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Crowds have besieged the offices of MTN Nigeria in some parts of the country over barred lines.
On Sunday, many Nigerians took to social media platforms to lament that their MTN lines have been barred from making or receiving calls.
TheCable understands that telecommunication companies commenced a mass disconnection of telephone lines not linked with national identification numbers (NINs) late Saturday.
Most 9mobile subscribers have also not been able to receive or make calls since Saturday night.
The restriction comes ahead of a planned nationwide protest billed for August 1.
More to follow…
Terrorist Insists Tinubu’s Minister Behind Banditry As Islamic Cleric Calls For Matawalle’s Investigation
AFOLABI
A notorious terrorist, Mohammed Bello Turji Kachalla, commonly known as Turji, has reiterated his accusation that the current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, supports terrorism in Nigeria’s Northwest region.
In a recent video shared by security expert Zagazola Makama on X, Turji alleged that Matawalle, the immediate former governor of Zamfara State, has ties to bandits.
Naija News understands that Matawalle’s previous tenure as governor was marked by heavy criticism due to insecurity issues that plagued Zamfara state under his administration.
The fresh accusation followed a previous denial by Matawalle’s camp after Turji initially linked him to terrorist activities in the region.
Turji has been operating in northern Nigerian states including Zamfara, Sokoto, and Niger.
“What I said in the video is that Dan Maigari and Baleri are siblings,” Turji stated, alleging Bashari’s involvement in armed banditry in Zamfara and Sokoto states.
Turji challenged Matawalle’s supporters to investigate his claims rather than dismissing them as propaganda.
He questioned the role of Matawalle and others in the kidnapping and subsequent release of female students in Marado.
He asked, “Since you said Bashari is not a bandit and said Matawalle has no hand in the banditry activities, I am asking you from whom did they rescue the girls?”
Turji accused Bashari (an alleged bandit) of continuous operations between Zamfara and Sokoto states without any evidence to suggest he had surrendered to authorities.
He insisted his allegations are accurate and based on truth.
“Every sensible person is aware of the situation and knows what I’m talking about,” he said.
Recall that in July, Turji had accused Matawalle of complicity in backing terrorism in Nigeria.
The notorious bandit alleged that the issue of insecurity plaguing the country had the full backing of Matawalle.
He said, “My name is Muhammed Bello Turji, and I am releasing this video to reach all Nigerians, from the leaders to the poor. This is the message I want to convey to everyone.
“The issue of insecurity plaguing our country has the full backing of the immediate past Government of Zamfara State. I have evidence to support this claim. The past government, under His Excellency Bello Mattawallen Maradun (State Minister of Defence), is well-known to everyone in the region.
“This government has been complicit in backing terrorism. There are individuals from Shinkafi, Zurmi, and Issah who cannot deny this video.
“Many Nigerians, for example, those in Bauchi or Kaduna, may not be aware of the problems in Zamfara. However, I want to assure the federal government that if they are unaware, I will provide names, details, and evidence. I urge them to investigate the past actions of these individuals and their discussions with them. As a citizen of this zone (North West), I swear before God that I speak the truth.”
Reacting to allegations made previously, the minister’s camp swiftly denied the allegations and described them as falsehood.
A rejoinder signed by Deyemi Saka, Lead Partner at Lambert and Curtis, said in part, “Our attention has been drawn to a video shared on the X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook page of your media organisation in which baseless, malicious, unfounded, mischievous and deliberately concocted lies were told against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle.
“We are not unmindful of the sustained attacks on the person, integrity, and patriotic sense of duty of our client. What we find disheartening and despicable is the brazen disregard for public safety and national security.
“While the video speaks to its discredibility, it is pertinent to address the outlandish allegations made by Bello Turji, a wanted kingpin of banditry.
“It is noteworthy that the efforts of the honourable minister of state, while as Governor of Zamfara State between 2019 and 2023, saw banditry and all other sundry of criminality tackled head on.
“His demonstration of strength of character by insisting he was not going to negotiate with Bandits after the closure of the amnesty window for them to lay down their arms, and strong insistence of Bello Turji doing such is enough motivation for the hatchet man job he is doing.”
“Anyone with basic knowledge of the psychoanalysis of a terrorist and deranged mind like Turji will know that he is engaging in ‘victim mentality,’” the statement added.
Meanwhile, a popular Sokoto-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Murtala Asada, known for his relentless preaching against banditry and bad governance, has challenged President Bola Tinubu’s government to investigate the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mattawalle, to prove its sincerity in the fight against insecurity.
The cleric said nothing should stop the Federal Government from investigating the Minister and others accused of complicity in backing terrorism in Nigeria’s North West if they are indeed serious about fighting banditry.
Asada’s challenge comes days after Kachallah Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader operating in the Nigerian North West regions of Zamfara and Sokoto, released a video accusing the Defence Minister of fully backing terrorism plaguing the country’s North West region.
The Minister denied the allegation through his media consultant, Deyemi Saka.
The bandit kingpin further referenced previous allegations made by Sheikh Murtala Asada that there were bandits and their sponsors operating within the city.
During his Sunday preaching in Sokoto, Sheikh Murtala Asada said that if the Federal Government of Nigeria were sincere about ending terrorism, they would have immediately reacted to this revelation.
He said: “Is Bello Mattawalle supposed to continue holding the position as the Minister of State for Defence up to this moment? Because all evidence has been proven against him, or has it not?
“Has it not been proven that there are bandits in the cities of Sokoto? Should they not be arrested and investigated?”
The scholar continued, “Please tell me, are there indiscriminate killings of people or not? This simply shows that the Federal Government is only wasting its time negotiating with these bandits when those sponsoring the bandits are within the cities.
“If you negotiate with ten bandits in the bushes, those within the cities will facilitate and kidnap hundreds more victims and send them back to the bushes. The bigwig sponsors are living in the cities.”
“Oh, Muslim Ummah, we must all dedicate ourselves to seeking divine intervention through prayers. It is due to these prayers that God is now exposing them. Dan Ubayyu, the leader of the hypocrites of God, you know that Bello Turji has absolute knowledge of the dirty deals going on between politicians and bandits because he was one of those bandit leaders at the forefront during the negotiations. God forced him to speak up. This is a result of the prayers of Nigerians, and he came out to confirm that there are bandits in our cities. He listed some of those in the cities of Sokoto, and anyone following the issue of insecurity knows that they are still in the cities of Sokoto. People like Kabiru Maniya, Bashir Maniya, and Buhari are currently in the cities, living lavishly in their houses.”
Media
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, over the weekend, faced a chorus of “we are hungry” from Abuja residents as he pleaded with them not to join the planned August 1 protests over economic hardships.
The video, which surfaced on social media, shows Wike attempting to pacify an agitated crowd, urging them to support the government despite the current economic challenges.
The authenticity of the video and its exact location in Abuja could not be independently verified by Naija News.
In the video, Wike is seen addressing the residents, who repeatedly interrupted his speech with chants of “We are hungry.”
“I’m begging you all,” Wike implored, as the crowd’s cries continued.
“Hunger has been since before now. Ours is to support the government to succeed. I know the pain you are passing through. It is your sacrifice for the country.”
He added, “I know the president. Just be patient. Hope is coming back. This hunger will reduce very soon. I believe in Tinubu’s government.”
The minister’s plea comes as momentum builds for the nationwide protests scheduled for August 1-10, which are being organized in response to the skyrocketing cost of living and economic hardship faced by many Nigerians.
Previously, Wike had issued a stern warning against protests in Abuja, declaring the FCT “unavailable for protests.”
In response to the growing unrest, President Bola Tinubu has mobilized clerics, religious associations, and traditional rulers to dissuade citizens from participating in the protests.
The administration has been under pressure to address the economic crisis that has led to a significant increase in food prices and living costs across the nation.
Watch the video below:
Media
The much-anticipated 9th season of Big Brother Naija has kicked off with a unique twist, featuring 28 housemates consisting of pairs.
This season, notably titled ‘No Loose Guard,’ includes two different sets of identical twins and a married couple among the contestants, setting the stage for an intriguing 10-week journey.
During the opening event, host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu revealed that the Head of House ballot would commence at 10 a.m. on Monday.
This season’s grand prize is an impressive ₦100 million, which includes a cash prize and an SUV, along with additional sponsored prizes to be announced.
The show, running for 10 weeks, will conclude with the finale on Sunday, October 6, 2024.
With its theme promising exciting twists and surprises, viewers can expect an electrifying season that will keep them on the edge of their seats.
[TheNation]
The 9th season of Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) reality TV show, themed ‘No Loose Guard’, kicked off on Sunday.
Naija News reports that the show host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, in an unexpected twist, unvieled the housemates who were being introduced to the House in pairs.
This is a departure from previous seasons where housemates entered the House as individuals.
The first pair to enter the House were Chinwe and Zion, known as Zinwe.
The first housemates were followed by Femi David and Michael, also known as Radicals.
The third pair to enter the BBNaija house were DJ Flo and Rhuthee, also known as Flourish.
Also, Chinne and Nne, better known as Ndi Nne, who came in as an aunty and niece, were the fourth pair.
Topher and Sooj, known as Aces, entered as the fifth pair.
Coming in as the 6th pair for season 9 were Victoria and Shaun (Shatoria), while Wanni and Handi (Wanni X Handi) came in as the 7th housemate pairing.
Another set of twins were two brothers known on the show as Mbadiwe twins. They said they are currently on the show to correct the narrative.
The 9th housemates are the BETA duo.
BETA are followed by the TAMI duo, who are longtime friends.
Another pair of housemates are NELITA.
Married couple – DOUBLE KAY.
CHEKAS are another pair who said they are on the show to stir up some trouble.
This year’s grand prize is N20 million less than the N120 million awarded in Season 8 of the show.
A former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has cautioned Labour Party members and supporters against attacking the party’s ex-Presidential Campaign Council spokesman, Kenneth Okonkwo, over his differing opinions.
The PUNCH reports that a few hours after Okonkwo announced his resignation from LP, the party’s leadership described him as one of the moles in their camp.
Okonkwo dumped LP on Sunday over the lingering internal strife and leadership crisis threatening to tear the party apart.
But reacting to the development, Obi, who was the party’s presidential candidate during the last general elections, said despite dumping the labour party, Okonkwo remains his trusted ally.
In a series of posts on his X account on Monday, the former governor said Okonkwo’s differing opinion does not make him an enemy, but rather a strong voice and friend.
He wrote, “Yesterday, I read my dear brother Kenneth Okonkwo’s open letter in which he expressed differing views with me on the skirmishes in our party. And today, I saw various responses to the letter.
“I want to, therefore, categorically and emphatically declare that Okonkwo remains my beloved brother and a trusted ally. I sternly caution against referring to him as a mole or making any negative remarks. Kenneth Okonkwo has stood by me through thick and thin, and his loyalty and commitment cannot be overstated or diminished.
“Disagreements and differing opinions are a natural part of any group, society, or movement, and it is essential to maintain a level of respect and decorum even when we disagree. Having differing views does not make someone an enemy, and it is crucial to engage in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to personal attacks or negative remarks.
“In fact, to me personally, I don’t want to work with anyone who always agrees with me, because as a leader, learning and listening are critical components of leadership. I want to listen to those who have different opinions and try to convince them otherwise or take their advice if it is better.
“I urge all believers of a New Nigeria to remain strong, resilient, and focused, and to refrain from discouragement or negative remarks towards Barrister Kenneth Okonkwo or anyone who leaves or disagrees with our views, strategies, or tactics. My message is clear and simple: unity, respect, and civility must prevail, even in the face of disagreement and variance.”
[Punch]
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is mobilising Abuja youths and other stakeholders against joining the planned August 1 to 10 nationwide protests over hunger and hardship.
Speaking during a ministerial engagement with FCT youths from Abuja South Federal Constituency, in Kwali Area Council of the FCT on Sunday, Wike said, ”Youths and other stakeholders in Bwari and Gwagwalada Area Councils will also be engaged on the same issue in the coming days.”
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that a similar interaction was held with stakeholders in Abuja Municipal Area Council, in Abuja on Saturday.
The minister explained that the interaction was to enlighten them on the ills of protest and why they should not be part of it.
He thanked the traditional rulers and the area council chairmen for mobilising FCT youths for the interaction to enlighten them against joining a protest they do not have a stake in.
“There is no need for the protest. The current administration is barely one year in office and not enough to assess its performance.
“You can’t judge leadership within one year. I have not been in office for up to a year, but I have done so much that should be appreciated and convince people that FCT is working,” he said.
The minister said that so much has been achieved in education, health and other sectors, particularly security.
He urged residents to commend and encourage the security agencies to do more, adding that it would be unfair not to do so.
“It is not fair to say we have not done anything on insecurity when we have improved security in FCT,” he said.
He said that in view of the current development in the FCT, what was desired was peace and not protest.
“We want peace in FCT and so, we cannot fold our hands and allow it to be destroyed in the guise of protest,” Wike said.
On the proposed Federal Capital Territory University of Science and Technology, Abaji, the minister said that efforts were on top gear to ensure that the university was one of the best in the country.
“I don’t want to set up a glorified university. I want to put up a university that we will all be proud to have and gladly tell the world that this is the university I attended.
“We are currently on procurement to build classrooms; to build lecture theatres and laboratories for the university,” he said.
Speaking on land matters, the minister said, “The problem of Abuja is land. Once you’re made a minister, it is as if you are coming to share land.
“Nobody talks about development. Everybody is land, land, land, land, land. I feel so bad. Each time I am in my office, when 20 people come to see me,18 will talk about land.
“Nobody will talk about infrastructure; nobody will talk about no hospitals; nobody will talk about no schools, everything is, I need 20 hectares of land and I say, ‘if you carry all this land, where will the indigenous people stay?”
Wike urged youths to cooperate with the current government and stay away from the planned protests organised by people whose agenda was not so clear.
NAN
AS Nigeria commemorates National Diaspora Day celebrations and National Diaspora Merit Award 2024, a Nigerian-Canadian and Deputy Minister, Trade, Immigration and Multiculturalism, Alberta, Canada, Dr Akolisa Ufodike, weekend disclosed how Nigerians have promoted economic and political change in the north American country.
Ufodike, whose observations were contained in the paper he delivered at a two-day event, entitled, ”Japa Phenomena and its Implications for National Development,” organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, pointed out that there were issues that prompted people to Japa’in order to capture their dreams and aspirations as they sought opportunities abroad.
He said: “As someone with Nigerian heritage, I feel a profound connection to this topic. The term Japa has become a part of our national lexicon, capturing the dreams and aspirations of many Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad.
“On a personal note, I remember the stories of friends and family who have embarked on such quests. Their journeys are filled with both challenges and triumphs, embodying the resilience and determination that define our people.
“I would like to acknowledge the enduring, positive impact of the Nigerian community’s efforts to promote and support cross-cultural sharing, not only in my province of Alberta in Canada but around the world.
“Our diaspora community has enriched the social, economic, and cultural fabric of societies worldwide.
“From pioneering advancements in technology and medicine, to excelling in business, sports, and the arts, Nigerians have consistently demonstrated resilience, ingenuity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence – wherever they live around the world.
“Our stories of success serve as beacons of inspiration, showcasing the boundless potential that lies within each and every one of us. I see this day-to-day, even as I live and work on the other side of the globe.
“Alberta is home to thousands of Canadians of Nigerian descent, who are vital contributors to the province of Alberta. As a proud Nigerian-Canadian, I appreciate the positive example that our community sets.”
He disclosed that the government of Alberta remained committed to making sure everyone felt they belonged where one’s culture, language, and religion are valued and respected.
“The government of Alberta is committed to ensuring that Alberta continues to foster a welcoming and supportive environment for all.
“Our goal is a province where everyone feels they belong and where one’s culture, language, and religion are valued and respected.
“Alberta’s government also recognizes the need to promote inclusion and highlight the importance of diversity.
“Albertans of Nigerian heritage have and continue to help drive our province’s future as respected leaders in their communities.
“In recognition of this, the government of Alberta has declared the month of October as Nigerian Heritage Month in perpetuity,” he added.
“We can leverage the skills and experiences of Nigerians in the diaspora to contribute to international development. Strengthening ties between Nigeria and Canada can foster mutual growth and development as we explore opportunities for mutual benefit.
“As we look to the future, let us continue to support and uplift one another, fostering a sense of unity and pride in our shared identity.
“Together, we can build bridges between nations and create lasting impacts that resonate for generations to come,” he added.
[Vanguard]
The Labour Party says Kenneth Okonkwo’s attack on Peter Obi, its 2023 presidential candidate, was “unfortunate and attention-seeking”.
On Sunday, Okonkwo, a chieftain of the LP, said he no longer has confidence in the ability of Obi to build a party that can win elections.
He said Obi has “proved that even if the people vote for him, he does not have what it takes to secure the mandate”.
The LP chieftain said the recent happenings in the party have “inspired” him to make “a determination to chart a new course for my political journey”.
In June, Okonkwo described the opposition party as “a secret society led by a group of clowns,” adding that he could not rule out leaving the party.
Okonkwo also said his comments have “nothing to do with any desire to join the APC or the PDP,” adding that he will always join Nigerians in the aspirations for a better country.
However, Obiora Ifoh, the national publicity secretary of the LP, in a statement, said Okonkwo’s resignation from the party did not come as a surprise.
Ifoh said the party viewed Okonkwo’s criticism of Obi as unfortunate and attention-seeking.
“Kenneth Okonkwo’s resignation from the Labour Party didn’t come to us as a surprise. We also think that his attack on the party’s leader, Peter Obi, is rather unfortunate,” the statement reads.
“However, we will continue not to dignify him with any response, as we understand that his attention-craving attitude knows no bounds.
“Recently, a former director-general of the party’s presidential campaign organisation resigned and rejoined the APC.
“Only last week, an ex-deputy director-general of the presidential campaign organisation also resigned and rejoined the APC.
“Today, it is the turn of Mr. Okonkwo, a former member of APC, who smuggled himself into the presidential campaign, and his destination is already known to us.
“Needless to say that Nigeria is not in want of political jesters and jobbers whose stomach are their gods. The Labour Party is not perturbed by his decision to move on, and in fact, we wish him well in his future endeavours, whether in acting, law practice, politics, or otherwise.
“We also wish to note here that the party is aware of a few other persons who are planted as moles, who are presently instigating crises within the party, and who have unsuccessfully attempted to hijack the party for the use of their paymasters.
“We urge them to act fast and do the needful before they are exposed and fumigated out of the party.”
The LP spokesperson said the party remains committed to supporting Obi as its 2027 presidential candidate.
“Coordinated attacks from some quarters will not in any way diminish the trust Nigerians, particularly the obedients and youths in Nigeria, have in him,” Ifoh said.
“We know that with him, a new Nigeria will be possible. Nigerians spoke loudly in 2023, and they will speak even louder come 2027.”
In the build-up to the 2023 presidential election, Okonkwo left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for LP.
He was later appointed as one of the spokespersons of the LP presidential campaign council.
[TheCable]
Actor Damola Olatunji has highlighted the prevalence of fake love and unhealthy competition in the movie industry.
In a revealing interview on Biola Bayo’s show, “Talk to B,” he disclosed that most attacks on celebrities come from within the industry, with colleagues using anonymous accounts to troll and undermine each other.
Olatunji expressed concerns about the lack of genuine love and support among actors, who often pretend to care for one another while secretly fueling negativity.
He advised aspiring actors to develop a “shock absorber” to navigate the industry’s harsh realities.
He said: “If you are coming into the space of the entertainment industry, you need to have what is called a shock absorber.
“In an industry where there is no true love, where we don’t truly love each other, fine, we do parties, we do all these things, we gather together to celebrate, and we smile and laugh at each other, but deep down, we don’t love each other.
“The pages that will troll you are faceless; I think they are from the industry. Why do we have this unhealthy competition? Why do you think if I bring this person down, I will rise? So, I took my time to do the analysis, and I can see that, okay, most of these attacks come from within, come from the industry”.
The actor emphasised his commitment to focusing on his own journey, refusing to engage in competition or bring others down to elevate himself.
“One thing I don’t do is I don’t compete with anybody. I try as much as possible to run my race at my own pace”, he added.
[TheNation]
More...
•DSS ex-Director Ejiofor speaks on the differences between the 2012 (peaceful), 2020 (violent) and looming 2024 protest
Looming protest, if it goes ahead between Thursday,August 1 and Saturday, August 10, will be the third major nationwide protest in more than one decade. There were 2012 and 2020 protests, and now 2024 uncertain protest. The 2012 protest, tagged Occupy Nigeria, began on Monday, January 2 of that year in response to then-fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government of President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday, January 1. Protest took place across the country, including in the cities of Kano, Surulere, Ojota (part of metropolitan Lagos ), Abuja, Minna, and at the Nigerian High Commission in London.
The protest was characterised by civil disobedience, civil resistance, strike actions, demonstrations and online activism. The use of social media services such as Twitter and Facebook was a prominent feature of the protest. President Bola Tinubu was said to have taken part in the protest at that time. The 2020 protest was a decentralised social movement against police brutality in Nigeria that mainly occurred in 2020.
The movement’s slogan called for the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a notorious unit of the Nigeria Police known for its long record of abuse against citizens. The protest originated from a Twitter campaign in 2017, using the hashtag #EndSARS to demand the unit’s disbandment by the Federal Government. The movement experienced resurgence in October 2020 following further revelations of the unit’s abuses, leading to mass demonstrations across major cities in Nigeria, and widespread outrage on social media platforms. The hashtag #EndSARS accumulated over 28 million tweets on Twitter alone. Notably, the movement was predominantly led by young Nigerians and expanded to include demands for good governance and accountability amid hardship in the country.
The protest took a violent turn following alleged attacks on protesters by security forces and suspected thugs launching attacks on people and properties. At Lekki toll gate, Lagos, one of the sites where security forces allegedly attacked peaceful protesters, it was reported that armed men of the Nigerian Army arrived and opened fire, thereby resulting in a disputed number of deaths. A clip of the shooting videoed by a Nigerian youth, DJ Switch, trended on the Internet purportedly showing how live round of bullets were being shot at innocent protesters who crouched on the ground, holding hands together and singing the national anthem. There were also reports that at least 50 other people were injured.
However, Lagos State government reported that the shooting resulted in about 25 injured and only two dead. There is heightened fear that the looming protest may go the way of the 2020 protest that turned violent. Mike Ejiofor, a retired Director of the Department of State Service (DSS), speaks on the 2012 and 2020 protests as well as the looming nationwide protest. Ejiofor spoke on a television programme. Excerpts:
Different
The protest of 2012 was different from the 2020 protest. And the organizers of each of the protests were different. President Tinubu even admitted that he has been protesting. The 2020 protest was majorly organized by youths. And if you recall, at the beginning of that protest, they were peaceful until it was hijacked by other interest groups. And this may not have come from government. (But) some people see this government as the best government whatsoever because of their personal interest and not because of national interest. So anything that can jolt the smooth running of the government, they will also try to protect the interest of government.
That is why we are afraid that this protest might be hijacked. Some people might say this APC government is not doing well, but others will say it is the best government we ever had. So we have conflicting interests. That is why it is necessary for now, because of enormous security
challenges, we should not compound the situation by engaging in protest. On the other side, the DSS has said they have identified the sponsors and sources of funding. I am not in service, I am out of service. They have their intelligence. They have all it takes because they brief the president. Possibly that is why the president has been consulting.
Circumstances
The circumstances of the two protests are the same. But again if you look at 2012, the protest didn’t turn violent because of the body language of the sitting president then. He allowed everything to go, and the situation was not as bad as what we have now. Now it can be exploited because people are hungrier now, people are desperate and may want to use anything to ventilate their anger. And that is why the government is saying that people can protest but it should not go violent.
If you look at the 2020 protest, it was mainly organized by the youths and that is why it turned violent and the demands why quite different from the 2012’s and that is also why it turned violent. The 2020 protest was particularly against police brutality.
You recall how it started from Delta State. And as people were talking about #EndSARS, there was maximum force used to suppress the riot after it degenerated from protest.
But in 2012, people gathered, they were there carrying out their protest peacefully, nobody worried them. If it is going to be like that now, I don’t think government will stop anyone from protesting but the fear is very high that this protest will be hijacked. The fears are there.
[Vanguard]
Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said Nigeria would have been a failed if God did not bring President Bola Tinubu at this “crucial time”.
He said this while appealing to the youths to shelve the planed protest and support infrastructure development.
Umahi, who unveiled the Federal Government’s initiative, “Operation Free Our Roads”, in Abuja at the weekend, said the president would transform the country if given more time.
The minister, while unveiling the initiative, said it was aimed at ensuring that all roads under construction were motorable and completed in due time.
“Let me use this opportunity to appeal to our youths to give Mr President Bola Tinubu more time. It would have been a failed state if God did not divinely bring the President at a very critical time like this. A lot of people did not know what challenges we had before he came on board,” he said.
Umahi urged Nigerians to be patriotic and assist the government by doing everything possible to reset the country to make it a place where no man would be oppressed.
According to him, the looming protest may be hijacked by hoodlums.
“Yes, there may be hardship, but the dawn is the darkest part of the night; we see a lot of hope and positive indices. So, let us give him more time and support him and increase our productivity, our country will be great again,” he said
Umahi said the “operation free our roads’’ initiative was part of government’s effort to put citizens first by fixing the the roads, especially in the rainy season.
“The contractors will use stone base to put and fill all the potholes in failed portions or where we have potholes, they will all be filled, both carriageways.
“Then, they will continue to maintain one carriageway for vehicles to follow while they consistently walk on one carriageway.
“We are going to put our eyes here. All controllers and all directors must be vigilant.”
Umahi also urged the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to contribute and take the operation seriously.
“This operation free our roads is not just for Ministry of Works, it is also for FERMA. We are going to put our eyes on all the directors and engineers of FERMA, we must take this thing very seriously.
“So, we will use contingency to ensure that all out roads are freed. Where there is no contingency, they must notify the permanent secretary and the director of highways immediately. We do not want our people to suffer during this rainy season,’’ he said
(NAN)
There’s no protest in Lagos, don’t let your children get killed - Tinubu’s daughter to traders
AFOLABI
Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu, has asked traders in Lagos state to deter their children from joining the planned nationwide protest.
Tinubu-Ojo, who is the Iyaloja-general of Lagos, urged the women to ensure that their children stay at home, adding that the state government has made significant progress in enriching the lives of the people.
Citing the #EndSARS protest, Tinubu-Ojo said people are yet to recover from the losses incurred during the protest in 2020.
“Let’s tell ourselves, family, and children that there is nothing like protest in Lagos. It is a gimmick to destroy the country,” she said on Saturday at Dosunmu market.
“Look at what they did during the last protest (#EndSARS), look at how they burnt government properties. Can you see that they are fighting against us?
“Don’t allow any political party to give money to some persons to fight. Don’t allow our children to get killed during the process.
“Look at the ShopRite at Adeniran Ogunsanya, Sangotedo, Lekki. Those businesses that were destroyed… have the owners recovered from their losses?
“I’m begging you in the name of God, let’s talk to ourselves and our children that there is nothing like protest in Lagos state because the government of Lagos state is making us proud.
“They (Lagos government) are making us happy. They gave us a sense of belonging.”
The president’s daughter said the federal government should be allowed to spend three years in office before being criticised.
“The federal government recently assumed office. Before you say a government is not doing well, let it spend three years in office,” she said.
“Let everyone tell their children at home to remain calm.”
The proposed youth-led nationwide protest is slated to commence on August 1.
The federal and state governments, including President Bola Tinubu, have appealed to the youths to shelve the protest.
Religious and traditional institutions have equally called for the cancellation of the planned demonstration.
Media
Officers who enlisted into the Armed Forces after university education face a looming mass exodus following the proposed Revised Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service HTACOs 2024 awaiting presidential approval.
The document, according to aggrieved officers, if approved by the president, will frustrate them out of service with long stays on ranks.
The document sighted by LEADERSHIP indicates that the military authorities are contemplating a policy change that would increase the duration required for promotion for Direct Short Service (DSS) officers who join as professionals while leaving the promotion timeline unchanged for regular service officers commissioned through the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).
While junior regular service officers spend five years on a rank, short service officers spend seven years before being promoted.
Chapter 17 of the proposed Revised HTACOS states that; “Substantive promotions up to the rank of Maj/Lt Cdr/Sqn Ldr shall be by time among other conditions. These time requirements include; (a) Cadet to Lt/SLt/Fg Offr. Commission to these ranks shall be automatic after five years from the date of commencement of cadet training except on disciplinary grounds (Period of 2Lt/Mid/Plt Offr inclusive).
(b) Lt/SLt/Fg Offr to Capt/Lt(NN)/Flt Lt. Promotion to these ranks shall be after 5 years for RCC and 7 years for SSCC, DRC, DSSC and EC/SD/BC in the rank of Lt/SLt/Fg Offr.
© Capt/Lt(NN)/Flt Lt to Maj/Lt Cdr/Sqn Ldr. Promotion to these ranks shall be after 5 years for RCC and 6 years for SSCC, DRC, DSSC and EC/SD/BC in the rank of Capt/Lt(NN)/Flt Lt.
(d) Additional Requirements. In addition to Sub-Paragraphs (b) and (c) above, a candidate should:
(1) Have satisfactory PER/Confidential Report for 3 consecutive years.
(2) Be recommended by his Unit Commanding Officer/ Commander.
(3) Be successful in the prescribed promotion examinations (to a maximum of 3 attempts and have been awarded pjsc/pjlsc or equivalent for Sub-Paragraph c only).
(4) Have satisfied other conditions as may be prescribed by Service Council/Board.
Meanwhile, for senior officers, the regular officers five years while the short service, executive officers are to spend six years on the rank before being considered for promotion.
The chapter also stated that promotion of senior officers (17.05) “All promotions above the rank of Maj/Lt Cdr/Sqn Ldr shall be by selection, 3 good PERs/Course Report preceding the time of presentation, and success in a Promotion Board. In addition, the following conditions shall apply:
(a) Promotion to Lt Col/Cdr/Wg Cdr. For an officer to be promoted to Lt Col/Cdr/Wg Cdr, he must fulfill the following conditions:
(1) Awarded psc/pslsc or equivalent.
(2) Deployable to Staff/Comd appointments.
(3) Have stayed a minimum of 5 years for RCC and 6 years for SSCC, DRC and EC/SD/BC in the rank of Maj/ Lt Cdr/Sqn Ldr.
(4) Other conditions not mentioned here but covered by individual Service guidelines.
(b) Promotion to Col/Capt (NN)/Gp Capt. For an officer to be promoted to Col/Capt (NN)/Gp Capt, he must fulfill the following conditions:
(1) Awarded psc or equivalent.
(2) Eminently deployable.
(3) Have stayed a minimum of 5 years for RCC and 6 years for SSCC and DRC in the rank of Lt Col/Cdr/Wg Cdr.
(4) Fulfill other conditions that may be introduced by the individual Services from time to time”
While this policy may seem to address certain administrative concerns, it poses significant disadvantages that could undermine the effectiveness, morale, and unity of the armed forces says some of the aggrieved officers.
They said the discriminatory promotion timelines can lead to feelings of resentment and division within the ranks.
“DSS officers, already essential due to their specialized skills, may feel undervalued and unfairly treated, leading to decreased morale and motivation. This internal division can undermine unit cohesion, which is critical for operational effectiveness,” they said.
The military as a profession relies on the expertise of professionals in fields such as medicine, engineering, and logistics.
“Extending the time for promotion for DSS officers could deter highly skilled professionals from joining the armed forces, opting instead for civilian careers where their expertise is more readily recognized and rewarded,” they added.
They said slower promotion rates for DSS officers can lead to a bottleneck in leadership positions within specialised units, adding that this delay can impede the timely development of experienced leaders, which is essential for maintaining operational readiness and responding to emerging challenges effectively.
“A promotion policy that discriminates based on commissioning source rather than performance and competence undermines the principles of meritocracy. Promotions should be based on demonstrated abilities, leadership qualities, and performance rather than the method of entry into the armed forces,” they said.
They cautioned that implementing a discriminatory policy may open the armed forces to legal challenges and ethical scrutiny.
“It could be perceived as violating principles of equality and fairness, which are cornerstone values in both national and international contexts,” they added.
It is instructive to note that in the United States military, promotion policies are standardized and focus on merit, performance, and time-in-grade, regardless of the commissioning source.
Officers, whether they come from the United States Military Academy (USMA), Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), or Officer Candidate School (OCS), are evaluated on the same criteria. This approach ensures that promotions are fair and based on the individual’s contributions and leadership potential.
Likewise, the British Army also follows a merit-based promotion system. Officers from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS), Direct Entry, and Late Entry are all subject to the same promotion criteria.
The system is designed to ensure that promotions are awarded based on leadership qualities, experience, and the ability to perform at higher levels of responsibility, thereby maintaining fairness and equity within the ranks.
Therefore, the proposed policy to increase the time spent on each rank exclusively for DSS officers in the Nigerian armed forces is fraught with significant disadvantages.
According to the affected officers “It risks eroding morale, deterring skilled professionals, creating operational inefficiencies, undermining meritocracy, and raising legal and ethical concerns. Adopting international best practices from countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, where promotion is based on merit and performance rather than the commissioning source, would ensure a fairer and more effective promotion system. It is crucial for the Nigerian armed forces to consider these factors to maintain a professional, motivated, and cohesive military force”.
At the time of filing this report,the Acting Director Defence Information Brigadier General Tukur Gusau did not respond to enquiries on the development.
The Director of Information, Ministry of Defence, Mr Henshaw Ogubike, did not respond to enquiries on the issue when contacted.
[Leadership]