News

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, addressed the nation in light of the planned nationwide protests, emphasizing the severe negative effects of violent demonstrations on our society. 

In his address, the IGP highlighted several critical points that underscore the importance of maintaining peace and order during protests.

“It is not only in Nigeria that there is hardship. It is a global meltdown. Is the government doing anything about it? Yes! This is what a responsive government will do,” stated the IGP. He stressed that while the current economic challenges are not unique to Nigeria, the government is actively working to mitigate their impact and provide relief to the citizens.

Reflecting on the 2020 EndSARS protest, the IGP remarked, “Where police stations were burnt down, criminals took over. Arms looted were in the wrong hands, and armed robbers took over. Women could no longer walk freely once it is 7 pm.” He warned that the destruction of police infrastructure leads to a breakdown in law and order, leaving communities vulnerable to criminal activities.

“There are enough lessons to learn from previous violent protests in Nigeria,” the IGP continued, urging citizens to remember the chaos and suffering that followed such events. “Serious dangers come with unchecked demonstrations,” he added, highlighting the potential for loss of life, property damage, and widespread fear among the populace.

The IGP acknowledged the right to protest, stating, “The right to protest is a right to peaceful protest.”He called on all Nigerians to exercise this right responsibly and to avoid actions that could escalate into violence. Peaceful protests, he emphasized, are a powerful tool for expressing grievances and driving change without endangering lives and properties.

In conclusion, the IGP reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to protecting the rights of citizens while maintaining law and order. He urged all Nigerians to cooperate with the Police to ensure that any forthcoming protests are peaceful and orderly.

By Uzair Adam

On Monday, the Federal Government announced the distribution of an additional 10 trucks filled with 50kg bags of rice to each state. These bags will be available for purchase at designated locations for N40,000 each.

During a council meeting, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, informed State House correspondents that this initiative aims to alleviate poverty and address the high cost of living.

Idris stated, “The Federal Executive Council believes that most of the demands made by protesters are already being addressed by the government. Therefore, there is no need for further protests, as the government is actively working on these issues.”

“The President has listened to those planning protests and is already taking action on their behalf. For instance, the government is making efforts to ensure food availability.

“In the previous Council meeting, we announced the distribution of 20 trucks of rice to state governors for distribution to those in need, particularly the poorest in society.

Additionally, rice is being sold at about 50% of its usual cost, with each bag priced at N40,000.”

Idris explained that the rice has been transported to various centers across all states, where it can be purchased for N40,000 per bag. “Initially, 10 trucks have been provided to each state.

“This is just the beginning, and while we acknowledge that the supplies may not be sufficient, these are necessary first steps. More interventions will follow,” he concluded.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

President Tinubu has proposed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) sell crude oil to the Dangote Refinery and other new refineries in Naira. 

This is believed to be a move aimed at stabilising fuel prices and the exchange rate between the dollar and the naira. 

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) accepted the proposal, which is expected to provide a valuable lifeline to the Dangote Refinery. 

According to reports, the Dangote Refinery requires 15 shipments of crude oil annually, totaling $13.5 billion.

The NNPC has pledged to provide four of these cargos. 

The FEC has agreed to make available 450,000 barrels for local consumption, which will be offered to Nigerian refineries in Naira, with the Dangote refinery being the initial test. 

The exchange rate will remain constant throughout this transaction, and Afreximbank and other Nigerian settlement banks will support trade between Dangote and NNPC Limited, removing the requirement for international letters of credit and resulting in significant cost savings for the country by reducing the billions of dollars spent on importing refined fuel. 

This move is seen as a strategic step towards maintaining the stability of fuel prices and the exchange rate between the dollar and the naira.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

President Bola Tinubu has signed the National Minimum Wage Amendment Bill 2024 into law, officially setting the new minimum wage at N70,000.

The legislation, which is subject to review every three years, was signed at the State House in Abuja on Monday. 

The signing ceremony was attended by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other National Assembly leaders, who had expedited the bill’s passage.

President Tinubu expressed his gratitude to the National Assembly for their swift action on the legislation. 

According to the Head of Service, the new law demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of workers, saying “the new law will undoubtedly reassure the workers that the President cares about their welfare.” 

This is believed to be a step forward in bringing down the dire situations Nigerian workers are in, in the face of the unprecedented inflation around the country.

By Uzair Adam

The Arewa Citizens Action for Good Leadership (ACAGL) has announced its withdrawal from the planned nationwide protest against hunger and economic woes in Nigeria, citing potential risks and security consequences.

During a press briefing on Monday at the Sarina Suites and Apartments in Kano, ACAGL Spokesperson, Comrade Saeed Sulaiman Umar, explained that the decision was made after careful and thorough consideration.

Umar stated that ACAGL had initially been active in mobilizing people for the upcoming protest due to the prevailing conditions of insecurity, hunger, and starvation in the country.

He expressed concern about the widespread economic hardship, noting, “This is alarming as many hardworking people can no longer deliver on their basic responsibilities to their families.”

Explaining the reason for the withdrawal, Umar said, “This decision is borne out of the desire to prioritize the peace and stability of our dear Kano State and the northern region. We have witnessed the devastating effects of protests in some countries, where initially peaceful demonstrations escalated into violent conflicts, resulting in loss of lives, destruction of property, and long-term instability.”

Despite their withdrawal, ACAGL emphasized the ongoing suffering due to insecurity, hunger, and starvation.

“The economic situation in the country has worsened, leaving many without access to basic necessities,” Umar added.

Umar also called on the government at all levels to address these pressing issues urgently.

He urged the Kano State government to take immediate action to alleviate the unprecedented economic challenges facing the people.

Additionally, ACAGL called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the issues of Boko Haram attacks promptly, to find innovative solutions to end the current hardship in Nigeria as quickly as possible, to revitalize refineries, and to reduce petrol prices to an affordable and sustainable level.

The organization also urged the government to reverse electricity tariffs and indefinitely suspend any increments, revert tertiary institution fees to their previous rates, reduce the cost of governance and the salaries and allowances of all political office holders, starting with President Tinubu, and to refrain from foreign loans that could mortgage Nigeria’s future.

Umar reiterated ACAGL’s commitment to prioritizing the peace and stability of Kano and the northern region, and to working towards a brighter, violence-free future for all.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Northern Broadcast Media Owners Association (NBMOA) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in what they describe as unfair practices by foreign TV channels. They allege that these channels operate without proper licensing from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

In an open letter, Dr Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan, Chairman BOT of NBMOA, outlined the severe challenges facing indigenous private TV channels in Nigeria.

He highlighted issues such as inadequate facilities, stringent government regulations, high operational costs, and declining advertising revenues, which are exacerbating the struggles of local broadcasters.

The letter pointed out that the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) recently expressed similar concerns, noting that harsh economic conditions threaten the survival of many broadcast media houses.

BON called for a presidential media support initiative to provide concessions on tariffs and rates to prevent widespread shutdowns.

Ramalan criticized the alleged preferential treatment given to foreign channels which he claims operate without adherence to Nigerian broadcasting regulations and siphon significant advertising revenue that should have supported local channels.

He urged regulatory bodies like NBC and the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) to enforce laws equitably and ensure that all broadcasters, local and foreign, play by the same rules.

Ramalan appealed to President Tinubu to address the regulatory lapses and protect Nigerian broadcast media from unfair competition.

We humbly beg for Mr President to intervene to stop the illegalities by regulators and advertising agencies for the survival of indigenous television channels in Nigeria,” the letter

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned that his country may take military action against Israel if the conflict in the Gaza Strip is not resolved quickly.

Speaking at a campaign rally on Sunday, Erdogan reiterated Turkey’s support for the Palestinian cause and hinted at potential intervention. 

Erdogan stated, “We must be strong so that Israel cannot strike Palestine. Just like we entered Karabakh and Libya, maybe we’ll do the same thing. There’s nothing we can’t do. We have to be strong.” 

The Turkish president’s comments come as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah continue to escalate.

Israel has blamed Hezbollah for a recent rocket attack that killed at least 12 people, an accusation Hezbollah denied. 

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz responded to Erdogan’s threats, warning that any attempt to intervene in the conflict could lead to a fate similar to that of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.

Katz wrote on his social media handle, “Erdogan follows in the footsteps of Saddam Hussein and threatens to attack Israel. Just let him remember what happened there and how it ended.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Borno State government, in a bid to cushion the effects of rising food prices and basic amenities, has distributed 20 truckloads of rice to 35,000 vulnerable individuals in Monguno town.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum personally oversaw the distribution, which was supported by Senator Muhammad Tahir Monguno and other top government officials. 

The relief effort is part of the state government’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of its citizens.

Each male beneficiary received a 25kg bag of rice and a 10kg bag of cowpeas, while female residents got clothing materials and a N10,000 cash grant as part of the state’s financial inclusion initiative. 

Governor Zulum praised the federal government for its support, saying, “We appreciate the Tinubu administration’s continued show of compassion to our citizens.” 

In addition to the rice distribution, the state government received 90 trucks of fertilizer, which will be distributed to farmers to boost food production across the country. 

During his visit to Monguno, Governor Zulum inspected ongoing construction projects, including a Dental and Eye Hospital and a School of Nursing.

He expressed satisfaction with the progress and pledged to recruit more personnel to ensure the institutions provide effective services.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Residents of Jibawa Community in Gaya Local Government Area, Kano State, are sounding the alarm over the dire condition of their local healthcare centre. 

The facility, which serves a population of over 13,000, including vulnerable women and children, has deteriorated to a shocking state, posing a significant threat to their health and wellbeing. 

Photos of the clinic reveal a hazardous environment, with collapsed ceilings and wards overrun by bats, making it uninhabitable for patients. 

The situation is further exacerbated by the lack of medical personnel and equipment, leaving residents to fend for themselves in times of medical need. 

Expectant mothers are forced to embark on a treacherous 5-kilometre journey to neighbouring communities in search of healthcare, while others face a harrowing experience in their quest for medical attention. 

In a desperate plea for help, the community is calling on the Kano State government, Federal Ministry of Health, and Kano Ministry of Health to intervene and address the facility’s deplorable state. 

They are urging for immediate reconstruction, equipping, and staffing of the healthcare center to ensure residents have access to quality medical care.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Lagos State Police Command has successfully recovered a two-month-old infant from a couple, Mr. and Mrs. James Uwam, during a naming ceremony in the state.

According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, the couple had purchased the baby from a suspected human trafficker, Loretta Nelson, for a sum of N2,350,000.

The statement further disclosed that Nelson had previously acquired the baby from a pastor, Peter Udoh, for N1,450,000.

Udoh, in turn, had bought the baby from another suspected trafficker, Gloria Sunday, for N500,000.

It added that Sunday had allegedly kidnapped the baby on July 11, 2024, prompting the baby’s mother to report the incident to the authorities.

Following the report, the police launched an investigation and arrested Sunday, who led them to apprehend other suspects involved in the crime.

The PPRO stated, “Our detectives took swift action, leading to the arrest of Gloria Sunday, who confessed to selling the baby to Pastor Peter Udoh for N500,000.

“Udoh, who was arrested in Ikene Town, Ogun State, admitted to reselling the baby to Loretta Nelson for N1,450,000. Nelson was subsequently arrested in Festac Town, Lagos.

“The statement further revealed that Nelson confessed to selling the baby to the Uwam couple for N2,350,000 during the naming ceremony.

The police have commenced investigations and will arraign the suspects in court upon completion of the investigation.