News & Announcements

The South-South Youths Initiative, a Niger Delta organization, has lamented the hardship brought on by the elimination of fuel subsidies nationwide.

The group bemoaned the abrupt termination of the subsidies and the fact that there was no clear plan in place.

Imeabe Saviour, the group’s National President, spoke on behalf of the organization and attributed the petroleum industry’s issues to the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

Saviour also demanded the dismissal of Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, in a statement released on Saturday and made available to journalists in Abuja.

Saviour said that Kyari should be fired since his refusal to serve as an advisor has caused the current administration severe issues.

“Kyari has failed to make justice to his first role of advising the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on the right policies to implement and at the right time to do so.

“We are calling on Kyari to resign his position immediately for failing to offer good advice to Mr. President. It is because of his actions and inactions that the entire country is in this present hardship.

“In sane climes, when a public office holder fails to carry out his functions effectively and the result of such action leads to some negative impact on the people, they willingly resign their position as a mark of showing remorse.

“We want Kyria to show this remorse that he has caused millions of Nigerians untold hardship. His resignation is important to Nigerians. We also want him to apologise to Nigerians for his failure to know what his functions are in the office he currently occupies, which includes providing advisory roles to the President,” Saviour said.

Saviour urged President Bola Tinubu to sack Kyari if he didn’t heed their request within a week.

He threatened that if Kyari was still in office after the next week, group members would shut down NNPCL offices in South-South states.

He said, “However, if the president fails to sack him after he refuses to resign within seven days, we will have no option but to shut down the offices of NNPCL in the States of South-South. This is not a threat, it is a promise we the youths of this nation will implement for the sake of the suffering masses.”

With victories in 21 states, the People’s Democratic Party’s Atiku Abubakar has petitioned the Presidential Election Petition Court to be declared the victor of the presidential election held on February 25.

This came as he claimed that the winner, Bola Tinubu, as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, was ineligible to run for office due to “an order of criminal forfeiture against him arising from a drug-related offence, his declaration of allegiance to a country other than Nigeria, his acquisition of citizenship of another country, and his presenting a forged certificate to the first respondent (INEC)”.

Atiku also stated that he had proven that the return of Tinubu in the election as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was ‘invalidated by reason of substantial non-compliance with the mandatory provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022 on electronic transmission of results for collation and verification by deliberate bypass of and failure to transmit the election results electronically’.

In support of his joint petition with the PDP, which sought the annulment of INEC’s pronouncement of Tinubu as the election’s victor, he made the plea in his final address, which was submitted to the PEPC on July 20.

Atiku said that INEC’s claim that he won in 21 states had not been “disputed, retracted, debunked, or claimed to be an error through the proceedings of the tribunal so far” in a final statement that was signed by his lead attorney, Chief Chris Uche (SAN).

The PDP presidential candidate won 21 states of the federation in the presidential election on February 25, according to INEC’s response to Atiku’s petition.

Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Bavelsa, Borno, Delta, Ekiti, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Osun, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara were among the 21 states declared by INEC as having been won by Atiku and the PDP.

Atiku argued that the panel should proceed to uphold the declaration because INEC, which asserted that he won the states on its own, did not refute the claim throughout the proceedings.

The final address read in part, “Notwithstanding, the first respondent (INEC) unequivocally and clearly admitted in its pleadings, namely paragraph 18 on page 13 of its reply to the petition, which was never refuted nor retracted that the petitioners won 21 states of the federation in the presidential election, which is an admission against interest.

“As a result of non-use of the collation by electronic transmission, the first respondent (INEC) later altered the admitted result of 21 states for the first petitioner to 12 states.

“As a result of non-use of the collation by electronic transmission, the first respondent (INEC) later altered the admitted result of 21 states for the first petitioner to 12 states.

“The petitioners have established that the return of the 2nd respondent as the winner of the presidential election held on 25th day of February 2023, was unlawful and unconstitutional, having not secured one-quarter of the valid votes cast in the FCT, Abuja as required by the Constitution of the Federal of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended).

“The petitioners have proved that the second respondent was not duly elected by a majority of the lawful votes cast in the election. 41 (e). The respondents proffered very scanty evidence in defence and virtually abandoned their pleadings by not calling necessary witnesses, and not having any credible defence to the Petition. 6.02 We submit with all sense of responsibility that this Nation and its Judiciary stand at the threshold of history.”

The fact that a presidential election had never been declared invalid by the courts in Nigeria prior to this time, he continued, was not a good justification for not doing so now since, in his opinion, it is extremely right to do so.

The National Association of University Students has threatened to hold a nationwide demonstration over the recent increase in tuition costs in the country following the recent increase in tuition rates for higher institutions and government schools.

This information was exclusively provided to our correspondent in a statement headed “Warning Against Tuition Fee Increment” that was released on Saturday and signed by Eruobami Ayobami, the NAUS Chairman, and Babalola Daniel, the National Deputy President.

“It is with great displeasure as we Write to condemn the act of the Federal Government as well as higher institutions who have decided to increase the price of tuition in this current economic disintegration,” part of the statement read.

The management of the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State has reportedly increased fees for undergraduate students in the institution.

This information was provided in a statement released by the UNILAG section of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities on July 20, 2023, following a meeting with senior management.

The institution’s students used to pay N19,000, but the management has set new tuition at N190,250 for students studying medicine, and N140,250 for courses requiring lab and studio work.

Additionally, this publication notes that the Federal Ministry of Education, an agency of the federal government, has increased the tuition for new students at Federal Government Colleges, also known as Federal Unity Colleges, to $100,000.

According to the circular entitled, “Approved fees/ charges for Federal Unity Colleges (1st Term) for new students“, signed by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, new students are expected to part with ₦100,000 instead of the previous N45,000.

According to NAUS, it is clear that the quality of our university education is not good, and as a result, initiatives that would worsen the educational system will not be supported.

“University is where every profession that runs the nation is trained and mentored, investing in the origin of every profession should never be a problem for any nation interested in development.

It stated that any legislation enacting a tuition increase would be met with immediate protests from the student population.

“We want to reiterate that as students, we won’t hesitate to come out en-mass to protest against any form of implementation that poses a threat to the students’ community,” it added.

The student body further urged various higher institutions that have plans to raise their school fees to reconsider their plans as it will only have a negative impact on the academic system and have a negative impact on the students, while assuring students of its commitment to protecting their interests at all times.

Anambra West Local Government Area’s famed kidnapping gang was destroyed by the Anambra State Police Command, and two of its members were taken into custody.

The suspects allegedly kidnapped the victim on June 26 in Aguleri, Anambra East LGA, and demanded N4.5 million in ransom from the victim’s family before releasing him but keeping his car.

When one of them traveled to Agulu in the state’s Anaocha LGA to look for a buyer for the vehicle, police officers detained them.

In a statement on Saturday, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, the state police’s spokesman, revealed the news.

Ikenga said, “On July 18, 2023, police detectives were alerted to one Chukwuebuka Esulo from Ebonyi State who was seeking a buyer in Agulu, Anaocha LGA, for a black Mercedes Benz GLK SUV registration number BLF 746 EA.

“The owner of the vehicle had earlier been reported kidnapped in Aguleri on June 26, 2023, and the sum of N4.5m was extorted as ransom from the family before he was released.

“Detectives swooped on the suspect and arrested him for questioning. He confessed to being a member of the kidnap gang and disclosed that he was sent from their camp to sell the car.

“On the orders of the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Aderemi Adeoye, the case was transferred to the Anti-kidnapping Unit, Awkuzu who then went after other members of the gang.

“This led to the arrest of one other member of the gang called Ejeka Ufuo, ‘m’ 23 years, who was led to believe that the vehicle had been sold and he came out with the intent of collecting the proceeds.

“Efforts are ongoing to round up other members of the gang and recover their weapons.”

The police commissioner praised all officers engaged in the breakthrough, he continued, and he asked them to step up their efforts so that abduction is completely eradicated in Anambra State.

The Lagos State Government pardoned and released 30 prisoners, according to confirmation from the Lagos Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service on Saturday.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos, Mr. Rotomi Oladokun, the NCoS Lagos Command spokesperson, verified the release.

Oladokun said that Justice Kazeem Alogba, the state’s chief judge, had pardoned the prisoners.

“The inmates released are those who committed minor offences such as assault, disorderliness, low-level shoplifting, road traffic offences, theft, and burglary, among others.

“There is, however, a need to free more inmates as the state custodial facilities are housing over 8000 inmates, which is above their capacities,” Oladokun said.

Oladokun urged the state government to use its judicial system to search the inmate database and determine whether any other prisoners may be released. Additionally, he encouraged Nigerians to welcome the released prisoners and assist them in reintegrating into society.

Olanrewaju James, also known as Baba Ijesha, a well-known and controversial performer, was found guilty of child endangerment and given a 16-year prison term. He served the first year of his sentence at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri, Lagos State.

On July 14, 2022, he was found guilty of the offense and given a 16-year prison term on four of the six counts that had been preferred against him—indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault by penetration, and sexual assault by penetration.

It will be recalled that James was arrested on April 22, 2021, and first appeared before Magistrate P.E. Nwaka of the Yaba Magistrate Court in Yaba, Lagos, on July 16, 2021.

The actor was later arraigned at the Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja, before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo, who eventually delivered the judgment. While reading her judgment, she said, “I hereby find the defendant guilty of count two to five, and he is discharged of counts one and six. The defendant is here by sentenced to five years imprisonment for count two, three years for count three, five years for count four, and three years for count five.”

The case attracted a lot of media coverage and controversy. Additionally, it ‘split’ the entertainment business as some celebrities stood by comedian Princess Adekoya, whose ward was the one violated, while others felt sympathy for Baba Ijesha.

Yomi Fabiyi, Bukky Black, and Lege Miami were a few of the individuals that were sympathetic to Baba Ijesha’s situation. According to Fabiyi, the actor was ‘ambushed’ into the crime.

On the other hand, actors strongly backed Princess Diana, including Iyabo Ojo Nkechi Blessing.

Fabiyi said, “First, it is difficult for me to deny knowing him. My non-governmental organisation decided to hear his side, do our own little investigation, and what we found out required us to give him a voice, as it looked like he was ‘ambushed into that misfortune’.

“There were too many questions begging for answers, as could be seen at the end of the trial, hence the appeal.”

Maintaining that he had been in constant communication with the beleaguered actor since he was committed to prison, Fabiyi said, “My first visit started from the second day he was sentenced to prison. I also ensure that I regular communicate with him in prison.”

He added, “I am not in shoes, but I am trying my best to keep his spirits high and get him not to think of suicide or any vendetta. When his father died (on May 13, 2023), it was a difficult moment.

“However, he is still bothered that the age of the girl was not proven with a birth certificate. The absence of some factors before a guilty verdict was passed gives him serious mental agony. He feels he has been unjustly punished.”

Baba Ijesha frequently had a glum expression as he entered the courtroom during the trial. He was seen one day holding a Christian book by Happy Caldwell called “How to Thrive in Perilous Times: Living Beyond the World System.”

Schools in Kenya’s capital Nairobi and the coastal town of Mombasa have been shut indefinitely as three days of nationwide cost-of-living protests kicked off on Wednesday.

Last week’s violent protests resulted in the deaths of at least 14 people, reports the BBC.

“The government has received credible security intelligence that criminal elements planning to unleash terror and violence on the public [on Wednesday] intend to engage in armed skirmishes with security agencies around certain schools within Nairobi and Mombasa counties,” the interior ministry said.

Police chief, Japheth Koome has declared the anti-tax hike protests illegal, even though the high court had on Monday rejected a request to declare them illegal.

During similar protests last Wednesday, the police shot at least 10 people.

More than 50 schoolchildren were also teargassed while in their classroom in Nairobi and were subsequently rushed to the hospital in an unconscious state.

There have been reports of police firing teargas canisters at protesters in neighbourhoods around Nairobi.

Protesters armed with crude weapons have also barricaded roads in western Kenya and extorted money from road users.

Human rights organisations have strongly criticised the police for what they call their excessive use of force.

Local and international groups and foreign diplomats have expressed deep concerns over the situation in Kenya, urging dialogue to address the issues at hand. 

Just hours before Auckland was due to host the opening match of the Women’s World Cup, the city woke up to news of a deadly shooting which has cast a shadow over what supposed to be a day of celebration.

The incident in the centre of New Zealand’s largest city, close to where hundreds of football supporters were due to gather at a fan park, left two people dead and six others injured.

FIFA said it had been informed it was an isolated incident and Thursday’s match between New Zealand and Norway at Eden Park would go ahead as planned.

People have travelled to the city from across the globe for the start of the World Cup, which has been labelled the biggest women’s sports event ever to be staged.

Jacob Johnson, a reporter for 1 News in Auckland, told BBC Sport: “The fact it has happened on the day that was meant to be a huge celebration for New Zealand is just gobsmacking.

“The Women’s World Cup was supposed to be a huge win for women’s sport.

“In New Zealand it is something we are really trying to push. It’s such a shame that something like this will probably dominate the headlines for days.

“The Women’s World Cup has been years in the making. I hope organisers are not going to completely let this overshadow the event. The Women’s World Cup is a really big deal for New Zealand.”

The shooting took place on a construction site in the central business district at 07:22 (20:22 BST). The gunman was declared dead after the attack, which is not being seen as an act of terrorism.

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown said all FIFA personnel and football teams were safe and had been accounted for.

FIFA released a statement saying it had been “in constant contact with the participating teams affected by this incident”.

It added: “FIFA extends its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives following the incident which occurred this morning in Auckland, New Zealand, and our thoughts and prayers remain with those who have been injured in this tragic incident.”

In the latest episode of African Voices Changemakers, CNN’s Larry Madowo meets rap superstar French Montana who speaks about his journey from being a Moroccan immigrant in the US to a multi-platinum selling artist.  

Montana, whose real name is Karim Kharbouch, was 13 when he and his family moved to America. He says they had a pretty comfortable life in Morocco and traded it to end up in one of the rougher parts of New York City.

He speaks about his immigrant experience, “Americans, when they born, they’re born with social security. They’re born with so many benefits that we wasn’t able to get, when we came as African kids, we was immigrants. So we was moving like aliens. I couldn’t go to play basketball for college cause I couldn’t get a scholarship, cause I didn’t have social security. I didn’t have my papers. I couldn’t get a job.” 

It was during this time that Montana inherited his ‘French’ nickname. He tells Madowo, “I was speaking to all the Africans that lived in my neighborhood in French. So, all the hustlers in my block heard me. They was like, who’s this kid? They’re speaking French. So, every time I would go to the store, somebody would be like, yo French, yo Frenchy, come here. So, it went from a joke to like, alright, you know what, I’m gonna take the name French and I’m gonna run with it.” 

From his struggles in New York to finding superstardom Montana says, “I feel like success comes when you struggle. And it comes when a lot of people come together and sacrifice.

Sacrifice is a big part of it. But people, we, don’t want to tell you about the struggle, what it took to get there. You know, I want to let people know you really want to do this? This is what happens.”

 Montana recently premiered a new documentary about his life titled For Khadija, named for his mother. He says, “My mother could have went back [to Morocco], but she saw something that none of us seen. You know, she saw the future and she sacrificed. So, this doc is about that sacrifice.” 

The director of For Khadija, Mandon Lovett describes why he wanted to work with Montana on the documentary, “Essentially, we see rap artists as these big sort of superheroes, larger than life figures. And at the end of the day, I knew that there was something that drove him and I wanted to get to the heart of what drives him, and ultimately I found out that it was his mother. And I think that he ultimately has seen the sacrifice of his mom and how much she gave up in order for him to achieve his dreams. And that really does fuel him.” 

Montana concludes by speaking about his proudest achievement, “That I’ve paved the way for Africa. That I’ve paved a way from Morocco. That I showed ’em that anything is possible. Like you don’t have to put no limits on yourself. Just go out there and work and let Allah take care of the rest.” 

The National Executive Council (NEC) has agreed on palliative measures for Nigerians following the elimination of the petrol subsidy and the recent increase in petrol prices to up to N617/liter.

The decision was made at a meeting held on Thursday in the Council Chambers of the State House in Abuja.

The meeting, which was chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, has in attendance governors of the 36 states of the Federation, the Director General of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, as well as stakeholders from the World Bank and other agencies of government.

NEC also considered integrity tests on state social registers, cash transfers would be done via state social registers subject to state peculiarities.

During the meeting, government officials were urged to reduce the cost of governance in their various spheres. This is even as the Federal Government initiated a six-month cash award policy for public servants.

Food items grains and fertilizers are to be distributed by state governments at the rate acquired from National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and states are urged to double down on energy transition plans in the transport sector.

This is the second meeting of the Council and it is expected to deliberate on the reviewed palliative package for Nigerians following the removal of petrol subsidy as well as the hike in fuel price.

President Bola Tinubu had unveiled his administration’s plan for a monthly N8,000 transfer to 12 million of the poorest households in the country for six months, in a bid to cushion the effects of the removal of fuel subsidy.

The plan was contained in a letter read last Thursday on the floor of the House of Representatives regarding the $800 million loan request of the previous Muhammadu Buhari administration for a social safety net programme.

But days after the announcement, the Federal Government said it will review the move following the backlash it generated among Nigerians.