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Engage with protest organisers, there is hunger in Nigeria – Isoko youths urge Tinubu

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

In a bid to avert the proposed nationwide protest slated for August 1 to August 19 against hunger and hardships in Nigeria, the Isoko National Youth Assembly (INYA) Worldwide has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently dialogue with the protest organizers and review some of his administration’s policies that have caused hardship for the people to prevent the strike action from taking place.

INYA President, Comrade Eniwake Orogun, in a statement made available to the press on Saturday, stressed that there is hardship in the land occasioned by hasty government policies.

The Isoko youth body also appealed to the youths and security agencies to avoid violent protests and the destruction of national and state assets.

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It also appealed to security agencies to treat protesters in a civil manner if the protest goes ahead due to the failure to dialogue and engage with the protesters.

The Isoko youth body said, “Today, we are at the edge as a nation, with all aspects of existence greatly troubled, from the economy, security, socio-political, and corporate existence coming under some form of distress and perplexity.

“It is said that light exists at the end of the tunnel, but this particular tunnel seems too long that not even a flicker of light is in sight.

“It will be foolhardy to try to deny or explain the hardship which pervades the land, exacerbated by policies such as fuel subsidy removal, which many believe has produced the unintended outcome, or should we say, the exact intended outcome associated with wrong timing or hasty policy implementation, favorable only to some fifth columnists?

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“Many are hungry, weak, and beggarly. The hardship is palpable, and succor seems far. The proposed protest is only a natural response, which is the least the vast majority of those who live below the baseline can do at this material time.

“Regardless, this protest can be avoided. We call on the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to act as a matter of urgency by doing the following:

“Constructive engagement of critical stakeholders with a genuine view to providing short, medium, and long-term solutions to the myriad of problems facing the people.

“Reevaluate its priorities and address head-on issues such as inflation, insecurity, and the high cost of governance.

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“Reconsider policies such as fuel subsidy removal, floating of the naira, and liberalization of our economy which have never worked in Nigeria or any part of Africa and have proven to be very injurious to individuals, families, and businesses.

“Constructive engagement of critical stakeholders with a genuine view to providing short, medium, and long-term solutions to the myriad of problems facing the people.

“Reevaluate its priorities and address head-on issues such as inflation, insecurity, and the high cost of governance.

“Reconsider policies such as fuel subsidy removal, floating of the naira, and liberalization of our economy which have never worked in Nigeria or any part of Africa and have proven to be very injurious to individuals, families, and businesses.

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“Our leaders must learn from the 2011 Arab Spring and the recent not-too-good experience of the EndSARS protest, from which Africa and Nigeria are yet to fully recover, and act in the best interest of the nation.

“To our dear youths and fellow comrades, we stand by you at this trying time.

“However, if the protest must hold, hopefully it does not, let us be reminded that though our right to peaceful protest is inalienable and guaranteed by our constitution, we do not have the right to be destructive and violent. No one benefits from the destruction of national assets; if anything, it increases the suffering which the protest stands against.

“To our gallant security personnel, we implore you not to fall to the temptation of responding with brute force to our people, should the protest hold.

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“Understand that people are hungry and angry, and the least expected of you is the performance of your constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.

“This is a trying period in our history as a people, and together we shall overcome.”

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Alleged Assault: Lawyers dump bolt driver for apologizing to Abia Reps member

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By Francesca Hangeior

The team of lawyers representing Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye, an Abuja based bolt driver that was allegedly assaulted by a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, have withdrawn from his case.

The withdrawal, came barely 24 hours after the driver made a volte farce by tendering an apology to his alleged assaulter who had since been docked in court by the police over his action.

Hon. Ikwechegh was arraigned after he had admitted that he manhandled the e-hailing cab driver and apologized for his unbecoming conduct.

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However, in view of the recent turn of events in the matter, Abuwatseye’s lawyers said they were no longer ready to offer legal services to him.

A statement dated November 8, signed by Zainab M. Otega of Deji Adeyanju & Partners and titled: “PUBLIC STATEMENT ON THE ALLEGED ASSAULT OF MR. STEPHEN ABUWATSEYE: WITHDRAWAL OF LEGAL REPRESENTATION,” read:

“We wish to formally announce the withdrawal of our legal representation in the case involving the alleged assault of Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye.

“On October 28, 2024, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye walked into our law firm, visibly distressed, and sought redress over an alleged assault. Following his complaint, and having verified his claim, we took steps to protect Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye’s rights, on pro bono basis, culminating in the arraignment of the alleged assaulter.

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“However, in view of recent developments and after careful consideration, we have made the decision to withdraw our legal representation in other to protect our professional integrity and maintain the highest ethical standard in the legal profession.

“We wish Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye the very best, while we assure the general public of our continuous commitment towards protecting the rights of the oppressed and indigent members of the society.”

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Olaiya Flyover Bridge In Osun Closed Temporarily

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The popular Olaiya Bridge in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, has been closed temporarily.

According to reports, this closure is to allow for the installation of barriers at the bridge’s entrance to prevent heavy trucks from using the bridge.

Inside Osogbo shared the updates on social media, urging motorists and other road users to exercise patience along the axis.

The blog wrote: “ATTENTION: The popular Ọlà-Ìyá Bridge is currently closed to give way for the installation of barriers at the entrance of the bridge to disallow heavy duty trucks from using the bridge. Motorists and other road users are enjoined to exercise patience along this axis.Kindly rebroadcast

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The Olaiya Bridge was constructed by the administration of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.

Recently, the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Osun accused the state government of planning to demolish the iconic flyover bridge.

However, Governor Ademola Adeleke has denied these allegations and banned heavy-duty trucks from plying the flyover.

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NUJ FCT SEC Directs Members to Ignore Boycott Call by Ousted Chairman Osadebamwen

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The State Executive Council (SEC) of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter has called on members to disregard a boycott order issued by Patrick Osadebamwen and Ochiaka Ugwu, referred to as former officials without authority.
In a joint statement signed by key chapel leaders, the SEC accused the duo of spreading false information to undermine preparations for the NUJ FCT Council elections scheduled for December 4, 2024.
The SEC emphasized that the sale of nomination forms is being conducted by the legitimate Credentials Committee, in line with the union’s constitution.
The statement reads: “The Credentials Committee operates under the constitution and has been cleared by the National Secretariat. It is independent of state and national officers, as stipulated in Article 5(9C)”.
The SEC clarified that Osadebamwen and Ugwu were impeached during a Congress held on October 19, 2024, and have no legal standing within the union, and urged members interested in contesting positions to obtain nomination forms from the NUJ FCT Council Secretariat in Utako, Abuja, starting November 8.
The council dismissed the boycott directive from the impeached individuals as baseless, describing their actions as “illegitimate, illegal, and void”, and reassured members that security agencies have been informed of the impeachment and urged members to carry out their union activities without fear of intimidation.
“We will not engage in public exchanges or inflammatory rhetoric, despite provocations,” the SEC stated, reaffirming its focus on protecting the union’s integrity.
The statement was endorsed by several chapel leaders, including:
– Jide Oyekunle, Chairman, NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel
– Yahaya Ndambabo, Chairman, VON Chapel
– Ngozi Uloma Ufomba, Chairman, FCTA Chapel
– Collins Yakubu-Hammer, NAN Chapel
– Onuh Holina, Chairman, Aso Radio/TV Chapel
The SEC reiterated its call for unity and adherence to constitutional procedures, concluding: “For the union makes us strong.”
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