The national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has called on protest organizers to shift their focus from the planned nationwide protest on August 1, 2024, to promoting change via democratic elections.

In a statement released on Friday night, the former Kano State Governor emphasized that democratic change through elections is a more effective strategy against an incompetent government than protests.

He argued that sustainable change can only be achieved by exercising the power of the ballot.

Kwankwaso expressed his thoughts on the current challenges facing Nigeria, attributing the nation’s hardships to missteps by leadership since 2007.

He acknowledged that these challenges can be rectified, and the nation can be redirected towards economic development, prosperity, and improved welfare for its citizens.

Kwankwaso pointed out several crises that have arisen from poor governance, including federal interference in Kano State’s chieftaincy matters, the impeachment of Edo State’s Deputy Governor, political instability in Rivers State, and the widespread insecurity affecting the nation.

According to Kwankwaso, these issues reflect a lack of accountability and transparency among leaders.

While recognizing the recent calls for protests as a sign of the public’s frustration and desire for a better Nigeria, Kwankwaso cautioned against the potential consequences of such actions. He advised Nigerians to harness the power of their votes as the most effective tool for transformation.

Kwankwaso warned that protests, while a fundamental democratic right, often escalates into violence, resulting in loss of life, property destruction, and widespread chaos.

The statement read, “It is with a deep sense of responsibility that I share my thoughts on the current situation in Nigeria.

“We find ourselves in avoidable hardship because our leaders missed some steps since 2007.

“However, there is always room for correction and setting the country on the right track for economic development, prosperity, and better welfare of citizens.

“Interferences by the Federal Government into the affairs of the chieftaincy matters in Kano State, impeachment of the Deputy Governor of Edo State, political crisis in Rivers State, sabotage to AIiko Dangote refinery, controversies surrounding SAMOA agreement, the conflict between Sen. Ali Ndume and the APC Leadership, widespread insecurity and other criminal acts are a few examples of avoidable and unnecessary crises.

“It is sad to note that the attitude of our leaders to poor governance has plunged the citizens, especially youth, into hunger, insecurity, hopelessness, and a sense of giving up on the country.

“In these trying times, our nation stands at a crossroads. Our collective frustration with bad governance has reached a boiling point, and the urge to protest is strong.

“As an elder and patriotic Nigerian, I share your concerns and your desire for change.

“However, I urge you to consider the consequences of national protests and to channel your energy into a more effective and peaceful means of transformation through the power of your ballot.

“The repercussions of such actions extend far beyond the immediate moment, leaving scars on our communities and deepening divisions among us.

“I speak to you not just as an elder and a concerned citizen but as someone who deeply believes in the power and potential of our great nation.

“Let us put our country first and work together to build the Nigeria we all aspire to see,” he advocated

The Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, Isa Ali, disclosed on Friday that members receive about ₦400 million annually to execute constituency projects through Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIPs) and Special Intervention Projects (SIPs).

The lawmaker, representing Billiri/Balanga Federal Constituency, made this revelation during a town hall meeting aimed at keeping his constituents informed of recent developments in the National Assembly and their impacts on the constituency.

According to Hon. Ali, the funds are divided into two major categories:

1. Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIPs): ₦179 million is allocated to these projects.

2. Special Intervention Projects (SIPs): ₦40 million is designated for these projects.

Constituency Allocation

He further explained that an additional ₦200 million is specifically budgeted for the Billiri/Balanga constituency.

He said, “If you look at part of the bills I’m sponsoring, it is on federal constituencies and senatorial districts fund development to enable every constituency and senatorial district to have major projects. When you move to most of these constituencies, you will not see Federal Government projects apart from the constituency projects done by members of the National Assembly.

“Regarding the amount, particularly in the 10th House of Representatives, which Nigerians call the ‘people’s house,’ we are very open. The Zonal Intervention Project has been in existence for the past 20 years, and the money has not changed; it’s ₦179 million.

“We have Special Intervention Projects; this year, it’s ₦40 million. In previous years, it was N30 million. The same applies to ZIPs; in previous years, the money remains the same. We have other interventions like the capital intervention for Balanga/Billiri, which is ₦200 million. In total, we are talking about a little above ₦400 million for each constituency.”

Speaking further, the Minority Whip, who is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, lauded the Federal Government for previously releasing 100 per cent of the projects.

“I’m part of the leadership and I’m working hard to ensure the implementation process commences. We will ensure 100 per cent implementation because, to be honest, from 2019 to 2023, the Federal Government tried by releasing almost 100 per cent of all ZIPs and SIPs,” he added.

Ali assured his constituents of the quality of projects despite the economic situation, saying, “We are working hard. The finances of the country are under serious challenge, but as a leader, I’m working with my colleagues to ensure that this year’s intervention is also 100 per cent by the releases of the Federal Government.”

The Minority Whip disclosed that he inaugurated a committee comprising professionals

to ensure the quality of projects

As the planned nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest draws closer, previously anonymous organizers have stepped forward to reveal their identities and confirm their commitment to the demonstration on August 1.

The groups, numbering at least 26, have expressed their determination to protest against bad governance, economic hardship, and hunger.

According to Saturday Punch, the organizers have written to at least 20 state governments, seeking permission to use state infrastructure for their civic activities.

Some of the notable groups include Concerned Nigerians, Nigerians Against Hunger, Initiative for Change, Take it Back Movement, Revolution Now, and Human Rights Co-Advocacy Group.

The Convener of the Revolution Now Movement and a former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, released a list of locations where the protests will take place across 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

He urged Nigerians to join the movement, stating that the protest aims to draw attention to the governance issues plaguing the country.

The Director of Mobilisation for the Take it Back Movement in FCT, Damilare Ademola, emphasized the peaceful nature of the protest and highlighted that they had written to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, requesting the use of Eagle Square.

The group has demanded a 24-hour power supply, toilet facilities, water, and security for citizens participating in the protest.

Tunde Thomas, representing Nigerians Against Hunger, voiced the group’s demand for an end to hunger, urging the government to intervene.

The Secretary-General of the Initiative for Change, Ocean Panem, reiterated that the protest is a peaceful way to echo the voices of all Nigerians.

Jabir Yaro, National Chairman of the Northern Comrades Movement of Nigeria, declared that nothing would stop the protest and dismissed claims of withdrawal by another northern group as propaganda.

He stated that millions are expected to join the protest and that they have informed security agencies about their plans.

Thomas while speaking to Punch, said Nigeria was tired of the hunger in the land, adding that the government should intervene.

He said, “Our demands are simple – End hunger. We cannot be the most populous Black nation in the world and be hungry.”

The Secretary-General of the Initiative for Change, Ocean Panem, said the August 1 protest was not a riot but a way to “echo the voices of all Nigerians.”

“The country is in a mess. We need to recognise that. Members of our group are mostly in the Middle Belt and in Cross River. We would come out en masse and make sure we don’t stop till our demands are met,” he said.

A student group leader, who did not want to be named for fear of victimisation, said members of her group, who are mostly law students and students of history, would storm the streets on August 1 to protest.

Speaking in an interview with the platform, the National Chairman of the Northern Comrades Movement of Nigeria, Jabir Yaro, said, “Nothing will stop this protest. Nobody in this world can stop this protest. It will happen, and everybody should come out en masse to protest. No level of intimidation will stop us.”

Reacting to the withdrawal from the planned protest by another northern group, he said, “Those were APC boys who were paid for propaganda; we are the youth leaders, and we are set for this protest. We are expecting millions of people for this protest. We have informed the s

ecurity agencies, and we are ready for it.”

SB Morgen (SBM) Intelligence, a geopolitical research firm, says long-standing issues such as conflicts in food-producing regions, climate change, and pest infestations continue to pose significant challenges to food security in West Africa.

SBM, in its latest report, titled, ‘Unbounded Set: Jollof Index Q2 2024’, analysed factors responsible for surging prices of food items.

The index, which is a case study of Nigeria and Ghana, covers major food items used in making a jollof rice; such as rice, curry, thyme, seasoning, groundnut/vegetable oil, turkey/chicken, beef, pepper, tomatoes, salt, and onions.

The research firm said while Nigeria continues to grapple with very high food inflation rates, Ghana showed marginal improvements.

“In Nigeria, the year-on-year food inflation rate increased from 40.53% in April 2024 to 40.87% in June 2024,” the SBM said.

“The month-on-month rate decreased from 5.75% in March to 0.52% in June. However, despite this monthly slowdown, the overall trend in food prices remains concerning and continues to severely impact household access to food.

“This has led to numerous problems, including a typical increase in acute malnutrition cases.

“In contrast, Ghana has improved its food inflation rates over the same period, with the year-on-year rate decreasing from 26.8% in April 2024 to 24% in June 2024. Despite this downward trend, Ghana still faces significant challenges.”

The research firm further said the national average cost of preparing a pot of jollof rice (in 13 markets) significantly rose from N16,955 in March to N20,274 in June, marking an increase of 19.6 percent.

This surge, the company said, was primarily driven by substantial price hikes in key ingredients — particularly tomatoes and peppers.

“Other essential components such as rice, turkey, beef and vegetable oil maintained their already high prices, further contributing to the overall cost increase,” the SBM said.

“The spike in tomato cost has been attributed to seasonal changes and a severe infestation of Tuta absoluta, a major tomato pest.

“Between March and June, the price of ‘Grade A’ tomatoes skyrocketed from N50,000 to N100,000, with similar price hikes recorded for pepper.”

The report also attributed the surge in the cost of tomatoes to the Eid al-Fitr holiday in April, which disrupted the food supply chain.

According to SBM, Nigerians have shown remarkable adaptability in the face of these challenges.

The intelligence firm said Nigerians were forced to experiment with alternative ingredients such as carrot and cucumber stews to replace the traditional tomato-based recipes.

However, SBM said these efforts have been hindered by a concurrent rise in the prices of alternative food items such as garri and beans.

Highlighting the impact of food inflation across the 13 markets in Nigeria, the research showed that the Onitsha market experienced the highest percentage increase at 50 percent.

“The cost of preparing jollof rice rose from N14,900 in March 2024 to N22,350 in June 2024. This substantial increase in Onitsha, previously one of the more affordable markets, underscores the pervasive nature of food inflation affecting all regions,” the company said.

“Awka also saw a significant increase of 33.5%, with prices rising from N15,600 to N20,825.

“Bauchi experienced a sharp rise, with the cost of preparing jollof rice increasing by 33.0%, from N16,970 to N22,570. Similarly, Dugbe Market in Ibadan saw a 30.2% rise, with prices increasing from N15,620 to N20,330.

“Nyanya Market saw prices increase by 24.9%, rising from N17,500 to N21,850.

“On the other hand, Balogun Market in Lagos recorded the lowest percentage increase at 2.3%, with prices rising from N17,300 to N17,700.”

SBM also said the persistent foreign exchange (FX) restrictions on rice imports, the hike in energy costs as well and the “precautionary food retention” by farmers, were also factors that contributed to the food inflation crisis in Nigeria.

‘COST OF MAKING GHANA JOLLOF DECREASED BETWEEN MARCH AND JUNE’

SBM said the cost of preparing a pot of jollof rice across various markets in Ghana from March 2024 to June 2024 fluctuated.

“In March, the price was GHS 408.75. This increased to GHS 439.75 in April and GHS 463.25 in May before experiencing a significant decrease to GHS 322 in June,” the report said.

“The overall trend shows initial inflationary pressures followed by a sharp decline in June. This indicates a significant slowdown in price hikes of most food items across Ghanaian markets relative to May 2024, when prices rose stratospheric.

“The month-on-month analysis reveals a 7.6% increase from March to April, a 5.3% rise from April to May, and a drastic 30.5% decrease from May to June.”

The research firm said the sharp decline in June could be attributed to factors such as improved supply chains, seasonal harvests, or government interventions to reduce food prices as the election approaches.

Mikel Obi, former Super Eagles captain, says foreign-born players of Nigerian descent must stop treating the national team as a “second option”. 

Mikel spoke in a recent episode of the Obi One podcast.

The former Chelsea midfielder said foreign-born Nigerian footballers “wait” for call-ups from their countries of birth, then switch to Nigeria when they are “29 or 30 and past your best”.

He added that the players must decide to play for the Eagles early in their careers to communicate a passion for their roots.

“I have talked about players not representing their African roots. We have had meetings with these kids and their parents. ‘Look, you are from Nigeria. Your dad and mom are from Nigeria. Why don’t you play for the fatherland.’ They say they want to play for England or France or whatever it is, and then they wait. They keep waiting and keep waiting,” Mikel said

“When they get to 25 or 26, and they don’t get a call up from England, then they call Nigeria. We shouldn’t be treated like second options. We are not second options.

“If you decide you want to play for England, stick to it. Sit and wait. If you don’t get a call-up, you don’t get a call-up. But don’t wait until you’re 29 or 30 and past your best; then, you call the Nigerian FA to tell them you’re ready to play for them.”

The Eagles have a significant number of foreign-born players. Over eight members of the Eagles squad that finished second at the last African Cup of Nations (AFCON) were born in foreign countries to Nigerian parents.

However, many others are eligible to represent either the Eagles or their various countries of birth and are reluctant to commit to Nigeria.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has told the planners of the August 1–10 protests to submit their details to the commissioners of police in their respective states.

He spoke while addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday.

IGP Egbetokun’s demand comes hours after human rights activist Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa notified the police and Department of State Services, DSS, requesting protection for a group known as Take It Back Movement.

Egbetokun, however, said it is important for intending protesters to provide their details to the commissioners of police in their respective states to ensure the protest was peaceful.

Egbetokun said: “We acknowledge the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest.

“However, in the interest of public safety and order, we urge all groups planning to protest to provide necessary details to the Commissioner of Police in the state where the protest is intended to take place.

“To facilitate a successful and incident-free protest, they should please provide the following information: state the proposed protest routes and assembly points; expected duration of the protest; and names and contact details of protest leaders and organisers.”

Earlier, DSS, in a statement on Thursday claimed to have uncovered plans by some plotters to hijack the planned protest.

“The plotters desire to use the intended violent outcome to smear the federal and sub-national governments, make them unpopular and pit them against the masses,” DSS spokesman Peter Afunanya said.

Against the backdrop of the planned national protest by the youth over hunger and high cost of living in the country, Vice President Kashim Shettima has said what is needed at the moment is to solve problems and not embark on any form of protest.

This is as the federal government has announced its participation in the Grand Challenges Nigeria (GCNg) Project, a global health initiative aimed at combating malnutrition and food insecurity in Nigeria. 

Unveiling the partnership targeted at addressing Nigeria’s pressing nutritional challenges with the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN) during a high-level meeting on Friday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Senator Shettima, also said that the right to protest is guaranteed in most democracies around the world.

Addressing the delegation, Senator Shettima emphasized the need for constructive action over protest, even as he acknowledged the hardship being faced by Nigerians due to recent economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies. 

Senator Shettima, in a statement issued by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, was quoted as saying, “This is the time for us to solve our problems, not to protest. The right to protest is guaranteed in most democracies around the world, but when you can start the agitation, and you don’t know where it will end, it is a road to anarchy.

“We appreciate what Nigerians are going through, and our heart goes out to them. The oil subsidy has been an albatross on our neck for 50 years. Once the harvests start coming, we believe it will have a positive effect on the common man.

“I wish to call on you to advocate for diplomacy, engagement, and patience. The President is very much committed to the Nigerian project, but it’s like a percolation project. When a woman is giving birth, it’s a very painful process but once the child is delivered, it is a cause for celebration.”

As part of the government’s response to the nutritional crisis, VP Shettima reiterated the government’s commitment to the Nutrition 774 Initiative, explaining that “catalytic initiatives like the Nutrition 774 Initiative are meticulously designed to incentivize positive changes across our communities.”

The GCNg Project, a collaboration with the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, is set to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in addressing public health and food system challenges. 

“The true challenge lies in seamlessly integrating these advancements into our existing low-resource settings,” Shettima stated, urging the Nutrition Society of Nigeria to “push the boundaries of innovation and deepen your collaboration with the government and other stakeholders.”

Accordingly, the leader of the NSN delegation, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, called on the Vice President as Chairman of the Nutrition Council of Nigeria to spearhead the government’s component of the project and galvanise ministerial support for it. 

He said, “We were able to key into the global Grand Challenges project, which is largely funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. We want the government to own this project and identify the partner agency or ministry that will sign the MoU.”

Earlier, Senior Programmes Manager for Grand Challenges Nigeria, Godwin Bamsa, provided context on the initiative’s global impact, noting that since 2003, the Gates Foundation has invested over $1.6 billion in health and innovation projects across 118 countries.

He stated: “The Grand Challenges project represents a transformative approach to solving critical health and nutrition issues in Nigeria. Our goal is to empower communities to take ownership of these solutions, ensuring sustainable impact across Nigeria. 

“With the government’s partnership, we have the potential to revolutionise not just Nigeria’s health and food systems, but agriculture, science and technology, innovation, and other key sectors.”

Other members of the delegation were NSN President, Professor Wasiu Afolabi; NSN Board of Trustees Member, Professor Ignatius Onimawo; immediate past President of NSN, Dr. Bartholomew Brai; NSN Vice President North, Dr. Aliyu Maimuna Ladidi; Chairperson, NSN FCT Abuja Chapter, Major Edith Ogheneovo Nwachinaemere (retd); and NSN Council Member, Dr. Salihu Maiwada Abubakar.

A lifeless body of a yet-to-be-identified boy has been found hanging on a tree within a school premises in Ibadan. The boy, assumed to be in his mid-twenties, allegedly hung himself on the premises of Alapata Onireke High School, Elewuro, Akobo, Ibadan.

According to a witness, who pleaded anonymity in an interview with Vanguard, someone in the area had already been declared missing about three days ago before the incident.

The witness added that he was at a relaxation spot in the area when someone ran towards him to inform him about the lifeless body hanging on a tree in the school.

As of the time of filing this report, the body of the young boy was still hanging on the tree.

A murder suspect, Kehinde Ganiyu, 50, has disclosed that he killed and used his sick friend’s throat for ritual soap in a bid to seek prosperity.

He added that he visited his sick friend at Odebiyi’s compound, Oba-Oke in the Olorunda local government area of Osun State on Thursday July 18, 2024, and suddenly had the urge to kill him.

Fielding questions from newsmen at the Osun State Police Command headquarters in Osogbo on Friday, he said he slaughtered his friend named Emmanuel Collins and removed his throat right on the sick bed.

“I thereafter took it to the shrine where I mixed it with other things and transformed it into a black soap for my clients. I regret my actions as I don’t know what came over me.

“I have not killed anyone before now but I have been preparing the ritual soap (Bisa Bisa) for “yahoo boys” before. The clients usually bring the items, especially, human parts and I charged them N500,000. But I wanted to try this one for myself. that is why I killed my friend but I now regret my action”, he said.

Meanwhile, police spokesperson, SP Yemisi Opalola said part of the exhibit recovered from the suspect include, four blood-stained knives, two gourds containing black substance, one wooden traditional pot with black soap, two local sponges, a wooden tray (opon ifa) and some local charms.
She said the suspect would appear in court after a thorough investigation.

Similarly, two other suspects were paraded for stealing and illegal possession of firearms. Ajayi Sunday was caught with a stolen bajaj and a locally made short gun while Yinka Adewuyi was nabbed carrying four bags of cement stolen from a site where he was engaged as a tiler.

Opalola added that the suspects, having confessed to the crimes would be arraigned in court in due time.

….okays 400 others for rehabilitation, de-radicalisation, reintegration

The Federal Government, on Friday, said it has secured the conviction of no fewer than 125 Boko Haram terrorists and financiers at a two-day mass trial held at Kainji, Niger State.

A press statement that was signed by Mr Kamarudeen Ogundele, media aide to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, disclosed that the convicts were found guilty on charges bordering on terrorism, terrorism financing, rendering material support, as well as cases adjudged as acts of criminality by the International Criminal Court, ICC.

The defendants were convicted at special court sessions that were superintended by both the AGF and the office of the National Security Adviser, NSA.

According to the statement, the trials, which were held under Giwa Project Kainji Phase Five, between Tuesday and Wednesday, were handled by five judges of the Federal High Court, led by Justice Binta Nyako.

Others judges on the project were Justices Joyce Abdulmalik, Emeka Nwite, Obiora Egwuatu and Mobolaji Olajuwon.

The prosecution team was led by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Babadoko Abubakar, while the defence team was led by Mr Abdulfatai Bakre from the Legal Aids Council.

Among those who attended the proceedings as international observers, included delegations from the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes, UNODC.

Whereas the courts convicted 85 persons for terrorism financing, 22 were found guilty of ICC-related crimes, while others were convicted for terrorism.

They convicts were sentenced to various jail terms.

Meanwhile, the AGF revealed that 400 other convicts that have completed their sentences, “have also been moved to Operation Safe Corridor in Gombe State for rehabilitation, deradicalisation and subsequent reintegration.”