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Folarin Kehinde

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Independence Day: “No Nigerian Flag Must Fly in South- East” says IPOB

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Indigenous People of Biafra, on Monday, announced it had banned the celebration of Nigeria’s Independence Day across the South-East region.

The pro-Biafran group, however, asked residents of the region and the Diaspora to go about their normal business, reminding them that the ban on such celebrations is still in force.

In a statement on Monday, IPOB Spokesman, Emma Powerful, said its Directorate of State urges Ndigbo to comply with the warning, adding that there shall be no flying of Nigerian flags in South-East on Tuesday.

The statement read in part, “The Directorate of State of IPOB wishes to remind Biafrans at home and in the diaspora that the ban on the celebration of Nigeria’s annual October 1 Independence Day by Biafrans is still in force.

“As a Biafran, you are to avoid any Nigeria Independence Day celebration globally. IPOB calls on Biafrans globally to go about their normal business because we are not part of Nigeria and have nothing to do with their British flag independence of 1960.

“We are aware that some prominent Igbo men and women played pivotal roles in securing the flag independence that Nigeria celebrates annually on October 1, however, such independence has taken more blood of Ndigbo to maintain than any other ethnic group in Nigeria.

“Biafrans have decided to reject the bloody flag independence of Nigeria and work for the restoration of a true united and prosperous Independent State of Biafra.

“Therefore, every Biafran should reject this Nigerian forced unity as we look forward to celebrating Biafra independence soon.

“Ndigbo must adhere to this clarion call to stop every activity concerning Nigeria’s independence tomorrow. There shall be no flying of Nigerian flags in Biafra territory.”

The group is directing residents to go about their businesses or use that day for family quality time and rest at home for those who may choose not to go for their work and business.

“IPOB is not joking with the restoration of Biafra freedom and sovereignty. Do not make yourself an enemy of the struggle by participating in Nigerian flag independence celebrations tomorrow.

“Parents and guardians must not allow their children to go for any Nigerian independence activities tomorrow. We are monitoring everywhere in Biafraland. As an Igbo parent, do not allow your children to be sacrificed for a country that considers them less of a human,” the statement added.

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Shettima returns to Abuja after representing Tinubu at UN General Assembly

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima is back in Abuja after representing President Bola Tinubu at the just concluded 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, in New York.

His arrival was announced by his spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha, in a statement on Sunday.

While in New York, the Vice President presented Nigeria’s National Statement at the General Debate.

He was engaged in bilateral meetings and numerous sideline events that took place at the General Assembly.

“VP Shettima will proceed to join President Bola Tinubu to mark some events put together as part of activities commemorating Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary,” the statement added.

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Entertainment

Alleged N15m bribe: Bobrisky sues VeryDarkMan, demands N1bn

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Nigerian cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky, has filed a lawsuit against internet activist and critic, VeryDarkMan, VDM, over an audio posted by the latter on his social media handle.

The post captured an alleged voice record of the crossdresser telling a third party how he allegedly bribed officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, with N15 million to drop the money laundering charge levelled against him earlier this year.

The voice record also indicted some officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCS, who allegedly permitted Bobrisky to spend his six-month jail term outside the prison.

Bobrisky has, however, disowned the audio, stating that the voice recording purportedly implicating him in any wrongdoing were Artificial Intelligence (AI) generated.

In a letter he shared on his Facebook page on Sunday, Bobrisky’s legal team demanded that VeryDarkMan delete the audio clip immediately, issue a public apology in two national newspapers, and record a video apology to be shared across all social media platforms.

The suit also demands that VeryDarkMan cease publishing defamatory content about Bobrisky and pay N1 billion in damages within 24 hours.

Part of the letter reads, “We demand, on behalf of our client, a written apology published in two national daily newspapers, a video recording of your apology to our client shared on all your social media platforms, a commitment to refrain from reporting or publishing defamatory content against our client, and the payment of N1,000,000,000 in damages within 24 hours of this letter via social media or any other means.”

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Headlines

Tight Security at Edo govt house as Obaseki moves to reject Philip Shaibu’s return

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

There is currently heavy security at the Edo State government house (Osadebe Avenue) following reports that Philip Shaibu is plotting to resume office as Deputy Governor.

The Edo House of Assembly had impeached Shaibu at the height of his rift with Governor Godwin Obaseki.

However, he challenged the impeachment in court, saying the lawmakers did not give him fair hearing.

A Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice J. K. Omotosho had annulled the impeachment and ordered reinstatement of Shaibu, but the government failed to comply with the order, saying it had filed a stay of execution.

When Daily Trust visited the Government House area, on Monday morning, visitors and civil servants were seen trekking long distances to their destinations after parking their vehicles by the road side.

Responding, Shaibu’s spokesperson, Mr.Ebomhiana Musa, denied the allegation, saying the reality is yet to dawn on Obaseki that they had been rejected by Edo people.

“We want to put it clearly here that, unlike Governor Godwin Obaseki, Philip Shaibu is a peace loving man, who firmly believes in the rule of law and would not want to shed innocent blood for whatever reason.

“As it is today, in the eyes of the law and in the eyes of the good people of Edo State and Nigerians, Philip Shaibu is the de jure and de facto Deputy Governor of Edo State. We need not fight or struggle for that which God has given us”, he said.

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Police
Headlines

BREAKING: FCT police deploys anti-riot operatives across Abuja over October 1st protest

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

In preparation for tomorrow’s October 1st Independence Day celebration, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has rolled out extensive security measures, deploying personnel and equipment to ensure a safe and seamless celebration across the capital.

The police, in a statement by its spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh, said it has strategically positioned Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) teams, anti-riot units, and visibility policing at key locations, including the Central Area and Eagle Square, where large crowds are expected.

Part of the statement read: “This proactive deployments aim to ensure that residents of the FCT enjoy a hitch-free Independence Day celebration.

“The deployment will include Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) personnel, anti-riot equipment, and visibility policing, among others.

“Traffic diversions will be implemented in areas expected to experience large crowds, including Central Area and Eagle Square.

“While celebrating Independence Day, residents of the FCT are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or activities to the FCT Police emergency lines: 08032003913, 08028940883, 08061581938, 07057337653, PCB: 09022222352, CRU: 08107314192.”

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Headlines

JUST IN: Massive protest set to rock Abuja as Sowore leads #FearlessInOctober rally

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Abuja is set to witness a major demonstration tomorrow, as activist and political figure Omoyele Sowore mobilizes Nigerians for a #FearlessInOctober rally at Eagle Square.

The protest, which has been rapidly gaining momentum across social media platforms, is expected to kick off early in the morning, with participants urged to gather at the venue as early as 7 a.m.

In a tweet that has sparked widespread attention, Sowore wrote: “Early morning tomorrow, everyone in Abuja will start heading to Eagle Square as early as 7 am for #FearlessInOctober.”

The hashtag, which has now trended across various online platforms, reflects a bold call for Nigerians to rise against issues plaguing the nation, from economic hardship to insecurity, political oppression, and governance failures.

This protest follows a series of similar demonstrations led by Sowore in the past, including the #RevolutionNow movement, which aimed at galvanizing Nigerians to push for systemic reforms.

Over the years, Sowore has built a reputation as a vocal critic of government mismanagement and has called for a transformation of the Nigerian political landscape.

The rally in Abuja is expected to draw thousands, with youth, civil society organizations, and grassroots movements leading the charge.

Many citizens, frustrated by the country’s persistent issues – ranging from fuel subsidies, inflation, unemployment, insecurity, and a lack of transparency in governance – are expected to turn up in large numbers.

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Business

World Bank approves fresh $1.57bn loan for Nigeria, total dept to hit $17.16 bn

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The World Bank says it has approved three new loan requests totalling $1.57bn for Nigeria to support the Federal Government in strengthening human capital through better health for women, children and adolescents.

The new loan will bring the country’s total dept to the Bretton Woods Institution to about $17.16 bn.

At least six loan projects have been approved. They include loans for power ($750m), women empowerment ($500m), girl’s education ($700m), renewable energy ($750m), economic stabilization reforms ($1.5bn) and resource mobilization reforms ($750m).

Data from the external debt stock report of the Debt Management Office shows that Nigeria owes the World Bank a total of $15.59 billion as of March 31, 2024

Meanwhile, a statement by the World Bank said on Monday that the projects for which the new loan was approved, would also help build resilience to the effects of climate change, such as floods and drought, by improving dam safety and irrigation.

“The World Bank has today approved three operations for a total of $1.57bn to support the Government of Nigeria in strengthening human capital through better health for women, children and adolescents and building resilience to the effects of climate change such as floods and droughts through improving dam safety and irrigation,” the statement said.

The international lender stated that this new financing includes $500m for addressing governance issues that constrain the delivery of education and health, $570m for the Primary Healthcare Provision Strengthening Programme and $500m for the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Project.

“The HOPE-GOV and HOPE-PHC programmes combined will support the Government of Nigeria to improve service delivery in the basic education and primary healthcare sectors which are critical towards improving Nigeria’s human capital outcomes.

“The SPIN project will support the improvement of dams’ safety and management of water resources for hydropower and irrigation in selected areas of Nigeria.

“The HOPE-GOV Programme will support Nigeria to address underlying governance weaknesses in the systems and procedures of government in two key human development sectors,” it noted.

The approval, made on September 26, 2024, highlights the World Bank’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s human capital and building resilience in the face of climate threats.

It also indicates that Nigeria has secured a total of $6.52bn in loans from the World Bank under the administration of President Bola Tinubu amid concerns over the country’s rising external debt servicing costs.

Continuing, the World Bank explained that the HOPE-GOV Program will address underlying governance weaknesses in the systems and procedures of government to substantially reduce maternal and under-five mortality, benefiting 40 million people, especially vulnerable populations.

It said the project to be implemented by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and Federal Ministry of Education will receive $500m International Development Association credit and an additional $70m in grant financing from the Global Financing Facility for Women, Children and Adolescents.

“The HOPE-GOV Program will support Nigeria to address underlying governance weaknesses in the systems and procedures of government in two key human development sectors. It will particularly focus on critical cross-cutting challenges and enabling factors related to both financial and human resource management in basic education and primary healthcare sectors. The Program will increase the availability and effectiveness of financing for basic education and primary healthcare service delivery, enhance transparency and accountability of financing and improve recruitment, deployment and performance management of basic education teachers and primary healthcare workers by federal, state, and local governments.

“In support of the government’s newly launched reforms in the health sector, under the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, the HOPE-PHC project will improve the quality and utilization of core reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health and nutrition services to substantially reduce maternal and under-five mortality and to improve the resilience of the health system— benefiting 40 million people, especially vulnerable populations.

The project is financed by a concessional $500 million International Development Association credit and an additional $70 million in grant financing from the Global Financing Facility for Women, Children and Adolescents. The GFF support includes $11 million from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and $12.5 million from the Children’s Investment Foundation Fund through joint financing with the GFF to help close the financing gap for primary and community healthcare and maternal newborn care at hospital-level, while also supporting government efforts to ensure sustainable financing for family planning commodities,” The statement explained.

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Headlines

October 1: Court Order Restricting Protest To Two Venues Still In Force — Lagos Govt

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Ahead of the planned nationwide protest against economic hardship scheduled for October 1, the Lagos State Government has reiterated that the court order restricting protests to two designated venues in the state remains in effect.

The state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), made this statement on Sunday during an interaction with journalists. He advised the organisers to avoid disrupting social and economic activities, adding that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s instructions to the Commissioner of Police regarding public safety are still in place.

In July, a Lagos High Court restricted the “End Bad Governance” protest to Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota and Peace Park in Ketu, following an ex-parte application filed by the state government.

Pedro noted that while the governor does not oppose residents expressing their views through protests, such expressions must occur within the bounds of the law.

“We have and shall continue to engage the civil societies and non-governmental organisations in Lagos who are genuinely interested in the development of Lagos State to explain and enlighten them that the Governor of Lagos State Babajide Sanwo-Olu is not opposed to any group of residents to express their view about any government by way of public protest as it is their fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution of Nigeria 1999,” he said.

However, Pedro clarified that the rights to freedom of speech, association, and assembly are not absolute.

He explained, “By virtue of Section 45, Section 215 (4) of the Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) and Section 4 & 10(2) of the Police Act, it is lawful for the Governor of Lagos State or the Attorney General of Lagos on his behalf to give the Commissioner of Police of Lagos State directive for maintenance and securing of public safety and public order that may impact on the exercise of these fundamental rights.”

In this context, he urged the organisers to utilize the designated venues—Freedom Park and Peace Park—for their protests, ensuring adequate protection and media coverage.

Pedro further warned, “It is the same set or group of people that organised the last protest that is planning the October 1 protest, so they should be guided by the interim preservative order of injunction of court restricting public protest in the state to designated venues.”

Meanwhile, the protest organizers, including the Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Movement for Fundamental Change (MFC), Youth Rights Campaign (YRC), Joint Action Front (JAF), and Pan-African Consciousness Renaissance (PACOR-Nigeria), have written to the police requesting adequate security for their members.

Explaining their reasons for organizing the protest, they noted that none of their demands from the August 1-10 nationwide protests have been addressed.

“None of the demands from our ten days of protests in August have been met. Instead, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has used the national treasury to acquire luxury cars, aircraft, and other extravagances for himself and the first family, showing no regard for the plight of hungry Nigerians,” the organizers said.

They added, “In further disregard for the people, the government has imposed yet another hike in fuel prices this month. Fuel now costs between N900 and N1,900 per liter, depending on the region. Less than two years ago, a liter of fuel cost no more than N200. This is outrageous and intolerable. Life has become unbearable for many Nigerians.”

The organizers also highlighted the impact of rising prices on food and the overall cost of living, stating that inflation has rendered the new N70,000 National Minimum Wage insufficient for Nigerian workers.

“Many are starving as the increase in fuel prices has driven up food costs. Inflation has made the new minimum wage irrelevant, while the sharp rise in the cost of imported goods has left traders with unsold stock,” they concluded.

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Headlines

Nigeria @64: FG plans low-key celebration as Nigerian youths protest against hunger

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

While the Federal Government is planning a low-key Independence Day anniversary celebration, the EndBadGovernance protest organizers have also concluded plans to stage protests across the country.

Leading reporters reports that for the second time after President Bola Tinubu took over the leadership mantle in 2023, the FG on Thursday, September 26 announced that the October 1 Independence Day would be on a low key basis due to the mood of the nation.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume told newsmen that President Tinubu’s government was aware of and sympathized with all Nigerians over the economic conditions they were passing through, hence the treason for a low-key celebration.

However, some activists clamouring to end bad governance in Nigeria are seeing the event as a fertile ground to continue their protest against the high cost of living and other lingering challenges bedeviling the nation.

Economic hardship

For most Nigerians, the economic situation of the country has aggravated to an unbearable stage.

Leading reporters reports that currently, there is no end in sight to the untoward hardship imposed on Nigerians from May 2023 after President Bola Tinubu announced the removal of fuel subsidy.

On Friday, September 27, the National Bureau of Statistics revealed that the prices of Beans, Rice, Bread, Egg have continued to rise across the country.

NBS, in its data, indicated that one Kilogram of Beans rose by 271.55 percent on a year-on-year basis to N2,574.63 in August 2024 from N692.95 recorded the same period last year.

Also on a month-on-month basis, the price of Beans increased to 5.31 percent to N2,444.81 in July 2024.

According to NBS, the average price of 1kg Local rice sold loose went up by 148.41 percent from N 737.11 in August 2023 to N1,831.05 in August 2024, while there was an increase of 3.65 percent on a month-on-month basis.

It also stated that the price of medium size eggs (12 pieces) experienced significant price increases by N121.92 percent from N1,031.55 in August of last year to N2,289.19 in August 2024.

Our correspondent gathered on Saturday that the price of a 50kg bag of rice has jerked up to about N100,000.

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Headlines

EFCC arrests ex-governor over N27bn ‘fraud’

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), have arrested a former governor of Taraba State, Darius Ishaku, over alleged N27bn fraud.

It was learnt that Ishaku, who left the as governor of the State in 2023 after spending 8 years, was picked up at his Abuja residence in the early hours of Friday.

Impeccable sources within the commission confided in our correspondent that the former governor was still in the anti-graft agency’s custody as at when filing this report Friday night.

One of the sources revealed that at least 15-count charges have been filed against Ishaku and he would be arraigned in court soon as evidence against him have been compiled.

“Yes, he’s in our custody right now. We have been investigating him covertly since he left as the State governor. There a lot of financial malfeasance he perpetrated,” the source told Weekend Trust.

Another source said he was detained after he could not provide satisfactory explanations to financial impropriety that happened under his watch.

When contacted, the spokesman of the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the development to our correspondent but declined further comments.

Ishaku’s arrest is coming on the heels of ongoing face-off between the commission and the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, who was said to have stolen N80.2bn.

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