News
After Pointing Fingers At Peter Obi, Presidency Accuses Atiku Of ‘Enabling Destructive Protests’
The Presidency has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of enabling destructive protests that have swept across several states in the country in the past six days.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, criticised Atiku’s recent tweet warning security agencies against using lethal force on protesters.
The Presidency contended that the former vice president’s stance was misguided, given that the initially peaceful demonstrations have devolved into looting and arson in states such as Kaduna, Kano, Plateau, and Jigawa.
“As a supporter and enabler of the destructive ‘protests’, Alhaji Atiku certainly wants the sinister protest to continue despite the red signals from the streets,” Onanuga stated.
He further argued that Atiku’s tweet “condones the destruction of private and public property” and is “unbecoming of a former vice president of Nigeria.”
The government defended the actions of security forces, describing them as “professional” and “even-handed” in the face of extreme provocation.
The statement also emphasised that while the right to protest is constitutionally protected, it is not absolute and can be limited in the interest of public safety and order.
In a pointed comparison, the Presidency urged Atiku, who is a major opposition leader, to emulate opposition figures in the United Kingdom who have united behind their government in condemning similar riots.
The statement specifically mentioned Rishi Sunak, the former UK Prime Minister, as an example of the “nationalistic temperament” expected from opposition leaders during times of crisis.
The Presidency called on Atiku to prioritise national stability over potential political advantages, setting the stage for further debate on the appropriate response to the current unrest.
LEADERSHIP reports that Onanuga had a few days before the commencement of the 10-day #EndBadGovernance nationwide protests, which kicked off on Thursday, August 1, accused another opposition figure and former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, of instigating his supporters to stage the anti-hunger and hardship protests, targeting the President Bola Tinubu administration.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The United States government on Friday returned $52.88 million linked to former Nigerian Petroleum Minister Diezani Madueke.
This amount was reportedly traced to assets forfeited by Galactica, connected to Madueke and her associates.
US Ambassador, Richard M. Mills Jr. and Nigerian officials, led by Attorney-General Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, formalized the agreement at the Ministry of Justice in Abuja.
The funds, as agreed, would be managed with transparency, under the supervision of the World Bank and IIJ, to ensure their proper use in projects benefiting Nigeria, and in adherence to international anti-corruption standards.
“Measures have also been put in place to ensure that the repatriated funds are not only disbursed but also utilized transparently and accountability by the World Bank and IIJ, with periodic reports to be forwarded to Nigeria and the US on the implementation of the projects.
“This robust framework will guarantee that the funds are effectively used for the full benefit of the Nigerian people in line with UNCAC and the Global Forum on Asset Recovery (GFAR) principles,” the AGF declared at the meeting.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has formally approved the selection of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as Alaafin of Oyo.
A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said that Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, after thorough consultations and divinations, had been recommended by the Oyomesi and approved by the Governor of Oyo State.
According to the commissioner, a statement to this effect had been issued by the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ademola Ojo, who said that the announcement had put to rest all bickerings that had ensued since the demise of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III on April 22, 2022.
Hon. Ademola Ojo called on all citizens of Oyo State to join the Government in celebrating this momentus occasion and lend their support to the Alaafin of Oyo.
The Commissioner prayed that his reign would bring peace, prosperity, and unity to the historic Oyo Kingdom.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Alhaja Monsurat Atinuke Amoke Bankole, mother of former House of Representatives Speaker, Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole, has passed.
Alhaja Monsurat was a devout Muslim, philanthropist, and committed community leade during her life and times.
She founded Al Mönsur Islamic Society.
She also held prominent Islamic titles, including Iya Adinni of Egbaland and Iya Sunnah of Alasalatu Society of Nigeria and West Africa.
Burial, according to the family, would take place today, Friday, January 10, 2025, in Abeokuta by 4pm.
She is survived by her husband, Chief Suarau Olayiwola Alani Bankole, a Nigerian Egba businessman and chieftain from Ogun State, who holds the Yoruba chieftaincy titles of the Oluwo of Iporo Ake and the Apena of Egbaland,, children, grandchildren, and several blood relations.
.US. govt returns $52.88m linked to former Nigerian minister
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