Call for Kyari’s Sack Generates More Controversy, Divides Reps

Members of the House of Representatives are in conflict over the proposed probe of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPCL) operations. On Saturday, a group of representatives placed adverts in three national dailies, urging the Joint Committee on Downstream and Mainstream to investigate the activities of NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari.

However, some of the 118 legislators mentioned in the adverts, led by Rep. Ibori-Suenu Erhiatake, Chairman of the House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission, denied consenting to the publication. They stressed that any call for Kyari’s resignation is premature and urged President Bola Tinubu to support initiatives to reposition the oil sector instead.

Among those distancing themselves from the publication were Rep. Sesoo Ikpaher, Rep. Tochukwu Okere, and Rep. Toyin Fayinka. Deputy Spokesperson Rep. Philip Agbese, who reportedly endorsed the publication, also denied giving his approval, stating he was observing prayers at the time.

The group called for a fair hearing in the probe and urged Tinubu to disregard calls for Kyari’s resignation. Efforts should focus on supporting the President’s initiatives for the oil sector, they said.

BREAKING: Tinubu to Address Nigerians on Sunday

President Bola Tinubu will address the nation in a broadcast on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at 7:00 am. This announcement was made by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, in a statement titled “President Tinubu to Address the Nation.”

Television, radio, and other electronic media outlets are urged to join the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) for the broadcast. The statement noted that the broadcast would be repeated on NTA and FRCN at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm on the same day.

Protests have continued in Lagos, Oyo, Abuja, and other states, with demonstrators calling for the reversal of the fuel subsidy removal and addressing the rising prices of goods and services. The #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest has faced issues with looting by hoodlums in Kano and other northern regions, with police working to recover stolen items.

Minister Urges Nigerians to Suspend Hunger Protest, Highlights Tinubu’s Achievements

The Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, has appealed to Nigerians to temporarily halt the ongoing #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests against hunger and economic challenges. The plea was issued through a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Lizzy Okoji, in Abuja on Saturday.

The nationwide protest, which started on August 1 and is set to end on August 10, was organized in response to the country’s current challenges. Audu urged citizens to recognize the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration as they consider suspending the protests.

Plateau Government and Senator Praise Peaceful Protesters

Jos – Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang and Senator Diket Plang, representing Plateau Central, have praised the peaceful conduct of protesters in Plateau State during the initial days of their 10-day demonstration against Nigeria’s economic conditions.

Governor Mutfwang’s administration, through a statement by Commissioner for Information and Communications Musa Ibrahim Ashoms, lauded the protesters for their discipline and respect for public property, highlighting a positive departure from the usual chaos often seen in demonstrations. The statement emphasized the significance of the protesters’ non-violent approach and their efforts to clean up the streets post-demonstration, reflecting a high level of civic consciousness.

Senator Plang, who chairs the Senate Committee on Labour, Employment, and Productivity, commended the leadership and members of the youth groups for their exemplary behavior. He praised the peaceful nature of the protests, which countered fears of potential violence, and acknowledged the professionalism of security agencies in maintaining order.

Both the Governor and Senator expressed gratitude to all stakeholders involved in fostering a climate of dialogue and peaceful protest. Their remarks also extended appreciation to security forces for their role in preventing unrest and to various community leaders for their support of the peaceful demonstrations.

Kwara State Partners with National Institute to Boost Women’s Economic Empowerment

Kwara State Government has teamed up with the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS) to advance women’s economic empowerment through a new partnership focused on development, research, and promotion.

During an advocacy visit to Kwara, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Afolashade Opeyemi Oluwakemi, and MINILS Director General, Comrade Issa Aremu, outlined the initiative’s goals. The project aims to adapt the National Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy (WEE) to Kwara State, fostering economic opportunities for women.

Represented by Hajia Biliqis Alaya, team lead of the Research, Development, and Project Center, Aremu emphasized that the policy, launched in December 2023, serves as a framework for guiding investments in women’s economic empowerment across Nigeria. He noted that several states have made significant progress in this area, with Kwara State now set to enhance its support for women’s development.

Aremu highlighted the policy’s focus on key sectors such as agriculture, education, entrepreneurship, technology, and financial inclusion. He urged the Commissioner to establish a committee involving ministry staff, relevant agencies, civil society, women’s groups, and community leaders to drive the initiative forward.

In response, Oluwakemi expressed the state government’s commitment to the project, praising Governor Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for his dedication to women’s development. She affirmed that the ministry would fulfill the necessary steps to implement the project, aiming to promote women’s inclusion and productive engagement.

Oluwakemi underscored the governor’s belief in empowering women as a means to strengthen the nation and expressed confidence that the partnership would yield positive outcomes for women in Kwara State.

Oyebanji Calls for End to Beliefs Hindering Exclusive Breastfeeding

Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, wife of Ekiti State Governor, has advocated for an end to traditional norms and beliefs that discourage exclusive breastfeeding. Speaking at the World Breastfeeding Week launch in Ado Ekiti, Oyebanji, represented by Senior Special Assistant on Community Advocacy, Dr. Eunice Fasanmi, emphasized that halting practices such as giving water to babies in their first month could significantly boost exclusive breastfeeding rates.

Despite efforts, Ekiti State is lagging in meeting global targets for exclusive breastfeeding, which aims for a 50% rate and 90% coverage to fully benefit from breastfeeding. Oyebanji highlighted that exclusive breastfeeding is crucial for sustainable development, nutrition, and reducing inequalities.

She noted that breastfeeding can prevent 13% of child deaths and morbidity if 90% of mothers exclusively breastfeed their infants for the first six months. However, only 38% of infants worldwide and 27.2% in Nigeria are exclusively breastfed. Oyebanji stressed the importance of breastfeeding as recommended by UNICEF and WHO, which includes providing only breast milk for the first six months.

The commissioner for health, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, pointed out that cultural norms, lack of support, and limited lactation services are barriers to breastfeeding in Ekiti State. Filani urged collaboration among stakeholders to address these issues and ensure optimal breastfeeding practices for better infant health.

AU Allocates $10.4 Million to Africa CDC for Mpox Response

The African Union’s Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) has earmarked $10.4 million from COVID-19 funds to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to combat the Mpox outbreak across the continent. This decision was announced on Saturday by the Africa CDC.

The Africa CDC, a key institution supporting African nations in health system strengthening and disease control, will use this funding to enhance efforts in several crucial areas. These include improving Mpox surveillance, increasing laboratory testing and genomic sequencing capabilities, bolstering data collection and analysis, and advancing case management and infection prevention strategies. The funding will also support risk communication, community engagement, and the distribution of vaccines, diagnostics, and supplies.

From January to July 2024, Africa has reported 15,074 Mpox cases (2,853 confirmed and 12,221 suspected) and 461 deaths, marking a significant rise from the previous year. The outbreak has affected 17 countries across all five African regions, highlighting the need for a coordinated regional and cross-border response.

Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, expressed appreciation for the PRC’s support, emphasizing its critical role in enhancing the continent’s capacity to tackle the Mpox outbreak. The funding will bolster ongoing efforts in collaboration with international partners, including WHO, UNICEF, and the World Bank.

Ambassador Mohamed Gad of Egypt, Chairperson of the PRC Subcommittee on Budget, stressed the importance of solidarity and collective action in strengthening health systems and responding effectively to public health emergencies across Africa.

Ogun State Denies Governor Abiodun Called #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Protesters “Sore Losers”

The Ogun State Government has dismissed claims that Governor Dapo Abiodun referred to #EndBadGovernance In Nigeria protesters as “sore losers.” The administration stated that the governor’s comments were directed at certain political opponents who, according to the government, were exploiting the protests for their own gain rather than addressing the concerns of ordinary Nigerians.

In a statement released on Saturday by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Kayode Akinmade, it was clarified that Governor Abiodun’s remarks, made during an interview with Channels TV, were focused on critics of President Bola Tinubu who are using the current unrest to undermine the government. The statement emphasized that Governor Abiodun respects Nigerian youths and their right to protest, and that his comments were misrepresented.

Akinmade reiterated that the governor values the contributions of Nigerian youths and has praised their peaceful conduct during the protests in Ogun State. The statement also condemned what it described as attempts to distort Abiodun’s words and to malign his reputation through orchestrated attacks.

The governor’s office asserted that the term “sore losers” was used to describe certain opposition figures, not the general populace participating in the protests, and criticized efforts to misinterpret his comments for political gain.

BREAKING: Protesters Block Governor Fubara’s Motorcade in Port Harcourt

On Saturday, Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s motorcade was halted by protesters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Demonstrators, calling for the governor’s resignation and direct engagement, took to the streets, demanding an end to poor governance.

The protest is part of a broader nationwide movement against rising living costs and hunger, which has been ongoing for three days. In Port Harcourt, protesters, equipped with green branches and fervent spirits, filled the streets in a display of solidarity for the #EndBadGovernance campaign, which began on August 1, 2024.

Protesters have gathered at Pleasure Park, pledging to remain until their demands are addressed. Similar demonstrations are also occurring in Lagos, Abuja, and other locations across Nigeria.

Live Updates: Hunger Protests Enter Day Three Across Nigeria

Today, August 3rd, 2024, marks the third day of nationwide protests in Nigeria as citizens take to the streets to protest against hunger and economic hardship. The protests, which began on August 1st, continue to sweep through major cities across the country.

On the second day of the protests, clashes between security agents and protesters were recorded in Agbor, Delta State, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. However, the protests remained peaceful in Lagos State, Oyo State, Rivers State, and a few other states.

Recent Developments:

  • Clashes and Arrests in Abuja: Reports have emerged of harassment and arrests of protesters in the FCT, Abuja. Former presidential aspirant and activist Omoyele Sowore confirmed via X that both the Nigeria Police Force and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have been harassing protesters at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja. Sowore also alleged that government-sponsored thugs might join in the attacks on activists.
  • Police Action: Some protesters who gathered outside the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja were arrested by the police. Although the stadium was approved for the protest, security operatives dispersed the demonstrators with tear gas for disobeying the directive to remain within the stadium.
  • Court Order: The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had earlier secured a court order restricting the protesters to the stadium. Despite this, protesters converged outside the stadium, leading to police intervention.

Peaceful Protests in Other States:

  • In Lagos State, Oyo State, Rivers State, and a few other states, the protests have continued on a peaceful note without significant incidents of violence or clashes with security forces.

Background:

The #EndBadGovernance protests, aimed at addressing hunger and economic hardship in Nigeria, have drawn widespread participation from citizens frustrated with the current state of affairs. The movement has seen support from various activists and public figures, including Omoyele Sowore.

Nigeria Times News will continue to provide live updates on the unfolding protests and any new developments.

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