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Tag: #ENDHUNGERPROTESTS

  • FG Unveils 180-Day Emergency Plan to Tackle Rising Food Prices

    FG Unveils 180-Day Emergency Plan to Tackle Rising Food Prices

    In a bid to address the escalating food prices in Nigeria, the Federal Government has rolled out a series of immediate measures aimed at stabilizing the cost of food commodities across the country.

    The announcement was made by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, who outlined the government’s strategy on his official X account.

    A key aspect of the plan is the introduction of a 150-day duty-free import window for critical food commodities, including maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas.

    This initiative will suspend tariffs, duties, and taxes on these imports, easing the cost burden on both consumers and traders.

    Kyari emphasized that the government is committed to tackling high food prices over the next 180 days through a combination of importation and local production strategies.

    As part of the plan, 250,000 metric tons of both wheat and maize will be imported, with these goods to be distributed to small-scale processors and millers to boost local supply.

    To ensure affordability, the minister confirmed that the imported food will be subject to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP), aiming to prevent price gouging.

    Kyari reassured the public that despite concerns over the quality of imported goods, stringent quality controls will be maintained to guarantee food safety.

    In addition to these immediate actions, the government plans to ramp up local agricultural production by strengthening support for smallholder farmers.

    The ongoing wet season farming will be bolstered through existing government initiatives, and efforts will be made to accelerate dry-season farming.

    The government will also prioritize agricultural mechanization to reduce production costs and increase overall productivity.

    Kyari further mentioned the government’s engagement with relevant stakeholders to set a Guaranteed Minimum Price (GMP) for surplus food commodities and replenish the National Strategic Food Reserve.

    This comprehensive approach seeks to stabilize food prices, support farmers, and enhance the nation’s agricultural capacity in the coming months.

  • Police Dismiss Allegations of Misconduct in August Protests  

    Police Dismiss Allegations of Misconduct in August Protests  

    The Nigeria Police Force has denied accusations by Amnesty International claiming the use of excessive force and illegal arrests during the #EndBadGovernance protests in August 2024. 

    According to a statement from the Force, these claims are inaccurate and contradict reports submitted by police commands involved in managing the protests.  

    The police maintained that officers followed strict guidelines throughout the demonstrations, ensuring the safety of peaceful protesters while addressing violent situations with specialized units.

     The Inspector-General of Police had instructed officers to avoid using arms unless protests escalated into violent riots threatening lives or property.  

    READ ALSO: Full List: Amnesty International Identifies 24 Protesters Killed During August Protest

    Officials also clarified that arrests were focused on individuals engaged in criminal acts such as vandalism, looting, and arson. 

    The Force emphasized that detainees were treated lawfully, and no protester fatalities were caused by police actions.  

    In a reconciliatory move, the Federal Government has pardoned those arrested during the protests, furthering efforts to foster national unity.

  • #ENDBADGOVERNANCE: FG rearraigns 10 protesters, amends charges

    #ENDBADGOVERNANCE: FG rearraigns 10 protesters, amends charges

    The Nigerian government on Friday re-arraigned 10 young Nigerians arrested in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto and Gombe in connection with #EndBadGovernance.

    The rearraignment follows the decision to amend the charge bordering on treasonable felony.

     

    The re-arraignment was at the instance of an application by the Prosecution Counsel, Mr. Simon Lough to add Daniel Akande to the 1-8 count charge bordering on treasonable felony.

     

     

    Recall that 10 protesters were on September 2, arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite when they pleaded not guilty to the six counts charge earlier brought against them.

     

    They were also admitted to bail with stringent conditions with N10million each and one surety in like sum on September 11.

     

    The amended charge has now included Daniel Akande who is a member of the Solidarity Network for Workers’ Rights as 11th defendant in the case.

    Daniel was arrested in Abuja during a church service on September 1.

     

    The defendants pleaded not guilty to the eight counts charge when it was read to them.

     

    The case which was initially slated for trial could not go on as scheduled as defendants were made to take their plea alongside Daniel Akande, the 11th defendant.

     

    Earlier, counsel to the 1st and 2nd defendants, Abubakar Marshal said the amendment of the charge by the prosecution was not in line with section 216 of Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) .

    He argued that the prosecution could not unilaterally amend the charge without the leave and permission of the court.

     

    He also told the court that prosecution had not served the parties with the proof of evidence which the defendants would rely on.

     

    He said in the cause of previous proceedings, they did apply and emphasise the need for the prosecution to furnish them with the proof of evidence to enable the defendants to prepare for their trial.

     

    Marshal insisted that the prosecution must furnish them with the list of every witness they intend to rely on.

     

    “The written testimonies of all witnesses including the police and all the documents must be provided.

    Any procedure contrary to this invalidates the entire procedure,” Marshal argued.

     

    Marshal also hinted on the application pending before the court seeking variation of bail for 3rd, 4th and 10th defendants respectively in line with section 396 of Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA ).

     

    He said they had been able to perfect the bail conditions for seven out of 10 just as he prayed the court to vary the terms for the remaining three defendants in the interest of justice.

     

    Meanwhile counsel to the 4th defendant, Anthony Itedjere while objecting to the amended charge said 11 people were listed as defendants but each of the 1-8 count has 14 persons named who are supposed to take plea to these count.

     

    “As of this morning, the 12-14 persons name on count 1-8 has not been served and also not in the court. So this amended charge should be struck out.”

     

    He also aligned himself to the argument made by Marshal that the prosecution must fulfill and comply with section 216 and seek the leave of the court adding that the amended charge could not stand on nothing.

     

    The judge, after listening to the arguments of the parties involved in the case granted the prosecution the leave just as he urged the defence counsels to raise their objections if there are any defects at the appropriate time.

     

    Counsel to the 11th defendant, Deji Adeyanju prayed the court to admit his client, 11th defendant, to bail on liberal terms.

     

    The judge also agreed to the application and admitted Daniel Akande to N10million bail with one surety in like sum.

     

    The court also held that the defendant must submit his International Passport to the court.

     

    The surety must swear an affidavit of means and must reside within the jurisdiction of the court.

     

    He also granted the prayers of all the defence counsel and ordered that the defendants continue in the existing bail conditions.

     

    He adjourned to October 4 for ruling on variation of bail application for 3rd, 4th and 10th defendants and trial to November 11 respectively.