giving people hope without anything on ground to fulfill such promises.”
He advised the government to be honest and sincere with Nigerians, warning that deliberately lying to the people always would only provoke them to anger, which is not good for the society.
“The more you lie to the people about the refinery, the more you provoke people to anger. So, I am of the view that this time round, the government should try to live up to their promise.
“I am not part of those who don’t believe that things will work because I am always optimistic and I strongly believe that there will be light at the end of the tunnel. So, all they need to do is to re-programme themselves to be more sincere and honest to Nigerians,” he said.
He noted that the situation was so critical that the government just has to do everything possible to make sure that the refinery and other things work in the country.
He also advised that the leaders should not continue to give excuses because they knew exactly what the situation was before they went into office.
“We are in a critical period where people must have to understand that things are not okay and the government must also do something because they knew the problem before they took over the mantle of leadership.
“And to that extent, ours is to support them, and let them be honest to Nigerians, so that all of us will be able to survive this trying period,” he submitted.
But for a journalist and public affairs analyst, Nze Ezeocha, there is nothing cheery about the latest promise.
He noted that last year, the Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri told Nigerians that it would become operational before Christmas.
“Christmas passed and we reminded them about their promise and they gave Nigerians a fresh date, which also never came to reality.
“Now, we are being fed with another promise about the same refinery. This is the fourth time that the NNPCL and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources are telling Nigerians that the PH Refinery would be operational in weeks. And at the end of the day, nothing would come out of it.
“So, as far as I am concerned, I think this latest promise will end up like the previous ones. We have seen the brickbat between the NNPCL and the Dangote Refinery.
“Dangote is still insisting that it has not got enough crude from the NNPCL. Nigerians would like to know the kind of agreement Dangote had with the NNPCL.
“Dangote also demanded that the NNPCL should be mandated to direct the IOCs to be selling their crude to him. Did he not make adequate arrangements on how he will be getting crude before setting up a refinery?
“So, the whole thing about this oil refining in Nigeria is shrouded in secrecy and deception and the earlier the government comes clean on that the better for everybody in this country,” he told DAILY POST.
The president of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Dr. Pogu Bitrus, equally agrees with Ezeocha.
He stated that nothing would come out of the promise. He believes that the Nigerian attitude has not changed, and would not want Nigerians to build any hope around the promise to avoid suffering unnecessary heart ache.
“We do propaganda with everything. We politicise everything. The President doesn’t have to tell us that the Port Harcourt Refinery is on course when it is not fully on course. Let this government start to do things differently.
“When things are not right, rather than getting political capital by telling lies to Nigerians, they should come out to tell Nigerians the true situation of things,” he said.
Continuing, he said: “There is no point in deceiving the populace. Let them tell the truth and they will better be appreciated, rather than thinking that by telling lies, they are playing politics. They are instead dishonouring themselves, and Nigerians will lose confidence in them very soon.”
Also speaking, a legal practitioner and public commentator, IK Onodi also did not believe that the refinery would become operational in two weeks time.
He said such promises had been made in the past and none came to fruition, and because of that he would not believe anybody until he has seen that the refinery has actually started refining.
According to him: “It is said that action speaks louder than words. We were told last year when the Dangote Refinery was commissioned that it would start producing by July last year.
“From July last year till now is about nine months, and no drop of crude oil has been refined by the Dangote Refinery.
“We have been told times without numbers that the Port Harcourt Refinery and other refineries would come on stream very soon.
“If I were the government, I will not announce anything until the refinery starts producing and when that happens, I will tell Nigerians that this is from the PH or Warri or Kaduna Refineries. I will not believe it until I see it.”
For an independent petroleum marketer, Chief Dipo Lanre, the refinery might not likely work in four weeks as promised.
He, however, noted that he would not totally dismiss it but expressed strong reservation about the feasibility of the promise considering the past promises which never yielded any positive result.
“I pray that this time, the promise will be fulfilled. It should not go the way of previous promises about the refinery.
“Remember that during Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, the same Port Harcourt Refinery was sold to Mike Otedola and Aliko Dangote, but the money was later returned to them.
“And since that money was returned to Otedola and Dangote, the refinery has not returned to operation; it has been promises upon promises. It has become a cancer to the Nigeria society.
“I am tired of the politics of that refinery. Politicians have used it to play politics since the Obasanjo era. What is a refinery anyway?
“What is the big deal in building a refinery? Since 1999 when the democratic governance returned, we could have built more than four refineries if we are serious.
“For almost 25 years, we have been playing politics with the refinery. Let it not be another round of deception this time,” he further told DAILY POST.
Kunle Wizeman Ajayi, the Governorship candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Ondo State, has been reportedly arrested.
Ajayi, who is also a member of the Take It Back Movement, was arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force on Saturday in Akure during the ongoing one-milion-man protest against hunger and hardship.
The AAC candidate was, according to the organization, arrested alongside another activist, Patrick Owolabi.
The human rights advocacy organisation, Take It Back Movement, announced the arrest in a post on its official X handle, while demanding their immediate release.
The post reads, “It’s unfortunate that the @PoliceNG is yet to learn.
“The continued clampdown on peaceful #EndBadGovernceInNigeria protesters is a total shame.
“We condemn the unlawful arrest of Ajayi Wizeman & Patrick Owolabi in Ondo state and we demand their immediate and unconditional release!”
However, when contacted by DAILY POST, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Odunlami Ibukun said, “I have not been briefed on that report”.
Tinubu Tasks New Head Of Civil Service, Walson-Jack, On Innovation, Integrity, And Adherence To Regulations
AFOLABI
The newly-appointed Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, has promised to serve the interest of Nigerians as captured in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Walson-Jack gave the assurance on Friday, after private talks with Tinubu at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.
“I see it as a divine assignment, and I had the opportunity to assure Mr. President that, by the grace of God, I will not disappoint him,’ she said.
The new HoS, who was led to the Villa by her predecessor, Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan, also said she will “work together not only with the permanent secretaries but also with the directors and the entire civil service to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
On her part, Yemi-Esan described the handover process as “seamless,” adding that the new civil service chief was “capable” of performing the task before her.
“The President has made the handing over seamless, which is very well appreciated. The incoming Head of Service has had some weeks with me learning the ropes and I am sure by now, she is ready to go and we thank Mr President for this.
“We also had a good time chatting with Mr President, sharing his vision for the country and especially for the civil service with the incoming Head of Service, and that should prepare her and should make her hit the ground running so that she can achieve all that Mr President has discussed with us.
“The newly appointed Head of Service is capable, very intelligent, hardworking, professional and empathic. I have no doubt that she will do the job very well,” said Yemi-Esan.
On July 17, Tinubu approved the appointment of Walson-Jack as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, with effect from August 14, 2024.
Her appointment was announced in a statement by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, titled ‘President Tinubu appoints new head of civil service of the federation.’
She succeeds Yemi-Esan who retires from service on August 13, 2024.
Walson-Jack was appointed Federal Permanent Secretary in 2017 and has served in several Ministries.
Tinubu thanked the outgoing Head of Service for her stewardship and tasked the incoming Head of Service to “discharge her duties with innovative flair, integrity, and stringent adherence to the extant rules and regulations of the Civil Service of the Federation.”
Former Nigeria President, Olusegun Obasanjo, says the attributes and characters needed to build a nation are lacking in many Nigerian leaders.
He stated that many Nigerian politicians and leaders are not fit to occupy public positions and should be languishing in prison or sent to the gallows.
Obasanjo shared this view while addressing six lawmakers from the House of Representatives on Friday.
He expressed discontent at the current state of the country, saying the country would not move forward until leaders changed their mentality.
Obasanjo asserted that in choosing good leaders, characters must be considered and questioned.
“Our main problem is ourselves and until we take care of ourselves, we may have one term of four years, one term of six years, one term of seven years, if it’s the same people and same mentality and way we do things, then it won’t change”
Obasanjo, who argued that the nation needs to rethink democracy and its style of governance, said priority needs to be given to the kind of leaders we select and their track records.
“Yes system, yes democracy, we have to rethink democracy, we have to rethink the form of government, but what is the character of the people in government?
“With all due respect, most of them should be behind bars, some should even be in the gallows and that is the truth.
“Now if these are the people that are ruling us, then what do you expect? So, the point is the character of the people that are coming to the government. Their attributes, the sort of people they truly are.
“We need to really think about how we select leaders, what should be the character of a leader we select? What should be their track record ?
“Where should we find them? Are they role models? And I think those are the first things we have to think about,” he stated.
The lawmakers’ entourage included Abdulmalik Danga from Kogi, Dr Usman Midala from Borno, Matthew Nwogu from Imo, Peter Aniekwe from Anambra, Kama Nkemkanma from Ebonyi and Ugochinyere Ikenga from Imo
The EndBadGovernance protesters have commenced a one-milion-man protest in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Abuja.
DAILY POST reports that the protest against high cost of living which began on August 1 is expected to end today, August 10.
The organizers had vowed to stage a one-milion-man protest in the 36 states and the nation’s capital to mark the grand finale of the hunder protest.
The protesters, who stormed the street early hours of Saturday morning, were seen carrying different placards and chanting “we are hungry”.
Media
BREAKING: DAY 10 of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeriaProtest has commenced already in Abuja. pic.twitter.com/eB5WY3LAXP
— Peter Obi Grassroots Mobilization. (@PO_GrassRootM) August 10, 2024
A chieftain of the People Democratic Party, PDP, Bode George, has charged President Bola Tinubu to disclose the true state of fuel subsidy to Nigerians.
George said Tinubu should tell Nigerians if his administration still pays subsidy on fuel through the back-doors.
Speaking on Arise Television, the former PDP deputy national chairman, knocked Tinubu’s administration for lack of transparency.
There have been reports that the Tinubu government secretly returned the fuel subsidy regime.
Former governor of Bauchi State, Isa Yuguda accused the Federal Government of paying more for fuel subsidy than before.
Amid this claim, the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun disclosed that Nigeria currently spends $600m on fuel importation monthly.
Reacting, George said: “I’m so miffed about the goings on about this particular industry. On one side you hear the subsidy is still there, on another side you hear that there is no subsidy, who is telling the truth?
“Let us know the truth for God’s sake, it is our fundamental right and if the people know what the truth is, they will support you to succeed.
“The NNPCL is owned by the Federal government which means it is owned by all Nigerians, we want to know what exactly is going on there.
“I’m not in that field of operation, but I’m educated enough to listen to A and listen to B and then conclude in mind if there is need to support the operations or the policies of the government we will and if there are shortfalls in what they are telling us, we will say.”
- Massive cops deployment in flashpoints, protest venues nationwide
- Organisers tackle FG on rights violations, demand release of demonstrators
Hundreds of policemen and security operatives have been deployed in major cities across the country as organisers of the #EndBadGovernance protest prepare for a one million-man march today, Saturday PUNCH has learned.
The protest, scheduled to last for 10 days and expected to climax today, has been marred by killings and attacks on protesters and journalists.
The nationwide protesters are demanding a reversal of the fuel subsidy removal, an increase in the minimum wage to N250,000, and an end to bad governance, among other issues.
Although the protest appeared to have lost steam in some parts of the country, momentum was sustained in states like Kano, Kaduna, Rivers, and Bauchi.
The organising groups threatened to lock down the entire country today (Saturday) to press home their demands, adding that President Bola Tinubu’s Sunday speech was not convincing.
Tinubu had, in a televised statewide broadcast, begged the protesters to end the rallies, asking for patience to fix the country’s problems.
However, the protesters, speaking to Saturday PUNCH, noted that they were mobilising the one-million-man march to climax the 10-day rally.
In a statement on Friday, the National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Sanyaolu Juwon, said the August 10 protest would represent a pivotal moment in the nationwide #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria campaign.
He said, “The Take It Back Movement, along with other organisers and organisations, will lead a one-million-man protest in each of the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on August 10.
“This event will mark a critical juncture in our nationwide #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria campaign, which began on August 1, 2024.
“It started as a planned 10-day protest but has evolved into a sustained and widespread movement, drawing participants from every corner of Nigeria and the Diaspora.”
Juwon also demanded the release of the protesters and organisers arrested by security agents.
He said, “On the troubling matter of unlawful arrests, we unequivocally condemn the detention of Michael Adaramoye (Lenin), Babatunde Oluajo, and others who were arrested on August 5, and on previous and subsequent days. Their continued imprisonment by the DSS and the police is a gross violation of their rights. We demand their immediate release and call for an end to these unjust detentions.”
Increased surveillance
One of our correspondents, who toured the Business Central District area in the FCT, observed an increased presence of security agencies, who mounted roadblocks, slowing down vehicular movement.
In addition, our correspondent observed that the number of security operatives at Eagles Square had increased.
Speaking with our correspondent on the arrangement by security agents on Friday, Juwon said the increased presence of security agents and the recent clampdown on protesters would not affect the turnout on Saturday.
He said, “It’s a nationwide one-million-man march. Aside from the fact that we are not prophets, Nigerians have also shown resilience in the face of violent state repression. So, I’d say, let’s meet at the barricades.”
Hundreds of policemen in Lagos
In Lagos, policemen were stationed around major bus stops, including Ojota, Ketu, Obalende, Berger, and other locations where it is believed the protest would take place.
Scores of policemen, led by Commissioner of Police Adegoke Fayoade, accompanied the protesters during a candlelight procession organised to mourn demonstrators who died during the rallies nationwide.
Our correspondent also saw soldiers from Operation Mesa, personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other security agencies on the scene.
This is as the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Organising Committee called on President Tinubu to compensate families of slain protesters.
The group claimed that more than 40 people lost their lives during the protest.
Recall that the committee, based at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota, Lagos, had declared three days of mourning for those killed nationwide during the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests.
In mourning the deceased protesters, the group held a symposium at the Rights House, Adeniyi Jones area, and a candlelight procession to the ShopRite area in Ikeja, amid heavy security presence.
Addressing the protesters, a member of the committee and National Spokesperson of the Youth Rights Campaign, Mr Hassan Taiwo, called on President Tinubu to compensate the families of the deceased protesters.
He also demanded the dismissal of the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.
“We are here in mourning and to honour all the protesters who lost their lives while protesting against the hardship. We blame Tinubu for what has happened and we are calling for the immediate sacking of the Inspector General of Police,” he asserted.
Also, another activist, Akinola Foluso, stated that protest is a fundamental human right and as such, the people must not be intimidated for exercising it.
Earlier, some police officers deployed by the Lagos State Police Command stopped protesters from carrying out a candlelight procession to the Alausa area, as against their initial plan.
Tension in Kano
In Kano, men of the Nigeria Police Force, soldiers and NSCDC officials, take over several roads in preparation for the one-million-man march.
Saturday PUNCH, while monitoring the situation, observed several stern-looking security personnel patrolling some major streets in the commercial city, mostly from the ever-busy Ibrahim Taiwo Road to both BUK new sites.
Besides patrolling popular streets, there was also a huge security presence on France Road, a strategic artery in the Sabon Gari area of the metropolitan city, linking the popular Abubakar Rimi/Singer market.
Following the hunger protest, which degenerated into violence and looting, traders at the Singer/Abubakar Rimi Market, engaged additional services to prevent the place from being looted by angry protesters.
As of the time of filing this report, there were reports of intermittent clashes between law enforcement agents and some protesters who insisted that they would begin the march from Friday.
As the protest raged, the spokesman of the Kano State Police Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna, told Saturday PUNCH that his life was being threatened for daring to arrest 322 protesters, who looted shops and the warehouse of the National Identity Management Agency.
Police take over Rivers roads, parks
In Rivers, there was an increased presence of policemen at the Federal Secretariat and the Pleasure Park along Aba Road in Port Harcourt ahead of the one-million-man march.
However, the protesters did not gather on Friday at the two venues, which are the usual meeting points.
As our correspondent observed the area on Friday, scores of armed policemen were seen patrolling the area in their vans.
Saturday PUNCH gathered from several sources in the area that there would be a final showdown at the residence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, the Government House, Pleasure Park, and major areas like Elelewon, Oyigbo, Rumuokoro, Choba, among others.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the development, adding that law-abiding citizens should go about their lawful business.
Iringe-Koko explained that although the deployment had been ongoing, the addition followed credible intelligence that some miscreants were planning to loot and disturb the peace of the state.
She said, “You know before this time we had restricted the protest to the Pleasure Park and Isaac Boro Park. But we got credible intelligence that some individuals are planning a one-million-man march tomorrow. And that some of them are planning to loot and cause security breaches.
“We are saying all genuine protesters should continue to use the two designated places. We will not allow anyone or group to try to loot, steal, or cause any security breach in the name of protest.”
But the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, told Saturday PUNCH that the police were not aware of the one-million-man march.
He said, “We are not aware of any one-million-man march. As we have seen the infiltration of criminally minded elements who have hijacked the protest, if we truly have the interest of the citizens at heart, we should avoid unnecessary gatherings.”
Also speaking, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Buba Edward, said the military would be involved at the invitation of the police. He stated, “The military only gets involved at the invitation of the police. We will remain on standby until invited by the police.”
Group demands release of protesters
Meanwhile, a coalition of 20 civil society organisations has called on security agencies to release all protesters detained since the #EndBadGovernance protest began. At a press conference on Friday in Abuja, the National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, who also serves as the group’s coordinator, Peter Ameh, alleged that security forces had been secretly arresting protest leaders from different parts of the country.
He disclosed that many individuals connected to the protest were detained by security agents. Ameh expressed concern that the current administration had militarised the civil space because citizens demanded necessities, including an end to hunger, a reduction in the cost of living, and a decrease in wasteful government spending.
He stated, “The 1999 Constitution, as amended, protects our inalienable rights, including the right to protest. According to the constitution, one should not be held without being charged in court for more than 48 hours. Yet, people like Alhaji Khand Aminu remain in detention without charges, languishing in SSS custody in Kaduna.”
“This is unacceptable! Nigeria may be a lawless place, but our fundamental rights will not be taken away from us. We demand that all those detained in connection to the ongoing protest be released with immediate effect; otherwise, President Tinubu should be ready to arrest all of us.”
Opposition urges Tinubu to reevaluate policies
Opposition political parties in Nigeria, under the aegis of the Coalition of United Political Parties, the National Youth Council of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Political Science Association, urged President Bola Tinubu to reevaluate his policies to address the demands of the protesters.
The CUPP National spokesperson, Mark Adebayo, lamented that the presidency mismanaged the #EndBadGovernance and hunger protests due to a lack of proactive ideas and necessary actions to forestall the accompanying carnage.
Adebayo, in an exclusive interview with Saturday PUNCH, noted that a truly concerned, patriotic, and competent president would have immediately sprung into action by first addressing the nation.
He stated, “The lives that were lost were a needless tragedy; the property destroyed was avoidable, and the huge economic losses were preventable. But we have a president who is too far removed from the realities of his people’s suffering to care.
“His address after the bloodshed and losses was nondescript, ineffectual, uninspiring, demeaning, and hope-crushing. President Tinubu was prepared to be president but never prepared to govern.”
The NYCN President, Sukubo Sara-Igbe, pointed out that the challenges faced by Nigerians did not originate with the current administration, but there was an expectation for President Tinubu to tackle the issues. Sara-Igbe urged protesters to prioritize the country’s stability and peace, advocating for a move towards dialogue.
The NPSA President, Professor Hassan Saliu, observed that the external factors involved in the protest indicated that the situation was escalating. In an interview with one of our correspondents, Saliu emphasized the need for a careful approach, noting that while the beginning of a conflict could be known, its outcome remained uncertain.
Opposition parties condemn use of live ammunition
Opposition parties in the country have openly denounced the continued use of lethal force to intimidate and disperse civilians during peaceful demonstrations.
The opposition vented their anger and frustrations in separate interviews with our correspondent.
Their fear comes on the heels of the recent killing of a 16-year-old protester in the Samaru community, Zaria, Kaduna State. The teenager was identified as Ismail Mohammed.
The incident occurred when troops of the Nigerian Army received a distress call to help disperse some hoodlums who were burning tyres and attacking security personnel in Samaru.
The mob had attempted to attack the troops, an action that led the soldiers to fire a warning shot to scare the hoodlums away. However, the bullet hit Mohammed, leading to his death. No fewer than 17 persons have so far been reported dead in Abuja, Kano, Niger, Borno, Kaduna, and Jigawa during the #EndBadGovernance protest, which was held across the country.
The rally began peacefully but took a violent turn in some cities, leading to violent confrontations between the police and the protesters.
In Abuja, the demonstration also claimed a victim who was shot dead along the Kubwa expressway. Reacting to the high number of casualties recorded at the ongoing #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ibrahim Abdullahi, raised the alarm that the country is gradually sliding into dictatorship.
Abdullahi insisted that the bloodletting and intimidation of peaceful protesters could have been averted had Nigerians heeded their warning against voting in the current administration.
He said, “We have been warning that these people, in their desperation to ensure they gag Nigerians through silencing of the voices of dissent and deployment of the instrument of coercion against citizens innocently protesting, are sliding into raw dictatorship.”
Yunusa Tanko, the chief spokesman of Labour Party presidential flag bearer Peter Obi, shared the same sentiment. Tanko further vented his anger over the killing of the Kaduna teenager, saying he was a familiar face in Samaru.
“That teenager was shot right here in my area, Samaru community. I was there. It was not as if it happened in my presence but I was a distance away from the house where it occurred,” Tanko said.
Operatives may deploy arms if lives are threatened – APC
Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress has called for restraint. In an interview with Saturday PUNCH, the National Publicity Director of the APC, Bala Ibrahim, disclosed that while the introduction of live ammunition at protest grounds is condemnable, life-threatening circumstances might warrant the operatives to introduce them at some points.
He said, “That is wrong. In a peaceful demonstration, the use of lethal force is not allowed. However, the word ‘peaceful’ must be respected. If the protest turns violent and security agents are being attacked, they have a right to protect themselves. The operatives have the right to use reasonable and reciprocal force.
“For instance, if someone attacks you with an AK-47, you can use arms that are equivalent in force to save yourself and others. If the protest is peaceful, lethal weapons have no place. But when they become life-threatening, the narratives will change.”
Hundreds of protesters still in detention – Adeyanju
Meanwhile, lawyer and human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, has disclosed that hundreds of the scheduled #EndBadGovernance protesters are still being detained across the country by the Nigeria Police Force.
Adeyanju, who serves as legal adviser to the protesters, also added that the police had charged some of the protesters in court but said the legal team was yet to receive the charge sheet since the detained protesters were being charged all over the country, stating that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the protesters.
Protest over, citizens have embraced dialogue – Lagos
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has dismissed insinuations that the #EndBadGovernance protest would erupt on Saturday (today). The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, stated this during a phone interview with Saturday PUNCH on Friday.
He pointed out that the Governance Advisory Council had visited Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Friday and lauded what they called “mature leadership” which has prevented the state from descending into chaos during the protest.
He said, “The protest in Lagos has been peaceful so far, and it is over in Lagos. Lagosians have embraced peace and dialogue, and the governor has opened up engagement channels for protesters to dialogue.”
“The state has provided phone numbers through the Ministry of Information, the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, and the Office of Civic Engagement. We have been receiving calls from citizens and there has been fruitful dialogue, so there is no more protest in Lagos.
“Today, the GAC, led by their chairman, Tajudeen Olusi, paid a solidarity visit to Mr. Governor at the State House and commended the way our governor handled the recent expression of grievances through the protests. He has demonstrated mature leadership. The good people of the state have chosen peace.”
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A former governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau, on Friday, charged President Bola Tinubu-led government to admit its mistakes and review its policies.
The Nigerian economy has been affected by some policies like the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira, implemented by the Tinubu government.
The value of the naira, which is the nation’s currency, has sharply fallen in the wake of these policies, prompting recent protests by Nigerians.
To address the issues, Shekarau said Tinubu and his team should have a review of its economic policies and admit to mistakes where necessary.
Shekarau, while speaking on Channels TV Politics Today, said, “As we say in the teaching job, the best learning is when you learn through your mistakes.
“Let the government sit back and identify: ‘What areas have you made some errors? What mistakes have you made? What pronouncements have been made in error? What policies were put in place that are really breeding this kind of crisis of hunger and high cost of living and inflation [food] of 40 percent’?
“Admit there are some wrongs that have been committed; some errors and probably certain things have been taken for granted.
“This is the time to sit back and address them.”
President Bola Tinubu says the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will continue persuading Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to return to the bloc.
Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso severed ties with ECOWAS after sanctions were imposed on them by the bloc following coups in their domains.
In a statement on Friday, Ajuri Ngelale, presidential spokesperson, quoted Tinubu, chairman of ECOWAS, as saying that the bloc would continue to be friendly to the countries.
Ngelale said Tinubu spoke in Abuja on Friday when he met with ECOWAS defence chiefs.
“It is in our hearts to make sure that security is enhanced, and that constitutional government is defended and promoted in our region,” the statement reads.
“It has been a challenging tenure for me since three members indicated their exit. We will work hard to persuade them to return, whichever way.
“No one man is smarter than the group of heads that is here. We will do everything to offer a hand of friendship to them and give them reasons to come back to us.
“The solution to terrorism and other challenges lies in our hands. We have to do it together.
“The ECOWAS standby force must be ready. We will continue to invest in this, as well as in the economic prosperity and opportunities across our region.”
On his part, Christopher Musa, chairman of the ECOWAS chiefs of defence staff, said insurgency and unconstitutional changes in government must be addressed collectively.
[PRESS RELEASE] The 1981 Class of The Nigeria Law School Salutes An Uncommon Jurist, Hon Justice Olukayode Ariwoola
Admin![[PRESS RELEASE] The 1981 Class of The Nigeria Law School Salutes An Uncommon Jurist, Hon Justice Olukayode Ariwoola](/media/k2/items/cache/c4326c4b08939db60ae0900c53572de5_XS.jpg)
1.The entire 1981 Class of the Nigeria Law School (81 Setters) felicitates with your Lordship, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, CJN, GCON,on your graceful retirement as the 19th Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
2.We are very proud of your Lordship’s remarkable achievements and exemplary leadership of the Nigerian Judiciary as the Chief Justice of Nigeria ( CJN) in the past two years. You are a worthy Ambassador of our Class and we all take collective pride in the fact that you are one of us.
3.Right from our days back at the Victoria Island, Lagos Campus of the Nigeria Law School, you had left no one in doubt that you were destined for the topmost echelon of the legal profession through the judiciary.Your dedication to duty, maturity, integrity and focus have always defined you.
As a State Counsel in the Oyo State Ministry of Justice, you distinguished yourself by your industry and diligence. In the High Court of Oyo State, your Lordship succeeded in laying the foundation for a sterling judicial career as a brilliant and incorruptible Judge. At the Court of Appeal, your Lordship exemplified the excellent virtues of an outstanding Justice whose primary concern was nothing but the doing of justice to all manners of people,irrespective of tribe, gender,station in life,religion or language.
Your Lordship’s elevation to the Supreme Court in 2011 therefore did not come to us as a surprise, for it was a further confirmation of your track record as a trailblazer. Our Class was therefore delighted when your Lordship was appointed the Chief Justice of Nigeria in 2022, a position that was richly earned. In the short span of just two remarkable years in the saddle, your administration as the Chief Justice of Nigeria was action-packed, reformative, innovative, and eventful.
As your Lordship takes a well deserved bow on your retirement from the Bench as prescribed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, we are proud of the fact that you are leaving behind a stronger Judiciary, a united Supreme Court and a well-funded Bench. The passage of the Bill for an Act to Prescribe the Salaries, Allowances and Fringe Benefits of Judicial Office Holders in Nigeria and for Related Matters, the enactment of the Supreme Court Rules, 2024, the historical attainment of the full complement of 21 Justices for the Supreme Court, the landmark decisions of the apex court,and many more,all speak volumes of the evergreen legacies of your Lordship’s outstanding administration. There is no doubt that your leadership and commitment to justice have left an indelible mark on our nation’s legal landscape.
On behalf all all our 1981 Classmates.( 81 Setters), I congratulate your Lordship and I wish you a blissful retirement in good health and with peace that passeth all understanding.
Prof. Mike A.A. Ozekhome, SAN, CON,0 OFR, FCIArb, LL.M, MA,PhD, LL.D, D.Litt, D.Sc, DA,JD, DHL.
CHAIRMAN.
Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, on Friday identified purposeful leadership and team work, as factors that can bring positive change and development to the country.
Obasanjo, also noted that Nigeria, as a nation cannot progress without changes in the way governance is administered.
Former President stated this when he played host to six lawmakers from the House of Representatives, who co-sponsored bills seeking a single six-year term for the president and governors, power rotation between the northern and southern parts of the country, and a single day for presidential, governorship, national assembly, and state assembly elections, led by Hon. Ugochinyere Ikenga, representing the Ideato North and South Federal Constituency of Imo State, at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) Abeokuta.
Speaking on the demands of the #EndBadGovernance protesters, Obasanjo said their demands were very legitimate, saying that the government should listen and hear their cry, and stop deceiving the masses that all is well.
He said, “like I have warned earlier, we should know that we are all sitting on a keg of gun powder if we fail to begin to do the right thing…for instance, what the youth are demanding are very legitimate and should be listened to or why should they be denied of what rightfully belong to them?
“They are frustrated, they are hungry, they are angry, they are unemployed, they deserved to be given listening ears”.