Politics

Protesters march on Nigerian parliament after army threatens to step in

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LAGOS/ABUJA (Reuters) – Hundreds of protesters marched to the gates of Nigeria’s parliament on Thursday, hours after the army said it was ready to step in and restore order after more than a week of demonstrations against police brutality.

The protest defied a ban on mass rallies in the capital Abuja that the government said was imposed earlier on Thursday to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Chanting crowds also blocked roads and waved flags and banners in the commercial hub Lagos, where protesters reported clashing with unidentified men wielding weapons.

Video on social media appeared to show men coming out of a bus and chasing protesters, though Reuters could not verify the footage.

“We have suffered enough. We youths want to stand – no more brutality,” one demonstrator, Obinna Paul, said in another part of the city where crowds blocked a toll gate funnelling traffic to and from the main airport.

Lagos state governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said on Twitter he condemned the attacks on peaceful protesters “by armed and unscrupulous elements trying to cause chaos”.

Late on Wednesday, the military issued a statement titled “Nigerian Army warns subversive elements and trouble makers”.

“The NA (Nigerian Army) is ready to fully support the civil authority in whatever capacity to maintain law and order and deal with any situation decisively,” it said.

Protesters have staged daily marches since Wednesday last week, calling for an overhaul of police forces.

Police had responded to the demonstrations with beatings, tear gas and gunfire, which human rights group Amnesty International said had killed at least 10 people. But the police agreed on Tuesday to stop using force against protesters.

In response to the protests, the head of Nigeria’s police force on Sunday dissolved the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a unit that demonstrators have accused of beatings, killings and extortion.

Demonstrators have called for more meaningful reforms. Protesters say they fear a new unit, whose creation to “fill the gaps” left by SARS was announced on Tuesday, was just a rebranding of the squad.

Politics

FG accuses ASUU of being responsible for #EndSARS protests, civil unrest

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The Federal Government on Thursday accused the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) of being responsible for the on-going #EndSARS protest and other civil unrest across the country, saying that its prolong industrial action has largely encouraged the protest and unrest.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, made the allegation against the university lecturers while speaking at the conciliatory meeting between the Federal Government and ASUU in Abuja.

The Labour minister as the head of Federal Government delegation, led the meeting, while ASUU President, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, led the Union delegation.

Ngige believes that if ASUU has not been on strike and the university students are currently in schools, the widespread protest wouldn’t have been possible.

Notwithstanding, the minister pointed out that the government was working tirelessly to ensure that the matter is resolve for students to return to school.

On the University Transparency and Accountability System(UTAS), which is the alternative provided by the union after rejecting the government’s IPPIS, Ngige explained that government has done the first test out of the three to be done on the platform.

He stated that ASUU has presented UTAS platform against the use of Integrated Personal and Payroll System (IPPIS) which has being the caused of the industrial action.

According to the minister: “For the past one week, we have all been on our toes, we have been meeting and we pray that this meeting will yield some good fruits. We don’t take very great pleasure to the fact that the children who are supposed to be in school are being recruited into the #EndSARS, #EndStrike, #EndSWAT and all the kind of situations. As much as possible, we will try to see how we can meet ourselves halfway, so that we can resolve this crisis to the benefits of all and the country at large.”

Ngige pointed out that the government has commenced the process of testing UTAS which ASUU members claimed it accommodates the peculiarities of the university systems, adding that all the three stages of the test will be concluded within the time frame the union gave the government.

He said: “We have had the preliminary report and test run on the UTAS, which is the University Transparency Accountability Solution. We believe that with that, we will be able to get it right.

“Let me make it clear to members of the press, we never said UTAS will replace IPPIS as some of you are reporting. No! The UTAS developed by them is for the university systems and they feel that it captures the peculiarities that are configured to accommodate all the peculiarities of the university systems especially as it affects the Professors and other teaching staff, and even the non-academic staff. That is the situation.

“We, as government feel we are going to put it up for tests – three stages of test. We have done the first stage of test which is within the timeline of six months that ASUU promised. We are going to do other integrity test, Alpha test, Beta test and the one they call roll-over and other whatever test. It is the technologists that know all those tests. But this is the round we are going on now.”

Politics

INEC announces date for 2023 presidential election

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced when the 2023 presidential election will hold.

The date is February 18, 2023.

INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, made the disclosure on Thursday.

He spoke at the inauguration of the Ad hoc Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution.

Yakubu told House of Representatives members that they are about 855 days left for the next general elections.

Politics

What exactly do we produce aside ankara fabric?

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The present director general of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye stated that only 30% of medicines are produced in Nigeria while the remaining 70% are imported. Apparently, the statistic of drugs produced in the country is outrageously low. In my own view, I would say that this has been one of the major setbacks for pharmacists in the country and a reason why a youth like me will rather opt to study medicine.

Director General of NAFDAC

Pharmacists, Virologists, Botanists, Biochemists, Chemists, Microbiologists and other related disciplines are needed around the world during a crucial period (pandemic) like this. However , in Nigeria, you see a Biochemist working in the bank as a cashier or in an organization as a personal assistant. Disciplines such as these do not just exist for people to be educated…more than that, it is because they have a purpose to proffer solutions which will make this space, “the earth” , a safe habitat for humans.

Who isn’t relevant? Which discipline isn’t relevant? Now we can see the lapses and downside of not maximizing the potentials of these professionals in Nigeria. Madagascar produced an herbal concoction to fight coronavirus with the support of its government. A similar kind of herbal concoction that Nigerian herbal practitioners produce in their homes to save cost. This calls for attention, how long do we wait before the government begin to explore the talents and brains displayed by its people?

Even a regulatory body like NAFDAC will take forever to approve a medicine or processed food. I must admit that at the moment, setting up a food processing company isn’t an option for me…perhaps, in future. At the moment, I will rather farm and sell the proceeds. Why do I say this? It feels like everything in Nigeria is politicised and being an employee isn’t as difficult as being an entrepreneur. As an entrepreneur you try to set things up but what about the policies? Are there policies which will make entrepreneurs to thrive in their businesses and not create major setbacks?

The director general also stated that capital punishment will be the penalty for people who produce fake drugs. Of course over the years, the agency “NAFDAC” battled with this, even up till now. What about producing items without an approved NAFDAC number? That’s also an offence according to the rules laid down by NAFDAC but what do we see? We see so many entrepreneurs setting up businesses and not getting their commodities approved by NAFDAC when it is required. However desperation and survival reasons are given by entrepreneurs who take this risk.

If it is quite affordable to get a NAFDAC approval in the monetary aspect aside other requirements , I can bet that more people will venture into production. This will in turn drastically reduce the rate at which drugs are imported into the country. If the government doesn’t embrace and support local production, who will? Now the government spends millions to purchase surgical face masks and personal protective equipment for our health practitioners. What exactly do we produce in this country aside ankara fabric?

Politics

Fear of possible attack stops Evans journey to court.

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For fear of possible attack amid the raging #EndSARS protest, the Nigerian Correctional Service on Wednesday did not take alleged kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, alias Evans, and his co-defendants, before the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja, where their trial was scheduled to continue before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo.Evans and his alleged accomplices are facing two separate charges of kidnapping and murder before Justice Taiwo.

The two charges were listed as number 10 and 12 in the court’s cause list for Wednesday but neither the prosecution nor the defence came to court.

On enquiry from the court registrar, the two cases would not go on as the prisons had communicated to the court that they would not bring the defendants to court, citing the unrest in the city occasioned by the widespread #EndSARS protest.

“They are afraid of hijack by protesters,” the court register noted.

The NCS Green Marias were nowhere to be found and the holding cells for keeping inmates on the court premises were empty.

Officials at the holding cells said the NCS had not brought inmates to court since Monday.

Attempt to get the NCS spokesman in Lagos, Rotimi Oladokun, to react failed as his mobile phone number was unavailable.

In one of the two charges before Justice Taiwo, the Lagos DPP accused Evans and three others of killing two persons, in their failed attempt to kidnap the Chairman of Young Shall Grow Motors, Obianodo Vincent on August 27, 2013.

Politics, World News

We will defend Nigeria at all cost – Army

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Following the heightening protests against police brutality across the country, the Nigerian Army has warned it is prepared to protect the country’s democracy at all cost.

Apparently referring to the #EndSARS protesters, the Nigerian Army in a statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sagir Musa, assured it is committed to the “sustenance of peace, security and defence of democracy in Nigeria”

Lieutenant General TY Buratai (Chief of Army Staff)

According to the statement: “The Nigerian Army (NA) wishes to reassure law abiding citizens that it is highly committed to the sustenance of peace, security and defence of democracy in  Nigeria.

“As a responsible and law abiding organisation,  the NA reaffirms its unalloyed loyalty and commitment to the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari and the Constitution of the Country.

 “The NA hereby warns all subversive elements and trouble makers to desist from such  acts as it remains highly committed to defend the country and her democracy at all cost.

“The NA is ready to fully support the civil authority in whatever capacity to maintain law and order and deal with any situation decisively.

“All officers  and men are directed never to be distracted by anti democratic forces and agents of disunity”.

Apparently referring to the #EndSARS protesters, the Nigerian Army in a statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sagir Musa, assured it is committed to the “sustenance of peace, security and defence of democracy in Nigeria”

According to the statement: “The Nigerian Army (NA) wishes to reassure law abiding citizens that it is highly committed to the sustenance of peace, security and defence of democracy in Nigeria.

“As a responsible and law abiding organisation, the NA reaffirms its unalloyed loyalty and commitment to the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari and the Constitution of the Country.

“The NA hereby warns all subversive elements and trouble makers to desist from such acts as it remains highly committed to defend the country and her democracy at all cost.

“The NA is ready to fully support the civil authority in whatever capacity to maintain law and order and deal with any situation decisively.

“All officers and men are directed never to be distracted by anti democratic forces and agents of disunity”.

Politics, World News

We will meet in court.- Former presidential aspirant threatens C.E.O of Twitter, Jack Dorsey, for supporting “END SARS” protest.

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During the late hours of yesterday , the co-founder and C.E.O of Twitter, Jack Dorsey solicited for support towards the ongoing “end sars” protest in Nigeria.

He did this through his verified Twitter account and of course, this caused a lot of controversial comments on Twitter. Many Nigerians praised him for showing his concern for Nigerian youths , while others criticised his action.

Jack wrote ;

“Donate via #Bitcoin to help #ENDSARS.”

However, amongst those who criticised Jack Dorsey , is a former presidential aspirant for the 2019 presidential election and C.E.O of IPI group limited, Adam Garba.

Adamu Garba replied Jack Dorsey by tweeting the following statements;

“Dear @jack, It’ll do you a lot more good if you stay away from Nigerian Politics. You should know that the so-called #EndSARS protest have transformed into political agitation, capable of breaking law & order in our country. You should not be a moral & financial sponsor to this.”

“This is Nigeria, most of the demands initially presented was attended to by the responsible authorities. SARS no longer exist in this country. Your support for a disbanded entity was a needless interference. We cannot allow killings again in Nigeria in the name of protests.”

“I understand that this may play well to your business, you have more content, more people & more activity on your platform, but to us is about life, peace & security of our dear Country, we cannot allow you to be part of the people sponsoring disorder. We need peace & prosperity.”

“I can see you are even sharing a link for people to donate money for this protest, an event capable of escalation beyond our already overstretched security management. If this protest continues to evolve into disorder (hopefully not)…As a Nigerian citizen, we’ll meet in court. Thank you. @jack”

Politics

PDP governors reject new Police Act

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum on Wednesday demanded the repeal of some sections of the Police Act recently signed by President Muhammadu Buhari over constitutional breaches.

The governors made in demand in a communiqué issued at the end a meeting via Zoom.

The meeting was attended by governors Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Udom Emmanue (Akwa Ibom), Senator Bala Muhammad (Bauchi) and Douye Diri (Bayelsa).

Others were – Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta); Dave Umahi (Ebonyi); Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu); Nyesom Wike (Rivers); Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde (Oyo) and Bello Muhammad Matawalle (Zamfara).

In the communiqué signed by Tambuwal, who is the Chairman of the Forum, the governors implored President Buhari and the National Assembly to repeal Section 4(1) of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (Establishment) Act, 2019 which “purportedly authorises the president to deduct 0.5 percent of the total revenue accruing to the Federation Account for the benefit of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund.”

They described the deduction as unconstitutional.

The communiqué read: “The meeting noted the signing of the New Nigeria Police Act, 2020 by Mr. President, Commander in Chief.

“While acknowledging the many important innovations in the new law, the Forum emphasised the need to make the Nigeria Police Council, which has Mr. President as Chairman and 36 state governors as members, fully operational and the clearing-house on all issues bordering on the organisation and administration of the Nigeria Police Force as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.

“The Forum further observed the discrepancies in S.12(2) and S.12(4) of the Act on the appropriate authority with the responsibility to deploy Police Commissioners to the respective States. Whereas S.12(2) gives the responsibility to the Police Service Commission, S. 12(4) gives either the Police Service Commission or Inspector-General of Police the same responsibility.

“This is even more regrettable as the Constitution gives this responsibility to the Police Service Commission (S. 215) (1)(b). We advise that the constitutional provision be upheld.

“Furthermore, the Forum canvassed for appropriate consultations with the governors of various states on the deployment of police commissioners to the states since the police is a common institution that executes the laws of both the federal and state governments.

“The Forum implored Mr. President and the National Assembly to repeal Section 4(1) of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (Establishment) Act, 2019 which purports to authorise the President to deduct 0.5 percent of the total revenue accruing to the Federation Account for the benefit of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, as it is patently unconstitutional.

“The beneficiaries of the Federation Account are the Federal, States and Local Governments only. More creative funding options should be explored.”

The PDP governors also expressed concerns over the controversy surrounding the Water Resources Bill, 2020.

“Towards this end, the governors called for greater consultations just as they referred the document to the body of Attorney Generals of PDP controlled states to study and advise accordingly.”

Politics

We cannot afford a breakdown of law and order.- Hon. Shina Peller

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Honourable Shina Peller who currently serves in the house of representatives, has made his views concerning the nationwide protest in Nigeria known.

He stated the following through his official Instagram account;

“Nigerian youths should beware of infiltrators. It has been an intense last couple of days across the country, the youths are using their voice to drive social change and the whole country is listening. While we exercise our rights to peaceful protest, we must remain calm and recognise the fact that several of the demands have been met.”

“Our economy has been battered as a result of Covid-19 pandemic,we cannot afford a breakdown of law and order. Change is a process, let us address the root causes to ensure that the reforms are institutionalised.”

The video below has the video of the details of Shina Peller’s speech;

Politics

Governor Seyi Makinde pledges the sum of N100 million to repair Soun of Ogbomosho’s palace.

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Following the SARS protest that occured in Ogbomosho which led to loss of lives and properties, Governor Seyi Makinde paid a visit to Ogbomosho yesterday. The Oyo state governor gave a report of his meetings yesterday through his social media platform.

He stated the following;

Today, we visited Ogbomoso to see the families of three of our children who died during the End SARS protests. We began the process of compensating the families for the losses they suffered and promised to do more in the coming days.

Our hearts go out to all those who have suffered directly and indirectly during these protests. As a government, we will not forget the last few days in a hurry nor the needless deaths of Isiaka Jimoh, Ganiyu Moshood Alabi, and Adeoye Taiwo.

We were also at the Palace of Kabiyesi, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, the Soun of Ogbomoso. We pledged the sum of N100 Million to begin immediate repairs of the palace and replacement of destroyed properties.

We told Kabiyesi not to hold what has happened against our children. Although regretted, all that took place was a result of the years of failure of governance which we are working to correct. We accepted Kabiyesi’s prayers for a better Nigeria and a better Oyo State.

We also spoke with our children in Ogbomoso. We assured them that their agitations were not unfounded. But that we needed to remain peaceful even in protest. We assured them that we were doing all in our power to attack the root cause of these protests.

We returned to the secretariat in Ibadan to speak with our other children who had been waiting all day. We reassured them that these protests are a wake-up call to all. We pledged to do better to meet the needs of young people, especially for employment and a safer environment.

I informed them that our Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Oyelowo Oyewo, would work with the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State to ensure that all those who were arrested during the End SARS protests are released without being charged.

Politics

Lagos govt sets up N200m compensation fund for victims of SARS brutality

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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said on Tuesday the state government had set up a N200 million compensation fund for families of people killed by the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

Sanwo-Olu, who announced this while addressing the #ENDSARS protesters at the Lagos House of Assembly gate, Alausa, Ikeja, said the fund would be completely supervised by civil society organisations appointed by members of the public.

The governor asked the protesters to send the list of everyone that had fatal encounters with SARS in Lagos to the state government.

He said the government would identify the families and ensure that they are compensated.

The governor said he fully identified with the #ENDSARS struggle, adding that many youths had been battered in the past by the police tactical squad.

Politics

Wike makes U-turn, joins #EndSARS protests

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After over three hours of wait by #EndSARS protesters who converged at the Government House, Port Harcourt, for Governor Nyesom Wike to address them, the latter later joined the protesters and called for the total reform of the Nigeria Police Force.

The governor, who had banned #EndSARS protests in the state last night, made a U-turn on Tuesday.

Wike while addressing the protesters said though he was not in support of the Tuesday protest, he noted that no governor in the country had protested against the security outfit as he has done.

He said, “I never supported us to be here. I took an oath to protect the lives and property of people of the state. The blood of Rivers of people matters to me.

“Rivers State has suffered in the hands of SARS. When we raised the alarm of SARS activities, they did not give attention but it has now happened in other places.

“No governor in this country can say they have challenged SARS the way we have done. When there was so much kidnapping in this state, I raised an alarm to the federal government.

“I am the only governor that has come out to start end SARS protest. No other state. We have lost so many people in this state to SARS. No state supported us. SARS has killed our people a lot,” he stated.

Politics

Senate orders arrest of killers of #EndSARS protesters

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The Nigerian Senate has ordered the immediate arrest of those responsible for the killing of scores of protests during demonstrations against the perceived brutality meted out by operatives of the dreaded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

The motion was put forward before the Red Chamber of the National Assembly on Tuesday during plenary by Senator Buhari Abdulfatai who brought before the House the death of a member of his constituent, Jimoh Isiaka and attack on the Palace of Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi.

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, stated that the conduct of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) was not acceptable.

He also regretted that their actions will be noted in Nigeria’s history.

“The entire essence of the Nigeria Police Force is to ensure there is law and order and when SARS turned against the people, it was right for the people to protest.

“The protest has yielded the desired result so far and there won’t be need to continue again when SARS has been disbanded. Those culprits who are involved in the killings should be brought to book,” Senator Lawan added.

Politics, World News

President Buhari assigns Lauretta Onochie as INEC commissioner

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President Muhammadu Buhari has asked the senate to confirm Lauretta Onochie,  his media aide, as a commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Buhari’s request was contained in a letter read by Senate President Ahmad Lawan on Tuesday.

Onochie who is from Delta state is currently the president’s aide on social media.

Also to be confirmed are Prof. Muhaamad Sani from Katsina State, Kunle Cornelius Ajayi from Ekiti State and Seidu Ahmad from Jigawa State.

Lauretta Onochie is Buhari’s Special Assistant on social media.

In another letter, Buhari has asked the upper legislative chamber to confirm three nominees as executive directors of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

The nominees are Ifeanyi Christian (south-east), Muhammad Gambo (north-east) and Abubakar Ismaeel (north-west).

The president’s request for confirmation of the nominees will be referred to the appropriate committees to handle on Wednesday.

Entertainment, Politics, Videos

Falz protest, calls on FG to end SARS.

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The award winning Nigerian rapper and singer, Falz , has joined many other Nigerian youths to protest today, in Lagos.

He mentioned yesterday that he would join the protest again today.

He announced yesterday via his Instagram page;

“Tomorrow Tues oct 13,we link up at the Lekki toll gate & we march peacefully to make our demands!”

Below is the video clip of Falz protesting with other youths at Lekki toll gate.

Politics

FG set to give 774,000 jobs to youths.

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The government will continue with policies of social protection and people empowerment despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic, President Muhammadu Buhari said on Monday.

The President spoke at the State House during the launch of the Presidential Youth Empowerment Scheme (P-YES). He restated his administration’s commitment to youth development and poverty alleviation.

The President, who described P-YES as a cornerstone of his administration’s social and economic development strategies, said it was part of the overall policy of ensuring that 100 million Nigerians were lifted out of poverty in 10 years.

The P-YES launch, which is aimed at creating 774,000 jobs across the local government areas, was attended by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi.

The President said: “The P-YES is also part of the plan that we adopted in 2016 in which we empowered One hundred youths from each of the 774 local government areas with the necessary tools to acquire skills and establish small businesses.

“Given the success of that initiative, we are now committed to creating 774,000 jobs across all the LGAs, through the P-YES programme.”

President Buhari, who took a tour of P-YES tools and equipment displayed at the forecourt of Presidential Villa expressed delight that the materials showcased represent the fruits of the initiatives by his administration in 2016.

“All the tools, machines and equipment that are exhibited here, are products of the efforts of these empowered youth entrepreneurs.

“I note with particular pleasure that they were all fabricated in Nigeria by Nigerian youths using locally sourced materials. This is a wonderful and uplifting achievement.

“As an entrepreneurship empowerment project, the P-YES programme aims to address the needs of unskilled and less educated youth.

“It targets key areas of activities that are of practical importance and are essential to every aspect of our economy.

“These include areas such as agriculture and food processing, restaurant and catering, tailoring and fashion design, technical skills such as in the Information and Communications Technology sector, artisanship, welding, carpentry and joinery, other small businesses and activities associated with the micro-economic sector of this economy.”

The President urged states, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAS) of government to factor the P-YES into their programmes to assist the youth to realise their potentials in their chosen fields.

He urged local and foreign private sector operators to contribute their share to the expansion of the programme through channelling their corporate social responsibility efforts towards skills acquisition, creation of start-ups, and other intervention measures.

President Buhari declared that the expansion of the P-YES would be vigorously pursued, adding that more resources would be committed to the achievement of its goals and objectives towards youth empowerment and entrepreneurship development.

The President commended the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Youth and Students Affairs, under Hon. Nasiru Saidu Adhama, for driving the P-YES programme in accordance with the mandates prescribed for the office and the programme.

Politics

We are worried about President Muhammadu Buhari’s silence . -Northern Elders

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The organisation said that apart from Maiduguri town, there had been no community in Borno State where people could sleep with their eyes closed.

Members of the Coalition of Concern Northern Elders for Peace and Development on Monday expressed concern over the continued silence of the President Muhammadu Buhari to the growing calls for him to rejig the security architecture in the country.

According to them, the resolutions of the National Assembly that the President should act swiftly to stop the increasingly bad situation was enough for him to act, given that they are the representatives of the people.

The COCONEPD, in a statement by its National Chairman, Dr Mohammed Suleiman, and National Secretary, Hajiya Mairo Buni, said the worsening security situation in the country had caused untold hardship on women and children in both the North-East and the North-West.

The organisation said the insecurity in the country had reached a boiling point, adding that only the sacking of service chiefs as the first step in addressing the ugly development could be acceptable by Nigerians.

The northern elders said that the 2021 budget proposal that was presented to the National Assembly by the President could be difficult to fund should the President fail to address the situation immediately.

The statement read in part, We are compelled by the current state of the nation, especially as it affects the security of lives and property in Nigeria, particularly in the North to issue this press statement.

This coalition became very necessary and urgent to lend our voice to the growing insecurity and call for the sacking of the current service chiefs and total overhaul of the security architecture of our country before it is too late.

We are worried about President Muhammadu Buhari’s silence despite calls by every arm of Nigeria, including the National Assembly. Some international organisations and authorities have faulted our security architecture and called for the need to restructure the same, yet Mr President is still not moved?

Is he waiting for all Nigerians to die first? In a constitutional democracy, the people are the employers of the President, and for a President to write his name in gold, he must listen to the people.

We in this group insist that President Buhari is a good man that means very well for Nigeria and Nigerians, but we strongly believe that he is being misled daily in the happenings of the security.

No Nigerian sleep with his eyes closed anymore. Our roads and homes are no longer safe because of robbery, kidnapping, banditry and Boko Haram terrorists.

The organisation said that apart from Maiduguri town, there had been no community in Borno State where people could sleep with their eyes closed.

The COCONEPD said while malnutrition is the order of the day in IDPs’ camps across North-East, investors had been leaving the country daily because of insecurity.

The group added, We call on the President to take this first step and follow it up with restructuring the entire security architecture of the country for utmost results. Nigerians, especially the youths, are tired of the level of insecurity in the country. The large turnout by youths on the #EndSARS campaign across the country is an indication that Nigerians are tired of excuses.

Politics

Forget restructuring and creation of additional state in the zone.- Walter Obiora-Oji tells Buhari.

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The Chancellor, Nigeria Presidential Project 2023, Walter Obiora-Oji, on Sunday, urged the President, Maj-Gen Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), to forget restructuring and creation of additional state in the zone, but ensure the objective of the Igbo to produce the nation’s president come 2023, was achieved.

This is even he observed that those currently clamouring for the restructuring of the country were doing do for their selfish interests, saying anyone talking about restructuring was “merely trying to change the narrative from zoning to restructuring.”

Obiora-Oji stated this during the inauguration of the Ebonyi State chapter of the group in Abakaliki, pointing out that it was imperative for major political parties to zone their respective National Chairmen to the North in their forthcoming conventions, to actualise the dream.

According to him, the only way Buhari will prove that he genuinely loves the Igbo is to hand over to one of their sons or daughters, saying it was the height of marginalisation that other zones had produced the nation’s President since 1999, while the South-East zone remained sidelined.

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