News
Protests: Fubara bares his fangs on Tinubu, mobilises own protesters, lavishes millions on them
…points at properties of perceived political detractors for destruction
Again, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has bared his fangs on President Bola Tinubu as he mobilises protesters, lavishing state funds on them to go on rampage.
This is happening after the President’s plea to eschew violence during the protests.
He also pointed fingers at properties of those he perceived to be his political enemies of the state for destruction.
The primary responsibility of government at all levels is to protect lives and property while balancing citizens’ constitutional rights.
However, in the interest of safety and security, governments often limit the enforcement of these rights. This delicate balance was put to the test in Rivers State, where a recent protest exposed a matrix of governance, disloyalty, and rebellion.
Despite President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s federal government being open to peaceful protests, it has consistently advised against violent demonstrations, which can be hijacked by malicious elements.
In line with this stance, government officials across the country, including state governors and appointees, have worked to minimize the impact of processions and rallies.
However, Rivers State, known for its loyalty to the central government, took a different approach. Governor Fubara allegedly ignored calls from the Federal government to mitigate the risks associated with the protest.
Instead, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Edison Ehie, mobilized youth groups, including past and present student union leaders, to meet with the Governor, ostensibly to plan a “peaceful” protest.
It was gathered that each of the leaders of these groups received N300,000 from taxpayers’ funds on the first day.
A subsequent meeting took place, where Mr. Siminialayi addressed the youths and told them to disregard warnings not to participate in the protest from “enemies of the state.”
Each attendee received N500,000, totaling N150 million for 300 youths. Various groups received N6 million each to mobilize for the protest, which went ahead despite resistance from the anti-rally orders of the Commissioner of Police in the state.
In what appears to be a shocking revelation, Rivers State Governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, has indicted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, criticizing his low democratic scorecard and failure to manage the economy and stem the tide of inflation.
Governor Fubara threw a jab at President Tinubu while responding to a crowd of protesting youths gathered in front of the Government House in Port Harcourt on August 1, 2024.
Governor Fubara espoused his views, saying, “I am in your protests. The demands are germane. Hardship. Bad governance. Before this government came, the exchange rate was below N300.00, but under this government, it is now N1,600.
” The cost of living, cost of food, house rent, high cost of medical bills.” He continued, “I am thanking you because you are here to demand a better Nigeria. Like I told you yesterday, I already know your problems. Our youth, I know that you are hungry. I agree with you that there is hunger. Before you leave here, I will give you a small thing, at least, to take and buy pure water and bread. Aluta Continua.”
The planned protest was hijacked by the Governor and his Chief of Staff to prove a point to the Federal Government that he had the support of the youths. Governor Fubara wants to show that it is time to revenge against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who he now perceives as his political enemy.
During the protest, Governor Fubara acknowledged the success of the protest, confirming he knew it would be non-violent. He aligned with the youths while blaming the federal government for the people’s suffering due to failed policies.
The lawmaker representing Kaura Namoda South Constituency in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Aminu Ibrahim Kasuwar-Daji, has died.
It was gathered that the lawmaker passed on in his sleep during the early hours of Wednesday.
Aminu Ibrahim Kasuwar-Daji’s sudden death came as a shock to many in the state, especially his colleagues and political associates.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara, the party under which he was elected, expressed deep sorrow over his passage.
Members of the party, including the State Working Committee and other supporters, described his death as a great loss.
They said he was known for his dedication and honesty in serving his people.
His family, community members in Kaura Namoda South, and fellow lawmakers have been thrown into mourning as preparations for his burial began.
According to Islamic rites, he was buried today at 3:00 pm in his hometown of Kasuwar-Daji, located in the Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.
Many in the state have continued to express grief as they remember the role he played in representing the people and contributing to the work of the state assembly.
Mr. Sam Olumekun has taken over at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as Acting Chairman.
Olumekun is INEC’s National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education.
He performed his first duties today, receiving a high-level delegation of the Labour Party (LP) at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja with other National Commissioners in attendance.
The delegation was led by Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, who visited the Commission to discuss key developments within the Labour Party.
It was gathered that both parties engaged in discussions centered on enhancing collaboration and reinforcing democratic values.
During the visit, Governor Otti formally presented a Certified True Copy of the recent Supreme Court judgment concerning the party’s leadership.
He noted that the meeting was aimed at fostering clarity, mutual understanding, and institutional alignment regarding the Labour Party’s current structure.
Mr. Olumekun, the Acting INEC Chairman, reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to neutrality, transparency, and the rule of law in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
Recall that a viral WhatsApp message had indicated that Prof. Mahmood was sacked by President Bola Tinubu and replaced with one Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan.
“INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmud Yakubu has been replaced with Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan by President Tinubu,” the message, which had no attribution, read. However, both INEC and the Presidency debunked the widespread report.
Yakubu, who is rounding off his second tenure in office, is expected to exit the system towards the end of this year.
The process of appointing an INEC chairman is the President nominating a candidate and forwarding his particulars to the Department of State Services (DSS) for profiling.
After such screening, the President, thereafter, takes the name to the National Council of State for its advisory review.
Based on the outcome, the President sends the name to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
Crude oil prices have dropped below $57, following a previous rate of $59.78.
This decline coincides with the imposition of tariffs on several countries by US President Donald Trump.
A report from West Texas Intermediate attributes this price slump to consistent 6% reductions observed last week.
JPMorgan Chase & Co has warned that these tariffs could likely push both the US and global economies into a recession this year.
The financial institution explained that the tariffs, set to take effect this week, are expected to have widespread economic repercussions.
Market analysts and the business community have expressed concerns about the negative implications of these measures, predicting a slowdown in economic activities and a subsequent decline in oil demand.
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