The Nation News

Category: News

  • Gov. Bala’s security aide, Abdul threatens clampdown on journalists in Bauchi

    By: Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi

    The members of correspondent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Bauchi state chapter on Thursday, decried the incessant/ unwarranted threat and clampdown on journalists on duty in the state, by a DSS personnel, popularly known as Abdul.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that Abdul is a DSS personnel, attached with the Bauchi state governor, Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir.

    Investigation revealed that Abdul and few others have continually attacked journalists, and innocent citizens of the state that participated in the ongoing nationwide ‘Endbadgovernance/ hunger protest in the state.

    It was gathered that Abdul threatened to deal excessively with the members of the correspondent chapel who wanted to record the governor’s speech at his (Gov. Bala) visit to the emir’s palace.

    It was equally learnt that the journalists were frustrated from carrying out their duties by the DSS personnel, Abdul who prevented them from recording the speech of the governor and as well, ordered them to vacate the Emir’s palace hall where the event took place.

    The journalists were looking for an alternative spot to get their job done within the hall, before Abdul went to them again, to threaten them by staying: “This is just the beginning,” even as the governor, in company with other dignitaries, had seated next to his host, the emir of Katagum. 

    One of the journalists who spoke to The Nations News Nigeria on anonymity said that “He once molested me at a function, he is quite aggressive,” .

    Similarly, some of the personnel had on Thursday last week brutalized a person living with disability identified as Hamza Waziri, who is now being hospitalized at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital. Waziri was participating in the #EndBadGovernance protest in front of the government house.

    He was seen in a trending video clip where four police officers attached to the Government House entrance were assaulting him.

    Also, Aisha Dogara, a resident of Bauchi who participated in the protest was assaulted with her clothes torn. Bruises were seen all over her body.

  • Gov. Nwifuru to reward youths with N1.3bn for shunning nationwide hunger protest in Ebonyi 

    Gov. Nwifuru to reward youths with N1.3bn for shunning nationwide hunger protest in Ebonyi 

    By, Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki

    The governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru has approved the empowerment of 1,300 youths that hail from the 13 LGAs with one million each for shunning participation in the ongoing nationwide ‘endbadgovernance/ hunger’ protest in the state.

    Governor Nwifuru who briefed newsmen through the commissioner for information and state orientation, Jude Okpor on the outcome of the state executive council meeting, that took place at his office, Cabinet office old government house, Abakaliki.

    He noted that the executive council has constituted a 9-man high powered committee headed by the Deputy governor, Mrs. Onyemachi Obila to work out modalities for the implementation and disbursement of the fund.

    Okpor further revealed that the empowerment is targeted in appreciation of the Ebonyi youths, who obediently respected the call by the state government to shun the ongoing nationwide ‘endbadgovernance/ hunger’ protest that is recently crippling the nation’s economy.

    According to him: “In furtherance of his Excellency’s earlier pronouncements to empower a total of 1,300 Ebonyi youths with one million naira each at the ratio of 100 youths per local government Area, the council constituted a 9-man high powered committee headed by the Deputy Governor of the state to work out modalities for the implementation and disbursement. 

    “This is in appreciation of the Ebonyi youths’ obedience to his Excellency’s call for them to embrace peace and shun participation in the ongoing protest in the country.”

    He, however, added that the ongoing building construction in the two new universities, ICT university and university of Aeronautics, space Engineering to ensure immediate smooth take-off of academic activities in the two universities.

    He said that the state government has directed the key positions of principal Officers in the two universities, vice chancellor, Registrar, Bursar and Librarian among others to be advertised, stressing that the essence, is aimed at putting in place manpower for the supervision of the ongoing projects in the two universities.

    “Government has directed  that the key positions of principal Officer in the two universities, vice chancellor,Registrar,Bursar and Librarian among others be advertised.

    “This, among other things, aimed at putting in place an added manpower for the supervision of the ongoing projects in the two universities” he said.

  • ‘Change your administration’s policies to reduce poverty in Nigeria – Gov. Bala tells Tinubu

    By: Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi

    The governor of Bauchi state, Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir on Wednesday, urged president Bola Ahmed Tinubu to change his administration’s policies in order to reduce poverty that is raving the country.

    The governor made this known during the flagged-off of the 2024 Bauchi State local government election, that is scheduled to hold 17th August 2024, at the Alhaji Rilwanu Adamu Suleiman square, government house, Bauchi State.

    He said that unemployment is everywhere and Nigeria education is not Working, genuine policies of the federal government are not working, president Ahmed Bola Tinubu has to understand that it’s his problem and it’s their program that causes all the problems affecting the country.

    Bala said that “If the federal government is not ready to change, we in Bauchi State we are ready to change for the development of our state”

    “The Federal Government is bringing policy that is causing pain to our people, so I am telling president Ahmed Bola Tinubu to change his policies because it is not working and anything he does is our leader and it will affect us in every corner and in all political parties.

    Adding that “If president Tinubu continues with this administration like this, in 2027 I will invite him to be our campaign director general, because everywhere will be PDP and we are going to win the election.

    He said that ‘It’s time for governance, we are quiet because we don’t want to overheat the politics.

    According to governor Bala said that “The ongoing protest by the Nigerian Youths, all the PDP governor’s and some of our colleagues from the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) has listened to your demands which we will do the needful since the ruling party in the country has failed.

    Governor Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir said that protests must be solved so that the country should not be destroyed.

  • C’River: ‘I Did Not Abduct my worker–Asu Njoh denies

    From Ene Asuquo, Calabar

    A cocoa farmer operating in Abonita government cocoa estate in Etung local government Areas of cross river state Mr. Asu Njoh, has debunked the allegations leveled against him by another farmer Mr. Mac Prince Mbu- Liku, that he abducted his 24 years old worker

    Njoh dispelled the allegation while answering questions from journalists on the abduction of Mac Prince’s worker shortly after leaving the Area Command police station Okuni community, Ikom local government area.

    Mark Prince Mbu Liku had a week ago raised alarm alleging that one of the farmers  in the cocoa estate abducted his worker.

    However upon findings at the Area command Okuni, Ikom local government area, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Mr. Frank Akanonu, said that he had one Mike Igwe, among Mark Prince’s workers whom the command released among the four suspects in the custody over a  case between Mark Prince Mbu Liku and Mr ASU Njor.

    He accused Mbu Liku, of raising false alarm in a bid to tarnish a reputation that he had invested so much to build stressing that it was ridiculous for any right thinking individual to link him with abduction of a worker

    “The false alarm raised by Mr. Mbu Liku in the media space complaining of his missing worker by name Mike, requesting for intervention of Cross River state governor Bassey Otu, is unfounded and meant to mislead the public.

    “Mike a resident of Etomi community, Etung local government area  of Cross River State  in company of one Mr. Emmanuel Chuckwuma a resident of Okundi community, Ikom local government area was caught with two accomplices in Block 7B/77 and Block 8C/77 at Abonita stealing cocoa pods.

    “They were apprehended by the allottees of government and handed over to police at Agbokim Police station, who later handed them over to the.Area Command.

    “The Investigating Police Officer IPO upon taking their statements, released 2 of the hired laborers’ on bail , while Mike Igwe-Nwadike and Francis Chukwuma,for prosecution.

    “The same Mike who Mbu Liku claimed to be missing, in the early hours of July 26, 2024.  Emmanuel Chukwuma, in company of others numbering 30 were sighted at Abonita cocoa estate stealing cocoa under the cover of some men in military uniform.

    “I begin to wonder what would prompt men of the Nigerian Army to engage in settlement of  petty issues and disagreement, harassing and intimidating Agbokim community locals.

    “A lot of them have stooped so low to be working for the said Mr. Mark Prince Mbu Liku, giving him and his cohorts cover to encroach into people’s cocoa farms at Abonita government cocoa estate.

    “The harvest and plunder of cocoa beans from farms in possession by government allottees. In like manner, Mr. Victor Bekeh and Thomas Inambi on August 2,2024 were chased out of Block 7c/77 by seven soldiers allegedly sent by Mark Prince Mbu-Liku.

    “And when the men engaged by Mbu Liku to invade peoples farms are arrested by police, men purported to have left their duty post at Afi Barracks, Edor Ikom local government area on the order of their superior storm the police station and release suspects interfering with the legal process.

    “A case at hand is that of Mike Igwe, and Emmanuel Chukwuma, who were arrested on July 29 and 30, 2024and were forced to be released by the IPO through the intervention of the commanding officer (CO), Afi
    Barracks, pressuring the Area Commander, Akanonu Frank for the release of suspects who were eventually released.

    When contacted for reaction, the Army Public Relations officer 13 Brigade headquarters Akim Barracks Càlabar, Captain Jamila Jumoh, who said she had no knowledge of the allegations promised to dig into the matter.

  • Protests: Reverse subsidy removal, end kidnapping, banditry in Northern Nigeria – Northern youths tell Tinubu

    Protests: Reverse subsidy removal, end kidnapping, banditry in Northern Nigeria – Northern youths tell Tinubu

    By, Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi

    The Coalition of Northern Group (CNC) on Tuesday, called on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to meet the demands of protesters to end subsidy scam and reverse fuel price to below N300 per litter, bring an end to kidnapping, banditry and Boko Haram in Northern Nigeria.

    The group, however urged president Tinubu to address the demands of the protesters which according to them includes; Exploration of crude oil activities at the Kolmani Oil Field that has become dormant 18 months after a presidential inauguration of exploration activities on the site, tertiary education fees back to their previous rates, restore electricity tariff to affordable levels for the public.

    Other demands are; To return import duties to their previous rates, reform EFCC, Stabilize the Forex and to bring the country’s inflation down.

    The Northern group made this known in a statement signed by the Coordinator and the secretary; Bello Aminu and Hasnim Pal, and made available to newsmen in Bauchi. 

    The statement reads in part: “These protesters which are in exercise of their fundamental right to peaceful assembly guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are aimed at drawing the attention of the government towards addressing the serious challenges that have made life unbearable to the common man. However, we urge all protesters to embrace peace and dialogue as the means to achieve their goals”

    “We call on the president to rethink and mend his stand concerning his speech delivered on Sunday which has failed to address the key demand of the protesters.

    “We understand and acknowledge the right of the people, especially the youth, to express their grievances and seek better futures. However, we urge all protesters to embrace peace and dialogue as the means to achieve their goals.

    “We deeply concerned that some protesters in some parts of the country were seen marching on the streets, waving Russian flags, such actions are not only inappropriate but also a threat to our democracy, it is also a reasonable offense, and it will be viewed and treated as such, and we call on those involved to cease these activities immediately.

    The protests have shifted from initially peaceful protests to widespread criminal activity, noted that the situation has deteriorated, with looting and chaos taking over the protests. Initially, when the protests started, it was described as peaceful, but it was hijacked and willing to exploit it to cause mayhem, unfortunately taking a violent turn, with hoodlums and underage children’s movement causing chaos. 

    “We call on all protesters to end the protests and return home peacefully. Rest assured, your voices have been heard. In Azare, Katagum Local Government the protest has largely been marred by violence, looting and destruction of public and private properties. 

    “We have to respect Nigerian democracy and believe that peaceful demonstrations in conformity with the Nigerian law are a manifestation of democracy. However, these events that lead to disruptions of Local Government Secretariat and other government and private properties”

    “We strictly condemn them in strong terms and urge the government to ensure that the perpetrators are being punished to serve as a deterrent to others. 

    The implication of their action is that the scarce resources that were supposed to be channeled to our hospital, schools and other needs will now be channeled to repair the damages caused as a result of the violent protest.

    “We call on the federal government to address the issue of out-of-school children and to implement economic policies that benefit the masses by abolishing the International Monetary Fund (IMF) economic policy. Additionally, we urge the government to take immediate action to alleviate the hardship and hunger affecting our nation”

    “We also enjoin fellow citizens to return home, resume their normal legitimate activities and continue to work with us in lawful ways until the issues addressed in this conference are properly sorted. Let me repeat that there will be light at the end of the tunnel” they stated.

  • ‘We will resist attempt to evict Igbos from Lagos –Biafra pioneer leader, Richards vows

    From Ene Asuquo, Calabar 

    The pioneer founder of the Biafra Nations League, BNL, Princewill Chimezie Richards has told campaigners of Igbo-Must-Go to expect resistance from Igbos if the threats to evict them from Lagos and South West States is carried out.

    The separatist leader, addied that “the government of South West will have to settle Igbos before their eviction”.

    He made this known while addressing newsmen in Ogoja, Cross River State, and however, warned that his loyalists will not take it kindly with anybody or group, if Igbo-Must-Go campaigners are allowed to carry out their threats.

    He lauded the people of the South East, and parts of the South South for not taking part in the ongoing nationwide protests, stating that the organizers did not accommodate the interest of the region.

    Richards noted further that the two regions were not carried along by the organizers whom he said are mainly from the South West.

    He hinted that a revival of Calabar seaport would have motivated the two regions to participate in the protest, noting that Igbos would gladly leave Lagos to a seaport closer to Igboland, adding that the reason Igbos are still building mansions in Lagos is because their goods arrives in Lagos.

    He added that some people have hijacked the protest to promote their agenda of destabilizing the Country for reasons best known to them, insisting that the protest in the north where they’re displaying Russian flags is not about hunger.

    Richards is a leader of the group that operated on the Bakassi Peninsula and further called for the restoration of the Biafra Republic.

  • Tinubu’s aide, Nweze applauds S-East youths for shunning hunger protests

    By Uchenna Okeh

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, South East, Mrs. Chioma Nweze on Tuesday commended the youths of the region, especially in Ebonyi state for shunning participation in the ongoing nationwide ‘end bad governance/ hunger’ protest.

    She made this known in a statement signed and issued to newsmen in Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi State.

    The senior special assistant to the President, Nweze noted further that shunning participation in the hunger protests is a show of great wisdom and decision to maintain peace and stability in the southeast region.

    The statement reads in part: “I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all Ebonyians and the good people of the South East for your wisdom and restraint in not joining the ongoing nationwide protests in Nigeria.

    “Your decision to maintain peace and stability in our region is commendable, and I acknowledge the efforts of community leaders, traditional rulers, and religious leaders who have worked tirelessly to promote calm and understanding, and more importantly the cooperation of our young people in shunning the protest despite knowing they were not insulated from the harsh economic realities plaguing the country and continent.

    “Your choice to prioritize dialogue and constructive engagement over confrontation is a testament to the values of peace, unity, and progress that have always defined our people.

    “Thank you for being a shining example of responsible citizenship and for contributing to a more harmonious and stable Nigeria. Mr President has heard the young people loudly and clearly and many more goodies would be rolled out in the coming months to complement ongoing efforts.

    “May your wisdom and foresight continue to guide us all towards a brighter future” she stressed.

  • Tinubu’s failure Is also Failure of govs, council chairmen in Nigeria – Gov Bala

    By: Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi

    The governor of Bauchi State, Bala Muhammed Abdulkadir has said that the failure of the Federal government is also the failure of the states and all the 774 local governments in Nigeria.

    Bala made this known shortly after an emergency security meeting with heads of security agencies, traditional institutions, and religious groups, held at the state government house chamber hall.

    He said that they held the emergency meeting in order to address the current situation in the country which is the issue of protest against bad governance of hunger and anger. 

    “This situation, resulting from national protests, has affected Bauchi metropolis and the outskirts of Katagum Local Government Area, where some violent anger has been directed against constituted authorities”

    He cautioned those disrupting and instigating unrest that the failure of the Federal Government is also a failure of State and Local Governments. 

    “As leaders, we must make necessary amendments to rebuild trust and ensure people feel connected despite the serious trust deficit in the country”

    Adding that “Our government is sensitive to the feelings of the common man and recognizes its accountability. We must, therefore, use resources wisely. Our administration’s efforts reflect our commitment to improving the lives of our citizens”

    The governor affirmed that peaceful demonstration is a fundamental aspect of democracy, allowing people to voice their grievances.

    He further said that it is their duty as the government to protect innocent citizens and ensure that law and order do not collapse or escalate into chaos.

    “We have constructed over seven thousand classrooms to ensure access to education and increased enrollment, and we have ensured the payment of salaries and promotions with consequential adjustments”

    “We have built over one thousand five hundred kilometers of roads, and three hundred thirteen primary healthcare centers are fully operational. We have also repositioned our traditional institutions”

    “In declaring a state of emergency in Azare, I thank Allah for making the situation less discomforting and less violent. I express my delight and appreciation to all stakeholders for their commitment and sportsmanship” he stated.

  • IPAC boss, Bassey suspended indefinitely over alleged incompetence in C’River

    IPAC boss, Bassey suspended indefinitely over alleged incompetence in C’River

    By Ene Ene, Calabar 

    The Inter Party Advisory Council, IPAC, Cross River State  has suspended the Chairman Mr Edet Bassey indefinitely after a vote of no confidence was passed on  him by the members 

    The suspension of the chairman was contained in a press statement dated 5 August, 2024 and signed by 16 members that makes the advisory council each  representing a political party in the State 

    The decision to suspend the Chairman indefinitely, the statement says, is due to the fact that since his election to the position, he has demonstrated unaccustomed high handedness, lack of consultation, infantile leadership qualities, poor communication skills, and utter lack of capacity. 

    The statement also added that he runs an elegant political infrastructure as a sole administrator contrary to IPAC Code of Conduct.  

    The statement reads in part:, “the  undersigned political parties have unanimously endorsed his indefinite suspension as IPAC Chairman and have therefore charged the Deputy Chairman, Omaleko Efut of APGA to take charge in acting capacity with immediate effect”.  

    “We have equally resolved to reposition IPAC to play her usual critical advisory role to the government, especially at this time, that the country and its sub- nationals are at a crossroads”. it stated.

  • Hunger  protest: Bauchi Govt, Imposes 24  Hours Curfew In Katagum LGA

    By: Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi

    The Bauchi State Government led by governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed on Monday, imposed a 24 hours curfew in the Katagum local government area of the state.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that the curfew was imposed as a way to curtail further destruction of valuable properties by youths participating in the ongoing nationwide ‘end bad governance/ hunger’ protest in the country.

    The state government made this known in a statement signed and issued to newsmen by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Ibrahim Muhammad Kashim, on Monday.

    The governor said that the decision to impose the curfew was necessary, due to the deteriorating security situation in Azare and its environments.

    He said that the security situation has led to destruction of public property, stealing, victimization, among others.

    The statement reads in part; “The governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has approved the imposition, with immediate effect, of a 24- hour curfew in Katagum Local Government Area, in order to contain the situation” the statement noted .

    Adding that: “The governor has directed all security agencies to wade into the matter and ensure that the hoodlums are fished out and brought to book.

    He also called on law-abiding citizens to cooperate with security agencies at this trying moment.