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EndBadGovernance Protest: NSCDC Arrests 32 In Kano
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) arrested 32 people in Kano for vandalism during a nationwide protest against bad governance in the country.
The NSCDC has also placed all Zonal Commanders, Heads of Formations, and State Commandants across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on red alert to prevent any security breaches during the protest.
According to a statement issued on Friday by NSCDC spokesman Babawale Afolabi, “Following the ongoing Peaceful Nationwide Protests, which have turned bloody and violent as reported in some states of the federation, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi mni, OFR, has placed all Zonal Commanders, Head of Formations, and State Commandants across the 36 States and FCT on red alert.”
“The NSCDC boss, who led a team of operatives to monitor the protests in Abuja last night, expressed concern about the attacks carried out by security agencies tasked with protecting government infrastructure and the civilian population.”
Audi was said to have noted that several warnings were issued to so-called peaceful protesters about the need to avoid all acts of violence, vandalism, destruction, and looting of both public and private property, among other things, which occurred in some countries where protests and demonstrations were held recently.
He condemned the entire process, claiming that the majority of protest agitators and organisers were absent, allowing unscrupulous elements to carry out their sinister intentions.
He stated, “It is very lamentable that there was an incidence of fierce attacks on security operatives and wanton destruction of properties in Kaduna, Kano, Yobe, Gombe, and many other states, just as officers and men were injured and an NSCDC operational vehicle was set ablaze in Katsina.”
The Commandant General also hinted that 32 suspects were apprehended by NSCDC personnel at Sabo Gari, Bata France Road, and Murtala Mohammed Way in Kano; he said the operatives intervened quickly while outnumbered protesters were carting away goods worth thousands of naira.
He stated, “While #End Bad Governance Nationwide Protesters began on August 1st, our men, who had previously been briefed on the importance of safeguarding all critical national assets and infrastructure across the board, did not hesitate to ensure that 32 suspects were apprehended for vandalism, looting, and property destruction.” They would be thoroughly investigated, and legal action would be taken accordingly.”
On Day 2 of the protest, Acting DCG Operations, Phillip Ayuba represented the NSCDC Helmsman and reiterated the Commandant General’s marching order, charging officers and men to maintain civility and professionalism when dealing with peaceful protesters.
He did, however, state that security agencies will not tolerate any acts of violence or destruction of government facilities, and those who do will be arrested and subjected to the full wrath of the law.”
By Gloria Ikibah
The Federal Government of Nigeria has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the State of Qatar on the occasion of its National Day, celebrated on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
In a statement signed by the Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Nigeria’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, conveyed fraternal greetings to Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.
The statement highlighted Qatar’s commitment to promoting global peace and its significant contributions to humanitarian services worldwide.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria commends the commitment and strategic efforts made by the State of Qatar in the promotion of global peace; and more so, the excellent contributions to humanitarian services in different parts of the world,” it read.
Ambassador Tuggar emphasised the strong and growing relations between Nigeria and Qatar, expressing satisfaction with the collaborative efforts to strengthen ties for the mutual benefit of their citizens.
He wished Qatar peace, prosperity, and progress, reaffirming Nigeria’s enduring friendship and support.
This underscores Nigeria’s recognition of its diplomatic relationship with Qatar and its shared commitment to global cooperation and development.
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has called for the removal of the National Examination Council (NECO), University of Ibadan (UI), Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, and 21 other federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) from the 2025 budget.
This recommendation follows their repeated failure to account for previous allocations and internally generated revenue.
During an extraordinary session on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, the Committee resolved that these MDAs should be excluded from the budget until they comply with its directives.
Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Bamidele Salam, stressed: “The Financial Regulation empowers the National Assembly to exclude any Ministry, Department, or Agency (MDA) that fails to account for their previous appropriations. As such, the listed MDAs should be excluded from the 2025 budget until they appear before this constitutional committee.”
The decision was prompted by the consistent non-compliance of these MDAs despite multiple summons issued by the Committee to scrutinize their financial operations.
Prominent institutions among those recommended for delisting include hospitals, universities, and federal development agencies. Some of the affected MDAs are:
- Federal Medical Centre, Bida
- Federal Ministry of Labour & Employment
- Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria
- Nigeria Police Force: Department of Information and Communication Technology
- Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba
- Federal College of Education, Yola
- Federal Polytechnic Ekowe, Bayelsa State
- Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi
- Federal University of Technology, Minna
- Cross River Basin Development Authority
- Nigeria Office for Trade Negotiation
- National Examination Council (NECO)
- Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil
- Presidential Amnesty Programme
- Galaxy Backbone
- Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals
Others include the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority, National Space Research and Development Agency, Federal Cooperative College (Ibadan), Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, and Federal School of Survey, Oyo State.
The Committee unanimously recommended that the MDAs in question be delisted from the 2025 budget until they comply with the request for documentation and provide necessary financial clarifications.
Nigeria Congratulates Qatar on National Day
Reps Recommends Delisting NECO, UI, Labour Ministry, 21 Others From 2025 Budget
Reps Call for Revival of NAPAC to Boost Transparency, Accountability
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