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Protest: Northern Youth Urge States, LGAs, to Review Economic Policies, Palliatives Distribution Structures
Protest: Northern Youth Urge States, LGAs, to Review Economic Policies, Palliatives Distribution Structures
By: Michael Mike
The Northern Christian Youth Professionals have commended President Tinubu’s administration for the substantial revenue savings achieved since the removal of the fuel subsidy, advising the states, local government areas to review economic policies and palliatives distribution structures.
In a statement signed by the association Chairman, Isaac Abrak said: “The redirection of these funds towards enhancing the living conditions of Nigerians, particularly the less privileged, is a testament to the President’s genuine intention to end the misappropriation of trillions of naira by a select few oil cabals under the guise of paying oil subsidies.”
Abrak said: “However, the recent national protest tagged #EndBadGovernance has highlighted that despite these efforts, state and local governments have not yet efficiently utilized these funds to improve the lives of Nigerians, especially the very poor. This reality calls for state governors and local government chairmen to urgently review the mechanisms they use to administer these funds and distribute palliatives.
“Interestingly, this protest has revealed youth and community leaders who can be integrated into these structures to ensure that the impact of these funds and other forms of palliatives, such as food commodities, reaches those who need it the most.”
He added that: “Last month- July, while protesters were organizing, the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) disbursed N1.354 trillion, with states receiving N461.979 billion and local governments receiving N337.019 billion. Between January and May this year, a total of N10.13 trillion was shared among federal, state, and local governments, marking a 179% increase compared to the same period in 2023. The breakdown of these disbursements includes N1.88 trillion for the Federal Government, N2.05 trillion for State Governments, and N1.41 trillion for Local Governments.
“To ensure food reaches the tables of ordinary Nigerians, President Tinubu dispatched 20 trucks of rice to each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with each truck containing approximately 1,200 bags of 25kg of rice. Additionally, the administration released 102,000 metric tons of grains, including maize, millet, and garri, from the National Food Reserve. This distribution aims to alleviate the food crisis and high commodity prices. Despite these efforts, the desired results continue to elude us, heightening frustrations nationwide.
“It is imperative that state governors urgently review their economic policies and distribution structures to ensure that palliatives effectively reach those in need. While it is easy to blame the state governors, the responsibility also lies with the leadership of distribution networks, including religious bodies such as the Christian Association of Nigeria, Jama’a tu Nasril Islam, traditional rulers, civil society groups, professional organizations, and youth and student unions. These bodies must critically examine and improve their internal distribution mechanisms.
“Government at the sub-national level must avoid politicizing the distribution of palliatives and governance in general, as evidenced by the recent protests that affect us all. Individuals driven by selfishness, greed, and poor integrity must be consciously weeded out from administering government intervention programs, especially at the grassroots level.”
Abrak advised that “President Tinubu should continue to embrace constructive criticism as an opportunity to do more, while we all must also self-examine and strive to improve our characters and roles as followers and citizens in moving our country forward. Members of the National and State Assemblies should reconsider their wages and allowances, which have long been criticized as excessively generous.”
He said: “We, the Northern Christian Youth Professionals, urge the #ENDBADGOVERNANCE Protesters to end the protest and join other stakeholders to work together to ensure that the benefits of the subsidy removal reach every Nigerian, particularly the most vulnerable among us.”
Protest: Northern Youth Urge States, LGAs, to Review Economic Policies, Palliatives Distribution Structures
News
Troops Rescue INEC Official, Arrest Suspects After Election-Related Kidnapping Attempt in Cross River
Troops Rescue INEC Official, Arrest Suspects After Election-Related Kidnapping Attempt in Cross River
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops have rescued an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and arrested three suspects following a reported kidnapping and disruption of election-related activities in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 11:15 p.m. on May 22 when two groups of suspected kidnappers stormed the venue of ADC primary elections at Wummy Hotel, Ekori community.
According to the sources, one of the groups abducted the INEC returning officer, forced him into a vehicle, and compelled him to transfer ₦70,000 before fleeing the scene.
The second group, operating on a motorcycle, reportedly carted away ballot boxes from the venue.
Following intelligence on the incident, troops in Yakurr Local Government Area laid an ambush on the fleeing suspects, successfully intercepting the vehicle and rescuing the kidnapped INEC official.
Three suspects were arrested during the operation, while one armed suspect reportedly escaped into nearby bush with a pistol, a mobile phone, ATM card, travelling bag and other election materials.
The rescued official, arrested suspects and recovered vehicle are currently in military custody for further investigation and action.
Security forces have intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and recover the stolen electoral materials.
Troops Rescue INEC Official, Arrest Suspects After Election-Related Kidnapping Attempt in Cross River
Troops Raid Suspected Cultists’ Hideout, Arrest Three in Enugu State
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 103 Battalion, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, have raided a suspected cultists’ hideout in Achi town, Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State, arresting three suspects and recovering items believed to be linked to criminal activities.
Security sources disclosed that the operation was carried out at about 4:30 a.m. on May 23 following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected cultists and other criminal elements operating in the area.
According to the sources, the troops stormed a residential building suspected to be used as a hideout by the criminal group.
During the raid, three suspects were apprehended, while items recovered include eight motorcycles and two buckets of locally made gunpowder.
The suspects and recovered items were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and necessary action.
Security authorities have continued to intensify joint operations in Enugu State and surrounding areas to curb cult-related activities and other forms of violent crime.
Troops Raid Suspected Cultists’ Hideout, Arrest Three in Enugu State
Troops Launch Manhunt for Berom Militia After Attack on Cattle in Plateau Community
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4 Operation Enduring Peace have launched efforts to track down Berom Militia following an attack on cattle in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources disclosed that the troops responded to a distress report at about 5:12 p.m. on May 23 concerning an attack on cattle belonging to a local herder identified as Alhaji Tambari at Gassa village.
According to the sources, the cattle were grazing in the area when the attackers struck and fled before the arrival of security personnel.
Upon reaching the scene, troops discovered that one cow had been shot dead during the incident.
The Berom militia were said to have escaped from the area before security operatives arrived.
Troops have since intensified efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack while patrols have been heightened within the community and surrounding areas to prevent further incidents.
Security authorities reiterated the commitment of Operation Enduring Peace to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace in communities across Plateau State.
Troops Launch Manhunt for Berom Militia After Attack on Cattle in Plateau Community
Troops Rescue INEC Official, Arrest Suspects After Election-Related Kidnapping Attempt in Cross River
Troops Raid Suspected Cultists’ Hideout, Arrest Three in Enugu State
Troops Launch Manhunt for Berom Militia After Attack on Cattle in Plateau Community
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