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ActionAid Expresses Concern Over Alignment Against Planned Protest on Bas Governance
ActionAid Expresses Concern Over Alignment Against Planned Protest on Bas Governance
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has expressed concerned over the alignment of many governors, politicians, traditional leaders, public office holders, and some high-net-worth individuals with the government’s stance against the planned protest against what the protesters termed bad governance.
The ANN in a statement on Monday declared that it stand in solidarity with Nigerian youths as they plan a nationwide protest starting on Thursday August 1st.
The statement by the Country Director of the nongovernmental organisation, Andrew Mamedu said: “We firmly support citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and protest. It is important to reiterate that every Nigerian has the inalienable right to voice their grievances and demand accountability from their government without fear of violence or retribution.
“The End SARS protests of 2020 were a pivotal moment and highlighted the power of peaceful demonstration and the necessity of addressing citizens’ concerns. However, the tragic events that followed, including the killing and mass arrest of protesters, serve as a reminder of the dangers when security forces fail to uphold their duty to protect. This same failure repeated itself at the June 12, 2024, protest, where security agencies meant to protect citizens were involved in the violent clampdown on protesters.”
It warned that: “The federal government must not allow the violent repression of peaceful protesters to continually repeat itself. Any such actions would be a severe violation of human rights and undermine the democratic principles that our nation strives to uphold.”
The statement further read that: “ActionAid Nigeria is also concerned by the alignment of many governors, politicians, traditional leaders, public office holders, and some high-net-worth individuals with the government’s stance against the protest, citing the chaos and destruction from the End SARS protests. These figures overlook that citizens do not protest without cause; severe economic challenges and poor living conditions are driving them to the streets. If the government channeled the same energy and resources currently being used to suppress the protest into addressing these concerns, the protest would likely dissipate.
“Instead, the federal government is mobilising various forces to stifle the protest rather than addressing the root issues. This history of clampdowns on protesters may explain why current organisers of the protest are choosing to remain anonymous and avoid negotiations.”
It demanded that: “The Federal Government must coordinate the three tiers of government, the private sector, and other stakeholders to genuinely address the demands of Nigerians by implementing effective mechanisms to alleviate the hardship that Nigerians are currently experiencing. Economic challenges, unemployment, and poor living conditions are driving citizens to the streets. The demands being made are the constitutional rights of citizens, especially as the ultimate goal is improved welfare and security all Nigerians.
“The Nigerian Police Force and all security agencies must provide adequate protection to all protesters and protest locations across the country. The safety of citizens exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly must be ensured at all times. This protection is crucial to maintaining public order and preventing violence during demonstrations.
“The federal government must unequivocally commit, both in its rhetoric and actions, to preventing any recurrence of the violent repression of peaceful protesters by security agencies as witnessed during the last June 12 protests. The government and security agencies must respect the rights of citizens to protest without fear of violence or retribution.
“Governors and all politicians must respect citizens’ rights. Declaring states as off-limits for protests undermines citizens’ constitutional rights and betrays the duty to address the genuine grievances driving these demonstrations. Such statements reflect a troubling disregard for democratic principles and the rule of law.”
ActionAid Nigeria also appealed to all protesters to maintain peace and order during their demonstrations, noting that: “Peaceful protests are a powerful tool for change, and it is essential that they remain non-violent to convey their message effectively and avoid unnecessary harm or destruction.
“We also enjoin citizens and politicians inclined to form anti-protest groups must be reminded to respect the rights of their fellow Nigerians to peaceful assembly, and any violations of these rights must be met with the full extent of the law.”
ActionAid Expresses Concern Over Alignment Against Planned Protest on Bas Governance
News
Bwala’s appointment: Tinubu has large heart, says Ndume
Bwala’s appointment: Tinubu has large heart, says Ndume
By: Our Reporter
Former majority leader of the Senate, Mohammed Ali Ndume, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Daniel Bwala as special adviser on public communications and media.
Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, a position that places him as Bwala’s Senator, noted that Tinubu has demonstrated that he is a leader with large heart through Bwala’s appointment.
Bwala served as the spokesman of the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar during the 2023 President election campaigns.
“I wish to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Daniel Bwala as his special adviser to the President on public communication and media. This gesture deserves serious applause particularly in view of the roles played by Bwala in recent past.
“Bwala’s appointment is a rare demonstration of large heartedness in leadership, a quality that is difficult to find in many leaders today,” Ndume stated.
Recall that Bwala is among the recent persons appointed by President Tinubu to serve in the prestigious position of special Adviser to the President on public communication and media.
Ndume advice Bwala to seek forgiveness from the Vice President Kashim Shettima whose appointment made him to leave APC because he is a Muslim and work with him closely to as your second Principal to promote the renewed hope agenda of Mr President.
You should also learn from Sunday Dare and Ononuga who are long and loyal associates of Tinubu who always defend the policies of Mr President without being abusive and offensive.
You should also learn from the likes of Hadiza Bala and Nuhu Ribadu NSA who defend and market Tinubu’s policies backed by facts and figures.
Finally you should also link up with our people at the grassroots because charity begins from home.
Finally I wish you success in your new assignment.
Bwala’s appointment: Tinubu has large heart, says Ndume
News
DG of Great Green Wall, Borno State, Participates in COP29 Summit
DG of Great Green Wall, Borno State, Participates in COP29 Summit
By: Our Reporter
Amb. Usman Aliyu, the Director General of the Borno State Agency for the Great Green Wall, is representing Nigeria at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan.
His selection to join the Nigerian negotiation team highlights his exceptional contributions to climate action, following his distinguished performance during a UNFCCC-EU training in Abuja, which earned him sponsorship from the European Union.
Amb. Aliyu’s participation underscores the commitment of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s administration to combating climate change and fostering sustainable development. His efforts focus on climate finance, large-scale reforestation, and enhancing the resilience of vulnerable communities, which are critical to addressing environmental challenges in Borno State and beyond.
“Representing Nigeria at COP29 is an opportunity to advocate for practical solutions to the pressing climate challenges facing our region,” said Amb. Usman Aliyu.
This involvement positions Borno State as a leader in integrating local initiatives with global climate goals, promoting long-term sustainability and resilience for its communities.
DG of Great Green Wall, Borno State, Participates in COP29 Summit
News
EMAN honours Zulum with distinguished award and honorary fellowship”
EMAN honours Zulum with distinguished award and honorary fellowship”
By: Our Reporter
The Environmental Management Association of Nigeria (EMAN) has conferred the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, with an Honorary Fellowship and Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to environmental management and sustainable development.
The award was presented during EMAN’s 2024 Annual Conference and General Meeting held on Wednesday 13 November at Grand Cubana Hotel in Abuja.
Themed “Building Resilience Against Land Degradation and Climate Change in Nigeria,” the event drew prominent personalities, including the National Project Coordinator NEWMAP, Mr. Andy Ayuba Yalak; Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Innocent Barikor and Professor Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja Aisha Sani Maikudi represented by the Dean School of Environment and representative of Chairman Senate Committee on Environment.
Governor Zulum’s recognition by EMAN marks the first time the association has presented this prestigious award to a Chief Executive.
The honor underscores Zulum’s commitment to effective environmental management, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
This is the fifth fellowship award conferred on the Governor in the past five years, following recognitions by the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers, the Nigerian Institute of Architects, and the National Postgraduate Medical College.
Represented by his Senior Technical Assistant, Honourable Umaru Bako, Governor Zulum highlighted key environmental achievements under his administration. These include:
Strengthening the Borno State Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA) through increased funding.
Timely and effective management of recent flood disasters.
Establishing a Directorate of the Great Green Wall to combat desertification.
Full participation in the Agro-Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) program.
Ongoing infrastructure and human development initiatives aimed at fostering a climate-resilient society.
Expressing his gratitude, Governor Zulum stated, “I am extremely delighted with this honor and assure you of my administration’s unwavering commitment to protecting the environment and building a resilient future for our society.”
EMAN, as Nigeria’s leading professional body for environmental management, continues to recognize and encourage exemplary contributions towards environmental sustainability.
EMAN honours Zulum with distinguished award and honorary fellowship”
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