Inspector-General of Police (I-G) Olukayode Egbetokun has assured the public that the Nigeria Police will handle the planned protest on August 1 in a professional manner. During a meeting in Abuja with Strategic Police Managers, which includes officers from the rank of Commissioners of Police and above, Egbetokun emphasized the police’s commitment to providing security for those engaging in peaceful protests.

He stated that the meeting aimed to share and analyze intelligence from various Police Commands across the country to ensure national security. Egbetokun reiterated the police’s stance on peaceful protests, asserting, “If the protest is peaceful, you will see us protecting the protesters as long as they remain peaceful.”

However, he warned against violent protests, stating that the police have a duty to protect lives and property and will not tolerate any actions that lead to the destruction of facilities. “No civilized society will tolerate violent protest. Violent protest is criminal, but peaceful protest is a right,” he remarked.

Egbetokun also urged Nigerian youths to ignore any incitements to violence, emphasizing that the right to protest must be exercised peacefully.

Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, has publicly addressed allegations linking NNPC employees to a blending plant in Malta, following claims by Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group. Dangote suggested that the establishment of such a plant impeded the procurement of locally produced petroleum products.

Kyari categorically denied any involvement, stating, “I do not own or operate any business directly or by proxy anywhere in the world, with the exception of a local mini-agricultural venture.” He further clarified that he is unaware of any NNPC employee operating a blending plant in Malta or elsewhere globally.

Emphasizing the integrity of NNPC’s operations, Kyari asserted, “A blending plant in Malta or any part of the world has no influence over NNPC’s business operations and strategic actions.” He reassured stakeholders that any employee found involved in such activities would face strict compliance sanctions.

Kyari also emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, urging that individuals implicated in these allegations be publicly identified and reported to government security agencies. “I strongly recommend that such individuals be declared public and be made known to relevant government security agencies for necessary actions in view of the grave implications for national energy security,” he stated.

Kyari’s statement aims to dispel the concerns raised by Dangote Group’s President and reinforce NNPC’s commitment to maintaining robust operational standards and national energy security.

The hearing of a fundamental rights suit filed by Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso and seven others was stalled on Tuesday due to the inability of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to file necessary processes. The EFCC’s counsel, Idris Ibrahim-Haruna, requested an adjournment to file responses, citing service in Abuja and apologizing for the inconvenience.

Robert Hon, counsel for the applicants, opposed the adjournment request, arguing that the EFCC had ample time to file their responses since being served on June 10. He urged the court to proceed with the hearing, noting that the EFCC was out of time.

Justice Yusuf Ubale directed the EFCC counsel to file their responses and adjourned the matter to October 24 for a definite hearing. The court had previously granted an interim order on June 10, preventing the EFCC from arresting Kwankwaso and the other applicants, who include the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Dr. Ajuji Ahmed, Dipo Olayanku, Ahmed Balewa, Chief Clement Anele, Folashade Aliu, and Buba Galadima.

The Appeal Court in Abuja has rejected an appeal aimed at nullifying the PDP primary election that selected Asue Ighodalo as the party’s candidate for the upcoming Edo Governorship Election. The court, led by a three-member panel under Justice A. M. Lamido, dismissed the appeal filed by the embattled Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu.

Shaibu, who was previously impeached but later reinstated, challenged the outcome of the PDP primary election, claiming it was not conducted in accordance with the Electoral Act and the PDP Constitution. He sought to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing Ighodalo as the PDP candidate and requested a new primary election.

The appellate court upheld the Federal High Court’s decision, which had earlier ruled that Shaibu lacked the standing to challenge the primary election because he did not participate in it. The court found no merit in Shaibu’s appeal and awarded a ₦1 million cost against him.

The Federal High Court had also noted that there was no evidence showing Shaibu’s participation in the primary election held on February 22 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, and affirmed that Shaibu did not meet the legal requirements to challenge the election’s outcome.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has proposed a ₦6.2 trillion supplementary budget aimed primarily at implementing the new minimum wage and stimulating economic growth through infrastructural projects.

Key Points:

• Minimum Wage: ₦3 trillion of the budget will be allocated to cover the newly proposed national minimum wage. President Bola Tinubu has indicated that the bill for this wage increase will soon be presented to the National Assembly.
• Infrastructural Projects: The remaining funds will be directed towards various projects, including:
  • Rail Projects: Funding will support several major rail projects, such as the Port Harcourt Main Bridge, Badagry-Tin Can Port, Lekki Port, Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge, and Kano-Marada Standard Gauge. A total of ₦530 billion is requested for these rail developments.
  • Water and Irrigation: ₦522 billion will be invested in water, irrigation, and dam projects.
  • Road Projects: Key road projects include the Lagos-Calabar road, requiring ₦150 billion, and Sokoto-Badagry road.
• Equity Contributions: The ₦3.2 trillion renewed hope infrastructural fund will provide equity contributions for these projects.

Details:

• Budget Breakdown: The supplementary budget is designed to complement the ₦28.7 trillion Appropriation Act approved for the 2024 fiscal year.
• Committee Oversight: Rep. Abubakar Bichi, Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, emphasized the need for transparency and detailed information on the budget allocations.
• Security and Infrastructure: The budget also aims to address infrastructural deficits and improve security, with ongoing efforts to secure lives across the country.

The proposed supplementary budget reflects a commitment to addressing pressing economic challenges and enhancing the nation’s infrastructure to support long-term growth and development.

Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi has discouraged the planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1, suggesting it is not the solution to Nigeria’s current challenges. Speaking at a town hall meeting with various groups in Dutse, Namadi emphasized that protests alone cannot address the issues facing the country.

He acknowledged the widespread economic hardship but advised that people should turn to God for guidance and intervention rather than protesting. Namadi highlighted government efforts to mitigate the hardships, including food distribution and the recent approval for duty-free food imports.

The governor’s stance was echoed by other local leaders, including Police Commissioner Tijjani Abdullahi, who warned against any attempts to breach public peace, and Brig.-Gen. Timilere Makintosh, who praised the governor’s peaceful leadership. Additionally, the Council of Ulama Chairman, Retired Khadi Bashir Ahmad, attributed the country’s problems to moral failings and called for repentance.

Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Chairman Rev. Father Maurice Hassan and National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Chairman Abdullahi Garba also distanced their organizations from the protest, advocating for peaceful coexistence and calling on the government to address rising commodity prices.

Emirs Muhammad Hameem of Dutse and Adamu Maje of Hadejia joined in urging Nigerians to seek alternative, lawful channels for expressing grievances, reinforcing the message that the protest is not seen as a constructive solution in Jigawa State.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has called for strong government backing of the Dangote Refinery, emphasizing the economic rather than political significance of the project. In a series of tweets, Obi expressed concern over conflicts between Dangote Industries and government agencies, stressing that these issues affect Nigeria’s economy and the well-being of its citizens.

Obi highlighted the refinery’s potential to generate $21 billion annually and create over 100,000 jobs. He praised Aliko Dangote for his extensive contributions to Nigeria’s industrial sector, which spans over 15 industries. Obi urged the government to resolve disputes swiftly and support the refinery’s operations to address Nigeria’s fuel crisis and boost economic growth.

Obi’s support comes as the refinery faces challenges with government authorities and local oil producers. He criticized current leadership for focusing on personal luxuries rather than addressing national economic issues. Obi emphasized the need for a shift from consumption to production and inclusive, sustainable growth to alleviate the economic hardships faced by Nigerians.

The Centre for Accountability and Probity (CAP) has lauded Rt. Hon. Abubakar Bichi, Chairman of the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee, for his exceptional commitment to transparency and accountability in the budgetary process.

Princess Ajibola Naomi, CAP’s Coordinating President, highlighted Bichi’s meticulous handling of the recent supplementary budget. “Bichi’s innovative approach has introduced a new level of transparency and accountability, setting a benchmark for future budgetary processes,” Naomi stated.

Bichi has been recognized for involving stakeholders, conducting public hearings, and thoroughly scrutinizing executive bills. His initiatives include public engagement, detailed analysis of budget estimates, and ensuring that the supplementary budget aligns with Nigerians’ priorities.

Naomi praised Bichi’s dedication to ensuring that every detail is scrutinized and that the executive accounts for every penny. “His leadership has changed the narrative in the budgetary process, promoting transparency and accountability,” she added.

Bichi’s committee has also leveraged technology for improved budget tracking and monitoring, providing clear and concise budget reports. Additionally, the committee has enhanced the budget process by ensuring timely submission of estimates by MDAs, conducting oversight visits, and engaging civil society organizations for inclusivity.

CAP emphasized that Bichi’s efforts have instilled confidence in the budgetary process among Nigerians. The organization urged citizens to trust in the effective utilization of the budget under Bichi’s oversight, noting the positive impact of his leadership on national fiscal governance.