President Muhammadu Buhari

By Ismaila Chafe
The National Security Adviser (NSA) to the President, retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno, says President Muhammadu Buhari is to announce a critical solution to the #EndSARS protest in a couple of hours.

Monguno, who made this known at the end of the fourth National Security Council meeting, presided by the president in Abuja on Thursday said Buhari also directed all security agencies to always operate within the confine of legitimacy and legality.

He said the president also urged the security agencies to always avoid anything that would aggravate the nations security challenges.

He also stated that the president would soon come up with certain solutions to address the security challenges in the country, saying the president directed that government would also do all it could to arrive at an agreeable resolution to the crisis.

According to him, the president also called on all aggrieved persons to come to the negotiation table with a view to finding solutions to the problems.

This situation, we all know is very very grave situation, giving a lot of concern to everyone most especially Mr President.

Mr President has directed that government should do whatever is necessary in order to bring about an agreeable resolution to this crisis.

So far, the government has been able to concede to the demands of the protesters. The initial demands have been considered and it appears now that the riots are taking a different and unwanted dimension.

Mr President is very concerned about this development and does not want a situation in which everything breaks down and results in anarchy, in lawlessness and people taking the law into their own hands.

For one thing, if government can begin to make concessions, then its also logical for the protesters, those that are aggrieved also to take a step back, take stock of their activities and come to a meeting point with government and its agencies.

It is not Mr Presidents desire to see any unwanted loss of live and he is determined to ensure that things do not cascade into unpleasant situation.

Therefore, he has directed all the security agencies to operate within the confine of legitimacy, within the confine of legality, not to do anything that will aggravate this situation.

The president, himself, had just left his office and he is also going to deal with this issue in a separate manner apart from what had just taken place in Council.

I believe in the next couple of hours Mr President would come up with certain solution that will be agreeable to the entire federation, he said.

According to him, the president also called on all aggrieved persons to come to the negotiation table with a view to finding solutions to the problems.

The security agencies have been asked to apply as much restraint as possible. But then again, the youths should also understand that pushing their luck might also result in an unwanted issues.

So, it is very very important for everyone to take stock of what has already happened and not give a dark impression of this country to the international community, he added.

On the reported attack on protesters at Lekki Toll Gate, the NSA said: The government is looking into the incident that happened about 48 hours ago.

You know, we cant deal or act on conjectures, oppositions and so on and so forth. We need to verify things first.

But the government is not oblivious of the fact that certain things had happened and there is also a possibility that actual facts could be distorted by either party.

So, the government is going to look at that before coming up with something. But definitely, government is not treating this issue lightly.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that those in attendance at the meeting include Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, Ministers of Defence, Bashir Magashi; Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; Police Affairs, Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi and Geoffrey Onyaema, Foreign Affairs.

Others at the meeting were; Service Chiefs; Director-General, Department of State Services, Alhaji Yusuf Bichi, the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed RufaI, the Inspector-General of Police, Muhammed Adamu as well as other members of security and intelligence community.

Source: NAN News

Gen. Abdulsalami A. Abubakar (Rtd)

By Aminu Garko
Former Military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, has appealed to the #EndSARS protesting youths to withdraw from the streets and prepare for dialogue and for peace, progress and political stability in the country.

Abubakar made the appeal on Wednesday in Minna while addressing newsmen.

He said that withdrawing from the streets would enable the Federal Government to concentrate on meeting the demands of the youths.

He said that already the federal government had apologised and promised to look into their grievances.

The former head of state said state governors had also responded promptly by acknowledging the genuine grievances of the teaming demonstrating youths.

The hijacking of the protest by criminals had resulted into violence, destruction of government and private properties ,criminal release of prisoners and the lynching and burning of policemen and innocent persons in some parts of the country.

The demonstration continued and consequences of which it began to cause serious discomfort to the citizens as it gave opportunities for criminal elements to penetrate to tamper with the peaceful coexistence of Nigerians.

This forced the government to send security agencies to restore law and order which unfortunately further led to the loss of more innocent lives.

I am therefore appealing and calling for a halt of the youth demonstration to give peace a chance for dialogue, said.

Source: NAN News

L-R: Dr Ike Neliaku, Public Relation Practitioner, and President of NIPR, Mallam Mukhtar Sirajo, addressing newsmen in Abuja

By Emmanuel Afonne

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) on Thursday condemned in strong terms the shooting of protesters at the Lekki Tollgate in Lagos.

President of NIPR, Mallam Mukhtar Sirajo, made the condemnation in Abuja while briefing newsmen.

Sirajo said the use of arms against unarmed protesters who were exercising their rights was against all known tenets of decency, civilisation and democracy.

He called on the Federal Government to immediately set up a panel of inquiry to ascertain who ordered the shooting or who the perpetrators were.

The reported denial by the Nigerian Army, of the complicity of its officers in the dastardly act, will make more meaning if an immediate inquiry is launched to ascertain who the perpetrators were.

The institute wishes to make it clear that it respects citizens rights to peaceful dissent as well as governments responsibility to the maintenance of law and order.

It therefore identifies with the #EndSARS objective which beyond the hashtag is a condemnation of impunity, ruthless conduct, and the general lack of respect to due processes by some sections of the nations law enforcement architecture.

This move is also a call for the reform of the same, and the decision by the government to dissolve the SARS, though a step in the right direction, is not a solution to the problem.

We equally condemn in no uncertain terms the resort to hooliganism that ensued afterwards which led to arson, and looting of both public and private properties.

It is our firm belief that the lawlessness has nothing to do with the original objectives of the #EndSARS movement, which we believe to be simply a cry against impunity and a pitch for good governance, Sirajo said.

According to him, far-reaching reforms including review of recruitment process, improvement in welfare and general reorientation from top to bottom, among others, will go a long way in regenerating citizen confidence in the police.

Sirajo noted that beyond the police reform calls and SARS disbandment, the demonstrations should serve as a wake-up call to leaders at all levels that paradigm had shifted from citizens complacency to the youths asking questions from their leaders.

He, therefore, urged government at all levels to brace for more accountability by engaging citizens in a sincere dialogue on the way forward for the country.

Sirajo urged genuine protesters to guard against being infiltrated by others with different motives which may lead to loss of focus and lawlessness as witnessed in the last two days.

We in the same vein call on the government to be faithful to the decision to address all issues raised.

We note the concerns expressed by the movement to inability of government being faithful and accountable to its actions.

SARS had been dissolved by the government in the past only to resurface again.

While we convey our most heartfelt sympathy to victims of the Lagos shooting, we reiterate our call for the immediate institution of a panel of inquiry into the shootings to ensure that victims get justice, he added. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ahmed Kaigama

The EU- UNICEF funded project has expended over N2.6 billion on Maternal, Newborn and Child Healthcare (MNCH) in Bauchi State from 2017 to 2020.

Dr Zighe Kunoamlak, Lead of Health, UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, made the disclosure at a meeting with the states Deputy Governor, Senator Baba Tela, on Thursday in Bauchi.

The EU- UNICEF has invested in programmatic activities to the sum of N2, 610,617,289 across the state from 2017 to 2020.

A total financial investment for programmatic activities so far is N2, 610,617,289.

That includes N2, 356,453,615 on the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (BSPHCDA) and N254, 163,674 on Bauchi State Ministry of Health, she said.

Kunoamlak said that 170 primary health care centres were renovated and upgraded along with 85 that were handed over to the communities.

She added that 505 health workers had been trained on different skills and community based newborn care as well as strengthening the capacity of the school of nursing in the state.

The UNICEF lead health also pointed out that with the state governments collaboration, integrated community case management was implemented with the training of 1,200 community resource persons (CORPs).

Responding, the deputy governor commended the effort of EU-UNICEF projects in strengthening PHCs in the state.

He said with these interventions, the state tertiary hospital would not be overstressed and communities would attend to the primary health centres.

Tela said the projects provide healthcare services to pregnant women and children in hard-to-reach communities of the state.

He said their administration is looking forward to signing another MOU with Partners to impact the much needed dividends of democracy to the people.

Earlier, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, Executive Chairman, BSPHCDA, said the partnership between the state government and the EU-UNICEF has evidently shown strong determination and commitment in achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.

In achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 3 which focuses on good health and well-being, he said.

Mohammed said that the states administration has identified and placed a high premium on partnerships that would add value to the lives of the citizenry.

Source: NAN News

Bitrus Bewarang

By Emmanuel Afonne

Bitrus Bewarang, the immediate past Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), says he is available for consultations after a meritorious service at the countrys football house.

Bewarang made the remarks during an interview on telephone with the News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday.

He said that the experience gathered during his four-year stint with the NFF, was enough for him to transform a football team that needed his services whether local or International.

I want to rest and wait on God for another opportunity and Im not growing younger anymore, so I need to be around and I know that people will be consulting me.

And I will be ready to offer my experience to get the best out of football.

Plateau United has always been my team and Im ready to assist them with my experience if they need it,Bewarang said.

He commended the leadership of the NFF for the opportunity given to him to serve, while urging his successor and former Super Eagles Coach, Austin Eguavoen, to ensure the grassroots development plan of the NFF was taken to the next level.

I thank God that I ended well, and I wish those coming in to work hard to continue with the progress of developing football at the grassroots.

I really cherished the respect I got from the players and coaches and I urge the incoming Technical Director to be united with the players and coaches to be able to achieve the required result for the country,he added.

NAN reports that the NFF had on Monday, named Eguavoen as Bewarangs replacement following the expiration of his four-year contract on July 31. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

President Muhammadu Buhari

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has again appealed to #EndSARS protesters to resist the temptation of being used by some subversive elements to cause chaos with the aim of truncating the nations nascent democracy.

The president made the appeal in a national broadcast on Thursday.

He enjoined the protesters to take advantage of the various initiatives of his administration designed to make their lives better and more meaningful.

According to the president, doing otherwise will amount to undermining national security as well as law and order.

He said under no circumstances would this be tolerated.

I, therefore, call on our youths to discontinue the street protests and constructively engage government in finding solutions.

Your voice has been heard loud and we are responding.

And I call on all Nigerians to go about their normal businesses, and enjoin security agencies to protect lives and properties of all law abiding citizens without doing harm to those they are meant to protect, he said.

The president also paid tributes to officers of the Nigeria Police Force who died in the line of duty.

He expressed appreciation to governors as well as traditional and religious leaders who had been appealing for calm and restraint.

I also thank youth leaders who have restrained their followers from taking the law into their hands, he added.

Buhari reassured that his administration would continue to respect all democratic rights and civil liberties of the people.

He, however, warned that the government would not allow anybody or groups to disrupt the peace of the nation.

Source: NAN News

#EndSARS protesters

By Franca Ofili

A Women Peace and Security Advocate, Nneka Egbuna, has underscored the role of women in crisis management and peace building.

Egbuna made this known in a statement in Abuja.

She, therefore called on women to rise up to the challenge, using theirnon-violent unique ways of bringing peace to the ongoing #EndSARS violent protests.

Thisis a clarion call for women. We must speak with one voice and our non-violent unique ways of bringing an end to crises and conflicts.

Lets not lose this momentum! Our children are being killed. No one is safe. We need to speak up.

We cannot do it alone. We will need the men on board, she said.

She condemned the attack on a youth in Lekki toll gate in Lagos. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

The Kebbi Governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu.

By Ibrahim Bello

The Kebbi House of Assembly has passed the state mining bill, making provisions for the administration and collection of revenue from miners in the state.

This followed the adoption of the report of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation at plenary on Thursday.

Presenting the report, the Chairman Mr Samaila Salihu-Biu, said the committee met with relevant stakeholders, and came up with observations and recommendations for the collection of revenue and establishment of administrative structures therein.

The committee agreed that mining license falls under the Exclusive Legislative list, but the land on which mining takes place belongs to the state government.

In view of the degradation of the ecological system of the land as a result of the mining, the state has every right to charge miners some amount of money.

The charge is in form of permit before mining takes place in line with the advice of the state Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Environment, he said.

Announcing the passage of the bill, the Deputy Speaker, Mr Buhari Aleiro, thanked members of the committee, state Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Environment for their inputs.

Source: NAN News

Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister, Muhammed Bello

By Salisu Sani-Idris

FCT minister Muhammadu Bello has advised residents of Apo and Gudu in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) to resist attempt by external forces to divide them.

We must strive to live together; we must strive to live in peace, Bello said on Thursday when he paid a solidarity and fact-finding visit to Apo Mechanic village and Dutse Alhaji in Bwari Area Council.

We are here to commiserate with you. Already, a committee has been set up. Your members will be invited to be part of it so that we can know what was destroyed and how they can be replaced.

Abuja is our city and we, including yours sincerely, all came here to look for food.

So, under no circumstances should we allow people from somewhere to come and disturb us because the moment you destroy anything, it would be difficult to replace it.

I am appealing to all of you to live in peace and harmony. I assure you that security personnel will protect you day and night.

Dont allow external forces to divide us. A committee is being worked out by the FCT administration to ensure proper collation of all vehicles and property destroyed so that compensation will be paid adequately, he said

Bello told the residents that the FCT administration had already held a security meeting with stakeholders drawn from across board to ascertain the level of damages.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Aliyu, in her remarks, urged residents to eschew further violence and give peace a chance.

We are here on a solidarity visit to express our deep heart felt for all that happened following the destruction that took place here on Tuesday and Wednesday.

We share your grief, but we are begging you to let us come together again as one. All of us are here in the FCT to look for what to eat and not what will divide us.

By the grace of God, the administration has already put in place efforts to compensate those that lost one thing or the other.

As a mother, I have come to beg you to let us remain one; we must help government by maintaining peace so that we can all benefit from the dividends of democracy.

We must be united as one because Abuja has brought us together as one, Aliyu said.

Responding, the Chairman, Apo Traders Association, Mr John Chimeze-Ife, informed the ministers that over N200 million worth of vehicles and properties were destroyed.

Sir, I must painfully say that we have lost not less than N200 million worth of cars and properties to the hoodlums who came from nowhere to attack us.

We never participated in the ENdSARS protests; we have been here for a very long time. We are peaceful people and we will remain so.

We are using this opportunity to plead with the FCT administration to give us a better place to build our mechanic village so that we can also fence it appropriately to avoid disasters like this, Chimeze-Ife said.

Source: NAN News

By Zubairu Idris

Katsina State Government in collaboration with United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID), has disbursed N188 million as scholarship to 3,735 girls.

The girls were supported under the Female Teacher Trainee Scholarship Scheme (FTTSS).

The Special Adviser to Gov. Aminu Masari on Girl Child Education and Child Development, Hajiya Amina Lawal-Dauda, made the disclosure during a news conference on Thursday in Katsina.

She said the programme was aimed at enrolling young girls from rural poor families to pursue National Certificate on Education (NCE) at Isah Kaita College of Education, Dutsinma.

Lawal-Dauda said that after their graduation, the girls would return to their respective communities and teach.

According to her, that would assist in addressing the issue of inadequate female teachers in primary schools in the state.

She revealed that the funds were being given to the beneficiaries from the inception of the administration to date.

The Special Adviser explained that the beneficiaries were girls with five credits and above from the 34 local government areas of the state.

She said that each girl was given N50,000 as scholarship annually.

Lawal-Dauda said that the girls would serve as role model, thereby assist to increase girls enrollment.

She added that the scheme also serve as poverty reduction mechanism and help to enhance economic activities in rural communities in the state.

The special adviser further said that the government had expended N19.5 million to support 3,610 orphans and other vulnerable children during COVID-19 lockdown.

She also said that the department had undertaken advocacy visits to stakeholders on how to address rampant cases of rape in the state.

Lawal-Dauda said that the department train girls on home management before marriage as part of measures to reduce rampant cases of divorces.

She added that girls were being trained on skills acquisition to make them self-reliant while in their matrimonial homes.

Source: NAN News