Alhaji Shehu Wada Sagagi, the Chief of Staff to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, has taken a legal action against the EFCC, the Arewa APC Merger Group, one Mujahid Zaitawa, and the Kano State Commissioner of Police.

In the suit that is now before Justice Aisha Yau of the State High Court, Sagagi is seeking the protection of his rights in the petition against him sent to the EFCC by the Chairman of the Arewa APC Merger Group, Mujahid Zaitawa, alleging that he (Sagagi) diverted rice given to the State Government by the Federal Government as palliative for the people of the state.

Already, Justice Aisha Yau has granted an order restraining the EFCC, their agents, police and other security outfits from arresting or prosecuting the Chief of Staff in the alleged palliative diversion.

The restraining order as granted by the court says,upon reading motion ex-parte together with the accompanying affidavit, an order is granted restraining the 1st respondent (EFCC) and particularly 4th respondent (Police) either by themselves, agents or cronies from arresting the complainant, pending the determination of the motion on notice slated for hearing on the 3rd Day of September 2024.

The case was filed by DY Gambo, Counsel to the Chief of Staff, Alhaji Shehu Wada Sagagi.

Sagagi was alleged to have diverted palliative rice given to the State by the Federal Government, but the State Anti Graft Commission Chairman Barrister Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado, had cleared him of wrong doing, insisting that the foodstuff was meant for Sagagi Orphans Islammiyya School.

Zaitawa had also in the petition asked the EFCC to prosecute Sagagi over the alleged palliative diversion.

Jimi Lawal, a close ally and former Special Adviser to the immediate-past governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has been detained by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Lawal was detained by the anti-Graft Commission on Wednesday, over allegations involving a fictitious Light Rail Project valued at N11 billion. It was alleged that there was no contract file for the supposed light rail project which was fully paid for.

The Kaduna State House of Assembly had indicted El-Rufai and some of his commissars and aides in alleged misappropriation of N432 billion during his eight years of administration.

Lawal was a senior adviser and counsellor on the Kaduna Economic Development Council from 2019 to 2023 and Special adviser during El-Rufais first term.

ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare, confirmed the arrest, saying Lawal had been detained since Wednesday.

Yes, Lawal is still with us, he came in on Wednesday evening and he will be released when he meets his bail condition, the spokesperson said.

The ICPC had in a letter dated August 12, invited Lawal to its headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to the letter, Lawal was requested to come along with i. Copy of appointment/engagement letter with Kaduna State Government from 2015-2023. ii. Details of all companies associated to you. iii. Statement of all bank accounts from 2015 to 2023 (soft and hard copies). iv. Schedules of all your investments to date. v. Any other relevant document(s).

In its bid to expose learners to alternative career pathways that would help create entrepreneurial opportunities for them, and to ultimately reduce the high rate of unemployment plaguing the nation, Bayelsa State Ministry of Education has agreed to adopt Tourism as a subject in schools.

Commissioner of Education, Dr Gentle Emela, who gave the hint when his counterpart from the State Ministry of Tourism Development, Hon. John Alla, presented a copy of the national curriculum for tourism studies in secondary schools along with textbook to him in his office in Yenagoa on Thursday, said the decision to introduce Tourism into school curriculum, was meant to address the lack of skills which has become as a barrier to accessing business and job opportunities in the tourism industry.

Dr Emela maintained that the introduction of Tourism in secondary schools in the state would further address socio-economic imbalances, poverty and other socio-economic inequalities in communities, noting that the introduction of Tourism would afford learners opportunities to develop vocational skills required in the tourism sector and encourage students to explore entrepreneurial and job opportunities that abound in the sector.

While commending the Commissioner for Tourism Development for being proactive in proposing the introduction of tourism into the secondary school curriculum as part of measures to provide young people with alternative career pathways, Dr Emela also applauded Governor Douye Diri for appointing someone with great passion for tourism as Commissioner, saying that the prosperity administrations focus on tourism was the stimulus that informed the decision to introduce Tourism into the secondary school curriculum in the state.

Earlier, the visiting Commissioner for Tourism Development, Hon. John Alla had stressed the urgent need to give tourism training the desired attention, pointing out that the inclusion of Tourism as a curricular subject in secondary schools in the state properly aligns with the prosperity administrations inclusive governance, that lays much emphasis on poverty alleviation.

Hon. Alla maintained that one way to achieve this aim was the early introduction of Tourism into the senior secondary school curriculum in the state with a view to developing vocational skills needed to further improve and support the tourism industry in the state.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the reduction of the deduction from the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) due to the federal government from government aviation agencies from 50 to 20 percent.

The various aviation unions leaderships are currently meeting with the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to take a position on the new development

Aviation unions were to commence nationwide protests over the 50 percent deduction from the internally generated revenue of the agencies, a policy the workers argue undermines their operational efficiency and financial stability.

The protests were expected to affect airport operations nationwide, as workers demonstrated their frustration and called for the policy reversal.

In a united stance, employees of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), and the National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) were set to stage peaceful protests at airports across Nigeria.

This was disclosed in a joint statement signed on Wednesday by Ocheme Aba, General Secretary of NUATE; Comrade Abdul Rasaq Saidu, Secretary General of ANAP; Comrade Sikiru Waheed, General Secretary of AUPCTRE; Comrade Frances Akinjole, Deputy General Secretary of ATSSSAN; and Comrade Olayinka Abioye, General Secretary of NAAPE

The federal government has launched a $500 million FX-denominated domestic bond.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, who unveiled the Series I USD500 million domestic FGN US dollar bond on Thursday, in Lagos, said the launch was a bold step towards economic transformation poised to attract both local and international investors.

A press statement issued by Mohammed Manga, Director, Information and Public Relations at the Ministry, quoted Edun as saying, This historic initiative is aimed at raising a minimum of $500 million from both local and international investors, marking a significant step in Nigerias ongoing economic reform and development efforts.

The Minister said the bond issuance, which is set to leverage the Nigerian financial system, including the Securities and Exchange Commission, the banking system, and investment bankers, represents a critical effort to attract foreign currency held by Nigerians abroad, as well as other international investors who believe in the macroeconomic reform initiatives spearheaded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Edun emphasised that the financial market thrives on creativity and innovation and that it is essential to encourage investors to participate in this strategic opportunity.

Highlighting the positive outcomes already being seen from the current economic policies, Edun noted that government revenue and expenditure have been significantly revamped and the trade balance improving.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Investment Banking at United Capital Group, Dr. Gbadebo Adenrele, said Thursday, at a hybrid roadshow with investors hosted by the Debt Management Office (DMO), that the $500m dollar-denominated domestic bond will be issued on Monday.

The auction will open next week on Monday. Next week Monday, we will have that open, and the details of that will be communicated to the market.

One of the key aspects of this bond issuance is that it will be listed on platforms such as the Nigerian Exchange and FMDQ, making it accessible to a variety of investors.

The principal will be repaid after five years, with interest payments made every six months. This structured repayment schedule is designed to provide confidence to investors:, he said.

On her part, Patience Oniha, director-general of the DMO, said the settlement date for the domestic dollar bond auction will likely be 10 days after the auction date.

The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, declared null and void orders by Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, restraining former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus; Celestine Omehia and a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Opara, from attending any meeting of the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) or participating in deliberations or proceedings of its meetings.

In a unanimous ruling on Friday, a three-member panel of the Court held that the issue of whether members of a party should attend its meetings or participate in any of its activities are issues to be determined by the political party.

According to the court, issues relating to whether or not members of a political party attend its meetings are entirely internal affairs of the party, which the court lacked jurisdiction.

The ruling follows three separate appeals filed by Secondus, Omehia and Opera challenging the order of the Federal High Court, which on April 5, bared them from PDP meetings.

The appellate court held that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to hear suits dealing with internal affairs of a political party.

Consequently, it declare null and void the proceedings conducted in the three cases before the Federal High Court, voided same, as well as the restraining orders by Justice Ekwo.

Chinese firm, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Ltd, has announced the release of one of the three Nigerian aircraft, Airbus A330, detained in France, following a court order

ex-parte orders issued by the Judicial Court of Paris on March 7 and August 12, 2024, authorised the seizure of the three presidential jets undergoing routine maintenance in France and Switzerland. The seized aircraft include a Dassault Falcon 7X, a Boeing 737 and a newly acquired Airbus A330 valued at over $100 million.

These orders were obtained by Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, a Chinese company seeking to enforce an arbitral award of $74.5 million granted in its favour in 2021 against Ogun State.

In a statement on Friday, spokesperson of the firm said the release of the Airbus A330 aircraft was a gesture of goodwill, acknowledging that Nigerian President Bola Tinubu requires the aircraft for a scheduled meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.

The statement reads: Zhongshan has consistently acted reasonably and fairly in a legal dispute with Nigeria, which it did not initiate.

The company has been informed that an Airbus A330, currently detained in France due to a French court order obtained by Zhongshan, is needed by the President of Nigeria for his upcoming meeting with President Macron next week.

As a goodwill gesture, Zhongshan has lifted the seizure, allowing the aircraft to be used for the Presidents trip.

Zhongshan remains committed to negotiations with the Nigerian government, with hopes of reaching a reasonable compromise swiftly.

A prominent figure, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, who is the South East APC Zonal Vice Chairman, says the Nationwide Protest was highly ill-advised as organizers were mainly desperate politicians who used the gullible youth to disparage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC led administration in order to achieve cheap political gains at the expense of the people.

Arodiogbu stated this when he appeared on TVC News Analysis: South East And The Cost Of Nationwide Protest, in Abuja, Nigeria capital territory, recently.

Arodiogbu who said he does not support the protest because it was uncalled for as the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC led administration which he said is barely One Year and Six Months is still initiating and firmly implementing human oriented policies and programs to address the economic hardship in the country which was not instigated by the current APC Government.

The APC National Officer added that organisers of the protest lack sense of patriotism given to selfishness and greed.

“We are not blaming any administration for the country’s economic quagmire and hardship because bad leadership in Nigeria started in 1914, continued till 1960, This is due to lack of patriotism among those who ruled the country previously. Blaming President Tinubu is out of place as Tinubu has good plans to transform the nation. The policies of the current APC are going to remove pressure on naira and citizens will fully benefit in his government”, Arodiogbu reflected.

Arodiogbu said he was filled with happiness that the Nationwide Protest did not take place in the South East because the people are very wise, peaceful, patriotic coupled with the good leadership in the region, mostly engineered by Governor Hope Uzodimma, who he said is very diplomatic, kind, democratic, human oriented, development driven and godly.

“Igbos are wise and are interested in diplomacy and dialogue rather than protest and violence. The region is well engaged by President Tinubu led administration. Governor Hope Uzodimma is leading the people well. The people love him because of his good governance, kindness and compassion.

“The Governor was able to engage and convince the people of South East: youths, pressure group, trade union leaders and they believed him and we are grateful to the leadership of Tinubu for engaging the Igbo vastly in politics, governance and government.

“Although, the economic hardship in Nigeria rains on every roof, but Igbos have always listened to Uzodimma because he often tells them the truth. The Traditional Rulers also helped. Recall that Southern Traditional Rulers were in Owerri few hours before the protest began and their appeal made more sense to the people. I heartily thank Igbo people especially youths for being wise, peaceful and diplomatic. We are getting it right. So, let us remain calm and supportive to political authorities”, Arodiogbu maintained.

Arodiogbu who thumbed up for security agents for showing professionalism in handling the protesters, called on the Leaders of the protest to preach peace to their people to stop killing and scaring farmers to enable surplus food and food security in Nigeria.

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi has described the seizure of aircraft in Nigeria’s Presidential Air Fleet as an international embarrassment.

Obi said the development is yet another of many embarrassing incidents exposing the nation’s failed leadership and poor attitude to the rule of law in a democracy.

The seizure followed the Ogun State Government’s failure to honour a $74.5 million award granted to a Chinese company, ZhongshanFucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited by an independent arbitral tribunal, chaired by the former President of the UK Supreme Court.

The seized jets are said to be part of Nigeria’s Presidential Air Fleet.

However, the Presidency on Thursday said it is aware of the development, accusing Zhongshan of attempting to take over offshore assets of the Federal Government of Nigeria through subterfuge.

Reacting in a statement on Thursday, Obi, a former Anambra State governor, said the fact that the Federal Government went ahead with the jet deal despite outcry and horrifying economic hardship shows the insensitivity of the President Bola Tinubu administration.

Obi said: “The trending international news on the seizure of three Jets belonging to Nigeria’s Presidential fleet is yet another of many embarrassing things exposing our failed leadership and our attitude to the rule of law even in a democracy. It has also exposed multiple dimensions to our leadership failure and our insensitivity to the plight of the growing poor class in our midst.

“The fact that the federal government went ahead with the jet deal despite the cacophonous cry against the purchase of a Presidential jet at this time when the people are going through a horrifying economic hardship shows the insensitivity of this administration.

“Added to it is the embarrassing aspect of our country’s Presidential jets being held for contractual breaches arising from yet another dimension of inadequate leadership tidiness.

“I have been loud in my demand over time that the government at all levels should be accountable to the people, meaning that they must be very transparent in all their dealings. Until a court in France prohibits Nigeria from moving or selling these three jets, Nigerians have no iota of information about both the buying and selling of these aircraft.

“It has been done in secrecy. Federal Government property, which belongs to the people, is being managed as a personal family asset. Paying as much as $100m dollars for a Presidential jet for a country that is the poverty capital of the World and has more out-of-school children with over 40% food inflation is the height of concern for the people’s feelings.

“This incident has also opened up an aspect of indiscipline that is copiously embedded in our country which is the abuse and disrespect for the rule of law.

“Here are questions begging for answers:

To what extent did the Ogun government follow its agreement with the Chinese firm?

“After the UK court ruling that prohibited some Nigeria building in Liverpool, what did both Ogun state and Federal government do before the French court action?

“I would like to, therefore, challenge the federal government to come clean and transparent on this matter and tell Nigerians how we got to this latest international mess.”

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has said its

Emergency Operations Centre established for the flood monitoring and coordination of resource deployment indicates that 27 states have been impacted with a total of 227, 494 persons affected and 32,837 houses damaged as well as 16,488 hectares of farmlands with crops also destroyed.

The agency also said it has commenced deployment of relief items to complement efforts by the various State Governments to provide succor to persons affected by the floods.

NEMA also said it has responded to the recent flood incidents that devastated some communities across the country and commenced the conduct of assessment of the impacts with the various States Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) to provide timely and appropriate support to the affected persons.

A statement by NEMA said that the timely response to the flood incidents is in furtherance to the early preparations made in deployment of search and rescue teams and placement of all NEMA zonal and operation offices on alert.

Salaries and compensation for Nigerian workers can now be paid in US Dollars, you acquire premium domains for as low as $1500 and PROFIT $22,000 ( ₦34 million) Click here.

“Furthermore, NEMA shall continue with public sensitization as well as grassroots awareness through advocacies and workshops on solid waste management to raise public consciousness on clearance of blocked drainages and water ways.

`So far based on statistics from the NEMA Emergency Operations Centre established for the flood monitoring and coordination of resource deployment indicates that 27 states have been impacted with a total of 227, 494 persons affected and 32,837 houses damaged as well as 16,488 hectares of farmlands with crops also damaged.’

The Director General NEMA Zubaida Umar re-affirmed commitment of the Agency to coordinate and provide necessary support towards efficient disaster management in the country.

She reiterated that communities at risk of flooding and those living along water ways should relocate to safe higher grounds ahead of the peak of the raining season.

She urged all stakeholders, especially SEMAs and community leaders to be ready to activate at short notice, plans and preparations for flood with the increasing incidents in some parts of the country.

In a related development, the Director General NEMA has advised farmers not to panic over the temporary dry season being experienced in some states, noting that the situation will soon be over as contained in the seasonal climate predictions release earlier in the year by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

The management of the University of Benin, Edo State, has set up a committee to investigate allegations of sexual harassment against a Professor in the Department of Philosophy.

This was contained in a circular issued by the investigation committees Secretary, B. D. Jonathan, and made available to journalists on Saturday.

Although the professors name was not disclosed, the committee urged members of staff and students with relevant information or who have experienced any related incidents to come forward and share it.

The circular read, The Vice-Chancellor has set up a committee to investigate the allegations of sexual harassment against a Professor from the Department of Philosophy.

“The committee, to actualise its mandate, is requesting all staff and students with relevant information or who have experienced any incident related to the allegation to please come forward and share as it will assist the committee in ensuring a thorough and fair investigation.

“Be rest assured that your identity will be protected, and all information will be treated with utmost confidentiality”

It was gathered that the institution took the decision after an unnamed female graduate of the university called out the lecturer on social media.

The university alumnus also alleged that she (the graduate) suffered untold sexual harassment from the said professor during her undergraduate studies.

In early August 2024, the Abia State University, Uturu, suspended a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Dr. Udochukwu Ndukwe, for three months following allegations of sexual harassment against a female student.

Analysis of media reports by Our correspondent showed that no fewer than 39 lecturers in the nations tertiary institutions had been indicted and dismissed over sexual misconduct in the past five years,

The National Executive Council (NEC), Nigeria Union of Journalists has adopted November 28-30, 2024 for the forthcoming Triennial Delegates Conference in Owerri, Imo State.

This was contained in a Communique issued at the end of the Virtual Meeting presided by the President, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, MFR, and well attended by members of the Central Working Committee, State Council Chairmen and Secretaries on Friday, August 9, 2024.

The NUJ NEC constituted a nine man Credentials Committee led by Comrade Michael Ikeogwu as chairman and Comrade Ademu Seidu as Secretary, and charged them with the responsibility of midwifing the conduct of a credible, transparent and successful election that would usher in the next Central Working Committee of the Union. Other members of the Committee are: Comrades Peculiar John, Tukur Hassan Dan-Ali, Prince Leke Adegbite, Chidi Asonye, Ayuku Pwaspo, Rajab Mohammed and Dominic Akpan.

On the State of the Nation, NUJ NEC urged President Bola Tinubu to address critical concerns that would bring immediate succor to Nigerians and condemned acts of violence that rocked some States during the Nationwide Hunger Protest.

The NUJ NEC strongly condemned the unprofessional conduct of Security Personnel during the Hunger Protests across the nation, especially assaults on Journalists in the cause of the discharge of their schedules, insisting that Security Personnel must be responsible in their actions on such occasions and exhibit enlightened Professional composure while, urging Journalists to observe safety first at all times in their lines of duty.

Also, the NUJ NEC condemned the invasion by Security Personnel on the Headquarters of the Nigeria Labor Congress and called on the Federal Government to caution Security Agencies from such Gestapo Acts under a Democratic Government capable of plunging institutions to the dark days of military dictatorship.

The Union Executives urged State Governors to speedily implement the new minimum wage signed into Law by President Bola Tinubu to assuage the challenges faced by Nigerian Workers in the face of the dwindling economy, adding that State Governments should take proactive measures in curbing food inflation, introduce price control templates to checkmate rising costs of foodstuffs while Governors who have started this process were commended.

Meanwhile, the Unions NEC further commended State Governments rocked by issues of violence during the hunger protest on the curfew imposed in bringing immediate Peace and return to normalcy.

NEC extended the deadline for State Councils in default of payment for 2023 Professional Fees and Check Off Dues to December, 31,2023 while State Councils yet to effect payment in 2024 in this regards were given six weeks extension.

In consequences of the above, NEC also unanimously extends tenure of the current CWC until the Triennial Delegate Conference. However, interested aspirants in the forthcoming Triennial Delegates Conference who have failed to remit their financial Obligations to the Union within the period were not accommodated in the extension.

The meeting resolved, and unanimously passed a Vote of Confidence on the President of NUJ, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, MFR and the CWC for meritoriously serving the Union all through their tenure with distinction and new heights of excellence.

The Communique was signed by Comrade Amos Etuk, Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Council – Chairman, CDC, Comrade Sam Udekwe, Chairman,Enugu State Council, Secretary, CDC, Comrade Isha Gadau, Secretary, Bauchi Council, Member, CDC, and Achike Chude, National Secretary.

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said Nigeria would rise again if the church started to preach the values of hard work.

Osinbajo lamented that the Nigerian church had shifted its focus from preaching hard work to prosperity.

He spoke while delivering a lecture at the 68th Anniversary and 58th Annual Convention of The Gospel Faith Mission International, GOFAMINT, at the weekend.

According to Osinbajo: For too long, our churches have been caught up in the pursuit of personal prosperity and material wealth, neglecting the true calling of the gospel to promote peace, unity, and the holistic development of our society.

“If we truly want to see Nigeria rise again and fulfil its immense potential, the church must return to its roots, preaching the values of hard work, compassion, and service to the community.

“It is only through this shift in focus that we can inspire our people to become agents of positive change, rather than mere consumers of the prosperity gospel”, he concluded.

The youth wing of apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has described the non-participation of the entire South-East in the nationwide EndBadGovernance protest as historical.

It could be recalled that the entire South-East shunned the hunger protest which lasted from August 1-10 across the country.

Addressing journalists on Sunday, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike said it was not by chance that Ndigbo boycotted the protest.

Okwu said it was a demonstration of the love and support Ndigbo have for the President Bola Tinubu administration.

He stated that the Igbo youth group held a series of meetings with affiliate youth organisations where all of them saw reasons not to be part of the protest.

“We took this stand to make Mr President understand clearly that we are solidly behind his government.

“There was a series of engagements with the various affiliate bodies of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, after which we all came to the conclusion that the protest was not needful. From there, we agreed to scale it down to the communities where we were also able to make the people see reasons with us.

“Having said this, we want to, in a special way, thank all the affiliate bodies of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, religious, traditional and community groups, as well as market unions and CSOs for heeding to our call”, he stated.

Okwu, however, urged the President Tinubu government to reciprocate the love shown to his administration by Ndigbo.

“This should be done in the area of ensuring the creation of an additional state for the South-East, correction of imbalance in appointments, release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and adequate funding of the South-East Development Commission, which will aid rapid infrastructural development in our region”, he appealed.

The Chairman of Heir Holdings, Tony Elumelu, has said the federal government knows those behind crude oil theft in Nigeria.

Tony Elumelu said oil theft is a coordinated crime.

He argued that crude oil thieves operate using vessels and cannot carry out successful operations without the knowledge of security agencies.

Elumelu, in an interview, said his first attempt to invest in the oil and gas industry was thwarted by former president, Muhammadu Buhari and his former chief of staff, late Abba Kyari, in 2017.

He said his company lost about 95 percent of its crude to oil theft in 2022.

“This is oil theft, we’re not talking about stealing a bottle of Coke you can put in your pocket. The government should know, they should tell us.

“Look at America, Donald Trump was shot at and quickly they knew the background of who shot him. Our security agencies should tell us who is stealing our oil. You bring vessels to our territorial waters and we don’t know.

Elumelu, a member of President Bola Tinubu’s Economic Advisory Council, explained that there was nothing wrong with the migration of Nigerian citizens to Western nations.

He explained that unemployment and the need for young Nigerians to achieve their dreams after graduating from high institutions were responsible for the brain drain.

In fulfilment of their vow to come out for a one million man march as part of the end bad governance protest, the protesters turned up in their numbers yesterday,at two venues, Apo district and Lokogoma district, both in Abuja.

The protesters who strategically skipped the MKO Abiola National Stadium after the City Gate and the Eagle Square, following heavy Police and Military Presence at both venues, streamed to Apo and Lokogoma as early as 7 am.

The protesters who displayed several placards were chanting “End hunger” and “Reverse fuel subsidy removal,” among others.

Recall that the protest which kickstarted on August 1, turned ugly as hoodlums hijacked the process and embarked on massive looting, destruction of critical infrastructure and attack on motorists among others.

In many Northern states, including Kano, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Bauchi, many of the violent demonstrators resorted to carrying and flying foreign nations flags and calling for a regime change, a call that has been roundly condemned by Nigerians, the armed forces of Nigeria and other security agencies, as well as the organizers of the end bad governance protest themselves.

The self acclaimed Prime Minister of Biafra Republic Government In-Exile has told the former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Emeka Anyaoku not to sabotage the actualization of Biafra Independence.

Ekpa made this known in a statement through his official X handle on Saturday.

This came after Anyaoku led a group of Nigerian elder statemen, the Patriot, to visit President Bola Tinubu on Friday at the Presidential Villa.

Anyaoku had advocated for a change to Nigeria’s Constitution.

However, Ekpa stressed that Anyaoku should not allow himself to be used as a pun against Biafra’s agitation for self-rule.

He lamented that Anyaoku had been silent despite the marginalization and killings of Biafrans in the South-East and South-South.

“They have dragged you out from your shell of hiding and silence in the presence of the massacre of Biafrans in the South East and South-South.

“You never condemned the killing of the people you claim to be speaking for.

Whoever knows Emeka should warn him to stay away from anything that will sabotage our freedom.

We always warn before calling on the gods to go after you”, he said.

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has stated that many individuals currently in public office in Nigeria should be locked up in prison.

According to him, leaders do not possess the necessary qualities to effectively lead the nation, suggesting they would be better suited for incarceration or worse.

Obasanjo made these remarks at his home in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during a meeting with six members of the House of Representatives who are co-sponsoring legislation aimed at establishing a single six-year term, as well as advocating for the rotation of the presidency between the northern and southern regions, and the rotation of governorship positions among the three senatorial districts in each of the 36 states.

Obasanjo noted that the proposed six-year single-term presidency is not a viable solution to the challenges bedevilling the country.

The former president stressed the need for the country to rethink its democracy.

Obasanjo emphasized that the West African nation is precariously positioned, likening it to a powder keg that could erupt if leaders do not take bold and decisive actions to tackle the numerous challenges at hand.

The former President asserted that the demands raised by the #EndBadGovernance protesters are entirely valid, urging the government to address these issues rather than merely masking them.

He pointed out that it is inappropriate for those in power to continue enjoying lavish lifestyles while urging the struggling populace to persevere.

Obasanjo expressed disappointment over the inability of successive administrations to build upon the groundwork he established, highlighting that this has led to considerable setbacks for the country.

His words read: “More than anything else, such as changing our system of government or moving to a single term of six or four years, we must change our ways of doing things in this country, we must decarbonise our brains, we must change our mentality and character.

“How I wish that the succeeding governments had built on the foundation we laid, even if not as fast as one would have wanted it. Sadly, the blocks we put there are even being removed.

“What I know about Nigeria is that, yes, if we get it right—the leadership, the team, because one tree does not make a forest—you need a good leader, but you also need a good team for a job well done.

“The point is that if we get this right, in about two and a half years, we shall get some of the challenges behind us, and in about 10 years, we would have a solid foundation, and in about 25 years, we would be there.

Residents of Ohaji, Imo State, have demanded quick intervention by State and Federal Governments on Owerri/ Portharcourt Road which is highly deplorable.

The Owerri/Portharcourt Highway is badly spoilt within Umuagwo and Umuapu axis, in Ohaji, witnessing on daily basis, vehicular damage and accident, recording casualties and loss of property.

Obviously, the Express Way is a major link to Imo, Rivers and Bayelsa States. Multiple crude oil trucks always pass through this road.

Entertaining questions from journalists at Umuapu, Ohaji, recently, the President General of Umuapu Town Union, Apostle Daniel Clifford Ogbuehi, said the ExpressWay has been in deplorable condition as government shies away from doing the needful.

The PG explained that the link road got worse during reconstruction to double-lane during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan because it was intentionally abandoned by the contractor that handled the project.

Ogbuehi said Umuapu community stands as a boundary between Imo and Rivers States, saying the side of Rivers State is very clean and smooth.

“You only enjoy smooth ride on the ExpressWay from the boundary between Imo and Rivers States, while the side of Imo is nothing to write home about, because the nature of the federal road poses danger to road users. The road is a death-trap to users”, Ogbuehi observed.

Ogbuehi pointed out that the dilapidated road was making living too difficult for the people who use the road regularly, wondering why government would neglect Ohaji which he said contributes hugely to economic and social growth of the country.

“When accessing farm, market, we suffer, at home, we do not sleep well, as motorists disturb our sleep while looking for alternative routes. Businesses have slown down, with young entrepreneurs leaving the areas in search of more viable places given the unfriendly environment. Hoodlums use the bad spots as target points to rob users of the road. Hence, I urge State and Federal Governments to quickly intervene before the road becomes a total dungeon and a breeding spot for criminals”, he stressed.

Also commenting, a community leader in Awarra, Ohaji, Chijioke Osimiri, highlighted that heavy-duty vehicles fall on the road on daily basis, an anomaly he regretted hampers movement, slows commercial activities at the oil rich region.

“Major users of this road are Government and Oil Companies. Many of the trucks that fall on the road belongs to Oil Companies and still they find it difficult to put the road in good shape”, Osimiri bemaned.

Dr Stella Iwuagwu, was hale and hearty when she returned to Nigeria in 2007, to work on her PhD desertion. Sadly, she went back to the United States on a wheelchair.

The mother of two, who was pursuing her PhD degree in the United States was involved in an accident that confined her to a wheelchair for almost 17 years.

Iwuagwu said she was travelling to Kano from Abuja, when the accident occurred. Their vehicle suddenly went out of control and skidded off the road in Zaria. Following the accident, she sustained a spinal cord injury that has left her permanently on a wheelchair.

A PhD holder in Health Education, Iwuagwu is also a nurse/midwife and the Executive Director at the Centre to the Right for Health. She has not allowed her present condition to cloud her ambition to excel in her chosen career.

Iwuagwu was among the distinguished personalities honoured at the maiden edition of Imo International Film festival, for her immense contribution to the development of humanity.

Apart from being a public health specialist, Iwuagwu is also a farmer and a teacher. She has strong passion for filmmaking, following her belief in using film for behavioural change and for educating the public about critical health and development situations.

She has been using films and documentaries to advocate the right to life of persons with disabilities.

Recently, she premiered her latest movie, “Breaking the Silence,” in Owerri. The movie, she said, documented the experiences of gender-based violence among women with disabilities.

She also produced another documentary titled “Failed by Angels” which, she said, chronicled the challenges faced by people living with disabilities in terms of accessing healthcare in Nigeria. In addition, she produced a community play titled, “Imeogwa”, where she looked at unintended pregnancy among teenagers. She was also part of the production of a religious movie on AIDS among others.

After the completion of her PhD programme, Iwuagwu taught at the School of Health Sciences, Cleveland State University, Cleveland Ohio, for six years before returning to Nigeria to establish the Centre to the Right for Health. She has devoted her life to pursuing her goal of being a voice of the voiceless, advocating a better life and inclusion for people living with disabilities.

Sharing her story, the Imo State-born public health specialist, said, “I came home in September 2007, to work on my desertion. It was in the course of that visit that I got involved in an accident, where I sustained a spinal cord injury that left me in this condition. For the past 17 years, my life has been confined to the wheelchair. The accident happened while I was working on my PhD, and still running my NGO back home”.

Having accepted life on her wheelchair, Dr Iwuagwu encourages other people saying, “where there’s a wheel, there’s a way!”

Igbo leaders have given reasons why South-east residents shunned the ongoing nationwide protest against economic hardship in Nigeria.

Igbo is an ethnic group dominant in Nigerias south-east.

The ongoing #EndBadGovernance protest, which began on Thursday, was billed to last until 10 August.

It has been ongoing across states in five of the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

According to reports, the protest has not been held in the South-east since the exercise kicked off.

“We ‘re usually at receiving end”

In an interview with newsmen on Tuesday, Damian Okeke-Ogene, the national vice president of the Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, said the South-east shunned the protest because they usually bear the brunt of such exercise in Nigeria.

Mr Okeke-Ogene said the South-east believed in the leadership of late President-General of Ohanaeze, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who he said, before his death on 25 July, asked Igbos to shelve the protest to avoid being the scapegoats.

He (Iwuanyanwu) asked them not to join the protest because we have had this kind of protest and we (Igbos) are usually at the receiving end in every protest (in Nigeria), he said.

The Ohanaeze leader said, after the death of Mr Iwuanyanwu, he (Okeke) re-echoed the call for Igbos to shun the exercise.

He stated that he equally asked Igbos residing in other regions to shelve the protest and mobilise security operatives to guard their shops against looting.

“We know that the federal government is not ready to protect their properties because if they (Igbos) go out for a hunger protest, they (protesters) will loot your shops”, the vice president said.

On his part, the new Chairperson of the South-east Traditional Rulers Council, Emmanuel Okeke, suggested that the South-east shunned the protest for a variety of reasons.

Mr Okeke told newsmen on Tuesday that the people of the region had become tired of seeking freedom, relevance and equal treatment in Nigeria.

The traditional ruler said the region has also been frustrated with their failed quest to produce Nigerias president.

“So, now we have cried enough. We have been cheated enough. We dont have anything to do. So, we instead kept quiet and started praying to our God. Whenever God feels to answer us. We are descendants of Israelites, he will answer us”, he said.

“So, there is no need for us (Igbos) to start making noise or start protesting against the government or creating violence, which we have been pleading to our people against for long”, said Mr Okeke, who is also the chairperson of the Imo State Traditional Rulers Council.

Past experiences

Also speaking, the immediate past Chairperson of the South-east Traditional Rulers Council, Samuel Asadu, said the South-east shunned the protest because of the way they were badly treated in the past.

“(They shunned the protest due to) grace of God and going by their past experiences in such protests”, he said without giving details.

Continuing, Mr Asadu said: Again, the South-easterners are industrious people. They are mainly business people.

Mr Asadu, who is the chairperson of Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, told PREMIUM TIMES on Monday that he and other South-east leaders also helped to appeal to Igbos to shun the protest in the region.

The traditional ruler added that the outstanding performances of the South-east governors, the move to create an additional state in the region and the recent establishment of the South East Development Commission must have combined to discourage Igbos from joining in the civic action.

The South East caucus in the National Assembly has formally petitioned Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun over what they describe as a hate campaign against the Igbo ethnic group.

The petition, dated August 4, follows a concerning development related to the ongoing nationwide protests against economic hardship.

Before the protests, an X account issued an alarming ultimatum to the Igbo community, demanding that they relocate their businesses from Lagos, Nigerias commercial hub.

Enyinnaya Abaribe, Senate Minority Leader, and Igariwey Enwo, House of Representatives Minority Leader, signed the petition on behalf of their colleagues from the southeast.

The petition references a recent post by Bayo Onanuga, a presidential media aide, who alleged that the protests were orchestrated by supporters of Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP).

The lawmakers argue that such statements contribute to the escalating hostility against the Igbo community in the country.

In light of Section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees every Nigerian the right to move freely and reside anywhere in the country, and Section 15(4), which mandates the State to foster national unity and discourage sectional loyalties, the #IgboMustGo campaign is a blatant violation of these constitutional provisions, the petition read.

The South-East caucus also called on the IGP to take decisive action against the proponents of the campaign.

They urged the police to identify and prosecute those responsible for spreading these divisive messages.

Additionally, the petition demands that the owner of the Lagospedia X account, which has been promoting the #IgboMustGo campaign, be unmasked and held accountable.