The Nation News

Category: News

  • Works Minister, Umahi, Gov Mbah, commend S-East youths for Shunning nationwide hunger protests

    By, Chinelo Kodilichukwu, Enugu 

    The governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, and the Minister of Works,  David Umahi, have commended the SouthEast region for heeding to the call not to join in the ongoing ten days nationwide hunger protests.

    Mbah and Umahi spoke on Sunday during an inspection tour of various road projects by the Federal Government and the Enugu State Government on the Enugu-Onitsha, Enugu-Abakaliki, and Enugu-Port Harcourt expressways.

    Speaking to newsmen, Mbah and Umahi said the people of the region had by shunning the protests in the South East and beyond prevented needless loss of Igbo lives, businesses, and property, while also showing good faith to the President Bola Tinubu administration.

    “I also want to take the opportunity to commend our people greatly for heeding our call to shun the protests and go about their business. We commend them highly because they understand the value of hard-work. 

    “Sometimes, you may not be able to appreciate the effect of government policies immediately, but I tell you that some of these policies are well-intentioned. With time, if we can just exercise a little more patience with the Federal Government, we are going to begin to see the values of these reforms. 

    “We want to continue to call on our people to go about their business and know that if they destroy our assets, we are still going to use the wealth of our common patrimony to fix those assets. So, we must remain focused and continue to do our work,” Mbah stated.

    In the same vein, the Minister of Works said the people of South East and the Igbo community all over Nigeria had made a loud statement by not protesting.

    “We are not going to protest. We want proper integration in the affairs of this country. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mr President, started it by giving an Igbo man the Minister of Works, appointing an Igbo Man as a service chief, among others.

    “We have been excluded from governance and development in the past. But now, you can see infrastructural developments in the South-East. So, why should we protest against a man who has given to us what was never given to us before?

    “I thank Governor Mbah very much for showing leadership not only in development strides, but also when it mattered most. I appreciate other governors and other states that did not protest,” he concluded.

  • Protest: ‘I won’t allow people with practical agenda to destroy Nigeria – Tinubu tells Nigerians 

    By Daniel Usman

    The President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday has vowed never to allow people with a clear political agenda tear apart/ destroy Nigeria. 

    He reassured the preparedness of his administration not to fold its hand or stand idly and watch suspected ‘enemies’ to destroy the country.

    President Tinubu made this known in a national broadcast, addressing Nigerians amidst the ongoing #EndBadGovernance/ hunger nationwide protest.

    Tinubu, while expressing grief over loss of lives due to the protest, commiserated with families of those involved in Borno, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna and other states, said “The destruction of public facilities in some states, and the wanton looting of supermarkets and shops, contrary to the promise of protest organisers that the protest would be peaceful across the country. 

    “The destruction of properties sets us back as a nation, as scarce resources will be again used to restore them.”

    “I commiserate with the families and relations of those who have died in the protests. We must stop further bloodshed, violence and destruction.”

    Continuing, the President stated that his responsibility is to ensure public order, adding that “in line with my constitutional oath to protect the lives and property of every citizen, our government will not stand idly by and allow a few with a clear political agenda to tear this nation apart.

    “Under the circumstances, I hereby enjoin protesters and the organisers to suspend any further protest and create room for dialogue, which I have always acceded to at the slightest opportunity. 

    “Nigeria requires all hands on deck and needs us all – regardless of age, party, tribe, religion or other divides, to work together in reshaping our destiny as a nation. 

    “To those who have taken undue advantage of this situation to threaten any section of this country, be warned: The law will catch up with you. There is no place for ethnic bigotry or such threats in the Nigeria we seek to build.

    “Our democracy progresses when the constitutional rights of every Nigerian are respected and protected. Our law enforcement agencies should continue to ensure the full protection of lives and properties of innocent citizens in a responsible manner.

    “My vision for our country is one of a just and prosperous nation where each person may enjoy the peace, freedom, and meaningful livelihood that only democratic good governance can provide – one that is open, transparent and accountable to the Nigerian people,” the President said in the broadcast” he stated.

  • ‘Hunger, bad governance pushing Nigerian youths into protest -Ogidi market boss, Nwankwo insist 

    ‘Hunger, bad governance pushing Nigerian youths into protest -Ogidi market boss, Nwankwo insist 

    By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha 

    The chairman of Ogidi Building Materials International market/ patron, Anambra State, Jude Nwankwo at the weekend insisted that it was hunger and bad governance that pushed Nigerian youths into protest.

    Nwankwo, also insisted that those politicians in the country who ran away as a result of the ongoing nationwide ‘bad governance/ hunger’ protest have questions to answer. 

    He made this known while speaking at the burial of late Emmanuel Ugwudike who is the father in-law to the president general of the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders’ Association, ASMATA,Humphrey Anuna, that took place at Oraeri, Aguata council Area.

    Those in attendance in the burial incluses: the Chief of Staff to governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, Ernest Ezeajughi, the chairman of Mgbuka Obosi Old Car parts market,Samuel Ifurunwa, the chairman of Sokoto street market, Emeka Mbachi and the chairman of Haruna street market,Emmanuel Idoko among others.

    In their separate reactions, Ezeajughi, Nwankwo, Ifurunwa and others urged the bereaved family to take heart and prayed to God for the repose of the soul of the departed.

  • Igbo-must-Go: Sanwo-Olu disowns promoters, tasks police to fish out those behind it

    Igbo-must-Go: Sanwo-Olu disowns promoters, tasks police to fish out those behind it

    By Daniel Usman, Lagos

    The Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has disowned the promoters of Igbo-must-go tag and directed security agencies to investigate and bring to justice those behind it.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that the promoters of Igbo-must-go, at the weekend issued one month ultimatum to igbos living in the south west Nigeria to relocate.

    It was further gathered that the promoters of Igbo-must-go, equally vowed to commence protests from 20th to 30th August 2024, in Lagos State.

    The governor made this known in a statement signed and issued to newsmen by his special adviser on media, Gboyega Akosile.

    He however, distanced the state government and Lagos people from the post by Lagospedia, who called on Igbos to vacate Lagos and south west region.

    Sanwo-Olu described the purported order as reckless, adding that Lagos state remains the home of every Nigerian citizen regardless of their ethnic nationality.

    The statement reads in part: ““Governor Sanwo-Olu views the post as not only reckless and divisive but an attempt to sow a seed of discord between the Yoruba in the Southwest and other tribes, especially those who have made Lagos their permanent place of abode.

    “The Governor appeals to Lagosians not to allow any person or group of individuals to create tensions in the State, calling on the security agencies to promptly investigate those behind the handle and bring them to justice” he stated.

    The governor, Sanwo-Olu further enjoined Lagosians to ignore the post and any post of that nature,  and vowed to double his efforts towards ensuring lasting peace in the state.

  • ‘Stop dangerous profiling of Igbos for not participating in hunger protest – Abaribe, Igariwey tell Lagospedia

    ‘Stop dangerous profiling of Igbos for not participating in hunger protest – Abaribe, Igariwey tell Lagospedia

    By Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki 

    The leaders of the South East Senate and house of representatives caucus of the National Assembly at the weekend, condemned in totality the alleged ethnic profiling of Igbos for shunning participation in the ongoing nationwide ‘end bad governance/ hunger’ protest.

    The south east senate and house of representatives caucus, made this known in a statement signed by senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and Igariwey Iduma Enwo and issued to newsmen.

    The statement reads in part: “The position of the south east caucus of the national assembly on the ethnic profiling of Igbos against the background of the mass protests across the country.

    “The attention of the South East Caucus of the National Assembly has been drawn to the unfortunate  and dangerous ethnic profiling of Igbos in the ongoing mass protests across the country. 

    For the record, the Igbo nation, in obedience to the advice of their leaders- Governors,   Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, parliamentarians and others in the private sector- had taken a reasoned and strategic decision not to participate in the on-going nationwide protests. This is evident in the relative calm experienced in the five Southeastern states. 

    “We are, therefore, surprised and disappointed, that Igbos are still made scapegoats,  and targeted as instigators of protests, as shown in several statements (such as the Igbo Must Go hashtag and call by a certain ‘Lagospedia’ X(Twitter) handle) and videos seen online. 

    “This dangerous ethnic profiling is unwarranted, and must stop. It was such profiling that led to the millions of deaths in Nigeria from the 1950’s to the unfortunate civil war in 1967 to 1970. Elsewhere in Africa it led to the genocide in Rwanda and the xenophobia in South Africa. 

    “Such should not be our fate again in Nigeria. We demand that the security agencies bring to book the purveyors of this hate speech in line with the cybercrimes act.

    “We continue to appeal to Igbos across the country to stay away from the protests, and remain law abiding” they stressed.

  • LG Polls: Gov. Alia Sacks BSIEC chairman, Chem over incompetence, lack of integrity

    From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

    The Governor of Benue state, Hyacinth Alia, on Friday, approved the sack of the chairman of the State Independent Electoral Commission, BSIEC, John Chem over alleged incompetence and lack of integrity.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that the chairman of the State Independent Electoral Commission, 

    BSIEC, John Chem was sacked following a recommendation by the Benue State House of Assembly.

    It was gathered that the state House of Assembly had on Thursday, during plenary recommended that the BSIEC chairman, Chen be sacked for lack of integrity and incompetence to hold such office.

    A statement by Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Kula Tersoo said Governor Alia  accepted the recommendation of the State Assembly and have removed the chairman.

    The statement reads in par: “Governor Alia has accepted the resolutions and directed the Chairman of the commission to immediately hand over to the administrative secretary of the commission.”, Tersoo said 

    According to him, the Assembly accused the BSIEC chairman of lacking good judgement as to which decision will appeal to the greater majority of all stakeholders, and also that his actions so far in office fall short of the public interest.

    It recalled that the embattled chairman had recently announced date for conduct of LGC elections in the State.

    The new date indicated that local  government councils election will hold on November 2024.

  • Banks, Traders, Transporters Open For Businesses, as residents shun nationwide hunger protest in Benue 

    From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

    Citizens of Benue State, especially in Makurdi, the State capital have shunned participation in the ongoing nationwide ‘end bad governance/ hunger’ protest hitting very hard in many states of the Federation.

    The residents went about their daily activities on Thursday without any sign of the protest in any part of the State.

    The Nations News Nigeria reporterwho monitored the level of compliance, especially in  Makurdi, Gboko and Otukpo areas of the State, discovered that commercial activities went on smoothly and unhindered.

    A visit to the high level area of the town indicated market  is opened for businesses, where traders and buyers were transacting.

     However, a contingent of policemen, soldiers and civil defence officers in uniforms was observed keenly monitoring activities.

    A military vehicle conveying soldiers on patrol could also be seen along the Old Otukpo Road, stationed directly opposite the commissioners quarters.There is Soldiers presence at Kanshio junction where they mounted a lorry round the area. 

    There was heavy presence of security personnel comprising DSS, Police and NSCDC at the Modern Market Gate. Thousands of traders were seen surrounded the areas but the main entrance into the market was under lock and key.

    Some fuel stations were seen selling products to commuters and Okada operators, where commercial banks also opened for businesses.

    A resident who identified himself simply as Terdoo Ivere  told Daily Asset that the youths in the State refused to participate in the protest following the pleads by the State governor and other stakeholders including the secretary to the government of the federation.

    She explained that Governor Hyacinth Alia had proactively engaged stakeholders in Benue comprising youths, monarchs, artisan groups, road transport unions, market women, and others on need to  shelves the protests.

  • Hunger Protest: ‘Be patient with Tinubu, he will restore economy,- Nwifuru, Umahi tell youths

    By Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki 

    The governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru and the works minister, David Umahi have tasked Nigerian youths to shun the planned nationwide ‘end bad governance/ hunger’ protest taking place tomorrow, 1st August 2024.

    They, however, urged the youths to be patient with the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that the economy of the nation will soon be restored by the government.

    In their separate reactions, Ebonyi State governor, Nwifuru urged the youths to shun protesting against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The governor and other prominent stakeholders of the state made this known during a one day interactive session with Ebonyi State Youths and Stakeholders, that was held at the Christian Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki.

    “Today is a day set aside to provide governments and other stakeholders in youth development with the opportunity to draw attention to issues that have direct bearing on our resolve to better the lots of our young people.

    “This event today is timely and appropriate at this period when our youths are restive and confrontational in their demands for policies that would make them fulfill their life purposes. Today, we gather to listen, to learn, and to collaborate. I want to hear your ideas, your concerns, and your aspirations. We will work together to address the challenges you face and to unlock your full potential.

    “I am aware of the planned protest against hunger and bad governance scheduled to take place across the country including Ebonyi State. While I understand the reasons and concerns that have led to this call to action, I strongly urge you all to refrain from participating in this protest.

    “As your governor, my administration is committed to addressing the challenges we face, and we are working tirelessly to improve the lives of our citizens. However, protests can often lead to unintended consequences, including violence, destruction of property, and disruption of essential services. 

    “Instead, I invite you to engage with us through constructive dialogue and peaceful channels such as today’s event. We have established these mechanisms for feedback and complaints, and we are always willing to listen to your concerns.

    “I appeal to Nigerians to exercise patience with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration who obviously is making efforts to fix the country and make lives better for the citizens.”

    The Minister of Works, David Nweze Umahi called on the youths to shun protests as the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was already addressing the challenges facing the youths and the country at large.

    Umahi, who x-rayed the danger posed by the conduct and organization of protests, assured the youths that no one will be oppressed or look for food in the Country.

    Former Governor Martin Elechi and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim who extolled the sterling qualities of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, noted that the achievements of the Governor have been impactful as youths cannot afford to join any protest, that will destabilize the progress of the State.

    Representing members of the House of the Representatives of Ebonyi extraction, Chinedu Ogah, representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency, stated that the youths of the State will not be a part of any national protest as they have been accommodated at the level of governance and empowerment.

    Other speakers included representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Market Women, Youth Movements and Organizations, National Union of Road Transport Workers, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, among others.

    The event witnessed a motion as to whether Ebonyi State will be part of the protests or not. The gathering, after a voice vote conducted by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, declared that it was not going to be part of the protests. Ends

  • Court rejects Ex-gov Ortom’s suit seeking to restrain Gov. Alia from probing him

    Court rejects Ex-gov Ortom’s suit seeking to restrain Gov. Alia from probing him

    From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

    The Benue High Court sitting in Makurdi, on Tuesday, struck out a suit filed by the former governor, Samuel Ortom, seeking an injunction to restrain the State government led by governor Hyacinth Alia from probing him over the financial incomes and expenditures of his administration from 2015 to 2023.

    In his ruling,  the presiding judge, Justice Tertsea Asue dismissed the applications of  originating motion and an application for extension of time  instituted by counsel to Ortom, Maduabuchi Uba SAN for lack of merit. 

    Justice Asue held that the applicant’s case was status- barred, stressing that the applicant also ignored his right  to seek the leave of court before filing the originating motion which seeks to bring his suit before the court 

    It would be recalled that Gov Hyacinth Alia in February 2024,:constituted two commissions of inquiry to investigate the immediate past administration of former governor Samuel Ortom.

    The move by the incumbent governor didn’t  go down well with Ortom  and he decided to approach the court to challenge the decision of the Benue State Government, Attorney General and all members of the Commission of Inquiry over their competence to check the finances of his administration.

    Ex-Governor Ortom in his suit stated that the Auditor General of the State who is mandated by the provisions of the 1999 Constitution has already audited the accounts of the state, amongst other reasons. 

    He said the period (2015-2023) under review was audited and a report submitted to the Benue State House of Assembly by the Auditor General was accordingly acted upon as required by the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

    Ortom also argued that the same issues were before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) so it was wrong to set up another probe panel to investigate finances of Benue State within the same period as it would amount to double investigation of the same issues by two different bodies.

    But Justice Asue however said that there was nothing in the Public Officers Protection Law or the rules of court that provided for extension of time to file an action out of time 

    He said both actions did not follow the required due process of law.

    He said the first respondent, which is Gov Alia, signed the gazette and constituted a commission of inquiry on February 27 however, the applicant filed his case on 31st May which was clearly out of time.

    “The applicant by his actions showed that he considered that he filed his case out of time hence the motion for request for extension time to file the notice on motion

    “The Public Officers Protection Law and Rules of the Court did not provide room for extension of time on originating summons”, Asue stated. 

    In his arguments, the third  respondent, Barr Fidelis Mnyim, who is also the State Attorney General,  said the plaintiff had no case before the court following their  inability to move for the motion on notice.

    Mnyim said the two applications were yet to be served on him adding that there was no suit before the court and it should be struck out.

    The respondents variously averred that the rules of court were meant to be obeyed and cited decisions of the supreme court to buttress their arguments.

    He prayed the court to dismiss the application of the applicant for extension of time to file judicial review as the time could not be extended in the circumstance

  • ‘Hunger protest not needed in Ebonyi, it will destabilize peace – Deputy speaker, Onah urges youths 

    ‘Hunger protest not needed in Ebonyi, it will destabilize peace – Deputy speaker, Onah urges youths 

    By Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki

    The deputy speaker of Ebonyi state house of assembly, Chinedu Onah has kicked against the planned nationwide ‘hunger and end bad governance’ protest scheduled to hold 1st to 10th August 2024, across the federation.

    Onah, made this known while speaking with newsmen at Ezzangbo, Ohaukwu local government area of Ebonyi State.

    He said that there is no need to protest in Ebonyi state because the governor, Francis Nwifuru is discharging his duties diligently and giving various empowerment to the people of the state to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal in the country.

    The deputy speaker, Onah noted further that as a lawmaker, he see no need for the youths to campaign against bad governance in the state, because the speaker of Ebonyi state house of Assembly and him have been putting everything in place to cushion the effects of bad governance in their various constituencies.

    He maintained that, if protest should take place, Ebonyi state should be excluded completely, because the state governor has done extremely well to the citizens of the state, not just the Ebonyians but also the legislators, and as such, there should be no reason to carryout ‘hunger/ end bad governance’ protest in Ebonyi state.

    The lawmaker, Onah further urged Ebonyi youths to shun anything that is capable of destroying the already existing peace in the state, and should support the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that the president has done well for the past one year in office, and that they should stop condemning leaders.

    “The rumour available is that they (youths) want to protest against ‘bad governance/ hunger’. I don’t know if Ebonyi is inclusive, because we from Ebonyi state, and I know that we don’t have any bad governance in Ebonyi state. This is because our governor, Francis Nwifuru has been up and doing and he is competent in discharging his duties.

    “For us as a legislators, there is good governance in Ebonyi state, and I’m sure that the speaker as a chief pilot, has enabled us to put something in place to cushion the effects of bad governance in the state. So those people who are protesting against good governance, if any protest should be going on in any where, Ebonyi state should be excluded completely, because our Governor has been doing well and we commend him for all he has done, especially for us as legislators. Therefore, I don’t see any reason why we should embark on this protest 

    “Some of us who has critically looked at the bold step President Tinubu has taken, we will make bold to say that he has tried and has done his best, is not as if the problem is starting now is an inherited issues .

    “When Goodluck Jonathan was a president, some were clapping, while some are saying bad man, we never meant they rated him the worst the same with Buhari

    “I don’t blame President Tinubu so well, but I blame some of his subordinates who are in charge to shift some of the items to the rural dwellers and you know all of us are Nigerians, and some times, President Tinubu may issue an order and along the way, something will cut it off and that does not mean that he is not doing well.

    “We should commend him for the one he has been able to do on this program, and no matter how far the economy has badly effected, those who were receiving 50’000.00 naira before are now receiving more than that, because we cannot completely write the man off, that he has not done his best and all we need to do is to put our head together and see how we can move this country forward. we cannot continue to live in acquisition and condemning our leaders.

    “Today we have distributed over 180 bags of fertilizer and it was practically shared to our farmers and our people are happy about it, and I am sure that other house of Assembly members have shared their own to their constituents. And we must commend our Governor for being proactive at all time to listen to the yarning of our people.

    “We are encouraging youths to go into farming and that is the only way we can survive now, so everybody that got his fertilizer are real farmers, not that they have gotten it but we have set up a committee to ensure that the fertilizers was not marketed” Onah said