“Federal Government Lifts Suspension on Arik Air Operations After Resolving Dispute”

The Nigerian federal government has lifted the suspension on Arik Air, allowing the airline to resume its flights. The suspension had been in place due to a dispute between Arik Air and Atlas Petroleum. According to a statement from Michael Achimugu of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the conflict has been resolved, with Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo and NCAA DG Capt. Chris Najomo overseeing the resolution. Passengers can now check in for Arik Air’s scheduled flights.

Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has expressed strong criticism towards President Bola Tinubu regarding the current economic situation in Nigeria. In a recent interview with AIT, Nwosu highlighted the dire state of the nation, lamenting that many Nigerians are suffering and dying from hunger, with mortuaries reportedly overflowing with deceased individuals due to economic hardship.

Nwosu emphasized that the ongoing protests, which began on August 1, are a direct response to the escalating cost of living and the economic policies of the current administration. He urged President Tinubu to listen to the protesters and address their grievances urgently.

The ADC chairman criticized the administration’s handling of the protests and economic challenges, arguing that the funds used to suppress protests and manage palliatives could have been better spent on addressing the root causes of hunger and economic distress. Nwosu called for a shift towards proactive leadership, suggesting that a more effective and empathetic approach to governance could alleviate the widespread suffering and prevent further loss of life.

Nwosu’s remarks reflect growing frustration with the administration’s response to the economic crisis and underscore the urgent need for policy changes to address the country’s mounting challenges.

“Imo Assembly Pledges Support to Ministry of Solid Minerals to Combat Illegal Mining”

The Imo State House of Assembly has vowed to back the Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Solid Minerals in tackling illegal mining activities within the state. This commitment was highlighted during a recent meeting between the Assembly’s Committee on Commerce and Industry and the ministry’s officials, led by Commissioner Ernest Ibejiako.

The committee, chaired by Johnleoba Iheoha, emphasized the importance of strengthening the sector to boost revenue and create jobs for Imo citizens. Iheoha underscored the committee’s role in oversight and legislative support to enhance the sector’s efficacy.

Ibejiako outlined the ministry’s efforts to close illegal mining sites and mitigate their environmental damage. He also noted the governor’s plans to establish industrial parks across the state and revive moribund state-owned industries. The collaboration aims to improve the management of solid minerals and attract foreign investment to the region.

“Kaduna Governor Uba Sani Vows Justice for 16-Year-Old Ismail Muhammad Killed by Soldier Amidst Protest”

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has vowed to pursue justice for Ismail Muhammad, a 16-year-old boy who was tragically shot and killed by a soldier during a protest in the Samaru community of Zaria. The incident occurred on Tuesday when Nigerian Army troops were deployed to disperse hunger protesters.

In response to the incident, the Nigerian Army has confirmed that the soldier responsible for the shooting has been arrested and is currently in detention as investigations proceed.

Governor Sani has expressed his deep condolences to the family of the deceased. He dispatched a high-powered delegation led by Samuel Aruwan, the Commissioner for Internal Security, to visit and offer support to the family. During this visit, the governor personally communicated with Muhammad Hussaini, the father of the victim, and assured him of the administration’s commitment to a thorough and impartial investigation.

The governor emphasized that the administration will rigorously pursue justice and maintain close contact with the family throughout the investigation process. This commitment aims to ensure accountability and prevent such incidents in the future.

ASUU Protests, Urges President Tinubu to Enforce Prof. Nimi Briggs Committee’s Salary Agreement.

On Thursday, members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, staged a protest demanding that President Bola Tinubu ensure the immediate implementation of the Prof. Nimi Briggs Committee’s agreement on salary renegotiations for federal university academic staff.

The protesters marched from their secretariat at the Yelwa campus to the main gate, carrying placards to highlight their grievances. Comrade Ibrahim Inuwa, the branch chairperson of ASUU at ATBU, criticized the government for not updating academic salaries to reflect current economic conditions and for the continued poor funding of universities.

Inuwa pointed out that ASUU members have been stuck with the same salary system for 15 years, despite numerous attempts to renegotiate. He emphasized that the demand for a new pay package aligns with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention No. 98, which supports collective bargaining.

He noted that the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement stipulated a review every three years, but the agreement has remained unreviewed for 15 years. Efforts to renegotiate through committees led by Wale Babalakin, Prof. Munzali Jibrin, and the late Emeritus Prof. Nimi Briggs resulted in draft agreements that have not been finalized since 2021.

ASUU’s protest underscores a persistent issue of stagnant wages and ongoing delays in finalizing agreements that impact the academic community’s financial and operational well-being.

Nigerian Army Recovers 238,500 Litres of Stolen Crude Oil in Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers States.

The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has successfully recovered approximately 238,500 litres of stolen crude oil across Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers States. The operation led to the seizure of the oil from trucks and illegal refining sites.

Lt.-Col. Danjuma Danjuma, the division’s spokesperson, reported that the crude oil was confiscated from various locations, including illegal refining sites and vehicles involved in oil theft. Five suspects have been apprehended and will face prosecution.

Bayelsa:110,000 litres of crude oil found in an illegal refining site along Dasaba Creek.
Rivers Over 33,000 litres of crude oil, along with equipment, were recovered from an illegal site connected to the Indorama Petrochemical pipeline. Additionally, more than 5,500 litres were seized from an illegal refining site near Well Head 8 in Degema Local Government Area.
Delta:30,000 litres of crude oil seized from a truck during a routine patrol in Mosogar.

Danjuma emphasized that these actions are part of a broader effort to combat oil theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta. He urged the public to assist security agencies by providing reliable intelligence to help track down oil thieves and economic saboteurs.

PDP Chieftain Dele Momodu Accuses President Tinubu’s Aides of Misleading the Public

Dele Momodu, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has accused President Bola Tinubu’s appointees of deceiving Nigerians about the true state of the nation’s economy. In an interview with Arise TV on Thursday, Momodu claimed that while Tinubu’s aides publicly defend the administration, they privately express dissatisfaction and concern about the government’s performance.

Momodu, a supporter of the ongoing #EndBadGovernance movement, criticized the current state of governance, stating, “Nigeria has never had it this bad.” He argued that despite acknowledging the issues in private, Tinubu’s aides are unwilling to voice their concerns directly to the president.

He emphasized that as a friend of Tinubu, he feels compelled to be honest about the situation, declaring, “If anybody will deceive him, I will be the only person telling that he is surrounded by liars.” Momodu lamented that the country’s situation has deteriorated significantly under the current administration.

Additionally, Momodu expressed disappointment that Tinubu had not taken more decisive actions to address governance issues. He suggested that the president should have already implemented measures such as reducing the number of ministries and cutting down on excess aides. He criticized the administration for awarding numerous appointments and for failing to streamline governance in a way that differs from how Tinubu managed Lagos State.

Momodu’s remarks reflect a broader concern about the administration’s handling of the country’s economic and governance challenges and highlight calls for more effective management and transparency.

The Pan Yoruba Socio-Political Group, Afenifere, has charged the Federal government to probe killings, alleged Foreign Interests and calls for military takeover during the nationwide #Enbadgovernance protest in the country.

The group made this call in a communique issued after its Expanded National Executive Committee meeting and signed by its national leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo and National Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye.

The group urged the Tinubu’s administration to investigate the deliberate violation of rights, especially the circumstances of the killing of those who died in the protests and bring to justice those including security agents proven to be culpable.

It also charged the federal government not to take lightly but to investigate the alleged involvement of foreign interests as threats to Nigeria’s sovereignty and the treasonable calls for military intervention in the political affairs of the nation, the proof of which should attract the full wrath of the law.

Afenifere, while speaking on threats to residents, and non-indigenes, said governments at all levels should rise against the threats to any group in any part of the country, immediately investigate and decisively deal with those found culpable, because of its implications for the security, unity and corporate existence of Nigeria.

They emphasised that Nigerian citizens have the right to reside in any part of Nigeria of their choice.

The group also noted that Nigerians were massively resident in every state or geopolitical zone irrespective of their ethnic identities.

It equally applauded President Bola Tinubu’s decision to address the nation, during the protest.

They said, “Government and its agents responded with threats and intimidation of the organizers, made a caricature of revered traditional institutions, exploiting ethnic and religious divisions.

“Afenifere urges President Tinubu to see the nationwide protest, the diversity of its prosecution and outcome in different regions, as a clear verdict for the restructuring of the Nigerian Federation in tandem with the well-considered foundational covenant of true federalism and in honest demonstration of statesmanship immediately set in motion irreversible machinery in this regards as the panacea for the unity, peaceful coexistence and development of a nation where no man, woman or tribe is oppressed.”

CNPP Condemns NLC Raid, Urges President Tinubu to Reprimand Security Agencies.

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has strongly condemned the recent raid on the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) headquarters by security operatives. In a statement released on Thursday and signed by Deputy National Publicity Secretary James Ezema, the CNPP described the raid as a “Gestapo-style operation” and a serious violation of democratic principles and the rule of law.

The CNPP has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to hold the security agencies involved accountable. The organization expressed disappointment that such actions occurred under Tinubu’s presidency, especially given his history as an opposition figure and self-proclaimed democrat. They accused the security agencies of transforming Nigeria into a “police state” and criticized their actions as reminiscent of a draconian military regime.

The CNPP clarified that their stance is not a call for violent agitation or unrest, but they condemned attempts to suppress or intimidate citizens into submission. They warned that this heavy-handed approach could lead to increased instability and resentment towards the Tinubu administration.

The statement also included a cautionary note, likening the situation to a “hungry man is an angry man” scenario, and urged the administration to remember Tinubu’s own political struggles. The CNPP called for respect for citizens’ rights, including those of the NLC, and emphasized the need for the government to focus on tackling Nigeria’s economic and security issues.

NERC Commissioner Aisha Mahmud Promises Fair Power Tariffs at Town Hall Meeting.

Aisha Mahmud, Commissioner for Consumer Affairs at the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), assured electricity consumers that the commission is committed to ensuring only reasonable and prudent costs are passed on to them. Speaking at a 3-day town hall meeting in Calabar, Mahmud emphasized NERC’s role in setting fair tariffs and addressing consumer complaints.

The meeting aimed to resolve issues and provide information to consumers, with Mahmud highlighting that similar sessions across the country have been successful. She assured that most complaints would be addressed immediately, though some technical issues may require further investigation.

Angela Ajere, representing the Managing Director and CEO of Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Plc, supported the initiative, expressing readiness to resolve complaints and improve consumer relations. Ajere welcomed the collaboration with NERC, describing it as beneficial for both consumers and the distribution company.

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State Criticizes National Hajj Commission’s Management of State Pilgrims.

On Thursday, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri voiced concerns regarding the handling of state pilgrims by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). During a meeting where he received the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage report from the State Amirul Hajj team and the management of the Adamawa State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Commission, Fintiri criticized NAHCON’s allocation of airlines to state contingents. He noted that states were not given the option to choose their airlines, which he found problematic.

Fintiri also expressed dissatisfaction with NAHCON’s management of accommodation arrangements in the holy land, stating that state governors would resist such arbitrary decisions in the future. Despite these criticisms, he praised the state Hajj team for their efforts and assured continued government support for Hajj operations.

The report, presented by the deputy Amirul Hajj, Prof. Abdullahi Liman Tukur, provided insights into the 2024 Hajj exercise and highlighted areas for improvement in the state Pilgrims Commission’s operations. Malam Abubakar Sadiq, Executive Secretary of the state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Commission, also described the 2024 Hajj as a success and emphasized the board’s commitment to ongoing improvements.

Governor Fintiri’s comments underscore a call for better coordination and involvement of state authorities in the Hajj process, reflecting concerns over NAHCON’s centralized decision-making approach.

Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has called for a crackdown on individuals displaying unexplained wealth, urging that they be treated as common criminals.

Speaking through the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, during a radio program, CP Abaniwonda emphasized that addressing this issue could significantly reduce insecurity in Nigeria. He highlighted that the rise in criminal activities is partly due to societal admiration and endorsement of individuals who flaunt ill-gotten wealth.

Abaniwonda criticized the growing trend where some parents and unpatriotic citizens celebrate and support the social status of these individuals, which he believes contributes to the escalating crime rate. He identified advance fee fraud, looting of public funds, and kidnapping for ransom as major sources of insecurity, fueled by the desire of some youths to acquire wealth through illicit means.

The Commissioner of Police assured that the Delta State police command remains committed to protecting lives and property across the state. He noted recent successes in recovering various firearms, including AK-47 and AK-49 rifles, from criminal gangs operating within Delta State.

Abaniwonda also addressed the role of social media, urging those who raise alarm about insecurity to provide verifiable information to assist law enforcement agencies. He stressed that fighting crime is a collaborative effort between the police and the community, with effective crime-fighting relying on credible information and active public involvement.

In summary, CP Abaniwonda’s call is a push for societal vigilance and a crackdown on the glorification of unexplained wealth, which he argues is a key factor in the country’s ongoing security challenges.