News
Independence Day Celebration: Security Agencies Sue For Peaceful Protest As Labour Decries Hardship In The Country
As Nigerians look forward to October 1, 2024 Independence Day anniversary celebration, the nation’s security agencies have enjoined organisers of planned nationwide protest to ensure it is carried out without any form of violence.
Speaking yesterday at stakeholders meeting organised by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, (CP) Ishola Olanrewaju, the police and representatives of sister security agencies jointly contended that while Nigerians have the right to carry out protest, such right must not extend to the use of violence in their agitation for improvement in governance.
According to CP Ishola, “it has become expedient to emphasize the fact that Nigerians have right to celebrate Independence. All are enjoined to come out enmasse to celebrate joyfully while going about their lawful businesses but I must emphasize that those planning to protest should do so within the context of extant law on protest.”
“The only approved venue for protest in Lagos is the Freedom Park at Ojota. I have communicated same accordingly to the organizers of the planned protest. Therefore there should not be any form of apprehension for Lagos residents. The protest is becoming one too many but I promise to protect the protesters, therefore they must not allow miscreants to hijack the protest.”
At the stakeholders conference which took place on Friday at POWA event centre at Oduduwa Street, Ikeja-Lagos, chieftains of other security agencies spoke in the same vein with the Police Commissioner.
The Lags State Director, Department of State Service (DSS) Mr. Dapo Amao while emphasising what the police boss has said, asserted that all the security agencies in the state were collaborating efficiently such that the existing synergy makes it possible for them to ensure the protection of lives and property.
Other security agencies represented at the event included the Army, Air Force, Immigration, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp etc.
The Founder cum Executive Director of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), an Islamic Human Rights organization, Prof. Ishaq Akintola wondered why other countries like America, France etc would usually celebrate their Independence Day with fanfare but Nigeria goes in opposite direction of protest and wild conduct to destroy what ought to be joy of the day. “It is sacrilegious to do so” he asserted.
According to him, it was wrong for people to continue embarking on nationwide protest against Government when it was obvious that such protest would be hijacked by hoodlums.
However, representatives of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) at the conference while claiming ignorance of any planned nationwide protest, encouraged the nation’s security agencies to be bold enough to tell those at the corridors of power that there is so much hardship in the country.
According to the labour leaders, politicians in power should understand that there are some underlining causes that lead to protest and such causes should be addressed in good time to avert protest of any kind. “Politicians are living in affluence and are quite unmindful of the hardship people are going through,” they insisted. They added that government should not always oppress Nigerians for trying to express their anger” they insisted.
Lending support to Labour’s position, representative of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Lagos Chapter contended that many politicians or leaders in Nigeria would always posit that they know what Nigerians are going through but in actual fact such leaders do not feel what Nigerians are feeling. “There is hardship on the land and only the poor are feeling it” he argued.
The lawyer noted that even though the NBA would not support violent protest in any where, Nigerians are not really seeing anything good to make them celebrate the nation’s Independence joyfully like other countries. “All we can celebrate, is hardship,” he contended.
Among other stakeholders at the event were representatives of market associations, community and religious leaders, students union and the media.
News
Sultan declares Friday first day of Sha’aban
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs has announced that there were no confirmed reports of the sighting of the crescent moon marking the beginning of Sha’aban 1446AH.
The announcement done in collaboration with the National Moon Sighting Committee, is significant for Muslims in the country being the month that precedes Ramadan.
In a release signed by the Wazirin Sokoto, and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, the committee stated that no moon sighting reports were received from various committees nationwide.
“As a result, Thursday, January 30, 2025, will be observed as the 30th day of Rajab 1446AH.
“His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has accepted the report and officially declared Friday, January 31, 2025, as the first day of Sha’aban 1446AH.
“The announcement is significant for the Muslim community, as Sha’aban is the month preceding Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam.
“The declaration ensures uniformity in the Islamic calendar, guiding religious observances across Nigeria”, it added.
The Sultanate Council also urged Muslims to follow official announcements regarding Islamic dates and to prepare spiritually for the upcoming month of Ramadan.
News
Abolishing Death Penalty, Nigerians Will Decide – Deputy Speaker
By Gloria Ikibah
Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has said that the decision to abolish death penalty in Nigeria rests with the people.
Kalu who stated this during a visit by officials of the Death Penalty Project and the British High Commission to his office in Abuja on Thursday, stressed the need for open discussions and collaboration among stakeholders, as opinions on the issue vary widely.
He noted that over 130 countries have already abolished the death penalty, either in law or practice. However, in Nigeria, capital punishment is still allowed for crimes such as murder, armed robbery, and treason.
The Deputy Speaker said that the number of death row inmates highlights the need for reforms in the criminal justice system. As chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, he said the committee has been studying the moral, ethical, and practical aspects of the death penalty.
While no bill on the matter is currently before the House, Kalu stated that the committee is considering it, and a proposal could be brought forward soon for debate and public input.
News
Police Arrest Gang Targeting Bank Customers, Stealing From Cars
Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have nabbed several members of a four-man syndicate that specialises in robbing bank customers.
The syndicate also uses locally fabricated master keys to gain unauthorised access to their victims’ vehicles.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the command’s spokesperson, Ahmed Wakil, the gang targets bank customers across Bauchi, Borno, and Kano states.
The arrested members include Mustapha Bukar, 42; Mustapha Abubakar, 47; and Habibu Tijjani, 30. The fourth member, who is the gang leader, is currently at large.
“The modus operandi of the suspects involves monitoring bank customers who withdraw substantial amounts of money with the intention of robbing them. They utilise locally fabricated master keys, known as ‘Chori,’ to gain unauthorised access to their victims’ vehicles and properties.
“On January 28, 2025, operatives from the State Intelligence Department (SID), acting on credible intelligence, apprehended the syndicate, which specialises in targeting bank customers across Bauchi, Borno, and Kano states. A thorough investigation revealed that on January 27, 2025, at around 5 pm, the suspects observed a 43-year-old businessman (name withheld) leaving FCMB Bank in Bauchi after withdrawing a substantial sum for his business operations.
“The suspects followed him to his residence, positioning their vehicles strategically as they awaited his exit, intending to rob him of his funds. Upon realising he was being followed, the victim contacted his family to open the gate and secure his vehicle. He then informed the police about the suspicious activities, which led to the apprehension of three suspects.
“During the investigation, all apprehended suspects confessed to their involvement and provided crucial information that will aid in the capture of the ringleader, who is still at large,” the statement partly read.
The statement added that items recovered from the suspects included three locally fabricated master keys and two Toyota Honda saloon vehicles.
It also noted that the suspects specifically targeted individuals who had withdrawn money from banks, trailing them to their destinations.
“Once the victims parked their vehicles, the suspects used the fabricated keys to unlawfully access the cars. The suspects indicated that Honda vehicles are particularly susceptible due to weak locking mechanisms.”
The State Commissioner of Police, Auwal Muhammad, urged residents to exercise vigilance when leaving banks, avoid parking in isolated areas, refrain from carrying large sums of money in public, and report any suspicious activities near banks, financial institutions, or residential areas to the police.
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