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Category: Governance

  • Banks, others shut as hunger protest holds

    Banks, others shut as hunger protest holds

    Banks and other financial institutions in the country will be closed on Thursday, August 1, 2024, as the planned hunger strike begins across the country.

     

    While none of the banks outrightly announced a closure, chats with different employees of the banks indicated that they have been advised not to report for work on Thursday as the banks monitor the protest.

     

    A banker who spoke with The PUNCH said, “You saw what happened during previous protests, banks were targets. We don’t want a repeat of a similar experience, hence we have been advised to monitor the situation first and then we know where to go from there.”

     

    Another banker based in Lagos simply said, “I’m not going to work tomorrow,” when asked.

     

    However, another banker said they were not advised either way, just told to exercise caution during their commute.

     

    A Pension Fund Administrator, Leadway Pensure, in a mail to their customers on Wednesday titled ‘Business Continuity Amid Planned Protest’ said, “Due to the planned nationwide protest starting August 1, 2024, please be informed that all our office will be closed on Thursday, August 1, 2024, and Friday, August 2, 2024, at the first instance as we monitor the situation.”

     

    The PFA went on to urge its customers to adopt its digital channels for their transactions.

     

    Asset Management firm, Meristem Securities Limited, also issued a notice of closure to its customers on Wednesday.

     

    “Dear esteemed client. Due to the upcoming nationwide protest tomorrow, this is to inform you that all our offices in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja will be closed on Thursday, 1st June 2024. We will closely monitor the situation and provide further communication, depending on the developments of the protest.”

     

    Their customers were advised to reach them via their online channels.

     

    Speaking with The PUNCH in an exclusive interview, the President of the National Union of Banks, Insurance, and Financial Institutions Employees, Anthony Abakpa, said, “Banks will monitor the National planned protest closely and see how it plays out. The regulatory body has not given express approval to close any of the bank operations amid the protest.

     

    “Banks cannot close shop without the express approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria. We will monitor closely while we have advised our members to exercise extra caution and be alert to stay safe during and after.”

     

  • Why I Don’t Support Hardship Protest – Sunday Igboho

    Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has kicked against the nationwide protests planned for August 1 over the hardship in the country.
    Igboho in a statement issued late last night, said: “I, Chief Sunday Igboho, am issuing this press release in response to the planned protests by some unknown and faceless individuals, who are working to disintegrate the country.
    ‘’Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assumed office on May 29, 2023, he has implemented revolutionary policies, which his predecessors lacked the political will to pursue.
    ‘’These bold steps have, unsurprisingly, unsettled those who believe it is their birth right to rule Nigeria. And in response, there have been attempts to undermine his administration, particularly on social media, with the aim of creating discord between the government and the people.
    ‘’Recently, we have become aware of notices from unknown individuals threatening ’10 days of rage’, beginning August 1, 2024, under the slogan ‘Tinubu Must Go!’
    ‘’While the right to peaceful protest is enshrined in our constitution, it does not extend to calls for an unconstitutional regime change. It is worth noting that during President Buhari’s eight-year tenure, there were no such protests for regime change from the Southwest, even when our people faced oppression and atrocities by Fulani terrorists.
    ‘’Our protests were focused on protecting our communities, not on destabilizing the country.
    The Yoruba Nation Movement and I firmly declare that we will not participate in any protest aimed at using the Southwest as a battleground for political upheaval.
    ‘’We stand resolute in our belief that the Yoruba nation will not be a launchpad for disintegrating Nigeria. We recognize that economic hardship is a global phenomenon, not unique to Nigeria.
    ‘’Since my release from the unjust detention orchestrated by former President Buhari and his then attorney general of federation, Abubakar Malami, I have traveled extensively across Europe, the Middle East, West Africa, and North America.
    ‘’Everywhere, people are facing challenges, and governments are implementing palliatives to alleviate these hardships. In Nigeria, PBAT’s government has introduced measures to reduce food prices and increased the minimum wage from ¦ 30,000 to ¦ 70,000, demonstrating a commitment to improving the lives of the working populace.
    ‘’Let us be clear: the protest is politically motivated. We call on all Yoruba people and well-meaning Nigerians to reject this movement. The Yoruba Nation unequivocally opposes any such protests.
    ‘’Like President Buhari, President Tinubu must be allowed to complete his term in office. The path to change lies in democratic processes—through the ballot box or a referendum. Those who seek change must wait until the next elections in 2027.
    ‘’We urge our members and the broader community to resist any temptation to participate in these protests, as they do not serve the interests of the Yoruba people or the nation as a whole.
    ‘’We also issue a strong and unequivocal warning that we will firmly resist any individuals or groups attempting to instigate violence under the guise of these protests. They are strictly warned to stay off the streets across Yorubaland on the designated protest days and in the future. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.’’
  • How Thousands Of Dollars Are Flown Out Of Nigeria Every Hour – INTERPOL

    How Thousands Of Dollars Are Flown Out Of Nigeria Every Hour – INTERPOL

    Massive looting of the Nigerian national treasury continues unabated as the International Police Organisation (INTERPOL) has revealed that “hundreds of thousands of dollars” are being laundered out of Nigeria every hour, reaching other African countries and locations worldwide.
    INTERPOL Vice President for Africa, Garba Baba Umar, made this disclosure at the EFCC Academy in Abuja while inaugurating a four-day workshop for Nigerian law enforcement agencies.
    He emphasized the monstrous scale of money laundering across Africa and the globe, calling for enhanced collaboration among security agencies to combat the menace.
    To tackle the scourge of money laundering and illicit financial flows, Umar announced the launch of “Silver Notices Against Money Laundering.”
    This initiative aims to make it significantly more challenging for criminals to launder illicit funds worldwide, especially within Africa.
    “Evidence has shown that every hour, hundreds of thousands of dollars are flowing out of Nigeria to the region and across the world, laundered before it reaches the pockets of criminals to enjoy the profits of their crimes, while the hardworking and honest Nigerians pay the price of crime,” Umar stated.
    The workshop, themed “Strengthening Capacity and Coordination against Financial Crimes,” aims to reassess current strategies and reaffirm the commitment to providing security.
    Umar stressed the importance of regular training for law enforcement to stay ahead of transnational financial crimes.
    The Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, represented by Francis Usani, Director of Fraud Risk Assessment and Control, highlighted the necessity of collaboration in fighting corruption.
    Olukoyede emphasized that the complex nature of global corruption can only be addressed through the collective efforts of all stakeholders.
    Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Kazuyoshi Matsunaga, praised the workshop as a crucial joint initiative between Japan and Nigeria to combat financial crimes.
    He stressed the importance of international cooperation in addressing financial crimes that transcend borders.
    The Director-General of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Hafsat Bakare, underscored the significance of financial intelligence and analysis techniques in tackling economic crimes.
    She noted the interconnected nature of the criminal justice system and the threats posed by organized cybercrimes.
  • Planned Protest: FG Issues Safety Directive To Universities

    Planned Protest: FG Issues Safety Directive To Universities

    The Federal Ministry of Education has directed all Vice Chancellors of Nigerian universities to ensure the safety of staff, students, and public infrastructure amid the planned national protest scheduled for August 1.

    In a circular released through the National Universities Commission (NUC), signed by the Acting Executive Secretary, Dr Chris Maiyaki, the ministry acknowledged the right of citizens to protest but expressed concerns about potential violence.

    The circular, issued on Monday morning, urged university authorities to take proactive measures to secure their campuses.

    The circular is titled: “Urgent Arrangements for the Security and Safety of University Staff, Students and Property During the Proposed Nationwide Protests”, emanated from the directive of the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman

    It reads, “The Minister of Education has directed that the attention of Vice-Chancellors of all Nigerian Universities be formally drawn to the plan by unknown groups to embark on nationwide protests. The Federal Government is not unaware of the right of any Nigerian to peaceful protest, but is concerned about the safety of staff, students and university property should there be any protest action.

    “Consequently, the Honourable Minister has directed that Vice-Chancellors of all Nigerian Universities should take proactive steps to ensure the security and safety of the university community, including staff and students.

    “In addition, Vice-Chancellors are to please issue specific statements to assure staff and students of their safety.

    “It is also advisable that students remain on campus to focus on their academic pursuits so as to avoid exposure to any potential danger during the planned protests.

    “Please accept the renewed assurances of my highest considerations and best wishes”.

  • Protest: Police Withdraw Personnel Assigned Private Duties

    Protest: Police Withdraw Personnel Assigned Private Duties

    By Doris Isreal Ijeoma

    As days of nationwide hunger protests, slated to take off in August, draw near; Nigeria Police have notified public officers that private security personnel assigned to them would be withdrawn.

    Nigeria Police said the withdrawal was necessary due to the urgent nature of the nationwide protest. 

    Police added that the personnel assigned would be needed to augment the capacity and capability of police personnel needed for the nationwide protest.

    The memo from the Commanding Officer – No2 Squadron, Police Mobile Force, Nigeria Police, Keffi Street, Lagos – was published by former chairman of Nationa Human Rights Commission, Professor Chidi Odinkalu.

    Signed by CSP Okon Moses – Second in Command, No2 Squadron, Police Mobile Force, Keffi Street, Lagos; the memo titled “Notification of temporary withdrawal of personnel for national assignment” said sufficient officers are needed to dominate the public space ahead of and during the protest.

    It read: “In view of the planned nationwide protest, it becomes imperative to temporarily withdraw some of the personnel attached to you in order to muster sufficient officers to dominate the public space.

    “This is part of the proactive necessary measures to enhance the operational capacity and capability of the squadron and your understanding in the above regard is highly solicited.

    “Accept as usual the assurances of the esteemed regards of the Commanding Officer, Please.”

  • Bomb explosion rocks Yobe market

    Bomb explosion rocks Yobe market

    An explosion, suspected to be caused by a planted Improvised Explosive Device, has occurred at the popular Buni Yadi market in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.

    Channels Television reported that a resident of Buni, Ali Hassan said that the incident happened at around 12.30pm on Friday, injuring a girl.

    The name of the girl and her current state of health has yet to be known

    The spokesman of the Sector 2 Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Muhammad Shehu also confirmed the incident, saying another IED planted in the market was discovered and successfully defused by the Army.

    He further explained the only victim of the explosion, is currently receiving treatment at one of the health facilities in Buni Yadi.

    He stressed the incident was a planted IED and not a suicide bombing incident.

    Buni Yadi, located 54 kilometres from Damaturu, the state capital, was the most severely affected local government area in Yobe State during the two years it was under Boko Haram insurgent control.

  • Mass trial: Court convicts 125 Boko Haram terrorists, financiers

    Mass trial: Court convicts 125 Boko Haram terrorists, financiers

    By Vivian Michael

    The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), in conjunction with the Office of the National Security Adviser, have convicted no fewer than 125 Boko Haram terrorists and financiers.

    In the resumed mass trial held over two days in Kainji, Niger State, they were convicted of charges bordering on terrorism, terrorism financing, rendering material support, and cases relating to International Criminal Court (ICC) criminality.

    This was contained in a statement released by Kamarudeen Ogundele,
    S A to the President on Communication & Publicity,
    Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

    The trials held under Giwa Project Kanji Phase Five were before five Federal High Court judges led by Justice Binta Nyako.

    Others are Justices Joyce Abdulmalik, Emeka Nwite, Obiora Egwuatu, and Mobolaji Olajuwon.

    The prosecution team was led by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Babadoko Abubakar, while the defence team was led by Mr Abdulfatai Bakre from the Legal Aids Council.

    Others in attendance as international observers are the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) etc. Waaaa

    The courts convicted 85 persons for terrorism financing, 22 for ICC related crimes, while others were convicted for terrorism and were sentenced to various jail terms.

    It is also noteworthy that 400 defendants who have completed their sentence have also been moved to Operation Safe Corridor in Gombe State for rehabilitation, deradicalisation, and subsequent reintegration.

  • BREAKING:INEC can handle local government elections, says chairman Yakubu

    By Doris Isreal Ijeoma

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared it can comfortably handle the conduct of local government elections if the responsibility falls on it.

    The chairman of the commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu said this on Thursday, July 25, when he appeared before the joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on preparations for the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States.

    He said INEC has the capacity to handle the local government elections but that would only be possible pending when the law is amended to permit it to do so.

    He pointed out that the Commission had been conducting area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory which has been devoid of the problems associated with the conduct of local government elections.

    He pointed out some advantages of INEC handling elections to include that there are regular elections as when due, stability of tenure, and also that there has never been a caretaker committee in the FCT.

    He noted that there has never been a time one political party has won all the seats at the elections as is common in the states.

    He said if INEC handles the election, it would be better for democracy.

    He, however, said this can only happen if the constitution is amended to take the responsibility from state electoral commissions.

  • Unlawful detention will no longer be tolerated, AGF warns security agents

    Unlawful detention will no longer be tolerated, AGF warns security agents

    By Vivian Michael

    The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice(AGF) Prince Lateef Fagbemi, Thursday, warned security agents against detaining suspects beyond the time allowed by law.

    The Minister reiterated that security agents to always abide by provisions of Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution in relation to rights of suspects in their custody.

    Speaking at the yearly lecture of the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), the AGF warned that any security agents found detaining suspects beyond the constitutionally allowed period would be severely sanctioned.

    His lecture revolved around ‘Governance, Security, and Human Rights’, which he claimed to be momentous as it addresses some of the most pressing issues facing the country today.

    He said that law enforcement agents must do due their diligence before arresting anyone, adding that situations where people are languishing in detention cells beyond the time allowed under the Constitution or by order of the courts will no longer be tolerated.

    The AGF warned that appropriate sanctions will be meted out to those found guilty of unlawful detention.

    According to him, the government of President Bola Tinubu will not condone any reprehensible action and as the Chief Law Officer of the country, he will ensure no one tramples on the rights of another person.

    The minister said, “I wish to remind our law enforcement agents that they must respect the laws of the land and not keep people in detention beyond a reasonable time as stipulated in Section 35 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.

    “Law enforcement agents must do due their diligence before arresting anyone. Situations where people are languishing in detention cells beyond the time allowed under the constitution or by order of the courts, will no longer be tolerated and appropriate sanctions shall be meted out to those found guilty of contravening the laws of the land.

    “The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not condone any reprehensible action and as the chief law officer of this country, I will ensure no one tramples on the rights of another person.

    “The collaboration of HURIWA in this endeavor cannot be overstated. Your tireless advocacy, and public education are vital to the advancement of human rights in Nigeria.

    “As we commemorate this 17th lecture series, let us renew our commitment to working together for a Nigeria where good governance, security, and human rights coexist harmoniously.”

    Concluding, he advised to create a society where every Nigerian can live free from fear and oppression, where their rights are respected, and where justice prevails.

  • BREAKING: SGF, NSA, ministers in emergency meeting over planned nationwide protest

    BREAKING: SGF, NSA, ministers in emergency meeting over planned nationwide protest

    By Doris Isreal Ijeoma

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, George Akume, is currently meeting with ministers over the planned nationwide protest against economic hardship.

    The meeting, which is taking place behind closed doors, has all the over 40 ministers in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet in attendance.

    Some of the Ministers spotted are Nyesom Wike (FCT), Yusuf Tuggar (Foreign Affairs), Zephaniah Jisalo (Special Duties), Tahir Mamman (Education), and Abubakar Bagudu (Budget and Planning).

    Others are Wale Edun (Finance), Mohammed Idris (Information), Bello Matawalle (Defence), David Umahi (Works), and the National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, amongst others.

    Recall that the President had earlier on Tuesday pleaded with Nigerians to shelve the #EndBadGovernance protest slated to commence on August 1.

    The protest against economic hardship, organized by faceless persons, has gained traction on social media and is scheduled to hold across the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.