President Bola Tinubu has announced a 30-day confab for Nigerian youths to discuss challenges confronting them.
Tinubu made this announcement on Tuesday during his 64th Independence Day Anniversary Broadcast.
Details shortly…
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.
Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have sealed a groundbreaking deal with Russia to acquire advanced telecommunications and surveillance satellites.
This landmark agreement was finalized in Bamako, Mali, through a meeting with Roscosmos officials.
The satellites will significantly boost national security and border surveillance capabilities for the three West African nations.
According to Mali’s Finance Minister, Alousséni Sanou, the technology will ensure secure communications and enhance emergency response efforts, including natural disasters like floods, droughts, and fires.
The Sahel region’s vast, porous borders have been exploited by Islamist insurgents, posing a major challenge to security forces. To counter this, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso’s military juntas are leveraging satellite technology to improve surveillance and response capabilities.
This strategic move is part of Russia’s expanding influence in Africa, particularly in the Sahel.
As relations between West African countries and Western allies deteriorate, Russia sees an opportunity to strengthen its regional foothold.
The satellite deal underscores Russia’s growing presence in Africa’s security landscape, enabling Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to enhance their security strategy and counter insurgent threats more effectively.
China’s newest nuclear-powered attack submarine sank earlier this year, according to a senior US defense official, potentially embarrassing Beijing as it expands its military capabilities.
This incident comes as China already boasts the world’s largest navy, with over 370 ships, and is producing a new generation of nuclear-armed submarines.
The senior US defense official revealed that the submarine sank alongside a pier between May and June, although the exact cause and whether it had nuclear fuel on board remain unclear.
In response, a Chinese embassy spokesperson in Washington claimed they had no information to provide, stating, “We are not familiar with the situation you mentioned and currently have no information to provide.”
This incident raises concerns about the People’s Liberation Army’s internal accountability and oversight of China’s defense industry, which has struggled with corruption. The PLA Navy may try to conceal the sinking, highlighting the need for transparency.
Taiwan Defense Minister Wellington Koo acknowledged that authorities are monitoring the situation through intelligence and surveillance methods. Taiwan keeps a close eye on China’s military activities, especially after a Chinese nuclear submarine was spotted in the Taiwan Strait near Taiwanese fishermen in June.
China’s military expansion includes a growing submarine force, expected to reach 65 by 2025 and 80 by 2035. The country recently conducted a rare intercontinental ballistic missile launch into the Pacific Ocean, sparking international concerns about its nuclear buildup.
The US and China have held talks to stabilize military ties and avoid misunderstandings, particularly in regional hotspots like the South China Sea.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.