In response to the planned nationwide protest against economic hardship scheduled for August, a coalition of Concerned Northern Youths and Students from 19 Northern states has decided to withdraw their participation. The coalition, represented by Jibril Sani Bello, the National Coordinator, made this announcement in Kano, citing concerns about the organizers and the unclear aims of the protest.

Bello emphasized that while they acknowledge the economic difficulties faced by Nigerians, past protests have negatively impacted students’ academic pursuits. He pointed out instances where protests led to significant delays in academic calendars at universities like Kano State University of Science and Technology and Uthman Danfodio University in Sokoto.

Expressing uncertainty about the intentions behind the upcoming protest, Bello urged students to prioritize their education and future success. He highlighted government efforts such as providing interest-free educational loans and called for expanding scholarship opportunities to ensure a smoother academic journey for students.

In conclusion, Bello emphasized the coalition’s decision to withdraw from the protest, urging caution among students and emphasizing the need for clarity and peaceful intentions from protest organizers.

Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) has expressed concerns over the rising prices of locally sourced crude oil due to the practices of international oil companies (IOCs). According to Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Oil & Gas at DIL, these IOCs are offering crude oil at prices above the official rates set by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). This situation has been a persistent challenge for DIL’s efforts to secure crude oil for its refinery operations.

Edwin commended NUPRC for its interventions and the publication of Domestic Crude Supply Obligation (DCSO) guidelines aimed at bringing transparency to the industry. He emphasized the importance of diligently implementing these guidelines to enable DIL to directly procure crude oil from Nigerian producers as stipulated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

However, despite these measures, IOCs allegedly continue to frustrate DIL’s efforts by offering crude oil cargoes at premiums ranging from $2 to $4 per barrel above the official NUPRC prices. For instance, in April, DIL reportedly paid $96.23 per barrel for Bonga crude, which included premiums like NNPC’s National Single Pricing (NSP) and additional trader premiums.

Edwin highlighted discrepancies between these prices and market rates tracked by platforms like Platts and Argus, urging NUPRC to reassess the pricing issue. He reiterated DIL’s stance that such practices by IOCs force them to consider importing crude from other countries, including the United States, which incurs higher costs.

This ongoing issue underscores DIL’s struggle to operate its refinery efficiently and competitively within Nigeria’s regulatory framework, amid challenges posed by pricing practices of IOCs in the country’s oil industry.

The Bankers Committee is close to completing a major renovation and upgrade of the National Theatre in Lagos, aiming to restore national pride and enhance cultural infrastructure. The project, initiated in July 2021 and approved by the Federal Government, includes comprehensive improvements to facilities such as HVAC systems, fire safety standards, power, water supply, and sewage systems. Upgrades also cover interior design with AVL installations, stage engineering, lifts, solar power, new furniture, and artwork restoration. The complex now boasts expanded facilities including a 4,000-seater main bowl, banquet hall, cinemas, VIP areas, and extensive amenities. The initiative aims to create a vibrant creative hub, fostering job creation, income generation, and showcasing Nigerian talent globally in arts and entertainment.

The recent reports alleging that Umara Zulum, the son of Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, was arrested in India for allegedly killing a Chinese man in a nightclub fight over a woman have been strongly refuted by the Borno State Governor’s Media Unit. The reports, which circulated on social media and some news platforms, claimed that Umara had been involved in a fatal altercation where he allegedly smashed a bottle on the head of the Chinese man, leading to his death.

In response, the Media Unit clarified that these reports are categorically false and termed them as “misinformation” and “defamatory content.” According to a statement issued by Abdurrahman Ahmed Bundi, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Governor Zulum was not even in India during the alleged incident. He was on a one-month vacation in Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj and subsequently attended the ASUWAN forum conference in Egypt.

The statement emphasized that Umara Zulum was neither arrested nor charged with any crime, nor was he involved in any unlawful activities anywhere. The Media Unit called on platforms like Nairaland and others to retract the false information and issue an apology within 24 hours to avoid legal action. It also urged the public to be cautious about consuming and sharing information from unverified sources and blogs.

In conclusion, the Borno State Governor’s Media Unit stressed the importance of responsible journalism and factual verification, highlighting the potential harm caused by the spread of false information to Governor Zulum’s family.

President Bola Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s strides in the renewable energy sector during the African Natural Resources & Energy Investment Summit, 2024, held in Abuja. Represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria has attracted over $2 billion in investments in renewable energy, marking it as a rapidly growing sector in the economy.

Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to further enhance private sector participation in renewable energy, aiming to manufacture locally produced solar panels and batteries to bolster the sector’s growth. He emphasized the importance of balancing this transition with the continued significance of the petroleum industry in Nigeria’s energy landscape.

“While we embrace renewable energy sources, we recognize the crucial role of oil and gas in our economy,” Tinubu stated, underscoring strategic priorities such as increasing oil production to 2.1 million barrels per day by December 2024, enhancing infrastructure investment, combating theft, and ensuring environmental accountability.

Furthermore, Tinubu reiterated his administration’s dedication to responsible resource management, focusing on minimizing ecological impact while maximizing national benefits. The summit also featured discussions led by Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, who outlined reforms aimed at improving transparency, regulatory clarity, and investor confidence in Nigeria’s natural resources sector.

The event was attended by key dignitaries including Senator Mohammed Sani, Ministers of Environment and Steel Development, and officials from the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, highlighting a collaborative effort to harness Africa’s natural resources for sustainable economic development.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) recently conducted an auction of properties and assets seized from drug cartels, a significant move in its efforts to combat drug trafficking and organized crime. The auction, held in Abuja and overseen by NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), emphasized the agency’s commitment to transparency and due process.

According to reports from the event, NDLEA ensured that the auction followed strict guidelines, with prices set close to government estimates. The assets, which included high-end buildings and landed properties across various states like Lagos, Ondo, Anambra, and Adamawa, were seized during raids and operations targeting drug manufacturing and trafficking activities.

Brig. Gen. Marwa underscored the importance of the forfeiture process under the 2022 Proceeds of Crime Act, noting that it prevents criminals from benefiting from their illegal activities. He highlighted that such measures serve as a deterrent to criminal enterprises and aid in rehabilitating individuals affected by drug-related activities.

The auction’s transparency received praise from observers including the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). They applauded NDLEA’s efforts and urged the agency to sustain its rigorous approach in tackling drug trafficking and organized crime in Nigeria.

The residents of Abuja have voiced their concerns to the FCT administration about the lack of shelters at bus stops, especially as the rainy season exacerbates their predicament. Many residents, like Miss Kameela Abdulhadi, have shared stories of missing important events due to being drenched by rain while waiting for public transport without shelter. She recounted missing a job interview because of the rain catching her unprepared.

Mrs. Vivian John from Dutse Alhaji highlighted the impracticality of relying solely on umbrellas during heavy rain and windstorms, which can destroy them or render them ineffective. She emphasized the need for shelters at bus stops to provide refuge during inclement weather.

Similarly, Samuel Adeshina, a youth corps member, described a harrowing experience when heavy rain forced him to seek shelter under a pedestrian bridge while commuting to Maitama. His health, being a sickle cell carrier, was adversely affected by exposure to the elements.

The situation is compounded by the observation that most buildings in Abuja are high-rise and lack balconies that could serve as emergency shelters. Residents are urging the FCT Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, to prioritize the construction of shelters at bus stops to mitigate the hardships faced during rainy days.

The Imo State House of Assembly has recommended the immediate removal of Chief Judge Justice Theresa Chikeka over allegations of age falsification. This decision came after an ad hoc committee investigated a petition from a civil society platform accusing the CJ of altering her date of birth from October 27, 1956, to October 27, 1958.

During the investigation, the committee invited the petitioners, the Head of Service, the Secretary of the Imo Judicial Service Commission, and the CJ. While others attended the hearing, the CJ did not appear. The Nigerian Law School and Imo HOS reportedly confirmed the alleged alteration of her date of birth.

Based on these findings, the Imo State House of Assembly adopted the committee’s recommendation, citing gross misconduct under Section 292 (2) of the 1999 Constitution. The recommendation authorizes Governor Hope Uzodimma to remove the CJ and directed that the matter be forwarded to the National Judicial Council for further action.

A die-hard supporter of former US President Donald Trump has commemorated a dramatic moment in Trump’s recent rally by getting a $700 tattoo depicting Trump’s defiant fist-pumping gesture after what was described as an attempted assassination. The fan, identified as Dan, decided to permanently ink the image of Trump’s bloodied face and raised fist, symbolizing resilience and defiance amidst adversity.

The tattoo artist, Tim Lease from Orlando, Florida, who completed the intricate tattoo in three hours, was surprised by the request but took it on, given his client’s previous tattoos and their shared enthusiasm for American-themed art. Tim, described as a “well-educated conspiracy theorist,” emphasized that his work on the tattoo was motivated by its historical and pop culture significance rather than personal political beliefs.

Dan, reflecting on the incident that led to the tattoo, described it as a gut-wrenching moment as an American and felt compelled to mark Trump’s survival and subsequent gesture as a pivotal moment in history. He explained that the decision to get the tattoo was not immediate but came after deep consideration of the symbolism behind Trump’s defiant posture.

The tattoo has sparked various reactions online, with praise, criticism, and discussions about its significance in the context of American politics and culture.

The Federal High Court in Abuja recently nullified the impeachment of Philip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State, reinstating him due to procedural irregularities in the impeachment process conducted by the Edo State House of Assembly. Following this judgment, Chief Dan Orbih, the National Vice Chairman, South-South of PDP, and Anselm Ojezua, a PDP Chieftain, have expressed their reactions.

Orbih congratulated Shaibu on his legal victory, highlighting his role in Shaibu’s political journey alongside Governor Godwin Obaseki. He called for all political stakeholders in Edo State, especially within the PDP, to embrace the judgment as an opportunity for renewed and constructive relationships.

Meanwhile, Ojezua emphasized the triumph of common sense and the rule of law in the judgment, criticizing the Edo State House of Assembly for what he termed as violating established rules in Shaibu’s impeachment. He urged Governor Obaseki to initiate reconciliation efforts within the PDP and with the broader populace of Edo State.

The judgment has significant implications for the political landscape of Edo State, potentially reshaping alliances and strategies within the PDP ahead of future electoral processes.

The Lagos State Government, through its Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya, announced that the newly inaugurated middle-level food agro-hub in Idi-Oro, Mushin, has achieved significant success in its first 40 market days. The hub was established to revolutionize food distribution, address rising food costs, and reduce post-harvest losses. According to Olusanya, the Mushin food hub has generated ₦918 million in sales, with 339 registered vendors participating. Key items sold include over 180,000kg of rice, 26,000kg of garri, 18,318kg of poultry meats, and 55,000 crates of eggs. The hub operates on Saturdays and Wednesdays, and the government has not imposed fees on vendors, aiming to stabilize and lower food prices for Lagos residents. The success of the Mushin Food Hub has prompted plans for additional hubs to streamline food pricing, reduce waste, and enhance food quality across Lagos State.

Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State disclosed that the local government councils collectively spent ₦128 billion through the joint account system between June 2023 and June 2024. This included allocations for various expenditures such as salaries, pensions, security, projects, instructional materials, scholarships, hajj operations, food palliatives, fertilizers, and agrochemicals. He emphasized the state government’s commitment to respecting the rule of law and urged citizens to comply with legal norms. Governor Radda also highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by socio-economic issues and insecurity in frontline local governments, stressing the need for unified efforts to address these challenges.

President Bola Tinubu recently inaugurated a student loan scheme aimed at fostering inclusiveness and combating poverty in Nigeria. During the inauguration, Tinubu emphasized that education is pivotal in addressing poverty and fostering national development, as well as combating security challenges like terrorism and banditry.

Key highlights of the inauguration include:

1. **Student Loan Disbursement:** President Tinubu presented cheques to students from each of Nigeria’s six geo-political zones, marking the official start of the student loan programme.

2. **Funding and Sustainability:** The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) announced an initial fund of N32 billion available for disbursement. Since the portal opened on May 25, approximately 164,000 students have registered, with 103,000 applying for loans. This initiative, now enacted into law as the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act since April 3, 2024, aims to empower Nigerian youth by providing transparent and fair financial support, removing barriers to educational opportunities.

3. **Reaction from Stakeholders:** Lucky Emonefe, President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), expressed gratitude for the realization of the student loan programme, which he described as a significant development in the education sector. He highlighted the transparency of the application process and emphasized that this initiative represents a new era for Nigerian students, providing access to higher education regardless of background.

Overall, the launch of the student loan scheme is seen as a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s education sector, expected to have a profound impact on youth empowerment and national development.

In a recent judgment, the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a suit seeking to invalidate the nomination of Olumide Akpata as the Labour Party’s candidate for the Edo governorship election. Justice James Omotosho ruled in favor of Akpata, agreeing with arguments presented by his counsel, Johnson Usman, SAN.

The plaintiffs in the case, Anderson Asemota (factional governorship candidate), Monday Mawah (deputy governorship candidate), and Alhaji Lamidi Apapa (acting national chairman of LP), had filed the suit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Olumide Akpata, and the Labour Party. They sought various orders, including mandating INEC to publish Asemota’s name as the winner of the LP governorship primary election in Edo.

However, Justice Omotosho dismissed the suit on several grounds:
1. Lack of jurisdiction: The court held that it lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit, considering it an intra-party matter concerning the conduct of a political party’s primary and the nomination of a candidate.

2. Lack of merit: Even if the court assumed jurisdiction, Justice Omotosho found the suit lacked merit. He stated that the decisions of the Apapa-led leadership of the LP, under which the primary was conducted, had been nullified by the Court of Appeal. Therefore, any actions taken by that leadership, including the primary election that nominated Asemota, were deemed void and non-existent.

3. Judicial efficiency: The court emphasized the need to save judicial time, dismissing the suit to avoid prolonged legal proceedings.

This ruling effectively upholds Olumide Akpata’s candidacy as the Labour Party’s validly elected candidate for the upcoming Edo governorship election, scheduled for September 21. It also underscores the principle that intra-party disputes, especially those concerning party primaries, are generally not justiciable in regular courts unless they involve violations of fundamental rights or statutory provisions.

In a recent development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled September 25 for the arraignment of former Kogi Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, despite ongoing proceedings at the Court of Appeal. This decision was made by Justice Emeka Nwite after considering arguments from both sides regarding a stay of proceedings.

Bello’s counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, had requested the court to halt the proceedings pending the outcome of their appeal at the Court of Appeal. Mohammed argued that proceeding with the case would undermine the pending appeal’s jurisdictional issues, citing legal precedents and emphasizing the need for judicial prudence.

On the other hand, counsel for the EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, opposed the stay of proceedings, arguing that the defendant had not presented sufficient evidence from the Court of Appeal indicating a stay was necessary. Pinheiro urged the court to proceed with its scheduled rulings and maintain continuity in the case.

Justice Nwite deliberated on these arguments, acknowledging the discretion of the court in granting stays of proceedings but ultimately ruled against staying the case. He expressed concerns about potential delays caused by the appeal and emphasized the need to avoid unnecessary prolongation of legal processes.

Additionally, Justice Nwite granted the withdrawal of Bello’s former counsel, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, from the case and referred allegations of misconduct against Adedipe to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee for investigation.

The court’s decision to proceed with the arraignment on September 25 underscores its stance on the matter, setting the stage for further legal proceedings in this high-profile case.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum has called on organized Labour and the Federal Government to consider the financial capabilities of State and Local Governments when negotiating minimum wage agreements. This was stated by the Forum’s Chairman, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, in a communique issued after the Forum’s meeting at the Government House, Enugu.

Governor Mohammed emphasized the importance of considering the ability of sub-national governments to pay the proposed wage increases amidst the ongoing negotiations. He acknowledged the justified demands of Labour for salary raises, stressing the need for the negotiations to be fair and considerate of the economic realities faced by different government tiers. He also urged all parties involved to maintain a calm and measured approach to avoid disruptions that could harm the economy.

The Forum expressed concern over the mismanagement of the economy by the APC-led government, calling for proactive measures to prevent further deterioration. Governor Mohammed reiterated the Forum’s support for the autonomy of local governments as outlined in the Nigerian Constitution and upheld by the Supreme Court, highlighting the importance of local governance in bringing government closer to the people.

Regarding upcoming off-season elections in Edo and Ondo States, the PDP Governors encouraged issue-based, non-violent campaigns that adhere to the Electoral Act’s procedures. Governor Mohammed urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a fair and peaceful election process, free from bias, and called on President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate true democratic leadership by refraining from any statements that could imply political interference.

The meeting was attended by all PDP Governors, the National Working Committee, and other party organs, with the exception of Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has revealed that the state government spends ₦150 million monthly on maintaining cleanliness across the state. This announcement was made during the inauguration of the 2024 desilt exercise of major storm drains in the Gombe metropolis, highlighting the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability and public well-being.

Governor Yahaya emphasized the importance of community support in maintaining a clean environment, urging residents to utilize the newly constructed waste collection centers. He pointed out that indiscriminate waste dumping in drains significantly contributes to flooding and other environmental challenges, thus collective responsibility is crucial to ensuring waste does not end up in these drains.

The governor underscored the severe impact of flooding on lives and property, making it essential to clear major water channels to ensure the free flow of water. He stated that this initiative is critical for preventing floods and protecting human lives, property, and infrastructure, as well as preventing disease outbreaks in communities.

Despite ongoing efforts by the government to educate communities on proper waste disposal, challenges persist. Consequently, the administration has made it a policy to clear all water channels at the start of every rainy season.

Governor Yahaya reiterated the state’s commitment to environmental conservation through effective waste management and extensive tree planting. The government plans to construct 21 additional waste collection centers under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, in partnership with the World Bank. Additionally, the state Environmental Protection Agency (GOSEPA) will ensure the daily evacuation of waste from these collection centers to maintain a cleaner and healthier environment.

President Bola Tinubu has emphasized the dangers posed by illegal mining activities within residential areas, highlighting their threat to the structural stability of buildings. This warning comes in the wake of reports from the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) detailing 22 building collapses in the country between January and July 2024.

According to COREN President, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, Lagos accounted for the highest percentage of these collapses, at 27.27%, followed by Abuja and Anambra with 18.18% each. Ekiti and Plateau each had 9.09%, while Kano, Taraba, and Niger states each accounted for 4.55%.

From 2012 to date, over 91 buildings have collapsed in Lagos alone, resulting in more than 354 deaths. In Abuja, about 30 buildings have collapsed since 1993, causing over 64 deaths. Recent collapses include incidents in Onitsha, Anambra state, where a collapse occurred on June 12, and in Plateau state on July 13, where 22 students died and 134 were injured.

Prof. Abubakar attributed these collapses to factors such as the use of substandard construction materials, structural failures, illegal modifications, quackery, inadequate supervision, and corrupt practices. He commended state governments for constituting panels of enquiry to investigate these incidents and urged for a collaborative approach among all stakeholders to prevent future occurrences.

In response to the crisis, COREN has implemented several measures, including training and licensing Engineering Regulation Monitoring (ERM) inspectors, reconstituting its Council Committee on Engineering Regulation Monitoring, and establishing regional ERM&E Task Forces in cities such as Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano, FCT, Gombe, and Lagos.

President Tinubu thanked the outgoing Head of Service, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, for her service and urged the incoming Head of Service, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, to uphold high standards of integrity and adherence to regulations in her new role.

Governors from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have pledged their support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State amidst his ongoing conflict with his predecessor. During a meeting at the Government House in Enugu, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, emphasized the forum’s commitment to resolving the issue through political solutions and wider consultations with stakeholders to ensure a peaceful resolution.

The forum stressed the importance of internal democracy, transparency, and fairness in party congresses, aiming to include all members and adhere to the party’s constitution. Mohammed praised the innovative governance approaches of PDP-controlled states, particularly in infrastructure, education, health, and youth initiatives.

Reflecting on the successes of the PDP’s 16-year administration, Mohammed reiterated the party’s commitment to restoring the nation’s past glory. He noted the country’s achievements during the PDP era, such as single-digit inflation, the establishment of anti-corruption institutions, and a higher standard of living, which have since declined under the APC-led government. The forum expressed solidarity with Nigerians facing economic challenges and promised to bring back better times with low inflation, affordable food, fuel, and transportation, as well as increased foreign direct investment and a higher quality of life.

Mohammed called on Nigerians to avoid anarchy and work together towards the PDP’s return to power in 2027, pledging to restore the positive attributes of the party’s previous governance.