Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has emphasized that his loyalty lies in doing what is right, not in personal allegiance, in response to criticisms from his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. Fubara, speaking at an Independence Day Thanksgiving Service, rejected Wike’s claims that he had betrayed those who helped him rise to power. The Governor highlighted the progress his administration has made, including major infrastructure projects, while asserting that those attacking him would soon need psychiatric care, a reference to a new hospital project in Rivers State.
Tinubu Administration Distributes CNG Buses to Labour Unions and Students to Ease Economic Hardship
On Sunday, the government of President Bola Tinubu delivered 64 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to labour and student leaders at the State House in Abuja. The initiative fulfills a promise made during negotiations on the new minimum wage to ease the economic challenges faced by Nigerians. The buses, each with a 100-seat capacity, were presented by Finance Minister Wale Edun. This move aims to help mitigate the impact of rising living costs. Meanwhile, northern groups have criticized recent hikes in fuel prices, which have exacerbated economic pressures on citizens.
SERAP Warns INEC Chair to Comply with Court Ruling on Electoral Offences or Face Contempt
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to comply with a court ruling mandating the investigation of electoral offences. Delivered on July 18, 2024, the ruling requires INEC to address issues of bribery and misconduct involving state officials during the 2023 general elections. SERAP warned that failure to act within seven days would result in contempt proceedings. The organization emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law to restore trust in Nigeria’s electoral system and end impunity for electoral offences.
Ndume Laments Corruption in Nigeria, Calls for Stronger Anti-Graft Laws
Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume of Borno South has expressed frustration over the growing corruption in Nigeria, lamenting that those who steal public funds are often celebrated. Speaking in Kano, Ndume criticized the lack of effective laws to address corruption, stating that people who suddenly acquire wealth are rarely questioned about its source. He also shared his failed attempt to pass legislation targeting unexplained wealth and called for greater investment in agriculture to tackle the nation’s hunger crisis, stressing Nigeria’s vast but underutilized arable land.
NDLEA Nabs Wanted Drug Kingpins and Ex-Convicts in Nationwide Operations
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested two notorious drug kingpins, Ajiboye Samuel and Alhaji Bashir Talba, in a series of coordinated raids in Ogun and Lagos states. Samuel, also known as “Na God,” was apprehended in Ogun after a 12-month manhunt, following the seizure of over 1,100kg of Ghana Loud cannabis from his warehouse in Mushin, Lagos. Talba, a community leader, was arrested after 226kg of cannabis was found at his residences.
In addition to these high-profile arrests, NDLEA operatives detained two ex-convicts in Katsina for trafficking large quantities of opioids and cannabis. Further operations across the country resulted in multiple drug seizures, including heroin concealed in auto parts and tramadol hidden in footwear, as well as arrests linked to drug shipments destined for several international locations.
Ex-Soldier Reveals Harrowing Sexual Assault Experience in Nigerian Army
In a revealing interview, former soldier Ruth Ogunleye recounted her traumatic experiences of alleged sexual assault by a superior officer while serving in the Nigerian Army. Ogunleye shared her ordeal with BIODUN BUSARI, detailing incidents that occurred in 2022 at the Nigerian Army Cantonment Medical Centre in Ojo, Lagos.
Ogunleye described how her commanding officer, a Colonel whose name has been withheld, initiated unwanted advances shortly after she joined the Medical Corps. Despite refusing his gifts, she was summoned to a hotel where he propositioned her for sex, offering money and promises of advancement in exchange. After her refusal, she faced retaliation, including increased duties and physical harm.
The situation escalated as the Colonel began administering large doses of a sedative drug against her will, subjecting her to repeated assaults while keeping her unconscious for days. Ogunleye spoke of the trauma of being stored in a body bag and taken to a psychiatric facility, where she was cut off from communication with her family and friends.
Despite the support of some colleagues who recognized her plight, Ogunleye felt trapped, as attempts to seek help from superiors were met with indifference. Eventually, after years of suffering and with the involvement of the Chief of Defence Staff, she initiated a redress process. However, her complaints were often dismissed.
After sharing her story publicly, she connected with other female soldiers facing similar abuses but who remained afraid to speak out. Ultimately, Ogunleye opted for voluntary discharge from the Army after an investigation confirmed her claims and offered her a path to compensation.
Ogunleye’s testimony shines a light on the pervasive culture of abuse and harassment within military ranks, highlighting the need for systemic change to protect vulnerable personnel.
October 1 Protest to Proceed at Eagle Square, Organisers Assure Police
Organisers of the #FearlessOctober1 protest have confirmed that their planned demonstration will take place at Eagle Square, Abuja, despite warnings from the police and security forces. The protest is scheduled for October 1, coinciding with Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day, as activists aim to voice their frustrations over the removal of the fuel subsidy and the devaluation of the naira.
The group has communicated with the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, requesting security during the protest, emphasizing their constitutional right to assemble peacefully. The National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, indicated that mobilization efforts are underway, with protesters traveling from various parts of the country to join.
The protest will also be held in Lagos at the Ikeja Under Bridge, with organisers demanding an immediate reversal of the fuel subsidy removal and other reforms. Security forces, including police in camouflage, have been instructed to monitor the situation and discourage participation in the protests.
Prominent protest leaders, including Omoyele Sowore and Deji Adeyanju, expressed confidence that the demonstration will remain peaceful and urged citizens to join without fear of government repression. Sowore criticized the government for instilling fear and highlighted that the hardship faced by Nigerians necessitates public outcry.
In Katsina State, police have assured citizens of their safety during the protests, emphasizing the importance of responsible expression of rights.
NSCDC Dismisses Officer Accused of Supplying Arms and Drugs to Zamfara Bandits
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) has dismissed ASCII Maikano Sarkin-Tasha over allegations of supplying arms and hard drugs to bandits in Zamfara State. Sarkin-Tasha, among 17 suspected bandits paraded by the police, was arrested at a checkpoint with illegal firearms, including G3 rifles and an anti-rocket launcher, as well as drugs suspected to be cannabis.
NSCDC Commandant Sani Mustapha announced the dismissal, with NSCDC Commandant-General Ahmed Audi expressing shock and condemning the officer’s actions, leading to his immediate removal from the Corps.
Wike Alleges Foiled Bomb Plot at Civic Reception in Port Harcourt
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has claimed that there was an attempt to bomb the venue of a civic reception held in his honor in Rainbow Town, Port Harcourt. Speaking at the event organized by the Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress, Wike revealed that a group of individuals had been dispatched to carry out the attack but were apprehended by the police before they could execute their plan.
Wike condemned the growing violence in Rivers State, warning that such acts could deter investors. He also criticized individuals taking credit for projects he initiated, such as the ring road project. Wike was accompanied by members of the G-5 integrity group and other political figures.
Wike Mocks Fubara Loyalists for Defecting to APP, Vows to Teach Them “Real Politics”
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ridiculed supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara who recently left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the All Peoples Party (APP) ahead of the upcoming local government elections in Rivers State.
Speaking at a reception organized by the Ijaw Peoples Assembly in Port Harcourt, Wike questioned the loyalty of Fubara’s camp, dismissing their chances in the upcoming election. He vowed that the PDP, under his leadership, would outmaneuver them, emphasizing that true politics is about capacity, not money.
Wike also addressed rumors of an internal fight within the Ijaw community, asserting that only a few ungrateful individuals were opposing him and that he remains too influential to be challenged.