Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya has expressed grave concern over the display of Russian flags by northern youths during the recent #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests. The protests, which began as a nationwide campaign for better governance, have escalated into violence in several northern states.

During a visit to Kumo in Akko Local Government Area on Thursday, where he inaugurated the newly constructed Kumo General Hospital, Yahaya was met with local youths waving the Nigerian flag. This gesture contrasted sharply with the troubling images of Russian flags displayed during the protests in other regions.
Yahaya conveyed relief and pride at seeing the Nigerian flag, which he felt represented support and care from the local youth. He emphasized that the presence of foreign flags at protests highlighted a level of decay and disappointment.

The use of Russian flags during the protests has led to a response from security agencies. In Gombe, police have arrested at least 10 individuals related to the flag display, and the Department of State Services (DSS) is interrogating several foreigners believed to be involved in sponsoring the protests.
Authorities in Kano have arrested a tailor accused of producing and supplying the Russian flags to the protesters.

The Federal Government has condemned the use of foreign symbols in domestic protests and has warned other countries against interfering in Nigerian affairs. The Russian embassy in Nigeria has denied any involvement in the protests.

At the inauguration of the Kumo General Hospital, Yahaya shared the background of the project. He mentioned that the facility was previously in a deplorable state and that a decision was made to demolish and rebuild it as a modern secondary medical facility with 200 bed spaces, aimed at serving Gombe Central.

The governor expressed satisfaction with the completion of the hospital and emphasized the government’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure. He also highlighted the initial focus on primary healthcare across the state’s 114 wards and urged residents to support the government’s efforts.

Governor Yahaya’s concerns about the use of Russian flags reflect broader worries about foreign influence in domestic issues. His focus on local development, demonstrated by the inauguration of the Kumo General Hospital, contrasts with the unrest seen in other parts of the country.

Kogi Activist Calls for Transparency on Missing 20 Rice Trucks Sent by Federal Government

Usman Okai Austin, the former PDP candidate for the Dekina/Bassa federal constituency, has demanded that Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo clarify the whereabouts of 20 trucks of rice sent by the federal government.

The federal government had dispatched these trucks as part of its efforts to combat food insecurity, especially in states like Kogi, which have faced significant economic and pandemic-related challenges. However, Okai raised concerns about the state government’s lack of communication regarding the distribution of this essential aid.

In a press statement on Friday, Okai highlighted the need for transparency and accountability. He criticized the Kogi State Government for not addressing the issue, stating that the citizens have a right to know where the aid is and how it will be distributed.

“The silence on this matter sends a troubling message to the people of Kogi State. It’s not just about the rice; it’s about transparency and responsible governance,” Okai said.

He emphasized that the rice distribution is a critical resource for many struggling families and urged Governor Ododo to ensure the aid is distributed fairly and equitably. Okai also called for credible individuals to oversee the distribution to prevent misappropriation, citing past instances where aid meant for the needy was diverted.

“History should not repeat itself. This aid is not a political tool but a necessary resource for the citizens. Governor Ododo must address this issue promptly,” Okai added.

The call for action comes amid growing frustration among Kogi State residents over government transparency and effective management of resources. Okai’s demand for clarity is a push towards ensuring that the federal aid reaches the intended beneficiaries and reinforces the need for accountable governance in Kogi State.

“Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer Ejiofor Accuses Reno Omokri of Attacking Igbos for Financial Gain”

Ifeanyi Ejiofor, a prominent lawyer representing Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has accused social commentator Reno Omokri of targeting the Igbos and Peter Obi with derogatory posts for financial benefit. In a statement released on Friday, Ejiofor claimed that Omokri’s income largely comes from impression-based revenue on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

Ejiofor asserted that Omokri’s controversial and disparaging remarks are strategically crafted to provoke strong reactions from the Igbo community and Obi’s supporters, which, in turn, boosts engagement and traffic to his posts. This engagement is directly linked to his revenue model, as higher traffic translates to greater earnings.

The lawyer criticized Omokri for his “relentless ethnic baiting,” suggesting that his primary motivation is financial rather than a genuine interest in national issues. Ejiofor argued that the more people engage with Omokri’s provocative content, the more successful his strategy becomes.

He advised the public to counteract Omokri’s tactics by ignoring his provocations, unfollowing him on social media, and not contributing to the engagement that fuels his revenue. Ejiofor emphasized that the best way to undermine Omokri’s influence is through silence and spreading awareness of his manipulative tactics.

“Take It Back Movement to Lead One-Million-Man Protest Nationwide on August 10”

The Take It Back Movement, a prominent organizer of the EndBadGovernance campaign, has announced plans for a massive one-million-man protest scheduled for Saturday, August 10. The protest will take place simultaneously across all 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Mr. Sanyaolu Juwon, the National Coordinator of the movement, made the announcement in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja. Juwon explained that the protest marks a pivotal moment in their ongoing campaign, which initially began as a 10-day protest on August 1, 2024. The campaign has since evolved into a sustained, nationwide movement, drawing participants from across Nigeria and the diaspora.

“This event will mark a critical juncture in our nationwide EndBadGovernanceInNigeria campaign,” Juwon said. “It started as a planned 10-day protest but has grown into a widespread movement, highlighting the urgent need for governance reforms.”

The protest aims to draw attention to the severe hardships faced by Nigerian citizens and to demand improved governance and accountability from all levels of government. Although the protest began peacefully, it has faced disruptions from criminal elements, particularly in northern states, where it has seen significant participation.

Despite a recent nationwide appeal by President Bola Tinubu asking protesters to pause and give his administration more time to address issues, demonstrations have continued in various parts of the country, including Abuja and Kano. The President’s request for a delay has not deterred the protesters, who are determined to push for immediate reforms.

The Take It Back Movement, alongside other organizations involved, will coordinate the nationwide demonstration to ensure a unified and impactful show of force. The protest reflects widespread public frustration and calls for action against perceived poor governance and socio-economic challenges in Nigeria.

“Governor Otti Assures Traders They Won’t Lose Shops Amid Ekeoha Market Remodelling”

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has officially launched the remodelling of Ekeoha Market in Aba, addressing traders’ concerns about the impact of the project on their businesses. During the flag-off ceremony, Otti assured the traders that the redevelopment, which is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), would not lead to them losing their original shops.

Otti emphasized that the market would not be demolished immediately but rather rebuilt in phases, addressing fears of sudden displacement. He reassured the traders that their interests would be protected throughout the process.

“This project has become very necessary to avert an imminent disaster,” Otti said. He referenced a previous incident in July 2023, which, although not resulting in loss of life, highlighted the need for timely action to prevent further issues.

Otti acknowledged that the cost of owning shops in the newly remodelled market might increase due to current building material prices. However, he assured that financial assistance would be available for those genuinely interested in acquiring new shops. The new market will include modern facilities such as CCTV cameras for enhanced security and a regular power supply to improve the trading environment.

Addressing concerns raised by traders, Otti stated, “I am aware that there is discomfort amongst a certain section of traders about the cost of the project and this is understandable in view of the challenging economic realities in the land.” He assured them that the new structures would be larger, better, and more modern than the existing ones.

The Governor’s reassurances come after a peaceful protest by a group of Ekeoha Market traders led by Chris Uruakpa and Tochukwu Oguguo. The traders, while supporting the remodelling project, expressed concerns about potential loss of their shops or being priced out of the market after reconstruction.

Otti’s commitment aims to address these concerns and ensure a smooth transition for traders during the market’s redevelopment.

“US Warns Iran of Major Consequences for Retaliation Against Israel”

The United States has issued a stern warning to Iran, indicating that any retaliatory strike against Israel in response to the recent killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh could result in severe repercussions for Iran. This warning highlights the increasing tension between the two nations and the potential for further escalation in the conflict.

According to Fox News and The Wall Street Journal, a US official revealed that the US has made it clear to Tehran that retaliatory actions could have dire consequences for Iran’s economy and the stability of its government. The official emphasized that the risk of a major escalation is “extremely high” if Iran chooses to respond to Israel’s actions.

The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, a senior Hamas political leader, in Tehran late last month has heightened tensions. Israel is widely believed to be responsible for the killing, which comes in the wake of Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel that resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people and the kidnapping of hundreds more. Following this attack, Israel had vowed to target Haniyeh and other Hamas leaders.

The US official’s comments reflect concerns that any Iranian retaliation could significantly worsen the already volatile situation, potentially leading to broader regional conflict. Iran has been warned that such a move would not only endanger its economic stability but also threaten the new government’s control and overall political stability.

The US warning underscores its commitment to supporting Israel and maintaining regional stability while discouraging further violence that could escalate the ongoing conflict.

“Nasarawa Labour Issues Three-Week Ultimatum for N70,000 Minimum Wage and Backlog Payments”

Organised labour in Nasarawa State has issued a three-week ultimatum to Governor Abdullahi Sule, demanding the immediate implementation of the N70,000 new minimum wage and the payment of a backlog of workers’ entitlements totaling approximately N250 million. This announcement was made by Ismaila Okoh, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Nasarawa State, during a press briefing in Lafia, the state capital, on Thursday.

The ultimatum follows an emergency meeting between labour leaders and workers in the state, who have expressed frustration over the delay in implementing the new wage and settling outstanding payments. Okoh emphasized the critical nature of these demands, stating that civil servants in Nasarawa have made significant contributions to the state’s development and deserve timely compensation.

“We are giving the Nasarawa State government until the end of August to start paying the new national minimum wage and other entitlements of workers in the state in order to avert an indefinite strike,” Okoh declared. He warned that if the demands are not met, it could lead to a statewide strike, which might disrupt essential services and impact daily life for residents.

In response to the ultimatum, Abigail Waya, the Head of Civil Service in Nasarawa State, acknowledged that the government has not yet finalized plans for the implementation of the new minimum wage. However, she reassured workers that the state government is committed to improving their welfare and is working towards addressing the issues raised.

The labour unions’ demands reflect broader concerns about fair compensation and the need for the state government to meet its financial obligations to its employees. The outcome of this situation will be closely watched, as it has implications for labor relations and public services in Nasarawa State.

“Governor Idris Lauds Military for Reclaiming Kebbi Villages from Bandits”

On Thursday, Kebbi State Governor Dr. Nasir Idris commended the Nigerian military for its crucial role in reclaiming several villages in Kebbi State that had fallen under bandit control. The governor made these remarks during a meeting with Brig. Gen. Ibikunle Ademola-Ajose, the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Sokoto, at the Government House in Kebbi.

Governor Idris recounted the severe security challenges he faced upon taking office, with numerous villages overrun by bandits, forcing residents to flee their homes and abandon their farmlands. He noted that the military’s intervention has led to a substantial improvement in security conditions, enabling displaced villagers to return to their homes and resume their agricultural activities.

Highlighting the collaborative efforts between the state government and security agencies, the governor acknowledged the positive results achieved. He stated, “On the issue of security in Kebbi State, it is a well-known fact that the military has made us proud. We have no cause whatsoever not to thank the officers and the men.”

Governor Idris emphasized the impact of banditry on the state’s agrarian economy, particularly in the southern region, where agricultural activities were severely disrupted. He praised the effective collaboration with security agencies, which has contributed to restoring peace and stability in the affected areas.

He also expressed gratitude to Brig. Gen. Sani Ahmed, the previous GOC, for his relentless efforts in combating insecurity in the state and encouraged Brig. Gen. Ademola-Ajose to continue building on this legacy. The governor assured the military of his administration’s continued support and urged them to maintain their efforts to ensure that residents can live and work without fear of bandits.

Brig. Gen. Ademola-Ajose, in response, expressed appreciation for the warm reception and the support provided by the people of Kebbi. He reflected on his previous service in the state two decades ago as a captain in 1 Battalion and thanked the governor and residents for their continued support in the fight against banditry.

The governor’s remarks and the military’s efforts underscore a significant step towards restoring peace and normalcy in Kebbi State, which had been grappling with the impacts of banditry on its communities and economy.

“Shehu Sani: Jonathan Unique in Making Reforms Leading to His Own Downfall”

Former federal lawmaker and activist Shehu Sani has made a striking observation about political reform in Nigeria. Speaking at the first Roundtable of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Abuja, Sani noted that no other Nigerian president has undertaken electoral reforms that contributed to their own downfall except for former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Sani, who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the 8th National Assembly, reflected on the unique position Jonathan held in the context of political reforms. He praised Jonathan for his bold actions, such as appointing a Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) whom he had never met and introducing a data capturing machine that, ironically, became a factor in his political decline.

Addressing the theme of the discussion, “The Role of the Judiciary in Nigeria’s Democratic Sustainability,” Sani criticized the lack of integrity among politicians and questioned why institutions like the judiciary, INEC, and the Presidency are not seen as the ultimate safeguard for the common man. He emphasized the disconnect between the idealism of activists and the pragmatism of politicians, suggesting that while activists hold clear moral positions, politicians often do not.

Sani’s comments highlight the paradox of political reform in Nigeria—where efforts to improve the system can sometimes backfire and contribute to a leader’s political challenges. His insights reflect a broader debate about the effectiveness and risks of implementing significant reforms in a politically complex environment.

“Sam Amadi Blames INEC and Judiciary for Collapse of 2023 Nigerian Elections”

Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts and former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has leveled serious accusations against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary regarding the 2023 Nigerian general elections. In a video statement shared with DAILY POST, Amadi condemned what he described as a politically corrupt strategy in Nigeria, which involves bribing INEC, the judiciary, and security forces to manipulate electoral outcomes.

Amadi criticized the handling of the 2023 elections, asserting that both INEC and the judiciary failed to adhere to established electoral laws and procedures. He emphasized that regulations set by legally empowered agencies should be considered binding unless officially amended through proper procedures. Amadi argued that the rules governing the elections were clear and that the failure to electronically transmit results, as mandated, represented a significant breach of legal expectations.

He expressed his frustration with the judiciary, including the Supreme Court, for affirming decisions that, in his view, ignored the rule of law. Amadi, with his background in law and administrative regulation, lamented that the judicial system upheld actions that contradicted established regulations, thus undermining the integrity of the electoral process.

Amadi’s remarks reflect a broader concern about electoral integrity and the need for accountability within Nigeria’s political and legal systems. His criticism highlights ongoing debates about electoral reform and the effectiveness of Nigeria’s institutions in upholding democratic principles.

“ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu Calls Out Corruption as Major Hindrance to Nigeria’s Development”

Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has underscored corruption as a key barrier to Nigeria’s progress. Speaking at the International Law Conference organized by the Faculty of Law, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, he highlighted the detrimental effects of corruption on public trust, legal integrity, and economic growth.

Dr. Aliyu revealed that approximately 87 million bribes totaling N700 billion were paid recently, with rural areas experiencing higher bribe frequencies compared to urban centers. He emphasized that corruption is both a legal and social challenge that necessitates a thorough, sustained approach.

Citing a recent Nigeria Bureau of Statistics survey, he noted that corruption was ranked as the fourth most pressing issue in the country for 2023, following cost of living, insecurity, and unemployment. Despite the challenges, he observed an increase in citizens’ reporting of bribe payments, from 3.6% in 2019 to 8.6% in 2023.

Addressing additional concerns, Dr. Aliyu highlighted abuse of office and sexual harassment in Nigerian public institutions, citing the 2018 World Bank survey which indicated that around 70% of female graduates faced sexual harassment. He emphasized that corruption undermines human rights and social justice, which are crucial for a fair society.

The ICPC Chairman also discussed the importance of digital transformation and cybersecurity, calling for continuous training for the judiciary to effectively handle cyber-related cases. He concluded by stressing the need for collective action, innovative technologies, and justice to overcome these challenges and seize opportunities for development.