The Nation News

Category: News

  • Hunger: nationwide protest by youths are ill-timed –  Bauchi CP, Auwal insist 

    By: Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi

    The Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, CP Auwal Musa Mohammed at the weekend insisted that the ‘hunger and end bad governance’ protest scheduled to hold nationwide on 1st August 2024  by Nigerian youths are Ill-Timed.

    He said that the planned nationwide peaceful protests by the youths would worsen the current situation being faced by Nigerians in the country.

    CP Auwal made this known in a statement signed and issued to newsmen by the public relations officer of the command, SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil.

    He, however, tasked any group that is ready for the protest to provide the command with valid information.

    According to him: “The information include: Proposed protest routes and assembly points, expected duration of the protest, Names and contact details of protest leaders and organizers, Measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements, including key identifiers for potential troublemakers.

    He noted that “after providing information to the police, then the command will be able to: Deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety, Designate specific routes and areas for the protest to avoid conflicts with other events or activities, Establish clear communication channels with protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise and also Minimize the risk of violence, property damage, or other criminal activity

    “The Command has been closely monitoring the developments and the varying intentions behind the planned demonstrations. Adding that in recent weeks, a spectrum of calls for protests has been observed, ranging from peaceful demonstrations to those advocating for violence, inspired by recent events in Kenya. Alarmingly, some individuals have been promoting peaceful protests with underlying violent motives, raising concerns about the sincerity of their intentions”

    “The patriotic gesture of some citizens who have decided to withdraw from the protest in the interest of the country, recognizing the hidden agendas and the ignorance of those advocating for violence, cannot be overemphasized. It is expedient to nip this threat in the bud following credible intelligence indicating the involvement of foreign mercenaries in the planned protests”

    “The Command urges the general public to exercise restraint and reconsider their participation in any protest group. While alerting the public to the sinister motives of certain groups intent on causing chaos, the Command reiterates its position that even peaceful protests might be ill-timed under the current circumstances. Therefore, the Command will not tolerate any acts of violence, destruction of public infrastructure, private property, or looting of businesses”

    CP Auwal Musa Mohammed also encouraged all protesters to cooperate with the law enforcement, and should obey the law, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly, adding that this cooperation is essential to guarantee a safe and successful exercise of their rights. 

    He also urged residents to go about their lawful activities and to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station..

  • Ebonyi: Izzi youths, others reject nationwide protest, hold Tinubu’s solidarity protest, Saturday 

    By Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki 

    Ebonyi Youths, especially Izzi Nnodo youths forum, among other youths that hail from the thirteen local government areas of the state, have declared intention to stage a  peaceful protest in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, on Saturday (tomorrow).

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that the peaceful protest by the Izzi Nnodo youths forum, converging at the Nkwagu Ugbala ground Arena is targeted at cantering the forthcoming 1st, August nationwide hunger protest by Nigerian youths in the state.

    It was gathered that the Izzi Nnodo youths forum solidarity protest on President Tinubu’s led administration scheduled to hold tomorrow, 27th July 2024, reportedly made the Commissioner for Environment,

    Ebonyi State, Mr. Victor Chukwu to cancel tomorrow’s monthly sanitation in the state.

    Investigation revealed further that the cancellation of the July 2024 monthly sanitation exercise in the state, was to pave way for the conduct of the peaceful protest in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and governor Francis Nwifuru’s administrations.

    The commissioner, Chukwu in a statement signed and issued to newsmen in Abakaliki by the Public Relations Officer, Okorie Reuben Nwanja, said: “This is to inform the General Public, especially  the people of Ebonyi State that, the  Sanitation/Clean-up Exercise earlier scheduled for Saturday, 27th July, 2024 between the hours of 7:00am and 10:00am has been cancelled.

    “The Ministry of Environment, Ebonyi State regrets the  inconveniences caused by the cancellation of the Sanitation Exercise” the statement noted.

    In a swift reaction, the president of Izzi Nnodo youths forum, Mr. Elom Andrew Chibueze, said that the youths of Ebonyi State, especially in Izzi clan don’t want youths to protest against president Bola Ahmed Tinubu and that of governor Francis Nwifuru’s administrations in the state.

    He called on Nigerian youths to be patient with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that with time, all the needs/ demands of the youths in the country will be attended to by the present administrations led by President Tinubu and governor Nwifuru in the state.

    Elom, who made this known while speaking with journalists at the government house Abakaliki, said: “it is our belief and stand, that there is no need for protest as scheduled to hold 1st August 2024. 

    “We actually know that things are difficult, not only in Nigeria but also outside the country, things are difficult. We are urging the youths to bear with the federal government, because the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is also making efforts to make things work in Nigeria” he stressed.

  •  Ex- LP presidential Candidate, Obi, govs to storm Anambra, brainstorm on leadership in Nigeria 

    By Cyprian Ebele,Onitsha 

    The former presidential Candidate of Labour Party, LP, in the last 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, and governors; Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State and his Akwa Ibom counterpart, Umo Eno among others are to storm Anambra state to brainstorm on leadership in Nigeria.

    Obi is expected to lecture about I500 Rotarians on leadership  in a Rotary Club International function,.billed for weekend at International Convention Centre, Awka, Anambra State capital.

    Governor Soludo of Anambra State, his Akwa Ibom counterpart, Umo Eno among others are expected to  feature investiture of a new District Governor, Rotary International, Nkemdili Nonyelu.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that the occasion titled, “Magic of Rotary ” is expected to attract not only1500 rotarians, but other guests across the five states of the Southeast region, as well as Cross River and Akwa Ibom states and beyond.

    It was gathered that governor, Soludo is expected to declare the event open, Obi would deliver a lecture on leadership and its virtues, as Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe and Igwe Gibson Nwosu of Awka Kingdom would be the royal fathers of the day.

    Addressing newsmen in Awka, Nnonyelu, to be installed as the 8th District Governor, District 9142 of Rotary International, said that the investiture would offer the organization opportunity to showcase the  vision and mission during the rotary year.

    “Rotary is an organization of professionals united with one ideal of service and worthy enterprise. 

    “We’re not only led by the 4-wheel test, but have focal areas, including promoting peace, education (dust to desk), health, water sanitation and hygiene, maternal and child health, disease prevention and treatment, mental health.

    “Other areas are protecting the environment (converting waste to wealth), supporting the government in growing the local economy, including assisting indigent widows over 2000 empowerment, polio eradication, which is the most significant project, among others. 

    “Rotary International is a membership organization and membership drive will be our priority because of the enormous work we have in mind. Every rotarian is expected to donate 1000 dollars annually.

    Nnonyelu, further assured that public schools in the states under the District would receive the body’s support during his tenure.

    “Our efforts in fighting the challenges of poliomyelitis speaks volumes as Rotary International is working hard to ensure that poliomyelitis and related diseases are eradicated or reduced to the barest level,” he added.

    Earlier, Chairman of the installation tagged “Awka irresistible Experience 2024”, Mr Chika Ekwueme expressed readiness of the team to serve humanity.

  • C’River Assembly demands immediate arrest, prosecution of illegal  miners 

    C’River Assembly demands immediate arrest, prosecution of illegal  miners 

    By Ene Ene, Calabar 

    The Cross River State House of Assembly has called on the State Government through its relevant agencies, to stop the activities of Fulani migrants engaged in illegal mining in Okwa 1 and 2  and Ukwango in Boki Local Government Area of the state. 

    The Assembly further resolved that security agencies be deployed to the affected communities to arrest and prosecute the Fulani miners while advocacy groups should be engaged to educate community leaders on the ills of allowing illegal mining in their communities.

    The House of Assembly made the resolution sequel to a Matter of urgent Public Importance on the encroachment of Fulanis in Okwa 1 and 2 and Ukwango communities in Boki LGA, sponsored by the Member representing Boki 1 State Constituency, Bette Philip Obi.

    Leading debate on the matter, Obi who is the Chairman House Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, disclosed that a large influx of unidentified Fulanis, estimated to be over one thousand (1000) have entered the Boki communities in pursuit of solid minerals. 

    According to the Boki Legislator, “these Fulanis have been carrying out illicit gold mining within the Government Reserved Area hence robbing Boki LGA as well as the State of its natural resources and  revenue”.

    The Lawmaker also expressed concern about the well-being of his constituents,” the communities are now facing a crisis as the influx of the Fulanis have exceeded the number of indigenes. These communities now live in fear for their lives and property” He stated.

    In separate contributions, Members  lamented that illegal mining has become endemic in the State describing the situation as ” unfortunate”.

    The Lawmakers also observed that illegal mining is usually accompanied by criminality while calling on security agencies to stop the menace as soon as possible.

    The Lawmakers further noted that the present administration of Governor Bassey Otu is a responsive government with it’s  “Peoples First” mantra expressed confidence that issues affecting the well-being of the citizens will received immediate attention.

    In his remarks, the Speaker of the Assembly, Elvert Ayambem commended Members for their overwhelming support for the motion and commitment towards improving the lives of the citizens through effective legislation.

    Ayambem noted that illegal mining contributes  greatly to environmental degradation and promised that the Assembly will  ensure that the people of Boki do not suffer any negative consequences.

    The Speaker, Ayambem however advised the traditional rulers and the youths of the affected area to maintain peace so that the situation does not culminate in violence and loss of lives.

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  • Hardship: FG, SEMA commence distribution of palliatives to households in Benue

    From, Attah Ede, Makurdi 

    Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BESEMA), on Thursday, commenced distribution of the federal government palliatives comprising bags of rice, maize and other food items to people across the state to cushion the effect of hardship being experienced by people.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that the palliatives are expected to be extended to vulnerable households in the twenty three (23) local government areas of the state.

    The federal government, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), had  deployed the relief items to the State to be distributed to various categories of beneficiaries in  the State.

    The Acting Executive Secretary of SEMA, James Iorpuu, while flagging off the distribution at the SEMA headquarters in Makurdi, said the vital food items are intended to reach the most vulnerable population such as widows, orphanage homes, the elderly (65 years and above), government schools, especially boarding schools, religious bodies, and the physically challenged across all the 276 Council wards of the state.

    Iorpuu therefore announced that  17,940 bags of maize 50kg and 4,132 bags of Garri 25kg will  be distributed to people with each council ward getting 65 bags of maize, and 15 bags of garri respectively.

    According to him, the distribution plan is systematic organized to ensure that every local government receives its fair share, saying that  the distribution will commence in Zone A today(Thursday), while Zone B will receive its palliatives on the 26th of July, 2024, and finally, Zone C on the 27th of July 2024.

    “Each local government must adhere to its designated day and any local government that misses its turn will have to wait until the mop-up day on Sunday, the 28th of July 2024.

    “As we move forward, I urge all Local Government Chairmen to maintain the highest levels of transparency in the distribution process.

    “These palliatives are a lifeline for our most vulnerable citizens, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure they are distributed fairly and efficiently.

    “Let us work together with integrity and dedication to make this distribution a success, ensuring that the aid reaches those who need it the most,” sir Iorpuu noted.

    Iorpuu commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his keen interest to alleviate sufferings of the people and appreciated Governor Dr. Hyacinth lormem Alia, for his unwavering commitment to humanitarian intervention.

    “Their leadership and compassionate disposition have been instrumental in ensuring that the needs of our people are met, especially during challenging times,” he added

  • Tinubu’s Aide, Nweze tasks S-East youths to shun nationwide hunger protest

    By Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement South East, Mrs Chioma Nweze has urged youths in the region to shun the planned nationwide hunger protest.

    Nweze who made this known in a statement signed and issued to newsmen on Thursday, urged the youths to dialogue with the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, rather than embarking on protest.

    The statement reads in part: “I am compelled to urgently address the impending nationwide protest being planned by some Nigerians against the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and passionately urge all South East indigenes to shelve plans of embarking on any action that could plunge the region into chaos and worsen the precarious security situation in the zone.

    “We acknowledge the genuine concerns and agitations of Nigerians under the globally plummeting economy, it is no news that unscrupulous elements have hijacked and misdirected initial, genuine and well intended protests in the recent past, with the ENDSARS protest of 2020 as a poignant painful example.

    “Against all odds, President Tinubu’s deeds and words have shown how committed his administration has been to the welfare of citizens. Direct initiatives principally targeted at South Easterners abound, including the recent presidential assent to the South East Development Commission bill which is a clear roadmap for targeted interventions to promote economic growth, infrastructure and social welfare in the zone.

    “The South Eastern youth population must therefore be careful not to lend themselves as sacrificial lambs and docile tools in the hands of enemies of state who have set Igbos up in the past, at immense cost to human lives and economic activities in the zone as well as relationships with  other ethnic divides.

    “On the strength of the above, I hereby fervently call on NDIGBO at home and in diaspora and our youths to refrain from participating in the nationwide march slated from August 1 to 10, 2024 and instead give Mr President time to implement his well intended policies for our region and country in general.

    “I further call on traditional rulers, religious leaders and parents to rise to the responsibility and expectations of their roles in shielding their subjects and offspring, respectively from the impending tsunami of violence on our doorsteps” she stated.

  • Tinubu signs S-East development committee bill into law

    Tinubu signs S-East development committee bill into law

    By Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been applauded for signing the long awaited south east region development committee bill into law.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that the ascent of the said Bill into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will in no small measure solve the developmental challenges faced by the South East region of Nigeria.

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement South East, Mrs. Chioma Nweze who reacted to the development, said that 

    According to her: “I am delighted to convey my heartfelt appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for giving assent to the long-awaited bill for the establishment of the Southeast Development Commission.

    “The landmark endorsement of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) represents a significant stride towards addressing historical disparities and promoting inclusivity which would engender greater sense of belonging to the Nigerian project among the southeastern populace.

    “Mr President’s action in giving the SEDC Act the full force and effect of the law clearly embodies a commitment to uplifting marginalised communities and fostering national cohesion under the Renewed Hope agenda. 

    “I expect that the expeditious coming into force of the Commission, in addition to addressing the developmental challenges faced by the South East region of Nigeria, will provide a clear roadmap for targeted interventions to promote economic growth, infrastructure development, and social welfare in the region.

    In a related development, the SSA to the President on Community Engagement South East, Nweze, however applauded the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, the Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Andy Uba and others for their contributions in ensuring that the bill is given an accelerated passage.

    “I specially salute the National assembly, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, the Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District Chief Andy Uba and forerunners like Senator Stella Odua and others, for working tirelessly to ensure that the Bill survived its turbulent and protracted legislative journey which began since 2017, and for giving it accelerated passage” she stressed.

  • PDP warns members to shun nationwide hunger protest in Adamawa

    PDP warns members to shun nationwide hunger protest in Adamawa

    By Yagana Ali, Yola 

    The People’s Democratic Party, PDP,  Adamawa State chapter on Wednesday, cautioned its members against joining the planned nationwide hunger protest, saying it is not in support of it. 

    The party made this known during its emergency stakeholders meeting that was attended by chieftains, two hundred and twenty six ward chairmen held at the Banquet Hall Government House, Yola.

    In his remarks, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri acknowledged the hardships that people are passing through, but observed that violence is not the solution, going by the fragile nature of security in the country. 

    Governor Fintiri said it is the responsibility of the government to ensure the welfare and security of the citizens, and therefore it will not sit down and allow breakdown of law and order in the state.

    Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Awwal Tukur, Governor Fintiri assured that his administration is doing everything possible to bring succour to the people.

    “It is the right of the people to express their grievances but is not their right to cause violence, and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure welfare and security of citizens. 

    “I want to urge you to go back to your respective areas and educate the people at the grassroot on the dangers of this planned protest to Adamawa and Nigeria as a whole,” says Governor Fintiri. 

    The State Chairman of PDP,  Tahir Shehu who reminded the party members the aftermath of the Endsars protest, added that no reasonable citizen will not allow such to happen again. 

    He said, “The country is ravaged, by hunger, banditry and security threats and therefore we are not in support of this protest because hoodlums may hijack it to cause havoc in the state.”

    The Chairman Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, Suleiman Ahmed said that the council chairmen in the state will curtail the planned protest in their respective areas.

  • Protest: NLC tasks Tinubu to invite, dialogue with organizers, vows to join protest 

    Our reporter

    The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, led by Comrade Joe Ajaero has tasked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to invite the leaders of the forthcoming nationwide protest movement to dialogue on their demands. 

    Ajaero, in a statement signed and issued to newsmen, however vowed to join the forthcoming nationwide protest, to support Nigerian youths in the country.

    The statement reads in part: “The truth is that the Nigeria Labour Congress cannot withdraw from a protest that it did not organise. It is only the organisers of the speculated national protest that can decide to pull out or continue with the protest. 

    “The Nigeria Labour Congress has Internal trade union mechanisms especially leadership decision-making processes that its industrial actions such as protests pass through before such activities are undertaken.

    “Yet, the fact that the Nigeria Labour Congress is not the body organising the protest does not mean that Organised Labour is oblivious of the dire living conditions Nigerians have been subjected to by the harsh economic policies of the government. The Nigeria Labour Congress stands in solidarity with the Nigerian people in these very trying and excruciating times.

    “Pursuant to proactive engagement with the issues canvassed by the protest organisers, we have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to invite the leaders of the protest movement to dialogue on their demands. We have advised that it would be counter-productive for the government to meet the widespread anger in the land with brute force.

    “Once again, we implore the Federal Government and the sub-national governments to listen to the cries of the Nigerian people and do the needful. After all, it is said that the voice of the people is the voice of God” it stated.

  • Hardship: Ex- Lawmaker, Yapak, Urges Youths To Shun nationwide protest

    By: Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi

    The former lawmaker who represented Verre constituency in the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Abdullahi Umar Yapak on Tuesday urged Nigerians, particularly Youths in the State to shun protest.

    Yapak who made this known while speaking with newsmen in the state, said that protest will not and will never solve problems. rather it will only take the country back to square one, which is very bad.

    He said that “Protest is not a good thing that people will involve in to because it will only lead to the backward of the country”

    “We are in a season that Nigeria need prayers of hardship, kidnapping, Boko Haram, Banditry and other critical activities in order God to intervene and fishes them out so that the country and it people will leave peacefully with one another but not protest that has no meaning”

    He said that people should channel their problems to the elected officials in a good way, so that they take action on how to solve the problems, but not through protest.

    He further said that president Ahmed Bola Tinubu is just one year in office. People are not supposed to blame him because Nigeria is a big country that is solving its problems gradually.

    Adding that “Instead of protesting people should go back to God because he is the only one who will solve Nigeria’s problems, but we don’t have to be blaming leaders just like that, political leaders are not angels, they are human beings who will make mistakes in some places.

    Yapak urged people to give the benefit of doubt to president Ahmed Bola Tinubu because he is only one year in office and many things which he promised during the campaign, is gradually.

    Adding that state governor’s are getting enough from the federal government, because all of them are collecting not less than 200 percent of allocation.

    He advised state governor’s to utilize what they are getting from the federal government in order to reduce hardship from the masses, but not people to go for protest.

    He said that when Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) demanded for salary increment, president Ahmed Bola Tinubu approved and agreed to pay 70,000 while many state governor’s refused to accept that, so these are the kind of things that people should protest against, but not to president Tinubu.

    “It’s because of protest that some countries like Kenya, Sudan and Bangladesh haven’t developed, so people should be very careful before taking any decision for protest.

    The former lawmaker, however, called on Nigerians to learn from the mistakes from other countries and shun the issue of protest so that Nigeria as a country should continue leaving peacefully.