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Planned anti-economic hardship protests: Araraume weighs in, says national interest must be preserved
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, has appealed to the government and people of Nigeria to work collaboratively towards the preservation of the national interest.
Araraume, who spoke against the backdrop of the nationwide protests being planned for August 1-10, 2024, said that it was important that all eyes are on the ball of harmony, unity, peace and progress in the course of any people-to-government action.
According to him: “The citizens are free to engage with their government on issues that affect them. Their resort to public space protests underscores the depth of their dissatisfaction with the state of affairs.
“On the other hand, the fact that government has taken a number of steps to avert the protests is a clear indication that the government is well apprised of the pains, the complaints and the angst of the citizens.
“I believe genuine steps are being taken to address the contending issues that have made the economic condition difficult for the vast majority of Nigerians.”
Araraume expressed confidence that the government is committed to resolving the issues causing hardship for the populace and urged Nigerians to remain patient and exercise restraint.
He highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government to develop policies and implement strategies aimed at addressing public concerns and delivering tangible improvements.
In particular, Araraume commended the recent decision of the President for
approving the sale of crude oil to Dangote refinery and other legitimate local refineries, in local naira currency, as a positive step towards alleviating economic challenges faced by Nigerians.
He emphasized that such measures should be recognized as part of a broader initiative by the administration to address the country’s economic issues effectively.
Furthermore, Araraume pointed out that the government under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership has just announced the suspension of import tariffs and taxes on essential food items, stating that this action demonstrates the administration’s commitment to making life more affordable for the people and signifies that the citizens’ agitations are beginning to yield positive results.
“Since government is already taking steps towards addressing the public concerns, embarking on public space protests becomes needless. Protests would have been well advised had the government ignored reports about planned nationwide anti-economic hardship protests.
“But if they must protest, I pray that they would be guided by national interest and take steps to guard against politicization of the action, economic sabotage, as well as hijack of the protests by unscrupulous elements and hoodlums.
“Our unity must be preserved; our harmony must be strengthened while our economy must be bolstered; and, one pragmatic way to bolster the economy is by shunning protests and allowing organized bodies and existing government institutions like Labour bodies, National Assembly, traditional rulers, religious leaders, non-state actors to engage with government on the economic situation on behalf of and in the interest of all and sundry.”
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Trump set to sign Executive Order to flush out transgender personnel from US military
President-elect, Donald Trump, is set to sign an executive order that would remove all transgender members from the United States military.
It was learnt that the development has intensified concerns within the LGBTQ+ community.
The report claimed that the state officials had stated that transgender personnel would be discharged on medical grounds, deeming them “unfit” to serve.
Recall that during Trump’s first term as president, he introduced a similar policy that prohibited transgender individuals from joining the armed forces while allowing those already enlisted to remain in their roles.
After Trump left office, President Joe Biden had overturned the military ban in his first week as president in 2021, issuing an executive order to restore transgender individuals’ right to serve openly. However, with Trump’s potential return to the White House, transgender rights in the US may face renewed challenges.
However, the current proposal, as reported, would extend to removing all transgender service members, regardless of their current status. It is anticipated that the executive order will be issued on Trump’s first day in office, January 20 next year.
If signed, Trump’s new directive could be broader and more contentious than the policy he implemented during his first term. What would be its impact on transgender personnel serving in US military.
Reports indicated that approximately 15,000 transgender individuals are actively serving in the US military.
This is coming amid moves by US congress to stop irst transgender lawmaker from using female restrooms and bathrooms in her new workplace.
US House Speaker Mike Johnson had expressed his support for the policy that tends to disregard transgender ideologies in the legislative arm.
“All single-sex facilities in the Capitol and House Office Buildings — such as restrooms, changing rooms, and locker rooms — are reserved for individuals of that biological sex,” the speaker said in a statement last Wednesday.
“It is important to note that each Member office has its own private restroom, and unisex restrooms are available throughout the Capitol. Women deserve women’s only spaces,” he added.
The move to prevent McBride from using the women’s facilities in the House was first initiated by Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., who on Monday introduced a resolution to ban trans women from using women’s bathrooms inside the complex.
Mace said the resolution was “absolutely” in response to McBride, a Delaware Democrat, being elected to the House.
She took her anti-trans crusade even further on Wednesday, announcing a bill to ban trans people from using bathrooms that align with their gender in all federal buildings across the country. Neither of the resolutions have been brought to a House vote.
It is important to note that each Member office has its own private restroom, and unisex restrooms are available throughout the Capitol. Women deserve women’s only spaces,” he added.
The move to prevent McBride from using the women’s facilities in the House was first initiated by Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., who on Monday introduced a resolution to ban trans women from using women’s bathrooms inside the complex.
Mace said the resolution was “absolutely” in response to McBride, a Delaware Democrat, being elected to the House.
She took her anti-trans crusade even further on Wednesday, announcing a bill to ban trans people from using bathrooms that align with their gender in all federal buildings across the country. Neither of the resolutions have been brought to a House vote.
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PHOTO: Courtesy visit to Priesthood Orphanage by Just Friends Club of Nigeria Founder
Dr. (Mrs) Blessing Echenwo, left, founder of Priesthood Orphanage, Karamajiji, Abuja and Mrs. Maria Cardillo, a member of Just Friends Club of Nigeria, during the visit of the club to the orphanage in Abuja…recently
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Just in: NYSC Releases Batch ‘C’ Corps Members Call Up Letters
The National Youth Service Corps has announced the release of the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Stream I call-up letters for prospective corps members.
The corps made the announcement in a series of post on its official X (former Twitter) handle on Monday.
It said orientation camp for the stream is expected to start on November 27, 2024 and closes on December 17, 2024.
According to the post, “some prospective corp members posted to Lagos will have orientation in Ogun and Osun.
“While some of those posted to Zamfara will have in Kebbi and Sokoto etc”
The corps, however, advised prospective corps members to print and sign an addendum, which will be submitted during registration at the orientation camp.
Tips to guide Deployed Prospective Corps Members
Do not travel to the Orientation Camps at night. Break your journey when necessary.
Report on your scheduled reporting date.
Apply for spelling error and name rearrangement on your dashboard.
After documentation in the Camp, you cannot change your Date of Birth, Date of Graduation, Course of Study and Passport Photograph.
Do not report to the Camp if there is any discrepancies in your course of study or with the Date of Graduation on your Statement of Result and your Call-up Letter. Contact your Institution to sort it out.
ATTENTION TO ALL 2024 BATCH ”C” STREAM I MARRIED FEMALE PROSPECTIVE CORPS MEMBERS
All married female Prospective Corps members (PCMs) who are deployed to States where their husbands are not domiciled should report to the nearest NYSC Orientation Camp for their State of Deployment to be changed.
They are to report during the period of Registration at the Orientation Camps with the copies of their marital and other relevant documents as evidence. Once the change is made it will reflect on theirM dashboard for reprinting.
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