Protesters in Jigawa Demand Removal of Agriculture Commissioner

On Thursday, protesters from Ringim Local Government Area in Jigawa State marched to the Government House in Dutse, demanding the immediate removal of the state’s Agriculture Commissioner, Muttaka Namadi. The demonstrators, who are members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), blocked the main entrance of the Government House, voicing their dissatisfaction with Namadi’s performance.

Hailing from Ringim LGA, Namadi has been accused by the protesters of failing to adequately represent his constituency in the state executive council. Abdullahi Muhammad, one of the protest organizers, expressed frustration over the commissioner’s lack of responsiveness to the needs of his constituents, despite repeated attempts to engage him.

Muhammad stated, “We have come here to formally lodge our complaints against the Commissioner for Agriculture, Muttaka Namadi, because of his poor representation of our community. We have spoken to him several times to carry everybody along in the area, but he turned a deaf ear to our demands.”

The protesters emphasized that their actions were in line with Governor Umar Namadi’s directive for political appointees to engage with and support their constituencies. They argued that the commissioner’s failure to do so had demoralized party members in the area.

In response, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mustapha Makama, and the state APC chairperson, Aminu Sani, received the protesters and promised to relay their concerns to Governor Umar Namadi. Sani urged the protesters to remain patient, assuring them that their complaints would be addressed in due course. He also praised the protesters for their peaceful conduct during the demonstration.

APC Chieftain Criticizes Atiku, Accuses Him of Crippling Nigeria’s Economy

Josef Onoh, a former South-East spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu, has sharply criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for his recent remarks against the current administration. Onoh accused Atiku of overseeing the collapse of Nigeria’s economy during his tenure as Vice President and argued that Atiku has no moral standing to criticize President Tinubu.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, had earlier accused Tinubu of compromising Nigeria’s future for personal gain. In response, Onoh dismissed Atiku’s claims as misleading, asserting that Atiku’s management of Nigeria’s privatization process led to widespread poverty and unemployment.

Onoh pointed out that during Atiku’s time in office, Nigeria’s economy suffered significantly, with the manufacturing sector contributing only 6% to the GDP in 2002. He also highlighted the controversial sale of federal assets, accusing Atiku of benefiting his associates at the expense of the nation.

Onoh challenged Atiku to account for the privatization of over 145 federal investments, accusing him of prioritizing personal gain over national interests. He urged Atiku to reflect on the long-term impact of his decisions on Nigeria’s future rather than criticizing the current administration.

Several Injured as BRT Bus Overturns in Lagos Traffic Incident

A fully loaded Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) bus overturned on Thursday inside the dedicated BRT lane at Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, leaving 10 passengers injured. The accident occurred shortly after the bus departed from the Iyana Ipaja BRT park, causing significant traffic disruption in the area.

According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the accident happened when the bus collided with an abandoned pedestrian bridge foot immediately after the Iyana Ipaja bridge, causing it to tip over onto its side. Emergency responders and LASTMA officials were quick to arrive at the scene to manage the situation and ensure that the injured passengers received prompt medical attention.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the incident, stating that the accident occurred when the BRT driver swerved to avoid hitting a pedestrian who suddenly crossed the BRT lane with a wheelbarrow. The sudden maneuver caused the bus to lose control, climb the road divider, and overturn.

Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, though several passengers sustained critical injuries. They were taken to a nearby hospital before the arrival of LASEMA’s Dolphin Response Team. The bus was later lifted and towed to Moshalashi Police Station near the Alimosho roundabout, with efforts ongoing to restore normal traffic flow in the area.

Authorities have advised motorists and commuters to exercise caution and follow traffic directives as cleanup and recovery operations continue.

Defence Minister Matawalle Orders Immediate Action to Capture Killers of Sokoto District Head

On Friday, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, condemned the murder of Isa Bawa, the Head of Gatawa District in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, Sokoto State, calling it a “heinous and unacceptable” act. Bawa, who was kidnapped in July along with his son and six others while traveling from Sokoto to Sabon Birni near the Niger border, was later found dead after a ransom team encountered his body.

A video of the 74-year-old monarch pleading for his release had gone viral prior to his death. In response, Matawalle directed the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, to launch a thorough investigation and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

Matawalle emphasized that security is a top priority for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, and assured the public that the Armed Forces would do everything necessary to capture those responsible for this crime. He also expressed his condolences to the family of the late district head, the people of Gatawa, and the Sokoto State Government.

Six Critically Injured as Truck Loses Control in Ogun State

At least six people are in critical condition following a tragic accident in the Enugada area of Lafenwa, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Thursday night. According to an eyewitness, a truck that appeared to have lost control collided with a vehicle, a commercial motorcycle, and several pedestrians on the roadside, leading to severe injuries.

The incident occurred around 9 PM, with reports indicating that the truck veered off course and caused significant damage, leaving several victims lifeless at the scene.

A video from the accident site, as reported by PUNCH, captured the horrifying aftermath, showing the disfigured bodies of victims amidst the anguished cries of onlookers.

Babatunde Akinbiyi, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, confirmed the incident during a phone interview and stated that rescue operations are still underway.

Minister Urges Finance Ministry to Release Withheld Salaries for University Staff

The Minister of State for Education, Tanko Sununu, has formally requested the Ministry of Finance to disburse four months’ worth of withheld salaries to university workers under the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and Allied Institutions (NASU).

This request follows President Bola Tinubu’s approval during a Federal Executive Council meeting on July 10, 2024, where he authorized the payment of four months’ salary from the eight months initially withheld after university workers went on an eight-month strike in 2022.

The previous administration, led by ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, had enforced a “no work, no pay” policy, affecting both non-academic and academic staff, including those represented by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

While ASUU members have already received their payments, SSANU and NASU members are still awaiting their four-month salary payments. Despite a letter from Sununu to the Ministry of Finance on July 11, 2024, requesting the implementation of the presidential waiver, the funds have not yet been released.

This delay has caused significant frustration among SSANU and NASU members, who are urging the Federal Government to ensure they receive the same treatment as their academic counterparts. Six weeks after the approval, the workers continue to wait for their funds, with the Ministry of Finance yet to act on the President’s directive.

Prominent PDP Leader in Kano Defects to APC

A notable chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano State, Alhaji Abdullahi Ali, widely known as Alin Kano, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). On Thursday, Alin Kano was officially welcomed into the ruling party by the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, during a ceremony held at the National Assembly in Abuja.

Alin Kano, a well-known grassroots politician from Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area in Kano South Senatorial District, joined the APC citing his long-standing respect for Senator Barau and the senator’s contributions to the development of Kano and the Northern region.

Senator Barau praised Alin Kano, who holds the traditional title of Garkuwan Tsakuwa, for his integrity and dedication to advancing the interests of youth and students. Barau noted that Alin Kano’s defection strengthens the APC, particularly in Dawakin Kudu and Kano South.

The event was attended by several prominent figures, including the Minority Leader of the Kano State House of Assembly, Hon. Labaran Abdul Madari, and Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai, the Special Adviser to the President on Community Engagement for the North West.

NNPCL Denies Presidential Involvement in Controversial OVH Merger

The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has dismissed claims made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar that President Bola Tinubu and his son, Wale Tinubu, are using the acquisition of NNPC Retail Limited by OVH for personal gain. NNPCL clarified that the merger was conducted purely for business reasons, with no involvement or interest from the President or his son.

The company emphasized its commitment to commercial viability and national interest, asserting that it operates independently of political influence. NNPCL also defended its leadership under Mele Kyari, pointing to the company’s strong financial performance as proof of its effective management.

EFCC Nabs Abuja ‘Young Billionaire’ for Alleged Internet Fraud, Seizes Luxury AssetsBy Luminous Jannamike, Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 35-year-old Hyginus Nkwocha, a self-proclaimed ‘young billionaire,’ in Abuja on charges of internet fraud and money laundering. Acting on intelligence reports, EFCC agents apprehended Nkwocha at Ever Green Estate in Lugbe, Abuja.

During the operation, the EFCC seized a variety of luxury items, including $2,200 in cash, high-end smartphones like the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and a MacBook. The commission also confiscated valuable jewelry and luxury vehicles, including a Mercedes Benz ML 350, a Chevrolet Camaro, and a Mustang.

Additionally, several properties owned by Nkwocha were recovered, including units at Ocean Palm Estate in Lagos and Lugbe Airport Road in Abuja. Dele Oyewale, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, confirmed the arrest, noting that Nkwocha will face charges in court upon the completion of the investigation. This arrest marks another step in the EFCC’s ongoing campaign against internet fraud and money laundering in Nigeria.

The Deceptive World of Nigerian Politics By Adekunle Adekoya

“Politics is the only profession where you can lie, cheat, and steal, and still be respected,” said Mark Twain. Sadly, this quote rings true in the current political climate of Nigeria, where deception and selfishness dominate. Since the return to democratic rule in 1999, politicians have repeatedly failed the country, prioritizing their interests over the common good. Despite grand promises like free education and a substantial increase in electricity generation, little has changed. The recent removal of petrol subsidies, leading to economic hardship, exemplifies the broken promises and insensitivity of those in power. The purchase of a new presidential jet without parliamentary approval further highlights the blatant disregard for the people’s suffering. The Nigerian government must take responsibility for the country’s dire situation and act in the best interest of its citizens.