News
#EndHunger protest erupts in Lagos, Abuja, Benin
Amid the commemoration of Democracy Day celebration, activists in Lagos and Abuja, took to the streets to protest against the deepening hunger crisis gripping the nation.
In Lagos, the demonstrators assembled at the Ikeja Under Bridge, with their voices crying out against the backdrop of tightened security measures.
Holding banners emblazoned with slogans like: “This hunger is too much” and “Reverse anti-people policies”, they demanded immediate action to alleviate the plight of the starving populace.
The protesters, comprising members from civil society groups such as the Take It Back Movement, the Education Rights Campaign, the Coalition for Revolution and the Socialist Workers League, declared June 12, 2024, as a national day of action against hunger and hardship.
Their message resonated nationwide, as similar protests erupted in Abuja and other major cities.
Speaking on behalf of the groups, Sanyaolu Juwon, the National Coordinator of Take It Back Movement, asserted that Tinubu’s administration had exacerbated the crises confronting Nigeria, pushing millions of Nigerian workers, youths, students, farmers, traders, artisans and the impoverished masses into deeper levels of suffering, hardship and acute hunger.
In Benin, Kola Edokpayi, leader of the group, said the protest was to vent their frustration over the state of the nation.
“We reject totally this brand of democracy being practiced in the country. This our democracy is not for the people, it is against the people. We cannot continue to be silent in the midst of poverty, hardship and unemployment.
“The masses are suffocating due to iron grip of hunger, poverty and economic downturn under President Bola Tinubu,” he added.
Meanwhile, ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) condemned the arrest and detention of peaceful protesters in Abuja and Lagos, labelling the crackdown as a suppression of constitutional and democratic rights.
The abduction of Juwon Sanyaolu, a prominent protest leader in Lagos, and the arrest of activists from Activista in Abuja were cited as egregious violations.
Andrew Mamedu, AAN’s country director, demanded the immediate release of all the detainees and called for an end to the repression of peaceful protests.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, ActionAid urged President Bola Tinubu to align his government’s actions with the democratic values he espoused, emphasising the need for accountability and respect for citizens’ rights.
“We draw inspiration from the leadership of the late Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi who refused to be swayed by personal interests and declined reinstatement after his dethronement. We, therefore, urge Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II to follow his grandfather’s footsteps and prioritise the peace and stability of Kano.
“We kindly call on everyone to put the people’s interests first and work towards a peaceful resolution that is legally accepted. We pray for divine guidance and wisdom for our leaders and for peace to reign in Kano State and Nigeria.”
Prince Kayode Adewale, a contestant for the vacant Owa-Obokun of Ijesa land throne, has urged the Osun state government and traditional kingmakers to rely on oracles and deities in selecting the next monarch of the ancient town.
Prince Adewale of the Owa Bilaro Oluodo Royal Family, made the call during a press conference in Ilesa, Osun State, on Thursday.
He noted that the Ifa oracle, along with the Obokun and Ogun deities, should be the determining factors in the selection process.
The stool became vacant following the passing of Oba Gabriel Aromolaran, who joined his ancestors on September 11, 2024, after a 42-year reign.
As the contest intensifies, an Osun State High Court, presided over by Justice Adeyinka Aderibigbe, has restrained Governor Ademola Adeleke and others from appointing a new Owa-Obokun from the Haastrup family or any other candidate.
Amid the ongoing legal battles, Prince Adewale reaffirmed his interest in the throne, advocating for adherence to traditional processes to ensure fairness and legitimacy.
He said: “The Owa Obokun stool is not for sale. In Ijesaland when it’s comes to selection of a new King the Ifa, Obokun and Ogun deities will be consulted and the person that has the highest vote from them will emerge as the king.”
Declaring his intention, Adewale said he is committed to standardizing mining practices and implementing robust land reclamation policies.
“Ijeshaland is blessed with abundant natural resources, particularly in gold mining. However, our gold resources must be harnessed responsibly and sustainably. Under my leadership, I will work towards the standardization of gold mining practices, ensuring that this wealth benefits the people of Ijeshaland while preserving our environment for future generations.”
The House of Representatives on Thursday approved the extension of the implementation of the capital component of the 2024 budget from 31 December 2024 to 30 June 2025.
Leader of the House, Hon Julius Ihonvbere, laid the report of the report of the bill seeking the extension as the House dissolved into the Committee of Supply to consider it.
It is titled, “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Appropriation Act, 2024 to extend the implementation of the Capital Component of the Appropriation Act, 2024 from 31 December, 2024 to 30 June, 2025 and for Related Matters (HB.2023)”
Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who announced the adjournment of plenary to January 14, 2025, urged members to work hard in their various to ensure that the prompt passage of the 2025 budget upon resumption.
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) on Thursday condemned in strong terms the suspension of 18 local government chairmen and councillors in Edo state by the House of Assembly.
Governor Monday Okpebholo had accused the suspended chairmen of disobeying his instructions by allegedly refusing to submit their financial records to the state government.
However, the ALGON’s National Executive Council (NEC) and its Board of Trustees (BoT) on Thursday jointly condemned the decision saying the governor and lawmakers did not give the council chairmen fair hearing to defend themselves.
The association at an emergency meeting in Katsina state, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene, emphasising the need to respect the autonomy and independence of local governments as guaranteed by the nation’s constitution and recent ruling by the Supreme Court.
“ALGON views this suspension as a setback for democracy and abuse of power, particularly since the chairmen were not given a chance to defend themselves.
“This suspension is invalid. It contradicts the Supreme Court’s judgment granting local governments autonomy,” the ALGON National Publicity Secretary, Hamisu Anani, in a statement said.
Anani stated that if the Edo State House of Assembly’s decision was right, it would not have generated criticisms across the length and breadth of the country.
“This suspension is unconstitutional; it is null and void.
“ALGON is hereby urging the Edo State House of Assembly to reverse the decision and respect the rule of law to strengthen democratic governance.
“ALGON also appeals to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and halt this abuse of power,” the statement said.
‘I didn’t break up with him’ – Tiwa Savage speaks about divorce from TeeBillz
SEC orders public companies to publish financial statements online by Jan 2025
Let oracles decide Owa-Obokun stool, contestant tells Osun govt, kingmakers
Just in: Terrorists ambush military truck, kill all soldiers on board
Nigerian Dancer, Korra Obidi Attacked with acid, stabbed on stage In UK
Meet Rare Gem 16 Years Old Chiaza, CEO of ‘RUN MARKET PLACE’
-
News14 hours agoWike revokes Abuja lands of Buhari, Akume, Abbas, others
-
News19 hours agoLeadership crisis rocks office of AGF, may delay payment of Dec salary
-
News13 hours agoOoni’s Ex- Wife, Naomi, 7 Others, In Trouble As 35 Kids Killed In Oyo Stampede
-
News19 hours agoJust In: FCT High CourtG admits ex Gov. Bello to N500m bail
-
News19 hours agoJust in: Again, Dangote Reduces Petrol Price
-
News18 hours agoAfenifere demands for unconditional release of Farotimi
-
News19 hours agoSEE NAIRA Rates Against The USD, GBP, EURO Today December 19, 2024
-
Opinion18 hours agoSONNY ECHONO AT 63: BIRTHDAYS NOT REST DAYS