Shun Protests, Embrace Investment Opportunities in the Tinubu Adminstration, RUN to Nigerian Youths

Rising-Up for a United Nigeria has called on Nigerian youths, especially those who are unemployed to shun the planned protest and focus on the improving their skill set using the entrepreneurial opportunities presented by the Tinubu adminstration.

The Convener of RUN, Ambassador Solomon Adodo who was guest on the Radio Nigeria Network news this morning maintained that, there is no need for any protests to take place as the President is already addressing the key issues identified as reasons for the protests.

He charged Nigerian youths not to be distracted from enjoying the many benefits and entrepreneurship opportunities the Tinubu adminstration has already unveiled through the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment as well as other interventions that can sustainably address the recurring issue of poverty and suffering in the land.

In a parley with journalists shortly after his network news appearance, Ambassador Solomon Adodo sustained his anti-protest stance, insisting that, “there is virtually no need for Nigerian youths to protest as Mr. President has already started addressing those germaine issues that could have justified a national protest.

“For the records, the opening of international borders for food importation and the distribution of grains from the national reserves were pragmatic steps by the current administration to tackle hunger and food inflation in the short term.

“The current administration has also launched the consumer credit scheme and many other such interventions to boost the purchasing power of Nigerians and give the the opportunity to improve their standard of living.

“With the speedy passage of the new minimum wage into law, no sane individual can question the sincerity of the current administration to address the challenges faced by Nigerians and the idea of a protest seems very absurd in the face of all these efforts by the government.

“Just yesterday at the Federal Executive Council meeting, the federal government also graciously approved the supply of crude oil to Dangote Refinery to be paid in naira to reduce the strain on foreign exchange. This is a big boost to our local refining capacity and a sure step towards achieving energy self-sufficiency and lower prices. The cries of the protest are being addressed. Therefore no true patriot woll be on the streets disrupting governance or business activities. A protest is different from a riot and what is being pushed for is a violent riot which the promoters hope will achieve a regime change”

Ambassador Solomon Adodo equally applauded the efforts of the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dame Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, MD, CFA for aligning her Ministry with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President and giving youths an opportunity for self employment and wealth creation.

“The Ministry of Trades and Investment has upheld its mandate of economic growth, job creation, access to capital, improved business environment, and poverty reduction under the current Minister. This is something that should cheer Nigerians up.

“The ministry is currently actively involved in negotiating Nigeria’s accession to the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), recognising its potential for export diversification, market access expansion, and increased foreign direct investment (FDI).

“Indeed, several of its initiatives target reforms in the commodity trading landscape, fostering better outcomes for farmers and miners, artisans and other professionals. The Ministry is also spearheading robust outreach programs, and is at the verge of establishing a National Job Centre among other efforts.

“One strategic initiative worth celebrating is the Skill-UP artisans programme (SUPA), designed to boost the productivity and earnings of artisans. The current administration is determined, through this programme, to provide training and certification to 10 million artisans, giving them the skills and credentials needed to compete in the global marketplace.

“In pursuit of the vision for a $1 trillion economy by the Tinubu adminstration, through the Ministry of Industry, Trades and Investment under the capable leadership of Dame Doris has been making frantic efforts to revamping the Diaspora Investment Initiative. Currently, Nigeria has about $30 billion in investment commitments from various investors, thanks to her efforts.

“Any group of persons who choose the cowardly enterprise of protests to de-market the current administration and make a caricature of the tireless efforts of Mr. President and competent Ministers like Dame Doris Nkiriuka Uzoka-Anite is not a patriot and should not be taken seriously. We must, therefore, distance ourselves from any self seeking politician and refuse to be misled by people who are clearly enemies of our progress as youths”.

Kano Group Vows Unwavering Support for Nationwide Protest, Ready for Extreme Measures

Kano – The Nigerian Patriotic Movement (NPFM), a coalition comprising working-class, civil society, community, academic, and pan-Nigerian groups, has announced their intent to stage a protest in Kano on August 1st, condemning alleged poor governance in Nigeria.

Comrade Anas Adamu, leader of the coalition, declared their commitment to the protest, stating, “We are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for future generations.” He continued, “We are ready to die… Our children are already suffering at home, some imprisoned for minor offenses, while the real criminals in government remain free. The system has criminalized our innocent youth.”

Adamu emphasized that the protest in Kano would be peaceful, aligning with the rights guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). He disclosed that the demonstration would take place in the city center near Gidan Murtala, confined to Kano’s Central Business District.

He urged citizens of Kano and Nigerians nationwide to participate in the protest to express their dissatisfaction with poor governance at all levels. Adamu also called for foreign entities to refrain from interfering in Nigeria’s domestic matters.

“Let us disregard those who profit from our collective suffering and seek to intimidate us into silence. If we do not speak out now, how will the government take us seriously? It is time to assert our rights as citizens and demand accountability from those in power,” Adamu asserted.

He hinted that the August 1 protest is merely the beginning. “This protest is just the first step. It will continue regardless of opposition from those in power.”

Adamu criticized the current administration for its neoliberal economic policies, which have led to increased petrol prices, Naira devaluation, high bank interest rates, rampant inflation, and widespread corruption. He also pointed out the disparity between the high cost of governance and the escalating hardship faced by ordinary citizens.

“The political class is treating governance as a profit-making venture, leaving us with no choice but to take a stand and support the August 1 protest against bad governance,” Adamu concluded.

Nigerian Track Star Favour Ofili Misses Olympic Race Due to AFN Error

Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili was unable to compete in the 100m race at the Paris Olympics due to a glaring oversight by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN). This unexpected development has caused widespread shock and dismay within Nigerian athletics.

Despite qualifying for the event, Ofili was disqualified because the AFN failed to register her. The talented athlete, who has trained intensively for this pivotal moment, expressed her frustration and disappointment on social media.

In a heartfelt post on her Twitter X account, she said, “It is with great regret that I have just been told I will not be competing in the 100 meters at this Olympic Games. I qualified, but those with the AFN and NOC failed to enter me. I have worked for 4 years to earn this opportunity. For what?”

She recalled a similar incident at the previous Olympic Games, where she was not allowed to compete due to the non-payment of testing fees by AFN, NADC, and NOC, which disqualified 14 Nigerian athletes.

Nigerians are outraged by this situation, questioning the competence of the AFN and demanding an apology for the costly mistake. The federation has faced criticism before for its handling of athlete concerns.

Ofili continued on her X account, stating, “If those responsible are NOT held accountable for taking this opportunity from me, neither organization can EVER be trusted in the future! The next one is the 200 meters, I HOPE I’M ENTERED.”

Still scheduled to run the 200 meters, Ofili hinted at a possible lawsuit against the AFN for the severe damage done to her career. This incident has undoubtedly clouded Nigeria’s Olympic prospects and raised serious concerns about the nation’s sports administration.

Ekiti Governor Urges Youth to Avoid Violence Ahead of Planned Protest

In a special state broadcast on Wednesday, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji called on Nigerians, particularly Ekiti residents, to resist manipulation by individuals aiming to incite chaos under the guise of advocating for public welfare.

This appeal comes ahead of a planned nationwide protest on August 1. Governor Oyebanji emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and order, reminding residents that Ekiti is still recovering from the devastating impact of the 2020 EndSARS protests.

Despite the upcoming protest, the governor reassured residents to continue their daily activities without fear, urging them to maintain peace. He stated that the state would not tolerate any form of obstruction, intimidation, or harassment under the guise of protests.

“On our part, we want to assure our citizens that we are more than resolved to protect our state and to ensure no breakdown of laws and orders. The security agencies will be on high alert and will not allow anybody to bloodstain our immaculate name as a peaceful and progressive state,” Oyebanji said.

The governor urged parents, guardians, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to appeal to the youths not to be swayed by those who wish to use them to cause violence, as protests can easily be hijacked by hoodlums. He highlighted that the Constitution guarantees citizens the right to freedom of expression, which includes peaceful protests without violent disturbances.

Oyebanji stressed that violence would be counterproductive, especially as the state works to reset the economy through various fiscal and monetary measures showing early signs of success. He warned against repeating the destruction experienced during the 2020 #EndSARS protest, which led to significant damage to private and government infrastructure.

“Till today, the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency’s store room and other government institutions remain in ruins because of the arson and looting that were visited on the State by retrogressive elements masquerading as protesters,” Oyebanji said. “Many of our silos which serve as national strategic reservoirs for food and seedlings were burnt, looted, and vandalised. Government is still struggling with replacing or repairing these infrastructures, even in the face of scarce resources.”

Nigeria Pursues $14.2m Electricity Debt from Four African Nations

The Nigerian government is considering regulatory measures to recover a significant debt of $14.2 million (approximately N21.3 billion) owed by four African countries for electricity supply.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has instructed the Electricity Market Operator (MO) to enforce market rules to facilitate debt recovery. This action comes as international customers have failed to settle their obligations despite repeated requests. The debt accumulated in the first quarter of 2024.

The MO, responsible for overseeing the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) market rules, ensures the efficient operation of the electricity market.

According to NERC’s Q1 2024 report, the commission is concerned about the non-payment for supplied energy by international customers, prompting measures to recover the debt through the MO.

The countries owing Nigeria are Niger Republic (NIGELEC), Benin Republic (Société Béninoise d’Energie Electrique – SBEE), and Togo (Togo Electric Energy Company – CEET).

The report noted, “None of the four international bilateral customers being supplied by Generation Companies (Gencos) in the NESI made payment against the cumulative invoice of $14.19 million issued by the MO for services rendered in 2024/Q1.

“As indicated in previous reports, the commission expects the MO to invoke market rules to address the payment indiscipline exhibited by local and international bilateral customers.”

While some international customers still owe Nigeria, two made payments totaling $5.96 million towards their outstanding invoices from previous quarters, representing a partial settlement of their debt backlog. Additionally, some local bilateral customers also made payments for their outstanding invoices.

The report highlighted that bilateral customers failed to make any payments towards the outstanding invoice of N1.86 billion for services provided in Q1 2024. However, the MO received a partial payment of N505.71 million from eight local bilateral customers, which was applied towards settling their pre-2024/Q1 debt obligations. No payments were made towards the current invoices for Q1 2024.

“The special customer (Ajaokuta Steel Co. Ltd and the host community) did not make any payment towards the N1.27 billion Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) and N0.09 billion (MO) invoices received in 2024/Q1.

“This continues a longstanding trend of non-payment by this customer and the commission has communicated the need for intervention on this issue to the relevant federal government authorities. A continuation of the non-payment may trigger total disconnection from the grid,” it added.

Protest: A Word To JIBWIS Leadership

I am tempted to write this open letter after listening to Sheikh Kabiru Gombe’s lecture titled ‘An fake da guzuma don a harbi karsana’ which he…

I am tempted to write this open letter after listening to Sheikh Kabiru Gombe’s lecture titled ‘An fake da guzuma don a harbi karsana’ which he delivered on July 27, 2024, at Umar Bin Khattab Mosque Abuja. For the records, Gombe is the Secretary-General of the JIBWIS, and he delivered the lecture at the organisation’s headquarters in the presence of the National Chairman, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau. Therefore, I am not wrong if I attribute Gombe’s words to the organisation’s stance.

I see it necessary, categorically, to state that I am a bonafide member of JIBWIS. I have been a member since childhood, and I don’t see myself quitting until death. My message should not be misconstrued as one born from hatred or disrespect. I decided to go public for two reasons: one, so the message will reach a more comprehensive network of the leadership, and two, because Gombe clearly stated that they accept constructive criticism, hence the reason they decided to overlook the insults some ignorant rained on them and accepted to go and see Mr President.

First, Sheikh Kabiru and especially Sheikh Bala Lau should be reminded that they are the face of the largest Sunnah organisation in sub-Saharan Africa. Their actions and inactions are not just personal choices; they should carry the weight of representing the voiceless. Second, Gombe sounded very angry yesterday. But while I frown at the despicable behaviour of some of our youth who chose to insult our respective scholars just because they harbour different opinions, I want him to remember that this is the price that comes with leadership. People are angry, and they don’t feel represented anymore.

Sheikh Kabiru, Sheikh Bala, the whole leadership of JIBWIS and even other Sunnah clerics who are not directly inclined to JIBWIS should understand that they have a bunch of enemies who always want to take advantage of their missteps. The reason they should tread with caution. What an ordinary cleric can do and have his way with it, a cleric of their calibre may have himself under serious scrutiny if he attempts it.

Therefore, I found Gombe’s anger at people who mischievously created fake bank alerts/receipts or those who shared their videos with politicians and mock or insult them unnecessary. People who don’t like them would always spread lies and false information against them. They, however, must not give room for that. They should watch their back.

In his one-hour lecture, Gombe kept citing examples of pastors and bishops flying private jets worldwide and living lavish lifestyles, yet their disciples respected and never questioned them. Well, it sounds logical. But sheikhs are not pastors. People look up to them. They cannot be romancing politicians, suddenly becoming super rich, and then, boom, stop telling the hard truth and still claiming sainthood or blaming those who no longer trust them. They give the room. Having a lot of money is not the problem, but not telling the bitter truth to power is.

Sheikh Kabiru also mentioned that the Atikus, Tambuwals, Kwankwasos and Sarakis all contributed to doing away with PDP/Jonathan in 2015; and asked why are people not pointing accusing finger at them, too? But what the sheikh missed is that all those he mentioned retracted their words and apologised since 2019 when it became obvious the change APC promised was a deception. But what about you? Even yesterday, you cursed Jonathan’s administration but spared the worst one, the Tinubu’s. Why?

Saturday’s lecture needed to clarify something. Remember, the bone of contention is why the sheikhs no longer descend heavily on President Bola Tinubu’s government as they did President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. What has changed? The killings or the extreme poverty? It is an open secret that sheikhs romance the government, so people lose hope in the sheikh’s ability to voice out their predicament.

I expected Gombe to inform us of the outcome of their meeting with President Tinubu, but not just “we told him”. That is not enough.

If sheikhs would come hard on the poor because some of them disrespected them on social media, I expect them to use the same pulpit to go hard on the leaders who subjected the poor to this extreme hardship. The plight of the poor is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. Everything needs to be fixed with Nigeria now, and all these diplomacy talks, and leniency won’t yield positive results. Both sheikhs felt disgusted that people accused the Muslim-Muslim ticket of neglect. Unfortunately, it is what it is. These people rode on a particular religious ticket, and the only good they could do for the religion was to market it by handling the poor with care.

In summary, instead of convincing President Tinubu to bring back our subsidy, he convinced you that he granted local government autonomy; he did this and that. Ultimately, he asked you to ask the poor to quench their thirst for the protest they plan. But then, what do you have for them? Hakuri, as usual? There is an urgent need to find a lasting solution to their predicament. Otherwise, they will settle for a peaceful demonstration as an alternative, regardless of whose ox is gored.

Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh Assassinated in Iran

Hamas’s top political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, has been assassinated in Iran. According to a statement from the Palestinian group, Haniyeh, who lived in exile, was killed following a “treacherous Zionist” attack on his residence.

The assassination has been condemned as a “cowardly act that will not go unpunished,” according to senior Hamas official Moussa Abu Marzouk, as reported by Hamas-run Al-Aqsa TV.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed Haniyeh’s death, which occurred just hours after he attended the swearing-in ceremony of Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani stated, “Haniyeh’s martyrdom in Tehran will strengthen the deep and unbreakable bond between Tehran, Palestine, and the resistance.”

This incident marks the second high-profile assassination attributed to Israel within a few hours. A previous strike in Beirut killed a senior Hezbollah commander, increasing concerns of escalating tensions and potential full-scale conflict in the region.

While Israel did not immediately comment on Haniyeh’s assassination, Israel’s Minister of Heritage, Amichay Eliyahu, praised the act, claiming it “makes the world a little better.” In a post on X, Eliyahu said, “No mercy for these mortals.”

Legendary Singer Onyeka Onwenu Passes Away After Performance in Lagos

Tragedy struck on Tuesday night as Nigeria’s legendary singer and songwriter, Onyeka Onwenu, passed away shortly after performing at a birthday party in Lagos. The music icon, affectionately known as the ‘Elegant Stallion,’ reportedly collapsed at a private function and was later pronounced dead at Reddington Hospital in Victoria Island, Lagos. Sources close to the family confirmed the shocking news to The Guardian.

Onwenu was attending the birthday celebration of Mrs. Stella Okoli, founder of Emzor Pharmaceuticals when she took to the stage to perform.

Eyewitnesses said she returned to her seat after her performance and suddenly slumped. Emergency services were immediately called, and she was rushed to the hospital, where she was later declared dead. The exact cause of death is yet to be confirmed.

A source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said, “It is very sad. Onyeka Onwenu had just performed at the birthday of Mrs. Stella Okoli of Emzor Pharmaceuticals this night, and after performing, she slumped. She was taken to Reddington Hospital but couldn’t make it.”

Onyeka Onwenu, born on May 31, 1952, had a career that spanned over four decades. She was not only a renowned singer and songwriter but also an actress, journalist, and politician. Onwenu’s music, which blended genres such as highlife, reggae, and pop, often addressed social and political issues.

Some of her most popular songs include “One Love,” “Iyogogo,” and “Ekwe.”

Kamala Harris Challenges Trump as White House Race Intensifies

US Vice President and 2024 Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris smiles as she takes the podium to speak at a campaign rally in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 30, 2024. (Photo by Elijah Nouvelage / AFP)

In her most vigorous campaign rally to date, Kamala Harris launched a sharp critique of Donald Trump on Tuesday, asserting that the dynamics of the presidential race are shifting in her favor and challenging the Republican candidate to a face-to-face debate.

Vice President Harris’s visit to Atlanta, Georgia, signals a renewed Democratic focus on the swing state, which seemed out of reach under President Joe Biden before his unexpected withdrawal from the 2024 race.

The presumptive Democratic nominee aims to expand the party’s battleground map and attract young Black voters, delivering a resolute 20-minute speech to about 10,000 supporters in a packed arena and promising that Americans “are not going back” to Trump’s “failed policies.”

“Now, the baton is in our hands,” Harris declared to enthusiastic applause. “We have a fight in front of us… And we are the underdogs in this race.”

Following Biden’s July 21 exit from the race, Harris’s presidential bid has gained momentum, with much of the party rallying behind her and her campaign raising an impressive $200 million.

“The momentum in this race is shifting, and there are signs that Donald Trump is feeling it,” she said.

Trump recently announced he would break with political tradition and not debate Harris, while also attacking her with insults, calling her “crazy” and a “bum.”

“Well Donald, I do hope you’ll reconsider meeting me on the debate stage, because as the saying goes, if you’ve got something to say, say it to my face,” Harris responded, to loud cheers from the crowd.

Harris also highlighted her experience as a former prosecutor and California attorney general, claiming she knows “Donald Trump’s type” and is ready to confront him.

“In this campaign, I will proudly put my record against his any day of the week,” she said.

With just 98 days before the election, Harris is under pressure to announce her vice presidential pick. When asked on Tuesday, she said she had not yet made a decision.

Former President Barack Obama has endorsed Harris, and the search for her running mate is nearing its conclusion. Harris’s team announced plans to campaign next week in key battleground states including Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada.

As the White House race heats up, Harris unveiled her first television ad since replacing Biden, while Trump’s campaign released an ad attacking her on immigration.

Harris dismissed Trump’s attacks, emphasizing that while the Biden administration worked on critical border legislation with conservatives, Trump sabotaged it for political gain.

“Donald Trump does not care about border security,” she said. “He only cares about himself.”

Harris outlined her key economic goals, such as expanding affordable health care and addressing rising consumer costs. She also criticized Trump’s “extreme abortion bans,” referencing restrictive laws enacted in several states since the Supreme Court, with three Trump-nominated justices, removed constitutional protections for abortion.

Harris declared Georgia essential to winning the White House. In response, Trump and his running mate J.D. Vance announced a rally in Atlanta on Saturday.

“Kamala Harris and her complicit cronies have made the great people of Georgia pay a hefty price for their woke policies,” the Trump campaign stated.

Harris inherited a challenging electoral map from Biden, initially focusing on Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. Now, Democrats are reconsidering their chances in other states like Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada, which they narrowly won in 2020.

Trump’s running mate, J.D. Vance, labeled Harris as “dangerously liberal” during a rally in Henderson, Nevada, while Trump campaigns in Pennsylvania on Wednesday.

Adding star power for younger voters, hip-hop artist Megan Thee Stallion performed before Harris took the stage in Atlanta.

Global Conflicts and Economic Challenges Demand Resilience, Not Protests – Governor Otu

Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Edet Otu, has urged Nigerians to refrain from protesting, attributing the current hardships to the Palestine-Israel and Russia-Ukraine conflicts, alongside the global recession.

Governor Otu emphasized that the government is actively working to mitigate the effects of these challenges. He acknowledged the constitutional right to protest but encouraged dialogue and peace, warning against a repeat of the Endsars protests.

In a statement on his X handle, Governor Otu called for unity and support from Nigerians to overcome the current economic difficulties.

“Unfortunately, this administration took office amid a rising recession, necessitating extreme measures to counter its impact. The high expectations from the electorate, media-induced anxiety, and political intolerance have exacerbated the situation. The global recession, combined with the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing international conflicts, has driven inflation worldwide, affecting Nigeria and our state as well,” Otu stated.

The governor highlighted various social support measures implemented by his administration to alleviate the hardships faced by Cross River State residents. He assured that all palliatives would be distributed without delay or withholding.

“Under my leadership, we have responded with responsibility, kindness, and compassion, providing immediate relief and long-term support. I have ensured the prompt distribution of palliative items to our state. No package meant for Cross Riverians will be delayed or denied,” he added.

Governor Otu stressed the importance of peaceful protests while cautioning against the potential consequences of unrest. He urged citizens to focus on recovery and resilience.

“While peaceful protests are a constitutional right, we must learn from the Endsars experience. Let us channel our patriotic goodwill into recovery efforts. Many nations have faced economic calamities; let us not bury our heads in the sand but rise to the challenge. We must rebuild and march towards success, demonstrating our love for our country by working together to achieve a brighter future.”

Governor Otu concluded with a call for unity and determination, emphasizing the need to honor the efforts of past heroes and secure a prosperous future for the next generation.