Ajadi Criticizes Tinubu’s Extravagance Amid Economic Hardship

Good governance advocate and populist politician Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has harshly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its extravagant spending amid widespread hunger and suffering among the masses.

Ajadi, a Southwest Chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), expressed his concerns in a statement on Sunday, August 4, 2024, describing the president’s actions as insensitive to the plight of ordinary Nigerians.

He particularly condemned the allocation of 21 billion Naira for the renovation of the Vice President’s residence and another 70 billion Naira for luxury SUVs for National Assembly members as prime examples of fiscal irresponsibility.

Despite these expenditures being legally sanctioned, Ajadi argued that the severe economic situation in the country should have prompted more prudent decision-making by the president.

“It is unacceptable that a president, elected to serve the people, could approve such staggering amounts for projects that do not directly improve the welfare of the masses. Elected officials already live in comfort; it is the common people who are suffering,” Ajadi stated.

As Nigeria struggles with rising hunger and unemployment, many citizens are questioning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s campaign promises. The situation has worsened following the removal of fuel subsidies, which Tinubu previously criticized as corrupt under former President Goodluck Jonathan. Despite these changes, the expected improvements have not materialized.

Ajadi emphasized the disparity between Tinubu’s campaign rhetoric and the current realities. He noted that the removal of subsidies has led to increased hunger and that the government’s response has been largely dismissive. Non-functioning refineries, unreliable electricity, inadequate education, and the embezzlement of retirement funds have only compounded these issues.

He also criticized the lack of transparency in government spending and called for greater accountability in managing public funds, stressing the need for prudent fiscal policies during economic uncertainties.

Referring to President Tinubu’s recent address on the ongoing hunger strike, Ajadi said the president’s response was inadequate and failed to offer tangible solutions to the crisis.

“The president should engage with the youth on specific issues rather than merely appealing for them to stop protesting. If there is a time to talk about substantial palliatives, it is now,” Ajadi asserted.

Ajadi urged the Tinubu administration to implement a comprehensive program to tackle poverty, high living costs, and infrastructure deficiencies, arguing that it is not too much to ask in a resource-rich country.

In a viral video, Ajadi highlighted Tinubu’s past criticism of Jonathan’s regime, accusing the current administration of similar failings. He also referenced another viral video in which a House of Representatives member proposed salary cuts for top government officials as a means to address the economic hardship and quell ongoing protests.

“If we reduce the salaries of the president, vice president, ministers, governors, and all members of the National Assembly, Nigerians will be more inclined to halt their protests,” the House member suggested.

We look forward to the day when we can return to Gaza

By Dr Salah AbdAl Aty

I am a lawyer from the Gaza Strip. Since the outbreak of the recent round of the Palestine-Israel conflict, my family and I have been forced to relocate time and time again. Now, we are currently residing in the capital city of Egypt, Cairo.

Since last October, we had endured three difficult months amidst the turmoil in Gaza. We became homeless and had to constantly flee from one place to another. Our original residence was in the northern Gazan city of Beit Lahia, but due to the conflict, we were compelled to move south. As the area near our new home was also targeted by bombings, we had no choice but to continue our escape to Gaza City. Later, we sought refuge in the Nuseirat area, with some of us staying with relatives while others residing in the Nuseirat refugee camp.

The bombings continued relentlessly, and we were constantly in danger. I could hardly forget     that on Dec. 7, 2023, when our entire family stayed in the Nuseirat refugee camp, suddenly, the camp came under attack, with the nearest explosion occurring just five or six meters away from us. Our shelter was instantly destroyed, and all of my family members, including my four children, sustained varying degrees of injuries. What was even more devastating was that my mother, sister, aunt, and my brother’s family of three tragically lost their lives. After a long search and rescue, we eventually found their bodies amidst the rubble.

There was little time to grieve as we quickly rushed the injured to the hospital. Upon arrival, we discovered that medical resources were extremely scarce, and only critically ill patients were being admitted. Many severely injured individuals had no means of being transferred to other hospitals and were left to await treatment in critical condition, with no other options available.

Afterwards, our whole family moved from the Nusayrat district to central Gaza’s Deir al Balah. There, our temporary shelter was still not spared from the fate of being bombed, so we had no choice but to head to Rafah, the southernmost part of Gaza. Along the way, we lacked sufficient clothing and had to endure the winter wearing only thin clothes. We also suffered from a lack of food, often going hungry. With no shelter from the rain, we were frequently drenched. Everywhere we went, the streets were filled with sewage, dirty and chaotic. Countless houses had been destroyed, and those who had lost their homes, along with the refugees, set up makeshift tents. There was no electricity, fuel, or clean water for daily life… Everywhere, one couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of despair and fear.

By the end of December 2023, our family finally made it to Egypt through the Rafah border crossing. With the help of friends, we managed to rent a place in Cairo and finally settled down, allowing me to continue with my work. Back in Gaza, a volunteer team I used to lead, consisting of 30 members, continued providing humanitarian aid. Their dedication deeply moved and inspired me. I joined forces with them and approximately 70 Egyptian healthcare workers and volunteers to offer free treatment, particularly focusing on psychological support, to the injured in Gaza. Given the destruction of hospitals in the Gaza Strip, we established an online platform to provide free counseling services and medication to those in need. So far, we have served over 1,800 injured individuals, and our team continues to grow and expand.

My homeland, the Gaza Strip, is still suffering from the ravages of war. The conflict has left my family displaced and grieving the loss of loved ones, and it has inflicted great harm on everyone caught in its midst. Every day, I worry and long for my relatives who are still in Gaza, as well as for our fellow countrymen. I appeal to regional nations and the international community to work towards achieving an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The establishment of a truly sovereign and independent Palestinian state is a legitimate right and shared aspiration of the Palestinian people. Today, there is an increasing chorus of positive voices in the international community advocating for the two-state solution and recognizing the Arab Peace Initiative. More and more countries are acknowledging the statehood of Palestine.

I believe that peace and justice are the aspirations of all people. We look forward to the day when we can return to Gaza.

Government Should Opt for Dialogue, Not Blackmail, Says Omotehinse

Mr. Alex Omotehinse, a human rights activist and leader of the Center for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR), discussed the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protest and emphasized the importance of government dialogue over blackmailing protesters. Below are excerpts from the interview conducted by Joy Anigbogu.

What is your view about the hunger protest that began on August 1?

I applaud the courageous youths who challenged political leaders by expressing their dissatisfaction with the current governance. Despite government propaganda, people came out to demand that the benefits of democracy be shared with every Nigerian. It is unacceptable for government officials to enjoy luxuries while the masses suffer. For example, the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway has been neglected for eight years. The government’s expenses should be reduced, and minimum wage should apply to all sectors, including political office holders. This is the only way forward.

There were statements made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio that were discouraging. Reports indicated he said, “you can continue to protest while we will be eating with President Bola Tinubu.” Such remarks show a lack of concern for the people’s suffering. Threats from groups against protesters should be addressed by security forces, not the peaceful protesters themselves.

The 2020 EndSARS protest was reportedly hijacked by hoodlums. Should protesters have opted for dialogue with the government instead?

The EndSARS protest was disrupted by government agencies, not hijacked by hoodlums. On October 18, 2020, armed thugs attacked protesters in Alausa, but the attackers were handed over to the police and nothing came of it. The violence began when the government imposed a curfew and involved the military. The real culprits were not the protesters but government-hired thugs. The EndSARS protest achieved significant results in less than five days, leading to the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

Mr. Ebun Adegboruwa suggested limiting protests to one to three days to avoid economic disruption. What is your opinion on this?

Mr. Adegboruwa’s advice is prudent. While the youth might be capable of prolonged protests, it is wise to avoid giving the government any excuse to use propaganda against them. A one-day protest effectively conveys the message without causing undue disruption. The government has tried to suppress protests through legal restrictions and monetary incentives, but the public turnout indicates a strong desire for change.

The government argues that President Tinubu has barely spent one year in office and needs more time. What do you say to this?

This argument doesn’t hold. In 2012, when former President Goodluck Jonathan had only been in office for a year, we organized “Occupy Nigeria.” Protests now are not driven by partisan politics but by non-partisan citizens. If the roles were reversed, the APC would also be protesting. The current administration’s removal of the fuel subsidy on the first day, coupled with inflation and economic hardship, justifies the immediate public outcry. The effectiveness of a government can often be judged early on, and so far, the signs have been negative.

Foreign Nationals Urged to Leave Lebanon Amid Rising War Tensions

Amid escalating regional tensions, urgent calls have been made for foreign nationals to leave Lebanon. This comes as Iran and its allies prepare to respond to recent high-profile killings attributed to Israel.

Diplomatic efforts to prevent a wider conflict are underway, with French President Emmanuel Macron and Jordan’s King Abdullah II emphasizing the need to avoid a regional military escalation. Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned that any attack on Israel would result in severe repercussions.

The nearly 10-month-long war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas has already caused significant regional violence. On Sunday, an Israeli airstrike on Gaza City schools sheltering displaced people killed at least 30 individuals, marking the 11th school hit in Gaza since July 6.

In Lebanon, cross-border hostilities have intensified, with Hezbollah announcing the deaths of two fighters and Israeli strikes killing two people in the southern village of Hula. The Lebanese health ministry reported ongoing Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah continued to launch rockets at northern Israel.

Saudi Arabia and France have joined other nations in advising their citizens to leave Lebanon. France also recommended that its nationals in Iran temporarily depart due to the volatile security situation. Several Western airlines have suspended flights to Lebanon and other regional airports, with Qatar Airways limiting its Doha-Beirut route to daylight operations.

The recent assassinations of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah’s military chief Fuad Shukr in Beirut have heightened tensions. These killings, attributed to Israel, have prompted vows of retaliation from Iran and its allied groups. Efforts to broker a ceasefire and hostage-release deal by Qatari, Egyptian, and US mediators continue.

Analysts anticipate measured but coordinated responses from Iran and its allies. The United States has increased its military presence in the region to prevent the situation from escalating further. The G7 group of democracies has expressed strong concern over the potential for greater conflict, stressing the urgency of achieving a ceasefire in Gaza to reduce regional tensions.

Civil Society Groups to Monitor NNPCL Compliance with Crude Sales to Dangote Refinery

A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) announced plans to establish a situation room in Abuja to monitor the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL)’s adherence to the presidential directive to sell crude oil to Dangote Refinery in Naira. This move follows a facility tour of the 650,000 bpd Dangote Refinery in Lagos by 28 CSO leaders.

The CSO leaders expressed concerns over NNPCL and regulatory agencies seemingly favoring petroleum product importation over utilizing local refinery capabilities. They believe the delays in operationalizing national refineries are deliberate to continue benefiting from importation.

During the tour, Solomon Adodo of Rise Up for A United Nigeria spoke on behalf of the CSOs, emphasizing the importance of the Dangote Refinery in addressing Nigeria’s forex challenges and reducing petroleum product prices. The CSOs plan to petition the Presidency to recognize Dangote Refinery as a national asset essential for reducing fuel importation.

Adodo criticized the government’s treatment of the Dangote Refinery, calling for collective action to ensure it operates optimally. He highlighted the readiness of the CSOs to defend the refinery and monitor compliance with the presidential directive to supply crude in Naira.

Dangote Industries Limited’s Vice-President, Devakumar Edwin, welcomed the CSO leaders, describing the refinery as a value-adding facility crucial for reducing crude exports and finished product imports. He underscored the company’s commitment to investing in Nigeria and contributing to the national economy through job creation and increased domestic production.

The CSOs plan to advocate for the government’s support of the refinery, emphasizing its potential to stabilize the domestic fuel market and enhance economic growth.

Breaking: Bobrisky Released from Prison

Controversial cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has been released from the Kirikiri Correctional Centre after serving a six-month sentence. Bobrisky was incarcerated on April 12, 2024, for abusing the naira by spraying it at parties, a violation that led to his imprisonment without the option of a fine by Justice Abimbola Awogboro.

In a video shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Bobrisky, accompanied by actress Eniola Ajao, expressed excitement about his return. He said, “I’ve missed you guys so much. I can’t wait to have you guys and give you guys what you have missed.”

UK Leader Keir Starmer to Hold Emergency Meeting Amid Far-Right Riots

Prime Minister Keir Starmer will chair a Cobra emergency response meeting on Monday following a weekend of far-right riots across England. The violence erupted after the tragic murder of three children last week in Southport, northwest England.

The riots began on Tuesday in Southport, where three young girls were killed, and five more children critically injured during a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. Since then, unrest has spread to other towns and cities, resulting in hundreds of arrests.

Anti-immigration protesters, reportedly linked to the English Defence League (EDL), have clashed with police and, in some instances, Muslim counter-protestors. The EDL, an anti-Islam organisation associated with football hooliganism, is believed to be behind much of the violence.

One of the worst incidents occurred on Sunday in Rotherham, where masked demonstrators attacked a hotel housing asylum seekers, injuring at least ten officers, including one who was knocked unconscious. Other significant disturbances were reported in Bolton and Middlesbrough, where rioters smashed windows of homes and cars, leading to 43 arrests.

Police in Staffordshire reported another hotel, near Birmingham, known for housing asylum seekers, was also targeted.

Starmer warned far-right protesters they would “regret” their actions, and his interior minister, Yvette Cooper, told the BBC that “there will be a reckoning.” The emergency Cobra meeting will involve ministers and police to devise strategies to quell the ongoing violence.

IBB Disowns Post Endorsing Military Rule

Former military president, Ibrahim Babangida, has distanced himself from a post claiming he endorsed military rule over democratic governance. In a statement released through his media office and signed by Mahmud Abdullahi in Minna, Babangida reiterated his commitment to democratic rule and urged all Nigerians to embrace and support democracy.

The statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to a post on a parody account on X, formerly known as Twitter, which carries the handle, @General_Ibbro, in which former President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, GCFR, was supposed to have endorsed the virtues of military rule over democratic governance.

“This dubious account carries our principal’s picture and name and the coat of arms of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for added effect but it does not belong to him nor does the former President sanction any post appearing there.”

The statement further clarified that the former president did not endorse any particular presidential candidate or party in the past, as falsely claimed by the same account. Babangida emphasized his belief in the resilience of Nigeria’s democracy and its necessity for overcoming current national challenges.

“For the avoidance of doubt, General Babangida (rtd) believes that Nigeria’s democracy is resilient and has come to stay and that we must do everything we can to safeguard the process,” the statement read. He expressed his pride in the Nigerian military’s support for multiple democratic governments since 1999 and reiterated that military intervention in Nigeria’s politics is a thing of the past.

Babangida urged the public to disregard any statements from the parody account, which he noted has a history of spreading falsehoods and undermining democracy.

Doguwa to Abdulmumini: Kwankwaso is Grandfather of Insults

Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream) and leader of the Northern Caucus, has responded to Rep Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa’s warning against insulting former governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

In a statement, Doguwa described Kwankwaso as the “grandfather of insults” and said he respects him despite their political differences.

He stated that Kwankwaso’s denigrating comments about the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership triggered his cautioning.

“I have been in the House of Representatives since Jibrin was in school. I, therefore, expect him to respect me the way he wants me to respect his godfather, Kwankwaso,” Doguwa said.

“That Hon. Jibrin was never my mate and cannot match my sterling legislative experience, which dwarfs his in all forms.”

Doguwa also urged Kwankwaso to respect other leaders and stop inciting youths into taking the law into their own hands.

He recalled a viral video where Kwankwaso abused APC leaders in Kano state, calling them “Banzaye” (stupid people).

“It was based on that; I responded by calling him to order,” Doguwa said.

“I won elections to the House of Representatives seven times – polls starting from July 1992 when Professor Humphrey Nwosu was the chief electoral umpire.

“My constituents, by the Grace of Allah SWT, have continued to vote for me overwhelmingly to represent them, and by His grace, I have not disappointed them, and I won’t, Insha Allah.”

Doguwa expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and urged Nigerians to exercise patience and give him sustained support.

“President Tinubu-led administration is working hard and will continue to do its very best to discharge its democratic duties for the benefit of all Nigerians,” he said.

Atiku Criticizes Tinubu’s Speech: ‘Your Words Missed The Mark and Failed To Convince Nigerians’

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s recent speech delivered in response to the #EndBadGovernance protest in Nigeria. Atiku claims that Tinubu’s speech failed to address the protesters’ demands or convince Nigerians of his administration’s competence.

Atiku’s statement, released by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, criticized the President’s speech as lacking substance and failing to inspire confidence among Nigerians amidst ongoing economic hardships. Atiku also pointed out that the speech was prematurely leaked, further indicating the declining confidence in Tinubu’s administration.

Atiku emphasized that the current economic crisis is the responsibility of Tinubu’s government and urged the administration to focus on providing solutions rather than blaming past governments and opposition parties. His full statement reads:

“President Bola Tinubu’s broadcast this morning, intended to quell the fervor of public protests against his administration’s poor governance, utterly misses the mark. His speech neglects the pressing economic hardships that have besieged Nigerian families since the very beginning of his tenure.

This address lacks credibility and fails to offer any immediate, tangible solutions to the Nigerian people. Given the extensive publicity surrounding the protests and the threats issued by government officials against demonstrators, one would have expected President Tinubu to present groundbreaking reforms, particularly those aimed at reducing the exorbitant costs of governance.

But alas, no such announcements were made. The President ignored the protesters’ demands, such as suspending the purchase of aircraft for the President, downsizing his bloated cabinet, or even eliminating the costly and burdensome office of the First Lady, who has been indulging in extravagant trips at the nation’s expense.

In his lackluster recorded speech, President Tinubu offered a superficial account of his so-called reforms, revealing his own tenuous grasp of policy as he failed to convince his audience. While the President has spoken, it is unfortunate that his words lack substance and respect for the protesters’ sentiments, leaving Nigerians with little faith in his reform agenda – if one exists at all.

We urge the President and his team to own up to their failures over the past 14 months and abandon the absurd theory that the protests are orchestrated by the opposition. This administration has failed on all fronts, even in the simple task of keeping a presidential speech confidential.

Typically, presidential addresses are shared under embargo with media houses. However, the premature leak of this speech, allowing Nigerians to read along with the President in real-time, starkly illustrates the media and Nigerians’ dwindling confidence in this administration.

The opposition did not create the economic quagmire we find ourselves in; this disaster is solely the result of the Tinubu administration’s trial-and-error policies. It is high time they stopped the blame game and faced the reality of their failures.”

Atiku’s strong rebuke underscores the growing dissatisfaction with Tinubu’s leadership and the pressing need for effective governance solutions to address Nigeria’s economic challenges.