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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.”
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.
….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.”
They are beneficiaries of subsidy payments and also working against the revival of other refineries so that fuel importation will continue
STAKEHOLDERS of the South-South have called on President Bola Tinubu to fish out and penalize the petrol barons operating underground to upset the working of refineries in the country, including the recently established Dangote Refinery.
They said the showdown between Dangote, and the oil industry regulators was a collusion masterminded by the oil industry mafia, urging the President to read between the lines.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Communities’ Development Committee of the Niger Delta, Joseph Ambakaderimo, said: “The breeze is blowing and the rump of the chicken will be exposed”.
“For some of us, the actions taken so far against the Dangote group are deliberate because certainly, the Dangote Refinery came as a disruption, which some vested interests did not see coming.
“It exposes why our refineries have remained comatose, people are feeding fat from the wrong things going there. The government is encouraged to identify and punish those involved in this sabotage of our refineries.”
The Executive Director of Justice Research Centre (JRC), Donald Inwalomhe, who spoke in Benin City, the capital of Edo State, said it was obvious that the beneficiaries of the subsidy regime have ganged up to frustrate the Dangote Refinery’s access to crude oil.
“The subsidy billionaires benefitting from subsidy in Nigeria are the mafia within the Nigerian oil industry working against Dangote. They worked for the refineries in Warri and Port Harcourt to collapse so that they would continue to get billions of naira from the subsidy for imported petroleum products.
“They are the ones equally working against the modular refineries that have been completed, they want subsidy to continue, which is why they are denying Dangote crude oil and telling the federal government to continue to import petroleum products.
“That is the challenge we are facing as we speak today. The petroleum industry in the South-South has collapsed, if you go to Warri, the Warri Refinery is like a ghost town since the refinery is no longer functioning. They are like a drug cartel in the petroleum industry, we can call them petroleum barons, who do not want our refineries to work.
“We call on the state governors, all the members of the state Houses of Assembly across Nigeria, and members of the National Assembly, which is the Senate and the House of Representatives to rally around Dangote, and ensure that the Dangote Refinery works. All other modular refineries should be encouraged to start operations.
“Look at Edo state, for instance, we have two modular refineries that are not working, one is in Ologbo built by the Chinese and Edo State government, and another one in Orhionmwon. Both of them are completed but they are not working, if they go into production and add their output to the one coming from Dangote, it will help to solve the issue of importation of petroleum products.
”Our governors should work with President Tinubu to ensure the Dangote Refinery works. The subsidy mafias have destroyed the economy of the South-South, they are making sure that both Warri and Port Harcourt refineries remain dormant.”
Coordinator of the Niger Delta Peace Coalition, NDPC, Zik Gbemre, in his reaction, said: “This is another conspiracy to fool Nigerians to accept greedy stakeholders’ trumped-up industry challenges to induce continued hikes in fuel prices.”
“The regulators were involved in approvals through the construction to the hurried commissioning. Why are they having issues at the time that Dangote Refinery is putting out products? Remember that this is a refinery the regulators passed as the best in Africa and beyond.
A former president of the Ijaw Youth Congress, IYC, Dr. Onyienfie Jonjon posited that the misunderstanding between Dangote and the regulators was about economic interest.
His words: “Dangote cannot operate without the NNPCL, and NNPCL cannot do without Dangote. The oil cabal does not want Dangote to succeed, and the government still pays subsidies. If Dangote comes full stream, how will the cabal continue to enjoy the subsidy that they are getting?
He suggested that as the Minister of Petroleum, President Tinubu should summon a meeting of NNPCL, and Dangote Refinery to iron out whatever crisis they are having.
”While we do not support monopoly in any guise and form, knowing the impact the Dangote Refinery would have on the Nigeria economy, certain concessions should be made so that we can have a win-win situation for both the investors and Nigerians.
“We urge both parties to put the interest of the country and its people first, and look for amicable ways to resolve this lingering issue.”
The Secretary of the Ndokwa National Youth Movement, NNYM, in Delta State, Presley Idi, said, “We find the outburst by the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) chief executive, Adamu Farouk, against the Dangote Refinery, shocking, surprising and uncalled for.”
“While we believe there is more to the outburst than meets the eye, it was shocking to hear and this has certainly created bad waves for Nigeria globally, which is not needed this time.
“We think that the issues of product quality of the Dangote Refinery made by Farouk could have been resolved without coming to the press. There is power tussle behind the scenes, and it is sad because the common men bear the brunt.”
A human rights activist in Akwa Ibom State and executive director of COMPPART Foundation for Justice and Peace Building, Mr Saviour Akpan, described the friction between Aliko Dangote and the regulators as a diversionary tactic.
Akpan advised Nigerians to do the right thing by asking questions, instead of pointing fingers or buck-passing.
“They deliberately brought their face-off to the public domain to divert our attention so that Nigerians will not ask questions. So they should keep quiet.
”Unfortunately, we run a system that has failed and one of the outcomes of the failed system is what we see today. So, they should stop disturbing our ears. Let everybody do what is right, let us begin to ask questions and speak truth to power.
”Let all of us, including myself, stop buck-passing and finger-pointing. We have had enough of suffering in this country. It is all diversionary tactics on the part of economics and policymakers. There is something that they do not want us to hear or ask questions about”
Co-Convener of Embassara Foundation, an Ijaw think-tank for good governance, Iniruo Wills said: “They should robustly explore and enforce the dispute resolution mechanisms embedded in their various contractual agreements and in the law. Was there no proper business plan? Was there no thorough due diligence and documentation, legal and technical? Were there no feedstock commitments locked in way ahead of the plant completion?
”Even promoters of modular refineries know that one of the preliminary requirements to be in place with legal enforceability is feedstock commitment, let alone a mega refinery like Dangote’s.
”Some would go further to make advance off-taker arrangements, though more as a business safeguard than a regulatory requirement. Nigerians are generally perplexed at the ongoing grand comedy.”
A former commissioner in Bayelsa State, Surv Furoebi Akene, asserted: “The Nigerian petroleum industry is a big scam. Some of us have raised these issues of high-level insincerity, fraud, oppression, and economic sabotage amongst the Nigerian oil industry players, and consortium in connivance with external forces and agents over the years.”
“The exchange between the Dangote Refinery, the regulators, and their collaborators is not unexpected. They know that the success of Dangote Refinery will expose their intrigues and deliberate efforts to ensure that the government-owned refineries did not work.
“This will stop their lucrative exploit of enriching themselves over the years at the expense of the Nigerian State. If the Federal Government is not culpable, they should probe the activities of the operators of the nation’s refineries, and other related and regulatory agencies for the past decades, and bring those found wanting to book according to the laws of the land.
“Let the blackmail against Dangote Refinery stop, and genuine regulations made for the refinery to operate effectively and efficiently. The actions of these people should be finally curtailed for the industry to work in this country.”
A stakeholder in Warri, Delta State, Festus Oritsetimeyin, said: It is good for the oil and gas business sector. We are getting to know hidden things, we are getting to see that people can kill business initiatives that will profit the nation because of personal interest, and greed.”
“In May last year, we read that former president, Muhammadu Buhari, commissioned the refinery, now, we ar
e hearing that the refinery has not been licensed. So the beef is exposing some many hidden deals.”
Ahead of the planned nationwide protest against the economic hardship in the country, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has disclosed that the Police have intelligence reports showing that foreign mercenaries have been recruited to hijack the protest and cause damage in the country.
Speaking in Abuja, he urged Nigerians to be wise, exercise caution and think twice before joining any protest group at this point in time so as to prevent drawing the nation back.
“We have been monitoring developments surrounding protest threats. While some groups call for violent protests, emulating Kenya’s recent events, others advocate for peaceful demonstrators.
“However, some individuals are promoting peaceful protests with violent undertones, raising concerns about their sincerity.
“We have our history of violent protests in Nigeria, and I don’t believe we have to look to other countries to note the dangers of unchecked demonstrations.
“We commend patriots who have withdrawn from the protest due to the apparent sinister motives and ignorance of those calling for violence.
“We note those who have spoken out against any form of protest at this critical juncture, fearing enemies of our country may be manipulating the process.
“We confirm their fears are genuine, as we have credible intelligence on foreign mercenaries’ involvement in this planned protest. The Nigerian police urge all Nigerians to exercise caution and think twice before joining any protest group.”
Towards ensuring that the protest is peaceful and non-destructive, Egbetokun called on groups involved and planning to participate in the proposed nationwide protest to submit their details to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states.
His words, “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 – 1, The proposed protest routes and assembly points. 2. Expected duration of the protest. 3. Names and contact details of protest leaders and organizers and 4. Measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements, including key identifiers for possible isolation of potential troublemakers.
“By providing this information, the police will be enabled to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety.
‘5. Designate specific routes and areas for the protest to avoid conflicts with other events or activities.
“6. Establish clear communication channels with protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise.
“7. Minimize the risk of violence, property damage, or other criminal activity.
“We encourage all protestors to cooperate with the police, obey the law, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly to guarantee a safe and successful exercise of their rights.”
While urging the protesters to cooperate with policemen, Egbetokun said the police would be available to protect them adding, “We have done everything we need to do. We have put measures in place to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order in case there is going to be any protest.
“I just gave the guidelines that protest groups, groups who intend to protest, there are guidelines for them to follow. Once they follow this guideline, we are going to have it peaceful. So my appeal to Nigerians is to remain law-abiding.
“Those who insist that they must come out to protest, please cooperate with the police. The police will be there with you and protect you.”
Asked what happens if the groups who are unknown as of today, Friday July 23, 2024 fail to follow the guidelines for the protest, IGP Egbetokun said, “If they fail to comply, with the guidelines, it means they don’t mean well for the country. We will be prepared for them”
“We don’t want the protest to take place because violent protest will result in more violent crimes and insecurity but if there must be protest, follow the guidelines.
Egbetokun recalled past protests including the Endsars protest saying, “We have had a history of violent protests and what follows violent protest is increased violent crimes
“Last one Police Stations were burnt, amouries looted and so on. In areas where these Police stations were burnt down, criminals and armed robbers took over, women could no longer come out once it is 7pm.
“600 brand new BRT buses bought to ameliorate the suffering of the people were burnt down and you say you are protesting on behalf of the masses. We have to be careful not to be misled and destroying our country. Violent protest is going to leave us worse off”
“Once more, we are issuing a stern warning to clandestine groups. We will not tolera
te the killing of any Nigerian in the guise of protest.”
Geometric Power Ltd, Nigeria’s leading electric power integrated group, has described the death yesterday in Abuja of a foremost elder statesman, Chief Emmanuel C. Iwuanyanwu, as unexpected and shocking.
“He was one of our staunchest supporters”, the company said today in a statement quoting its founder and chairman, Professor Bart Nnaji, as saying.
“Iwuanyanwu, 82, and a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), was extremely proud of the work we are doing at Geometric Power Ltd by fellow Nigerian engineers”.
Continued the former Minister of Power who has also been the Minister of Science and Technology:
“Though he planned to attend in person the commissioning last February 26 of the Aba Independent Power Project comprising a 188-megawatt power plant in the Osisioma Industrial Layout of Aba and the Aba Power Electric Company by Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, he couldn’t eventually make it due to an unforeseen development.
“Just before the commissioning, Dr Iwuanyanwu had granted a major interview to a team of journalists where he spoke eloquently, persuasively and passionately on the project's significance”.
It is understood that Iwuanyanwu had in the interview pledged to consult the Geometric Power group and the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) that provides power to the five Southeastern states with a view to working out an arrangement on how to make the area attain constant, reliable and affordable electricity.
“Though he was the president general of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Iwuanyanwu did not possess a tunnel vision, but rather a national one”, Nnaji declared, adding that the Champion newspaper publisher, a knight of the Anglican Church, had no difficulty giving his daughter to the famous Muslim Aritsekola family of Ibadan in Oyo State because of his broad-mindedness.
Professor Nnaji recalled that Iwuanyanwu was honoured in all parts of the country like “ the late Chief Moshood Abiola with all kinds of titles for his profound contributions to national unity, peace and development, and so justifiably sought to become Nigeria’s president in the Third Republic”.
The former Minister remarked that “Chief Iwuanyanwu excelled in road construction through his Hardel and Enic company, in aviation through his Oriental Airlines, in sports through his Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club which won various prestigious competitions, as well as in publishing through the Champion newspapers.
“We are proud that he also excelled in insurance, public relations, property development, philanthropy, and community development.
“No one should forget that Chief Iwuanyanwu was the chairman of the Imo State Airport Committee that raised funds for building Sam Mbakwe Airport, the first airport in Nigeria’s history built by a state government.
“An appreciative nation honoured him with different high national awards, and Nigeria should continue to honour his memory as a foremost nationalist and developer of the Nigerian nation”.
Political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi, on Friday, expressed concern over the state’s anxiety regarding the planned protest scheduled to start on August 1.
He labelled the panic by state officials as troubling, emphasizing that such protests are a normal part of democratic engagement.
Utomi, speaking at the launch of ‘The New Tribe,’ pointed out that during military regimes, protests were a regular occurrence.
He said: “For us to now get all wound up that some unknown people are planning a protest shows that something has gone fundamentally wrong with the nature of the connection between the state and society.”
Utomi highlighted the current state of the nation as dire, citing that the fear of an impending protest has led to unnecessary panic, threats, and misinformation.
He criticized the state’s reaction as a sign of deeper issues within the nation’s governance and societal values.
In his speech, he said: “The state of the motherland is certainly worrisome, so worrisome that notice by some not known people about impending protests have set off panic, threats, bullying and scapegoating resulting in prefabricated falsehoods by agents of the state.
“MAN and the chambers of Commerce are up in arms with the direction of interest rates as monetary authorities struggle to contain inflation with high interest rates and insecurity continues.
“In this season of the unmasking of yesterday’s pretenders and the shrinking of the club of truthsayers and those who truly believe in a just society it is not difficult to tell that the state of the motherland is of grave ill health.
“Surely values shape human progress and values seem to have taken flight from our current landscape and citizens have an obligation to seek restoration.”
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, on Friday, wrote to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to notify him of planned public meetings, rallies, and processions being organised by a non-governmental body, the Take It Back Movement, all its members, and some other patriotic Nigerians and groups.
The human rights activist in a letter dated Friday, July 26, 2024, stated that the planned rallies will commence from Aug. 1 to 10, 2024, or any time thereafter at the Eagle Square in Abuja and other public spaces in the capital cities of all the 36 states and the headquarters of the 774 local government councils.
Adegboruwa while reiterating the role of the police during such rallies and protests, urged the IGP to make available the details of any police officer or police team that will be assigned to cover the said meetings/rallies/processions to harmonise plans and strategies for the same.
The request comes against the background of warnings from security agencies and groups over the planned protest.
On Thursday, the Department of State Services (DSS) cautioned against the demonstrations, saying it had identified the sponsors.
While the DSS agreed on the citizens’ right to protest, it claimed that some elements plan to hijack it.
More...
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has said that the recent judgement of the Supreme Court granting financial autonomy to Local Governments is not wasted.
Speaking on claims that the verdict may not have any meaningful impact unless the task of conducting local government elections is transferred to another body, Fagbemi said that such issues would be addressed when they arise.
The AGF urged the various anti-corruption agencies to be up and doing because they are required to oversight the deployment of funds at the Local Government level.
He stated this in Abuja on Friday during an opening session of the validation meeting of the National Anti-corruption Strategy (NACS) Action Plan 2022 – 2026.
Fagbemi warned LG Chairmen that while state governors enjoy autonomy, reverse is the case for them, adding that they would end up going to jail alone if a governor ask them to commit a crime and they accept.
According to him, “I told them that when we get to that bridge, we will cross it. But, one thing that I keep saying is that the governors have immunity, but local government chairmen do not. The councilors don’t have.
“So, it will be very easy to put them where they belong. In any event, we need activities at the Local Government level.
“They are not to be over-sighted by anybody, except by the critical anti-corruption agencies – the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practice and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the police and others, when the need arises.
“And, as often as the need arises, we will deal with that aspect.
“So, if a governor asks you to go and commit a crime and you accept, he will not follow you to Kuje or Kirikiri. No, you are on your own.
“So, this is a challenge to the anti-corruption agencies and I know that they are up to the task.”
He argued that it was unnecessary to preach to those who will be at the helm of affairs at the local government level because they are expected to be able to read and write and differentiate right from wrong.
“You don’t have to preach to anybody. Those who would become Chairmen and Counsellors, at least should be able to read and write. They will know that it is a crime to steal and that if you steal, the penalty is there,” he added.
Dr. Nwadiuto Iheakanwa
Group Managing Director
Champion Newspapers
39, Awonoyi Elemo Street,
Ajao Estate
Lagos
CONDOLENCES
It is with great sadness that we received the news yesterday , of the death of your father, frontline businessman , publisher and an esteemed member of our Association, Chief (Dr.) Emmanuel Iwumanyanwu, the Ahaejiagmba Ndigbo.
He was aged 82.
An engineer by training, Chief Iwunyanwu bestrode the business world leaving an indelible mark in aviation, insurance , road construction, sports and newspapering.
His venture into the newpaper business with the emergence of Champion Newspapers on October 1, 1988, changed the dynamics of newspapering in the country.
The paper pioneered colour printing among Nigerian newspapers and was among the first to set the stage for simultaneous printing, as the paper rolled out from presses in Lagos and Owerri, giving readers in the east the experince of reading same news with their Lagos/western counterparts.
Chief Iwuanyanwu was a sports enthusiast and for a very long time, his football club Iwuanyanwu Nationale, rode the crest of competitive football locally and challenged for thropies on the continent.
A collosus of no mean repute, his passage has created a deep void in the nation's socio-development landscape.
We are consoled by the enviable legacies he left as a solid politician, frontline businessman and a patriot .
On behalf of the Executive Council of our esteemed Association, we commiserate with you and your entire family .
We pray that the Almighty God, will console and uphold each and everyone of you
Once again, our condolences.
Signed
Kabiru A. Yusuf
President
A former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu, has lamented the newfound love between judges and politicians, saying it is destroying democratic legitimacy in Nigeria.
The law professor said politicians and governors, having realised that the votes of the masses don’t count, have decided to court judges by frequently donating Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to the judicial officers to win electoral cases.
Odinkalu was a guest on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a socio-political programme aired on Channels Television on Friday.
According to him, politicians tell their contenders to approach the courts after a contentious electoral process, and “the courts rule that they have won, democracy has won. So, judges are being used to destroy the system”.
He said, “In this economy, you buy a V6 or a V8? It’s beyond idiotic and it is aggravating. They (governors) have bought four-wheel drive for senators and members of the House of Representatives. State governors have bought four-wheel drive for their state legislators. They are donating four-wheel drive to the judiciary all over the country.
“We have this outbreak of acquisitive-ness, an epidemic of crass acquisitiveness that is ridiculous. Why do they do all of these? It’s procurement. When they do that, they take more money into their pockets than they actually give away. It’s an excuse to acquire.”
The human rights activist lamented that governors continue to donate expensive vehicles to their cronies when there are no equipped hospitals and standard schools in their domains.
“There are no hospitals, there are no schools, there are no roads. And so we have to buy private healthcare overseas. We have to send our children to private schools overseas. We have private helipads and now we have private jets and private airstrips. We have private security also. That is the problem,” he said.
‘True Reforms Must Start With INEC, Judiciary’
Odinkalu said true democratic reforms must start with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the judiciary and anti-corruption agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
“This is why I have settled for INEC and the judiciary. That is where it begins,” he said.
“They have sworn in new judges of the high courts and new justices of the Appeal Court. Did you see the number of state governors who were there? The number of senior politicians who were there?
“Politicians hosting receptions for judges and the judges going because the politicians know that our votes don’t count; what counts is the votes of judges and they are deliberating courting the judges.
“This judicial walkaround on processes of legitimacy has essentially destroyed democratic legitimacy and popular legitimacy in the people as a foundation of democracy. People are wondering why we are not getting the dividends of democracy when our votes don’t matter.”
“There are institutions we cannot afford to go bad. And I count three among those. In no particular order, INEC, the judiciary, and anti-corruption agencies. And that’s why I go hard on them in my private and public intellectual life. I go hard on them because these are the sentinels on the door of the people who will inflict destitution on the country or secure the country. And if we don’t make these institutions work, it is going to be impossible to save the country,” Odinkalu added.
Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu, has advised President Bola Tinubu against taking the reputation of a dictator by fighting citizens’ right to protest.
Dele Momodu‘s advice followed statements from Nigeria’s security agencies, including Department of Security Services (DSS), Nigeria Police, Nigeria Army and Defence Headquarters against citizens’ planned hunger protest.
Momodu reminded President Tinubu that he engaged in several protests before becoming president against policies of governments.
In a statement on Friday, on his X handle, the publisher of Ovation Magazine said, “As I write this, my mind goes back to my earliest recollection of you as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. As a young journalist, you were everyone’s delight. The June 12 Presidential election annulment brought out the best in you as a pro-democracy figure.
“You spent money and time fighting the military. Our exile years were lived in constant fear and trepidation.”
The PDP chieftain told Tinubu that since he became President things have been hard for citizens because of his economic policies.
He said the President failed to realize the country was more complicated than Lagos State.
He continued, “Unfortunately, things have not been easy for Nigerians (except members of the privilegentsia) since you realized your lifelong ambition. And let me be frank sir. You caused it all. You did not realize that a country is much more complicated than a state.
“I’m sad and embarrassed that a fighter for democracy is now saying Nigerians will not be allowed to congregate and demonstrate on the streets, something you and I enjoyed during the military regimes, at home and abroad.
“I will never support anarchy, after engaging in peace initiatives in Sierra Leone, Liberia and The Gambia. But I’m reasonably assured that any potential threat can be contained and nipped in the bud, since our secret service claims to have discovered the sponsors of mayhem. Such people should be arrested speedily.
Dele Momodu further advised President Tinubu to go back to his friends who fought for democracy alongside him for sincere truth.
He told Tinubu to use the opportunity of the planned protest to test the strength of Nigeria’s security agencies.
“Please Sir, go back to your original friends in civil liberties and seek their assistance. Then, use this opportunity to test the strength, security architecture and combat readiness of our security agencies. Ignore the advice of the hawks in your team. They have nothing to lose since they are mostly beneficiaries of what others died for. Resist the temptations of full blown dictatorship,” he said.