National News
Protest: ActionAid Nigeria Demands Immediate Action from the President
Protest: ActionAid Nigeria Demands Immediate Action from the President
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria has called on President Bola Tinubu as a matter of urgency to immediately address the nation on the ongoing protest against bad governance.
A statement on Friday read the “ActionAid Nigeria’s stands with the courageous Nigerians taking to the streets in the #EndBadGovernance protests. The demands for pro-poor policies are not just valid; they are urgent and necessary. Inflation is crippling livelihoods, and some of the government’s current spending priorities are out of touch with the harsh realities faced by millions of Nigerians.
“In the face of widespread protests and rising public discontent, it would be disheartening for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remain in the background, sending spokespersons to address the nation on his behalf.
“The President must immediately address the nation, acknowledge the grievances and concerns driving the #EndBadGovernance protests, and provide a detailed plan, complete with clear, time-bound actions, to address bad governance and adopt pro-poor policies that can alleviate the severe economic hardships currently being faced.”
ActionAid added that: “The recent court rulings restricting protests to specific locations such as the National Stadium in FCT, Peace Park and Freedom Park in Lagos, and Metropolitan Square in Kwara leave much to be desired and set a dangerous precedent that could curtail citizens’ rights to free expression. These restrictions stifle the voice of the people and undermine the essence of democratic protest. If the President, Governors, and lawmakers are not visiting these restricted locations to hear the people’s complaints firsthand, these limitations only serve to further alienate the government from the people it is meant to serve.”
The statement added that: “ActionAid Nigeria’s situation room has observed alarming incidents of unprovoked police violence in Abuja, Lagos and some other locations. In these cities, tear gas was used against peaceful protesters without provocation, violating their rights and escalating tensions unnecessarily. This brutality is in stark contrast to the commendable actions of some police officers who have protected protesters and maintained peace in certain locations. However, the instances of violence cannot be ignored or excused, especially as about twenty people have been killed across various protest locations in Nigeria.
“Additionally, the protests in Kano, Ibadan, Edo, and Kaduna have been hijacked by hoodlums, leading to looting and vandalism. These hijacking challenges the legitimate demands of the protesters and create an environment of chaos and insecurity. Police must address this situation urgently to restore order and ensure the safety of all citizens involved in the protests and properties. Those individuals looting and destroying public and private properties should not be regarded as genuine protesters; they should be dealt with according to the law.
“ActionAid Nigeria is calling on both pro and anti-protesters to ensure their demonstrations remain peaceful and respectful. We also demand that the President urgently and directly address the nation and outline specific measures to tackle the issues arising. The demands of the protesters are simple: transparency, accountability, and policies that prioritise the welfare of the people. These should be fundamental duties of any government, not concessions wrung from it through protest.
“Our situation room is actively monitoring the protests and the government’s response. We have teams deployed across the country, ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and that their rights are protected. We reiterate that the time for action is now. The future of Nigeria depends on responsive, responsible, and people-centered governance. The demands of the #EndBadGovernance protesters are a clarion call for change that must be heeded.”
Protest: ActionAid Nigeria Demands Immediate Action from the President
Police arrest MOPOL, security guards over warehouse burglary in Ogun
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police in Ogun have arrested a mobile policeman and several security guards for alleged conspiracy, burglary and theft from a warehouse belonging to H.K Printing & Packaging Limited, Agbara.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Aug. 9 at about 11:00 p.m., when a truck drove into the company premises and proceeded to the warehouse, allegedly aided by security operatives on duty.
According to the sources, Insp. Ibrahim James, attached to PMF 16 Abeokuta, was captured on CCTV moving around and allegedly leading the operation.
Another officer, Insp. Olabamipe Olaiya, posted to the same beat, was said to be absent from duty at the time.
The company’s security guards and the implicated police personnel allegedly conspired with others still at large to break into the warehouse and cart away goods whose total value is yet to be ascertained.
Police detectives led by CSP Phillips Abayomi, Acting ACP, Agbara Division, visited the scene and arrested the mobile policeman along with the private security guards on duty during the incident.
The suspects are being interrogated, while efforts are ongoing to track down fleeing accomplices and recover the stolen items.
Police arrest MOPOL, security guards over warehouse burglary in Ogun
Police launch manhunt for herbalist over alleged ritual killing in Nasarawa
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nasarawa State Police Command says it is searching for a herbalist, simply identified as Alfa, over alleged involvement in a ritual killing and attempted murder in Mararaba.
It was gathered that the case was reported by one Jamilu Abubakar, a vigilante member.
Abubakar allegedly accompanied two young men to Alfa’s residence on Aug. 12 to seek spiritual assistance purportedly to make more money through internet fraud.
“It was gathered that Alfa prepared a concoction and meat for the victims to eat. Shortly after consuming the meal, both developed severe stomach pain and were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Mararaba.
“Sadly, one of the victims, Ani Sunday, aged 21, was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty, while the second, Tosin Akurunor, is responding to treatment,” said the sources.
He said Abubakar had been arrested for his role in taking the victims to the herbalist, while the main suspect, Alfa, was at large.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend Alfa and conclude investigations, he added.
Police launch manhunt for herbalist over alleged ritual killing in Nasarawa
National News
Investments in circular economy have the potential to increase forex earnings- NESREA DG
Investments in circular economy have the potential to increase forex earnings- NESREA DG
By: Michael Mike
The Director General of National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Prof. Innocent Barikor has affirmed that investments in the circular economy value chain have the potential to increase the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
Barikor made this statement recently during a meeting with the management of a plastic packaging recycling (rPET) company, Sonnex in Lagos.
He assured the team that the Nigerian government prioritizes circular economy, noting that the draft National Environmental (Plastic Waste Control) Regulations soon to be gazetted is one of the efforts to strengthen the legal framework for circular economy implementation in Nigeria.
He said: “Circular Economy falls under the Presidential priorities for the Federal Ministry of Environment, and the Minister is very keen on the success. Apart from tackling the problem of waste, green jobs have been created .
“The pellets and flakes you produce and export also generate foreign exchange. The Plastic Waste Control Regulations are awaiting official gazette and once gazetted, we would have connected the dots of the framework to implement circular economy in the plastic sector. We are deeply committed to ensuring the success of Circular Economy.”
Earlier, the Managing Director, Anil Mohinani intimated the NESREA boss on the process for the production of recycled PET bottles (rPET), whilst also highlighting the challenges faced by investors in the sector .
He listed some of the setbacks to include lack of a legal instrument to compel manufacturers in the food and beverage sector to embrace food-grade rPET, unfriendly policies by some foreign companies, and insufficient awareness .
“Europe and America create barriers to protect their international recycling business. There is unfair competition. In some countries such as Kenya, there is encouragement to invest in rPET recycling because there is a regulation in place,” he added.
Investments in circular economy have the potential to increase forex earnings- NESREA DG
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