Rev. Fr. Lawrence Soja-Anyembugu, the Parish Priest of St. Kizito’s Catholic Church in Nasarawa, Nasarawa State, has called on both the State and Federal Governments to implement more people-oriented policies, programs, and projects to alleviate the hardship faced by Nigerians. Speaking during an interactive session with newsmen in Akwanga on Wednesday, he emphasized the need for efforts to tackle the issues of hunger and economic challenges in the country.

Rev. Fr. Soja-Anyembugu praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its focus on infrastructure development but urged for more actions to improve the standard of living for Nigerians. He also commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for his initiatives on job creation and infrastructure development, recognizing their efforts to address economic issues but highlighting the necessity for further improvement.

The cleric stressed the importance of support and prayers for political leaders at all levels, believing that such support can contribute to their success. He appealed to Nigerians to maintain peace and tolerance among themselves, regardless of political affiliations, to foster a harmonious society.

In his concluding remarks, Rev. Fr. Soja-Anyembugu urged the community to support their leaders through prayers, emphasizing the potential for positive change and improved living conditions through collective effort and divine guidance.

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) FCT Command has apprehended a woman, Precious Yusuf, who attempted to smuggle drugs into the medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, Abuja. This information was revealed in a statement by the Command Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Samson Duza on Wednesday in Abuja.

Duza explained that Yusuf entered the Kuje custodial center on Tuesday, July 9, disguising herself as a visitor to an inmate. During the routine search conducted by the officers, items suspected to be Indian hemp and other dangerous drugs concealed in food packs within a carton were discovered. The suspect confessed that she was sent to deliver the drugs to an inmate.

The Controller of the FCT Command, Ibrahim Usman, ordered that Yusuf be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution. Usman issued a warning to drug peddlers to cease their attempts to smuggle illicit substances into the custodial centers under the guise of visits, emphasizing that officers and men were vigilant to thwart such efforts.

He also urged the public and well-meaning Nigerians to support the Service in its mission to maintain a reformatory system and ensure the safety of society. Usman assured the public of the safe custody of those legally interned at the center.

The immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Nasiru El-Rufai, has mocked his successor, Governor Uba Sani, over waste disposal issues in the state. Despite being friends and political associates for many years, El-Rufai and Sani have recently been at odds.

Governor Sani has been praised in some quarters for his performance since taking office a little over a year ago, with some claiming he has made significant improvements in the state. However, El-Rufai saw an opportunity to criticize his successor when an X user posted photos of garbage heaps in Kaduna, sarcastically suggesting that Sani had “completely changed” the state.

The X user wrote, “They thought we were kidding when we said that in just a few months, Governor Uba Sani had changed Kaduna completely. This is the type of change we are getting from the best Governor in Nigeria,” accompanied by photos of the waste.

El-Rufai responded with a cryptic message, “From God we all came, and to Him we shall all return,” seemingly mocking Sani’s handling of the state’s waste management.

The tension between the two leaders has escalated since Sani accused El-Rufai of plunging Kaduna State into significant debt, hampering governance and development. Sani highlighted that the state faced a substantial debt burden of $587 million, ₦85 billion, and 115 contractual liabilities inherited from El-Rufai’s administration. Over 70% of the state’s allocation was reportedly being used to service this debt, prompting the state assembly to investigate the financial transactions from May 29, 2015, to May 29, 2023.

The investigation, led by Barrister Henry Danjuma Magaji, uncovered significant unaccounted funds and irregularities in financial transactions. In response, El-Rufai recently took the Kaduna State government to court over allegations of misappropriation of funds against him and some of his officials.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) community court of justice ruled that the Nigerian government is guilty of human rights abuses in its handling of the #EndSARS protest in October 2020. The court mandated the Nigerian government to pay each applicant 2 million naira as compensation for violations of their security.

This ruling followed the case brought against the Federal Government by Obianuju Catherine Udeh (DJ Switch), Perpetual Kamsi, and Dabiraoluwa Adeyinka over alleged violations during the peaceful protests at the Lekki tollgate on October 20 and 21, 2020.

The ECOWAS court held that the Nigerian government’s actions, particularly its disproportionate use of force at the Lekki Toll Gate, breached several international human rights standards, including articles 1, 5, 6, 9, 10, and 11 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. However, the presiding judge, Justice Koroma Sengu, dismissed the allegation that the right to life as guaranteed under Article 4 of the ACPHR was violated.

DJ Switch claimed that protesters were shot by soldiers, resulting in death and injuries, which she live-streamed. She also claimed to have received threatening phone calls that forced her into hiding and eventual asylum. The second applicant, who was in charge of welfare for protesters, recounted how soldiers began shooting after the power went out, leading to her hospitalization due to police tear gas. The third applicant recalled narrowly escaping being shot, witnessing soldiers deny an ambulance entry, and later observing inadequate medical service for victims at the hospital.

Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, Minister of Women Affairs, has announced a million naira bounty for the apprehension of Magnus Okpalannadi, 62, who allegedly defiled his three-year-old daughter. The Ministry received a report about Okpalannadi’s actions, and upon discovery, he disappeared before being apprehended. The minister emphasized the zero-tolerance stance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration towards child abuse and molestation and assured that Okpalannadi would be prosecuted to deter others. Kennedy-Ohanenye reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a safe environment for its citizens and pledged to protect the rights and dignity of every Nigerian child, woman, and vulnerable individual .

Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has congratulated Justice Eberechi Nyesom-Wike, wife of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, on her elevation to the position of Appeal Court Judge. In her congratulatory letter, Mahmoud praised Eberechi’s contributions to legal practice, noting her integrity, fairness, and dedication to justice. Mahmoud expressed confidence that Eberechi’s wisdom and sound judgment would positively impact the judicial system. Eberechi was among 22 newly appointed Justices of the Court of Appeal, sworn in by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, in Abuja. Mahmoud wished her continued success and fulfillment in her new role.

The ECOWAS Court of Justice has ordered Nigeria to pay 2 million naira each to victims of the October 2020 #EndSARS protests in Lagos. The court found that Nigeria violated the victims’ rights to security, freedom of expression, assembly, and protection from torture and degrading treatment, among other rights under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR). Nigeria must report back to the court within six months on the measures taken to implement the judgment. The court emphasized that Nigeria failed in its duty to investigate human rights violations and provide an effective remedy. The ruling was delivered by a three-judge panel, which included Justices Sengu Koroma, Dupe Atoki, and Ricardo Claúdio Gonçalves .

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has maintained that the seats vacated by lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) will remain vacant, despite a recent judgement by the Appeal Court. The pro-Wike lawmakers, led by Martin Amaewhule and loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, had secured a judgement overturning a lower court order that prohibited them from presenting themselves as legislators.

A Port Harcourt High Court had initially prohibited the defecting lawmakers from presenting themselves as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. However, the Appeal Court in Abuja overturned this decision, with a three-judge panel led by Jimi Olukayode-Bada ruling that the trial court lacked jurisdiction, suggesting that the case should be handled by a federal high court.

Governor Fubara, addressing opinion leaders, women, and youths of Etche and Omuma Local Government Areas on July 10, 2024, reiterated that the lawmakers who defected have effectively vacated their positions. He emphasized that his administration is focusing on preparing the 2025 budget and addressing key areas such as agriculture. Fubara expressed that the defecting lawmakers made a voluntary decision to leave the platform on which they were elected and will have to return home as a consequence. He indicated that he had previously supported these lawmakers but now considers their political careers in Rivers State to be over following their defection.

A court in Mukono district, Uganda, has sentenced TikTok user Edward Awebwa to six years in prison for posting a video with vulgar and denigrating comments about President Yoweri Museveni, his wife Janet, and First Son Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is also the Chief of Defense Forces of the UPDF. Awebwa was convicted on four counts and received six years for each, to be served concurrently.

The sentence was handed down by Mukono Grade One Magistrate Stella-Maris Amabirisi, following Awebwa’s guilty plea. The Magistrate considered his young age and his decision to plead guilty, thus not wasting the court’s time, in deciding not to impose the maximum penalty. However, the state prosecution, led by Janet Kitumbo, had sought the maximum sentence to deter other young people from misusing social media.

Awebwa admitted in court that he had been paid to create the offensive videos. The Magistrate expressed that the language used in the videos was particularly offensive and stated that the sentence should serve as sufficient punishment to help Awebwa learn from his mistakes. Awebwa has up to two weeks to appeal the judgment in a higher court.

Senator Ali Ndume, Chief Whip of the Senate, has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently address the security and food crises affecting Nigeria. Speaking to journalists on July 10, 2024, at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, Ndume expressed concerns that Tinubu is unaware of the country’s dire situation due to being “caged” and “fenced off” by plutocrats.

Ndume criticized the president for his perceived failure to tackle poverty, insecurity, hunger, and other pressing issues. He warned that the federal government’s inaction on the food crisis could lead to severe consequences, emphasizing the lack of a food reserve and the critical nature of the crisis. He urged President Tinubu to open his doors to those who would provide honest feedback and to actively engage with the public.

Former President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, also warned that the ongoing food crisis could trigger mass protests. He noted that the removal of the petrol subsidy has led to a more than 300% increase in the cost of basic food items. Lawan stressed the need for collaboration between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches to address and mitigate the rising food prices and electricity tariffs to prevent potential unrest.

Ndume and Lawan’s comments highlight the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate and effective governmental action to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.

Lt. Col. Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf, the Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Bola Tinubu, has been appointed as the new traditional ruler of Ilemona town in the Oyun local government area of Kwara State’s Kwara South senatorial district. The people of Ilemona have confirmed his appointment, though the town’s kingmakers have yet to officially comment. Yusuf is the son of the late Oba Yusuf Omokanye Oyekanmi, the former Elemona of Ilemona.

A community leader, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed confidence that Yusuf’s leadership skills and experience would promote development and unity in Ilemona. As the new king, Yusuf will oversee the traditional and administrative affairs of the town, continuing the legacy of his predecessors.

### Career Profile

– **Education and Early Career:**
– **2000:** Earned an Ordinary National Diploma in Computer Science from Offa Polytechnic.
– **2000-2004:** Joined the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical-Electronics Engineering.
– **2004-2005:** Attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) in the UK.

– **Military Training:**
– **2006:** Trained at the Nigerian Army Intelligence School in Lagos.
– **2007:** Completed the Young Officers Course Infantry in Kaduna.
– **2008:** Undertook Tactical Intelligence Officers and Security Investigations courses.

– **Advanced Training and Experience:**
– **2009-2018:** Participated in various military trainings in Mali, Pakistan, China, Israel, and the UK, including:
– Military Intelligence Basic Officers Course (Mali)
– Junior Staff Course (China)
– Officers Advanced Intelligence Course, SMI (Pakistan)
– Advanced Command and Staff Course (Shrivenham, UK)

– **Further Education:**
– **2018:** Earned a master’s degree in defence studies from Kings College, London.
– **Postgraduate Diploma:** Peace studies and conflict resolution from the National Open University (NOUN).

Lt. Col. Yusuf is proficient in Yoruba, Hausa, English, and French. His extensive military training and educational background, combined with his leadership experience, are expected to greatly benefit the community of Ilemona.

Lagos State is facing a severe shortage of medical doctors, with a deficit of 30,000 needed to adequately serve its population, according to Prof. Akin Abayomi, Lagos State Commissioner for Health. Speaking at the 2024 Clean-Air Forum in Lagos, Abayomi highlighted that this shortage has significantly overstretched the available medical personnel. The commissioner attributed the deficiency primarily to brain drain.

The ongoing forum, themed “Advancing Collaborations and Multi-regional Partnerships for Clean Air Actions in African Cities,” was organized by the University of Lagos, AirQo, Makerere University in Uganda, and supported by the Lagos government. The event aims to raise public awareness about air quality and pollution’s impact on health.

Abayomi emphasized the negative effects of air pollution on the health sector and underscored the importance of inter-agency collaborations to address this issue. He noted that Lagos’s rapid population growth, at a rate of six to eight percent annually, exacerbates challenges in the health sector. The state is particularly focused on tackling its complex tuberculosis index and other health concerns linked to environmental pollution.

The commissioner assured that the Lagos government is committed to improving air quality and reducing the prevalence of air-borne and water-borne diseases. He also acknowledged the public concern over the shortage of bed spaces in health centers and detailed ongoing efforts to construct modern facilities and establish a medical research institution to bridge the service gap within the next 18 months.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Sokoto/Zamfara Command has auctioned 25,162 litres of seized petrol to the public in Sokoto State. Kamal Muhammed, the Area Controller, explained that this auction was in line with extant laws and received approval from the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi.

Muhammed highlighted that a few weeks prior, the NCS had auctioned 11,270 liters of petrol intercepted by Operation Whirlwind. Due to intensified efforts against smugglers, the service seized a total of 55,164 liters of petrol, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of approximately ₦39 million. The significant price difference of petrol between Nigeria and other West African countries makes smuggling a profitable activity, with petrol selling for ₦701.99 per liter in Nigeria compared to higher prices in neighboring countries like Cameroon (₦2,061.55), Mali (₦2,128.20), and the Republic of Benin (₦1,672.05).

The smuggling of petrol has contributed to artificial scarcity and increased the burden on Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves. The auctioned petrol was sold to the public at a token price of ₦180 per liter. Muhammed assured that the NCS remains committed to protecting Nigeria’s economic interests with dedication, justice, and integrity, and issued a stern warning to smugglers that the service would continue to dismantle their illegitimate operations.

Following Nigerians’ growing concerns about the soaring prices of essential food items, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, announced measures to address the issue. He stated that there would be a suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes for the importation of certain food commodities through land and sea borders. These commodities include maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas.

Kyari assured that food prices would significantly drop within the next 180 days and outlined strategic measures to be implemented during this period. He mentioned a 150-day duty-free import window for these commodities, which will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP) to ensure affordability.

The government will import 250,000 metric tons of wheat and 250,000 metric tons of maize to supply small-scale processors and millers across the country. Additionally, there will be engagement with relevant stakeholders to set a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and purchase surplus food commodities to restock the National Strategic Food Reserve. Kyari emphasized that all standards will be maintained to ensure the safety and quality of imported food items.

Bashir El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, stated that no one is immune to being voted out of power by the electorate. In a post on his X account on Wednesday, July 10, he expressed that an unexpected result could occur in the 2027 general elections without repercussions, urging people to dismiss threats and remain patient. He emphasized that even institutions like the IMF and World Bank could not protect those in power when the time comes.

In a subsequent post, Bashir clarified that he did not specify any names and reiterated his position, asserting that he would not be compelled to endorse what he considers a complete failure of governance, masked as a harmful and ineffective ethnocentric political strategy. He implied that those who felt guilty knew who he was referring to, and emphasized his refusal to support the current state of governance.

During the 2023 presidential campaign, President Bola Tinubu was widely recognized as a skilled strategist. Meanwhile, there have been allegations that Nasir El-Rufai mishandled public funds during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State.

President Bola Tinubu has invited the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to a meeting on Thursday, July 11, 2024, to discuss the new minimum wage. This move comes after the Federal Government and Organised Private Sector agreed on ₦62,000 as the new minimum wage in June, which was subsequently rejected by the labour unions. The government had appealed to the unions, stating that ₦62,000 was the only realistic option that would not lead to job losses, but the unions did not accept this proposal.

TUC President Festus Osifo has reiterated the union’s demand for a ₦250,000 minimum wage, emphasizing that the union aims to expedite the negotiation process. Nigerian workers are now anticipating the outcome of the upcoming meeting between the president and the labour unions.

Hon. Olaide Adewale Akinremi, a respected member of the House of Representatives representing the Ibadan North Federal Constituency under the All Progressives Congress (APC), passed away at the age of 51. He was known for his dedication to public service and his commitment to the development of his constituency and Nigeria as a whole. Akinremi served as the chairman of the House Committee on Science and Research, advocating for policies that promoted social welfare, economic growth, and scientific advancement. His passing was mourned by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and colleagues in the Green Chamber, highlighting his significant contributions to legislative affairs and his role as a mentor to younger parliamentarians. His death is viewed as a great loss to the House, his constituency, and the nation.