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You’re elected to help reduce poverty not escalate it, LP, Atiku reply Tinubu

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…stop making excuses for inflicting multi-dimensional poverty on Nigerians- Atiku

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Labour Party (LP) has said it was disappointed with President Bola Tinubu’s statement which it described as making mockery of Nigeria’s poor.

National Publicity Secretary of the party, Obiora Ifoh, in a a chat with Vanguard, in Abuja, yesterday said the President needed to be reminded that he was elected into office to reduce if not eliminate poverty and not exercerbate it.

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He spoke in response to President Tinubu’s statement that Nigerians were not the only ones suffering from poverty.

Ifoh said, “We are disappointed but not surprised by the comments made by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu about the excruciating poverty his administration’s policies have unleashed on Nigerians since he took office over a year ago.

“It was to say the least disheartening to hear Mr. President mock his citizens by saying Nigerians are not the only ones facing poverty.

“Assuming but not conceding that what he said is true, Nigerians who are at the receiving end of his harsh economic policies don’t need to be reminded about the pain and hunger they have been forced to live with by the very people who put them in that situation in the first place.

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“May be this administration needs to be reminded that it was elected to reduce if not eliminate poverty, hunger and disease but what we have seen is an obsession with opulence.

“We are yet to get over the billions appropriated for the renovation of the President and Vice President’s lodges, now we hear they want new jets to join the Presidential fleet.”

He further said, “Our schools and health institutions are on their knees, the same government claims it cannot afford to pay public servants a living wage but has enough to make itself comfortable at the expense of the suffering masses.

“Mr. President, we implore you to uphold the constitution you swore to protect. The constitution says the security and welfare of the populace shall be the primary purpose of the existence of your government. Enough is this mockery.”

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Atiku’s responds

Speaking in a similar vein, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, speaking through his Special Adviser, Paul Ibe said, “There’s a saying that the baby goat watches the mother goat eating grass and consequently learns to eat grass.

“There are little or no values nurtured and promoted by Tinubu and his administration. What Nigerians are seeing it manifest is insensitivity, bigotry, nepotism, corruption, and wastfulness.

“For the President to speak about us finding a way to eliminate banditry and terrorism is an acknowledgement of failure.

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“ What we expect to hear from him are the measures and the strategy to deal with the menace and not to regale us with the problems that we are all well aware of.

“The poverty in Nigeria is multidimensional. It was exacerbated by the policies of the Tinubu administration that does not priotise production and cutting costs.

“Policies that were not well thought out and are only aimed at pauperizing the citizens. Tinubu’s trial-and-error policies have continued to dig the country deeper into economic degradation.

“ His government is characterised by a lack of transparency and accountability. For example, his administration is paying for subsidy, contrary to the claims that it is gone for good.

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“According to his minister of finance, last year (the very same year they allegedly stopped payment of subsidy), Tinubu paid a subsidy of N3.6 trillion and this year, he is projected to pay a subsidy of N5.4 trillion.

“Why are they lying about this other than to divert money away from the Federation Account. Truth be told, Tinubu is the one causing the deepening poverty in the country.”

Vanguard

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UNN Dismisses Report Of Mass Abduction Of Students

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The management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has dismissed a social media report alleging an impending terrorist attack and mass abduction of students on its Nsukka campus, describing the claim as false and unverified.

The university said there is no credible security intelligence or verified threat supporting the online post currently circulating among students and members of the public.

In a statement issued by the acting public relations officer of the institution, Inya Agha Egwu, the management said the report is unsubstantiated and should be disregarded.

Egwu, however, said the university has taken precautionary measures to further strengthen security across the campus in line with its commitment to the safety of students, staff, and visitors.

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According to him, the measures include the deployment of personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army to key entry points, working alongside the university’s internal security unit.

He added that some access gates to the Nsukka campus would be temporarily closed to improve monitoring and control of movement in and out of the institution.

The statement also announced the suspension of motorcycle operations within the campus, adding that only authorised security personnel would be allowed to use motorcycles inside the university premises.

Staff who commute using motorcycles were advised to park them at designated areas outside the campus before proceeding to their workplaces.

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Egwu urged members of the university community to remain calm and continue their normal academic and administrative activities without fear.

He also warned against the spread of unverified information, noting that such reports could create unnecessary panic and disrupt the peace of the institution.

“Members of the University community are urged not to spread unverified information capable of creating unnecessary anxiety,” he said.

The university further encouraged students and staff to report any suspicious activity to security authorities, stressing that security remains a collective responsibility.

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Sowore Faults MTN CEO’s Claim On Unlimited Data, Threatens Nationwide Protest

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Activist and African Action Congress (AAC) 2027 presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has challenged claims by the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, that unlimited mobile data plans are virtually non-existent globally unless subscribers pay extremely high fees.

Sowore, in a post on his X handle on Sunday, described the MTN boss’s assertion as false, insisting that millions of consumers across the world have access to unlimited or effectively unlimited mobile and broadband data plans at prices he said are more affordable relative to local incomes than what Nigerians currently pay.

The activist’s reaction came after Toriola made the remarks during a press conference titled: “Data on Trial” held in Lagos where the MTN chief argued that unlimited data plans are not sustainable on mobile networks without compromising service quality.

“The issue of unlimited data on mobile network, it does not exist anywhere in the world, except you are paying $400 a month or whatever. There are high bundles and fair usage policies,” Toriola said.

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He added that network capacity constraints make unrestricted data offerings impractical at low prices.

“On mobile networks, it does not really exist. There is a limit, because you can never build enough capacity for everyone to be on an unlimited bundle and you think you will provide quality service that will be decent,” he said.

Responding, Sowore dismissed the claim, insisting it does not reflect global market realities.

“Liars,” Sowore wrote.

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He argued that many countries still provide consumers with unlimited or near-unlimited data plans at relatively affordable rates compared to income levels.

“Millions of consumers around the world enjoy truly unlimited or effectively unlimited broadband and mobile data plans at prices that are often cheaper, relative to income, than what Nigerians pay for far less service,” he said.

Sowore also criticised the quality and cost of telecommunications services in Nigeria, calling for improved consumer outcomes.

“Nigerians deserve affordable, reliable, and genuinely consumer-friendly telecommunications services, not endless tariff hikes, poor network quality, and excuses,” he wrote.

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He further escalated his position, hinting at possible mass action against the telecom operator.

“The time to #OCCUPYMTN nationwide is fast approaching!” he added.

The exchange comes amid renewed public debate over telecommunications pricing in Nigeria following tariff adjustments approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Earlier in 2025, the regulator approved increases of up to 50 per cent in voice, SMS, and data tariffs, citing inflationary pressures, naira depreciation, and the need to sustain investment in the sector.

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MTN Nigeria has defended the adjustments, maintaining that Nigeria remains among the cheapest markets globally for mobile data services despite the increases.

However, critics, including Sowore, argue that consumers in several countries continue to enjoy better service quality and more affordable unlimited data offerings, intensifying the debate across social media platforms.

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Only authorised agencies can enforce laws, Ramaphosa condemns Xenophobia

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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated his government’s commitment to lawful migration management, stressing that violence, intimidation, xenophobia and the spread of misinformation have no place in the country.

Addressing the nation on Sunday, Ramaphosa outlined actions and behaviours that he said are unacceptable, including unauthorised individuals demanding documentation or proof of nationality, blocking access to public services, and acts of violence against foreign nationals.

The President also condemned racism, sexism, xenophobia, Afrophobia and other forms of intolerance, as well as the spread of misinformation, incitement and fake news on social media.

According to Ramaphosa, employers who exploit undocumented workers are equally engaging in conduct that cannot be accepted.

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“Only authorised law enforcement agencies may act against violations of the law,” the President said, adding that “all people must be treated with dignity and respect,” regardless of their nationality or immigration status.

Ramaphosa also announced the adoption of a Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management aimed at strengthening border security, enforcing immigration laws, tackling corruption and closing policy loopholes as part of efforts to address illegal immigration in South Africa.

The President said the plan was approved by Cabinet last week and endorsed by the President’s Coordinating Council, which comprises premiers, local government representatives and traditional leaders.

“As government our objective is clear. We want a South Africa where every person who enters the country does so lawfully; a South Africa where immigration laws are respected and enforced; a South Africa where businesses compete fairly; a South Africa where communities feel safe and secure, and a South Africa that remains true to its constitutional values and its commitment to human dignity,” he said.

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According to Ramaphosa, the strategy is built on five pillars: cracking down on violations of immigration and labour laws, preventing illegal entry into the country, rooting out corruption in the immigration system, strengthening immigration laws and policies, and enhancing cooperation with other countries to address migration challenges across the region and continent.

On enforcement, the President said government agencies would intensify efforts to identify and deport undocumented foreign nationals residing illegally in the country.

“The Department of Home Affairs, the Border Management Authority, South African Police Service and other law enforcement agencies have been and will intensify the process of identifying and deporting undocumented foreign nationals residing illegally in South Africa,” he said.

Highlighting progress already made, Ramaphosa disclosed that “in the past year alone, the BMA managed to intercept and stop over 450,000 people who were attempting to enter South Africa illegally.”

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He also announced plans to establish dedicated immigration courts to accelerate deportation processes involving undocumented migrants.

The President said the second pillar of the strategy focuses on strengthening border management and ensuring authorities know who enters the country, why they are entering and how long they are permitted to stay.

“Secure borders are not a sign of hostility towards other countries. They are a fundamental requirement of a sovereign and well-governed State,” Ramaphosa said.

He added that government would continue investing in modern technology, infrastructure and personnel to secure borders while facilitating legitimate trade, travel and economic activity.

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As part of the measures, the government will begin a phased relocation of refugee reception centres to border posts, starting with the Tshwane centre later this year.

Ramaphosa said the third pillar centres on eliminating corruption and improving the efficiency of the immigration system through technology-driven reforms.

“We are continuing the crackdown on corruption and inefficiencies in the Department of Home Affairs.

“We must recognise that illegal immigration is often enabled by corruption. Officials who sell documents, facilitate unlawful entry or abuse public office for personal gain betray the trust of the South African people. We will pursue these cases relentlessly.”

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According to the President, officials implicated in such offences are already facing disciplinary and criminal action.

“Those responsible are facing dismissal, criminal prosecution and the full consequences of the law,” he said.

Ramaphosa also cited the establishment of an Intelligent Population Register containing biometric data for every person in the country, describing it as a key step towards the introduction of a Digital ID system.

He said efforts to phase out the green ID book would continue, noting that the document remains vulnerable to identity theft and abuse.

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The Department of Home Affairs, he said, would soon announce a deadline after which the green ID book would no longer be recognised.

The President further revealed that the move would help curb abuse of the Traffic Registration Number, which foreign nationals require to register or purchase vehicles.

“The Department of Transport will issue new regulations to align with the identification laws of our country within the next three months,” he said.

Addressing legislative reforms, Ramaphosa acknowledged weaknesses in South Africa’s immigration framework.

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“The laws that regulate immigration in South Africa are fragmented and often contradictory. They allow legal loopholes that are exploited by undocumented migrants. We are addressing these loopholes,” he said.

On regional cooperation, the President stressed the need for African countries to work together to tackle the root causes of migration.

“We need to address the factors that drive migration on our continent and elsewhere,” Ramaphosa said.

He added that South Africa would continue collaborating with neighbouring countries and other African nations to create conditions where migration is driven by choice rather than necessity.

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“As part of this effort, I will be sending envoys to a number of sister African countries to outline the measures that we are announcing this evening,” he said.

Ramaphosa assured citizens that Cabinet would continue monitoring implementation of the migration strategy and regularly review progress on the measures announced.

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