Accused Briton Andrew Wynne Claims Innocence, Says FG Has No Evidence Against Him

Andrew Wynne, a Briton accused of funding the #EndBadGovernance protests against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has asserted his innocence and claimed that the Nigerian government lacks evidence against him.

In a statement made via WhatsApp to a Punch correspondent, Wynne accused the Nigeria Police Force of illegally raiding his Abuja bookshop and stealing his granddaughter’s bicycle during a July 7 operation at the Labour House in Abuja.

Wynne criticized the federal government for failing to address the worsening poverty in Nigeria over the past 15 months and expressed concern for those detained and allegedly tortured during the protests. He urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to advocate for the release of these detainees.

“I am completely innocent, and they have no evidence against me. The government is trying to pin the blame on me as a foreigner for the widespread protests,” Wynne said. “The police seized all my books from Iva Valley Bookshop, ransacked my home, and even stole my granddaughter’s bicycle, yet they found no evidence.”

Despite his claims, a Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an arrest warrant for Wynne on charges related to treason and terrorism.

NANS Plans Nationwide Protests Over Fuel Price Hike, Aims to Shut Down Major Cities

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced a nationwide protest set to begin on September 15, 2024, aimed at shutting down major cities across Nigeria. The action is a response to the recent increase in fuel prices and dissatisfaction with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Director General, Mele Kyari.

NANS is demanding an immediate reversal of the fuel price hike and the removal of Kyari from his position. The student union has pledged that the protests will be peaceful and conducted within legal boundaries.

To ensure the protest is well-coordinated, NANS has informed several security agencies, including the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Chief of Defence Staff, and state governors about the planned shutdown.

In a statement, NANS expressed, “We write to notify you of an impending massive shutdown of all major cities in Nigeria, effective September 15, 2024. This protest is in response to the recent fuel price hike and the perceived incompetence of the NNPC DG, Mele Kyari.

“The ongoing increase in fuel prices has severely impacted the masses, and we refuse to stand by as a few individuals jeopardize our future. We demand an immediate reversal of the fuel price increase and Mr. Kyari’s removal from office.

“We call on all Nigerian students to join us in this nationwide occupation of major cities. We will not be silenced or intimidated as we fight for a fair deal for students and the general populace. We urge all involved to ensure law and order during the shutdown while we commit to conducting a peaceful and lawful protest.”

NYSC DG Announces Increase in Corps Members’ Allowance Following New Minimum Wage

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced that the monthly allowance for corps members will rise to ₦33,000 in response to the recent increase in the national minimum wage. This update was confirmed by NYSC Director General, Yusha’u Ahmed, during his visit to the orientation camps in Kebbi and Sokoto, where he addressed the 2024 Batch ‘B’ stream two corps members.

Ahmed highlighted the vital role corps members play in Nigeria’s socio-economic development and encouraged them to utilize their service year to enhance their skills and prepare for their future careers. He urged corps members to engage fully in the NYSC’s skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development programs.

He remarked, “At the very least, learn a skill while in camp. After the Orientation Course, continue with post-camp training. Aim to acquire a skill that will enable you to create jobs and employ others rather than searching for jobs.”

Ahmed also pointed out the NYSC’s partnerships with prominent organizations, including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Bank of Industry (BOI), Unity Bank, Access Bank, and NNPC Foundation, which offer loans and grants to corps members. He assured them of their safety during the service year and advised them to stay vigilant.

In Kebbi, NYSC Coordinator Aghata Banki-Okolo reported that 1,195 corps members have been registered, with 1,077 stationed in Kebbi and 118 relocated from Zamfara State. She praised the corps members for their active participation and adherence to camp regulations.

Similarly, Sokoto NYSC Coordinator Yakubu Usman commended the corps members for their discipline and quick adaptation to the camp environment. He noted that Sokoto’s camp includes 1,488 corps members, with 134 males and 66 females displaced from Zamfara due to security concerns.

This allowance increase follows the recent adjustment in Nigeria’s minimum wage to ₦70,000, as passed by the National Assembly and signed into law in late July.

Okuama Leaders Sue DSS and Army for ₦200 Million Over Alleged Illegal Detention

James Oghorokor and Dennis Okugbaye, two leaders from the Okuama community in Delta State’s Ughelli South Local Government Area, have filed separate lawsuits against the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Federal High Court in Warri. They are seeking ₦200 million in damages for what they claim are unlawful arrests and detentions.

Represented by lawyers Malcolm Omirhobo Esq. and Akpokona Omafuaire Esq., Oghorokor and Okugbaye allege they were detained without charge or access to legal counsel during a military operation in August. This operation also saw the detention of six other community leaders, including Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Pa Anthony Ahwemuria, and Mrs. Rita Akata, who have reportedly been held in undisclosed locations.

The plaintiffs are demanding their immediate release and compensation, asserting violations of their fundamental rights.

In Suit NO: FHC/WR/CS/84/2024, Oghorokor seeks ₦100 million for his alleged illegal detention. In Suit NO: FHC/WR/CS/85/2024, Okugbaye also demands ₦100 million under similar claims.

The lawsuits seek declarations that the invasion of their homes and subsequent detentions without due process constitute serious violations of their fundamental rights. The plaintiffs are asking the court to enforce their rights to personal liberty, private and family life, and freedom of movement, and to grant an injunction preventing further violations.

They request the court to compel the immediate and unconditional release of the detainees and to award damages of ₦100 million each for the infringement of their rights.

Sowunmi: Dangote Will Set the Price for His Refinery’s Petrol

Olabode Sowunmi, Chairman of the Energy Transition Study Group at the Nigerian Gas Association, has stated that Aliko Dangote is the sole authority on the pricing of petrol from his refinery. Sowunmi’s comments come after Dangote indicated that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) might influence the price per liter.

In an interview with Arise TV, Sowunmi emphasized that the Dangote Refinery operates as a profit-driven business, not a non-governmental organization (NGO). He explained that the refinery’s pricing will be determined by the costs of refining and the need to generate profit.

Sowunmi further clarified that the refinery’s pricing strategy will reflect both competitive market rates and the need to cover operational costs. He noted that while the refinery could potentially stabilize the naira and support the national economy, expectations that fuel prices will dramatically decrease might be unrealistic.

He also highlighted that the refinery’s use of naira for purchasing crude oil could offer advantages, including reduced pressure to acquire foreign currency. However, the actual impact on fuel prices will depend on the refinery’s output and Nigeria’s consumption rates.

Sowunmi concluded that only the refinery itself can provide accurate data on its petrol production and pricing, not the regulators.

Dangote and Bill Gates Join Vice President Shettima for NEC Meeting in Aso Rock

Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Foundation, and philanthropist Bill Gates are attending the ongoing National Economic Council (NEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The meeting, presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, is taking place in the Council Chamber.

Governors Babagana Zulum of Borno State, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, Duoye Diri of Bayelsa, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, and Lawan Dauda of Zamfara are also present. Additionally, several deputy governors, ministers, and state commissioners are in attendance.

The NEC meeting is expected to review the nation’s economic policy, including the recent fuel price increase.

In a related development, Bill Gates, Co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, explained why Nigeria receives the largest share of the foundation’s intervention funds in Africa. He cited Nigeria’s large population and significant needs as the primary reasons for the substantial financial support. Gates made these comments during an interview at the 2024 NutriVision Dialogue in Abuja.

NLC Demands Immediate Reversal of Fuel Price Hike

The National Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the government to promptly reverse the recent increase in petrol prices across Nigeria.

In a statement posted on the NLC’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, the union demanded, “We demand the immediate reversal of the latest increase in the pump price of PMS across the country.”

This call for action follows the NLC’s earlier criticism of President Bola Tinubu after the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) raised the official fuel price from ₦617 to ₦897 per litre.

NLC President Joe Ajaero highlighted that the union had agreed to a ₦70,000 minimum wage under the condition that there would be no further increases in fuel prices. He also mentioned that the NLC’s decision-making bodies would soon meet to discuss potential actions, with their decisions to be announced in the coming days.

Kano State Highlights Agricultural Achievements at Africa Food Systems Forum

Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, spotlighted the state’s progress in agricultural development at the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) in Kigali, Rwanda, showcasing Kano’s commitment to sustainable farming practices.

During a side event organized by the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) and its partners, Governor Yusuf, represented by Dr. Danjuma Mahmoud, Kano’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, emphasized the importance of climate-smart strategies and private sector partnerships in ensuring the long-term resilience and sustainability of Kano’s agricultural sector.

Governor Yusuf praised the collaborative efforts, particularly the Sasakawa Africa Association, in enhancing food security and driving agricultural transformation in Kano and Nigeria. He highlighted the successes of the Kano State Agropastoral Development Project (KSADP), funded by the Islamic Development Bank and the Lives and Livelihoods Fund, noting that these initiatives align with the state’s broader agricultural agenda aimed at empowering smallholder farmers and opening new opportunities for sustainable agriculture.

The governor also stressed the significance of private sector engagement in fostering agricultural growth and advancing climate mitigation efforts. He recognized the positive impact of the Sasakawa Africa Association in improving crop yields through the adoption of advanced technologies and climate-smart practices, particularly in rice, millet, sorghum, and maize production.

Dr. Makoto Kitanaka, President of the Sasakawa Africa Association, and Dr. Godwin Atser, Country Director of Sasakawa Africa Association Nigeria, also spoke at the event. They underscored the need for sustainable agricultural transformation to combat rural poverty and highlighted the potential of agricultural progress in Nigeria to address broader socio-economic challenges.

The side event, themed “Food Systems Transformation: Emerging Insights from Mega Initiatives,” brought together key stakeholders and leaders from various organizations dedicated to transforming food systems in Africa. Participants included representatives from Sasakawa Africa Association, the Kano State Agropastoral Development Project (KSADP), and other notable organizations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Islamic Development Bank, and African Development Bank.

NBA Launches Free Legal Defense for #EndBadGovernance Protesters

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has initiated a pro bono legal defense program for protesters involved in the #EndBadGovernance movement, particularly those who lack legal representation. This move, announced by NBA President Afam Osigwe, aims to support and protect the rights of individuals who have been charged with serious offenses, including treason, by the federal government.

In a statement released on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, Osigwe emphasized that the NBA’s state chapters have been directed to monitor court proceedings across the country to ensure that the rights of these protesters are upheld. The NBA’s Citizens’ Liberties Committee, led by human rights lawyer Effiong Inibehe, will collaborate with NBA Chairmen and Human Rights Committees nationwide to provide oversight and ensure that no defendant is unjustly treated.

This action follows concerns raised by Amnesty International, which condemned the government’s treason charges against peaceful protesters as an attempt to suppress constitutional rights to peaceful protest.

Osigwe stated, “The NBA legal team will continue to monitor court proceedings to ensure that trials are conducted with strict adherence to due process, safeguarding the legal rights of all defendants.” The NBA’s involvement aims to ensure that the rule of law is respected and that justice is served for those accused in connection with the protests.

Bill Gates Explains Why Nigeria Receives the Largest Share of Funding from the Gates Foundation

Bill Gates, Co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has shed light on why Nigeria receives the largest share of the foundation’s intervention funds in Africa. Speaking during the 2024 NutriVision Dialogue in Abuja, Gates emphasized the country’s significant needs due to its large population and pressing health and development challenges.

“We spend a lot in Asia, but we spend even more in Africa. The country where we spend the most in Africa is Nigeria,” Gates said. He noted that the foundation has invested billions in Nigeria, acknowledging improvements such as the reduction in child mortality rates. However, he stressed that there is still much work to be done.

The foundation’s focus includes reducing global health inequalities and combating diseases such as measles, malaria, and polio. Gates highlighted that primary healthcare is a key priority due to its high impact relative to the investment.

In addition to healthcare, Gates emphasized the foundation’s significant investments in agriculture, aiming to boost productivity through high-yield, climate-resistant seeds, fertilizers, and better information and weather predictions for farmers. He also pointed out the foundation’s support for food fortification initiatives, which improve the nutritional quality of staple foods.

Gates believes that innovative ideas and tools in both health and agriculture are crucial for addressing malnutrition and improving overall public health. Since its establishment in 2000, the Gates Foundation has collaborated with African institutions, national governments, and local communities in 49 African countries.