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Nigerians Heavily Devastated Under Tinubu Govt – Ex-Head Of State Abdulsalami, Bishop Kukah Lament
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Nigerians are heavily devastated under President Bola Ahmed administration, ex-military leader, General Abdulsalaam Abubakar and Bishop Matthew Kukah lament, to host crucial meeting in Abuja.
The meeting aims to address the ongoing economic challenges faced by Nigerians, which have fallen short of the government’s well-intentioned policies designed to enhance citizens’ lives.
The National Peace Committee (NPC) chaired by former Head of State, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd) and convened by Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, is set to hold a crucial stakeholders meeting on September 26, 2024, at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja.
The meeting aims to address the ongoing economic challenges faced by Nigerians, which have fallen short of the government’s well-intentioned policies designed to enhance citizens’ lives.
The committee’s statement highlights the increasing frustration among the populace, exacerbated by recent nationwide protests demanding action against hunger and economic hardship.
They said the protests reflect the urgent need for effective governance and responsive measures to tackle the pressing issues facing the country.
In their co-signed statement, Abubakar and Kukah noted that the optimism surrounding the 2023 general elections, evidenced by a record 93,469,008 registered voters compared to 57,938,945 in 1999, has not translated into tangible improvements in citizens’ welfare.
The NPC aims to foster dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to bridge the gap between government intentions and the expectations of the Nigerian people.
The statement read, “Nigerians believed that the 2023 elections would usher in an administration that would swiftly address the nation’s lingering socio-economic challenges.
“The preparations for the elections heightened the hopes for positive socio-economic and political change. However, the outcome of the keenly contested presidential elections amplified the regional and ethnic cleavages that have underpinned our journey of nationhood.”
According to the committee, the well-intentioned policy of the government to improve the lives and well-being of Nigerians is yet to meet the expectations of the citizens and the economic strain is being felt by all and sundry.
“This dire situation has fuelled frustration and discontent, culminating in the recent nationwide protests on hunger. The demands made during the protests reflect the deep-seated challenges facing the country and the urgent need for responsive and effective governance.
“In response to this and in line with its mandate to mediate and intervene in electoral and non-electoral matters that impact on the peace and stability of Nigeria, the NPC has decided to convene a one-day town hall meeting with critical stakeholders to discuss frankly and explore the pathways to support the government in addressing and overcoming the current socio-political and economic situation facing the country.”
It continues, “This meeting will provide a platform for constructive dialogue and collaboration, where the concerns and aspirations of the people can be discussed, and the outcomes are presented to the government.
“It is a crucial step towards bridging the gap between the government and its citizens, ensuring that their voices are heard, and their legitimate concerns addressed.”
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RESUMPTION SPEECH BY RT. HON. ABBAS TAJUDEEN, PHD, SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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Environmental infractions: Lagos seals churches, businesses over
By Francesca Hangeior
In a bold move to tackle violations of Lagos State environmental laws, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency has sealed off prayer centres and business premises across the state.
This was disclosed in a statement shared on X.com by the Lagos State Commissioner for the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, on Wednesday.
According to a statement released by LASEPA on Wednesday, the enforcement operation is part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with environmental laws and protect public health.
The statement revealed that the establishments were found guilty of violating environmental regulations despite several warnings from the agency.
It said, “In a decisive step towards tackling noise pollution and other environmental violations, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency @LasepaOfficial today sealed off multiple establishments across various parts of Lagos State.
“The enforcement operation, which targeted locations in Ikeja, Mushin, Gbagada, and Maryland, is part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with environmental laws and protect public health.
“Among the closed establishments are Vital Products Limited, A & P Nigeria Limited, Polite Anchorage and Suites, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Terrag Inn Apartment, Evening Class Guest House, Celestial Church of God, a printing press, Charley’s Bar, and 7th Heaven Hotel & Suites.
“These establishments were found guilty of violating environmental regulations despite several warnings from LASEPA.”
The statement further revealed that the General Manager of LASEPA issued a stern warning, emphasising the agency’s stance on compliance with environmental laws.
It added, “The General Manager of LASEPA, Dr Babatunde Ajayi @thetundeajayi, emphasised the agency’s zero-tolerance stance on non-compliance with environmental laws. ‘We will not tolerate non-compliance with our regulations.
“Dr Ajayi said all businesses must recognise their environmental responsibilities and collaborate with the state government to ensure a cleaner, more sustainable Lagos.
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Justice Kekere-Ekun appears before Senate for screening
*** Vows to tackle corruption
By Francesca Hangeior
The Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has vowed to enforce a zero-tolerance policy on corruption in the judiciary.
She emphasised that integrity and strictness are central to her judicial approach.
Kekere-Ekun, who appeared before the Senate for screening, assured lawmakers that, once confirmed, she would prioritise the speedy handling of petitions before the courts.
Responding to questions from the senators, the Acting CJN promised to ensure that the judiciary remains insulated from external influence. Additionally, she committed to advocating for better welfare and infrastructure for the judiciary.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also highlighted the need for strengthening national institutions and ensuring better behavior from the populace, especially during elections. She stressed that such improvements would help reduce the tendency to contest election results in court.
Meanwhile, the Senate has commenced the screening of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun for the position of Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Before the screening began on Wednesday, Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) moved a motion to reorder the legislative agenda, allowing the screening of Kekere-Ekun to be the first item on the day’s business. The motion was seconded by Deputy Minority Leader Senator Oyewumi Olalere (PDP, Osun West).
Kekere-Ekun, accompanied by other Supreme Court and Court of Appeal justices, arrived at the Senate Chamber at 12:30 PM.
Senator Bamidele invoked Order 12 of the Senate’s Standing Orders to permit her and her entourage to enter, which was seconded by Senator Olalere.
The Acting CJN was led into the Chamber by Senator Basheer Lado, Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters.
On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu wrote to the Senate, seeking the confirmation of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
The President’s letter, read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, was submitted upon the Senate’s return from its annual recess, which began in July.
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