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Nigerians can now buy bag of rice at N40,000, no need for protests, says FG

With 48 hours to go in the countdown to the nationwide protests against hunger, Nigerians planning to join should begin to rethink their stance.

The glimmer of hope came yesterday as Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris revealed that the government has launched several initiatives aimed at alleviating the economic hardships facing Nigerians.

Idris spoke to reporters after the ninth sitting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, which President Tinubu chaired at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to the minister, the federal government has trucked rice to various centres across the country, and the commodity is currently being sold for N40,000.

“The position of the FEC is that most of the demands that the protesters are making are actually being addressed by the federal government. Therefore, it is the government’s view that there is really no need for the protests. And like we have said repeatedly, this is a listening government,” he said.

Idris stressed: “The President has listened to the voices of all those who are planning this protest. And the message is that there is no need for it. Indeed, the President is already protesting on their behalf by doing those things that they want a government to do, for example, the effort that the government is making to ensure that food is being made available.”

The minister clarified: “At the last council meeting here, at the briefing, we announced that a number of trucks, 20 precisely, had been given to the state governors for onward distribution to the poorest of the poor in society and those who are actually in need. But the government did not stop there. There is also rice which is being sold at about 50 per cent of its cost; a bag of rice is being sold at N40,000 as we speak now.

“This rice has been taken to various centres across all the states of the federation and is being sold at N40,000. Centres have been created so that those who need this rice can go there and buy it.

“In the first instance, about 10 trucks have been made available to each of these states, and indeed, this is just the beginning. I know that some of the comments you hear are that it is never enough. The government has not pretended that these supplies are indeed enough. But these are necessary first steps.”

The minister appealed to the would-be protesters to reconsider their actions, warning of the potential for demonstrations to be hijacked by “unscrupulous elements.”

He stressed that while peaceful protest is a democratic right, the government believes the current circumstances do not warrant such actions.

“There is just no need for that,” Idris insisted, urging citizens to allow time for the government’s interventions to take full effect across various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives will hold an emergency plenary tomorrow.

In a memo dated July 28, 2024, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen directed the lawmakers to attend.

Although the memo didn’t state the reason for the plenary, it was gathered that it was not unconnected with the planned protests.

The memo reads, “On the directive of the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, please be informed that there will be a plenary sitting on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. You are kindly requested to make necessary arrangements to attend as important matters will be deliberated upon during this session.

“We regret any inconvenience caused by the interruption of the yearly recess. However, we count on the dedication and patriotism that the 10th Assembly is known for.

“Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.”

This was as the Nigerian capital, Abuja, began witnessing the deployment of security operatives to strategic areas, a move that indicates the government’s determination to maintain law and order.

Armed personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been sighted in Hilux vans at Lokogoma, Unity Fountain, Eagle Square and others.

However, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, directed the top brass of the police to protect the intended participants in the planned protests.

This was contained in a letter from the IGP at the request of human rights lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa.

Adegboruwa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), had written the IGP on July 26, 2024, to provide police coverage for protesters. He wrote on behalf of the Take It Back Movement, one of the groups planning the protest.

The IGP, in his response letter dated July 29, 2024, directed senior police officers to attend to the request of the senior lawyer.

Egbetokun’s response was signed by his Principal Staff Officer, CP Johnson Adenola.

The IGP also requested to meet with Adegboruwa in Abuja today “to deliberate further” on his request.

Adenola said: “I am to inform you that the Inspector General of Police has directed the Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (Operations and Intelligence), the Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) in charge of Zonal Police Headquarters and the Commissioners of Police (CPs) in charge of State Commands across the country to attend to your request.

“I am also to inform you that the Inspector General of Police wishes to meet with you at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday, 30th July 2024, to deliberate further on your request.”

Relatedly, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Audi, ordered commandants and state commanders nationwide to review strategies and deploy personnel across hotspots to prevent the protest from being hijacked by criminal elements.

At a meeting with the officers in Abuja, Audi said intelligence shows that hoodlums plan to hijack the protests therefore, the NSCDC will deploy 30,000 personnel to protect critical national assets and infrastructure as well as civilians.

He said: “We don’t want violence, we don’t want destruction, we don’t want killings, we don’t want burning of properties. Do your job professionally and make sure you don’t molest any citizen.

“Nigerians have the right to protest, but tracing the history of protests in Nigeria, most have been hijacked by bad elements. Your duty is to make sure that the protest is peaceful.”

Audi also called for calm, urging the public to trust the current administration in solving Nigeria’s economic hardship.

AHEAD of the planned protests, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) called for caution and urged those behind it to reconsider.

The association urged the federal government, organisers, and supporters to call off the protest and come together for a more frank and sincere discussion on what must be done to immediately begin to turn around the people’s plight for good.

In a statement, the outgoing NBA President, Mr Yakubu Maikyau, said mechanisms should be put in place for regular government and people engagement.

Titled ‘Our call on government and appeal to the people of Nigeria on the planned nationwide protest,’ Maikyau said timelines for certain specific actions should be established and implemented as the circumstances dictate.

The NBA boss called on members of the federal and state legislatures to immediately engage with their constituents based on the plans of government at the federal and subnational levels to address the demands of the people.

“We further recommend that a National Security Summit be convened, where serving and retired military, police, intelligence, and other law enforcement officers will assemble to re-examine our security situation and proffer workable solutions and implementation strategies.

“Traditional institutions and religious leaders should be co-opted and given specific tasks in this regard. Civil society organisations should be engaged at all levels of the proposed dialogue and in monitoring the implementation of the decisions that may be reached,” the statement noted.

The NBA also called on the Tinubu administration to announce deadlines for specific fundamental economic steps that would be taken towards economic recovery.

Similarly, in a statement, the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) reiterated the need for dialogue and engagement between the government and concerned citizens.

The statement reads: “The OPSN, encompassing the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) and Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), has carefully considered the planned protest by certain citizens in response to current challenges affecting public welfare.

“As an apolitical umbrella body representing major business membership organisations in Nigeria, the OPSN prioritises the importance of dialogue and engagement between the government and concerned citizens. We firmly believe that open and constructive dialogue is the most effective tool for addressing the nation’s challenges and encouraging the desired changes. We urge all parties to embrace this path of dialogue to achieve meaningful and lasting solutions for the benefit of our country.

“However, should the decision to protest be made, we earnestly appeal for it to be conducted in a peaceful and orderly atmosphere. A peaceful protest will ensure that citizens can express their concerns without infringing upon the rights of others or disrupting legal and lawful activities. It will also allow the government to respond appropriately and facilitate a productive engagement that could lead to future collaboration on the outcomes of such engagements.

“As representatives of the business community, we are acutely aware of the potential economic impact of mass protests. Our members are crucial drivers of economic growth and job creation; therefore, any disruption to business operations could have significant repercussions on the economy and the livelihoods of the people.”

The OPS added, “We have continuously engaged with the government at various levels to find lasting solutions to the economic challenges facing our nation. It is crucial to remember that many businesses are still recovering from the substantial losses incurred during the hijacked #EndSARS protests a few years ago.

“We call upon security agencies to protect life and property during this period. The OPSN remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to promote a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria for all its citizens.”

US

Biden congratulates Trump, invites him to White House

President Joe Biden called Donald Trump to congratulate him on his victory Wednesday and invited his Republican successor to hold a meeting in the “near future,” the White House said.

In his call with Trump, “President Biden expressed his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition and emphasized the importance of working to bring the country together,” a White House statement said.

Biden also spoke with Kamala Harris and “congratulated the Vice President on her historic campaign,” the statement said, adding that the president on Thursday “will address the nation to discuss the election results and the transition.”

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Harris calls Trump to congratulate him on election win

US Vice President Kamala Harris called Donald Trump on Wednesday to congratulate him for winning the 2024 presidential election, one of her senior aides said, following a bitter and contentious race.

Democrat Harris discussed with Trump the importance of a peaceful transfer of power and being a president for all Americans, said the aide speaking on background, confirming that Harris will deliver remarks in Washington later Wednesday.

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Morocco 2025: Ekong, Lookman, Osimhen, Simon, 19 others gear up for Benin, Rwanda

Super Eagles

Captain William Ekong, Atalanta of Italy’s Ademola Lookman, effervescent winger Moses Simon, reigning Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen and 19 other players will seek for six points against Benin Republic and Rwanda in the closing rounds of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign this month.

Coach Augustine Eguavoen has also called goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye, defenders Calvin Bassey and Bright Osayi-Samuel, as well as midfielders Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, and forwards Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface and Samuel Chukwueze. Home-based defender Victor Collins will join up with the group for the first time, and there is a return for gangling forward Sadiq Umar, who plays for Real Sociedad in Spain.

Defenders Olaoluwa Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi are also listed, while France-based defender Gabriel Osho will hope to play his first competitive game for fatherland, after his inability to honour a first call-up in the summer due to injury.

The Super Eagles will fly directly to Abidjan on 11 November, for the confrontation with the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Stade Felix-Houphouet-Boigny on Thursday, 14th November, before traveling down to Uyo for the final qualifying game against the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Monday, 18th November.

Currently top of their Group D, the Super Eagles will be certain of a place in the final tournament if they get a point against the Cheetahs, which will take then to 11 points, and with only final-day opponents Rwanda capable of catching up with them on points.

However, with a current tally of seven goals for and none against (following the CAF Disciplinary Board’s award of three points and three goals for the botched Matchday 4 encounter against Libya), the Super Eagles stand head and shoulders above the Amavubi, who have one-goal deficit and five points in their favour going into the final two matchdays.

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Fasil Kenema SC, Ethiopia)

Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre, France); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Victor Collins (Nasarawa United) Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC. Italy); Frank Onyeka (Augsburg FC, Germany); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England) Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho

(Sevilla FC, Spain); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain)

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US Elections: President-Elect, Trump thanks X boss, Elon Musk for his support

Donald Trump, the Republican candidate in the 2024 United States presidential race, has publicly lauded tech mogul and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk for his remarkable contributions, specifically his deployment of the Starlink satellite service in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Speaking to his supporters on Wednesday, Trump praised Musk as a “super genius” and recognized his efforts during the hurricane’s destructive impact on the southeastern United States in October.Hurricane Helene left communities across the southeast struggling, with critical infrastructure downed and thousands in need of urgent assistance.

In response, Musk’s Starlink satellite network provided much-needed internet connectivity, especially in North Carolina, which faced significant communication challenges.

Trump emphasized the importance of this rapid support, saying, “I told Elon they need it badly in North Carolina. Can you get it? He had that there so fast, it was incredible. It saved a lot of lives.

They saved a lot of lives.” Trump’s remarks underscore the critical role that Starlink played in relief efforts, enabling first responders and affected residents to stay connected, access vital information, and coordinate rescue operations.Trump’s admiration for Musk extended beyond the immediate context of the hurricane response.

He described the billionaire entrepreneur as “a character” and “a special guy,” attributing Musk’s success and innovation to his unique intelligence and drive. Trump noted, “He’s a super genius. We have to protect our geniuses; we don’t have that many of them.” This statement not only reflects Trump’s appreciation for Musk’s skills and achievements but also his broader belief in the value of supporting talented innovators who contribute to the nation’s progress.

In recent years, Musk has been an outspoken supporter of Trump’s policies and has aligned with the former president on key issues, particularly in the realms of business and technology. Musk’s support for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign has gone beyond verbal endorsement; he has reportedly made financial contributions aimed at bolstering Trump’s efforts to reclaim the White House.

Musk’s backing reflects a partnership built on shared interests and values, particularly around economic growth, technological advancement, and a commitment to the entrepreneurial spirit.

As a pioneer in space exploration, electric vehicles, and satellite technology, Musk’s influence has permeated various sectors of the American economy and global innovation.

His Starlink initiative, a satellite internet network designed to provide high-speed internet access in remote or underserved areas, has proven its value in times of crisis, including this recent disaster response.

Through his dedication to innovation and swift action during Hurricane Helene, Musk has demonstrated the potential of technology to address real-world challenges, earning him recognition not only from Trump but also from communities that benefited from his support.

In praising Musk, Trump highlighted a central theme of his 2024 campaign: the importance of fostering American talent and protecting the country’s innovators.

His remarks suggest that he sees figures like Musk as essential to driving America’s future, and his relationship with the tech visionary illustrates a broader vision for a nation where public and private sectors collaborate to solve critical issues and strengthen resilience against future challenges.

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Democratic Lessons: Atiku Advocates for Integrity in Nigerian Elections After US Vote

Former Vice President of Nigeria and prominent figure in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has recently reflected on the outcome of the United States presidential election, underscoring valuable lessons he believes Nigeria should adopt.

Atiku’s remarks come in the wake of the U.S. election, which concluded with former President Donald Trump, representing the Republican Party, emerging as the President-elect after a victory over Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.

Atiku, who ran as the PDP presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 election, addressed Nigerians through a statement that highlighted his belief in the importance of electoral integrity.

He emphasized that Nigeria’s democratic journey could greatly benefit from studying and implementing the practices that contributed to the credibility of the recent U.S. election. According to Atiku, the success of the election in the United States was not merely a testament to the candidates involved, but also to the effectiveness of an electoral system that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and the sanctity of the ballot.

He expressed hope that the peaceful transition of power seen in the United States would inspire Nigerian leaders to prioritize free and fair elections.

“The lesson for us in Nigeria is the integrity of the process that ensures a credible outcome,” Atiku stated. This, he elaborated, is essential to maintaining public confidence in electoral institutions and fostering a culture where political outcomes reflect the will of the people.

Atiku’s comments highlight his advocacy for electoral reforms in Nigeria, as he has long been an outspoken proponent of measures aimed at strengthening the democratic process and making elections more transparent.

Atiku went further to express his hope that the incoming Trump administration would support democratic principles internationally, especially in nations like Nigeria where political processes are often marred by allegations of irregularities.

He stated, “It is the expectation of every Nigerian that the Trump administration will stand resolute in ensuring free and fair elections in Nigeria and other places in the world.

”Additionally, Atiku extended a warm message of congratulations to the American people, acknowledging their commitment to democracy and the power of the vote.

“My warm congratulations go out to the people of the United States, whose unwavering faith in the power of democracy and the sanctity of the ballot has once again shown the world the true might of the people’s voice,” he remarked.

Atiku’s message serves as a call to action for Nigeria’s electoral body and political stakeholders to commit to reforms that would enhance the electoral process.

He advocates for a system in which every citizen’s vote counts and where electoral outcomes are uncontested due to credibility.

For Atiku, this is a vital step in restoring Nigerians’ faith in democracy, ensuring that future elections are free of violence and manipulation, and paving the way for a democratic system where leaders are chosen by the genuine choice of the people.

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Ododo, Makinde mourn COAS Lagbaja

Governors Usman Ododo and Seyi Makinde of Kogi and Oyo States respectively have mourned the death of the COAS, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja

Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo and his Oyo State counterpart, Seyi Makinde have mourned the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, calling his demise a huge loss to the country.

Ododo’s condolence was contained in a statement signed by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo.

Ododo said the departure of the gallant and brave Army Chief was sad at a time when the fight against insecurity in Nigeria had gathered momentum.

He noted that the late Gen. Lagbaja was a “fearless General, an indomitable fighter, a tactical genius and an uncompromising warrior determined to stamp out terrorism and banditry from Nigeria.”

The governor extended his heartfelt sympathies to President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Military establishment, the government and people of Osun State and the family of the departed hero.

He called on the Nigerian Armed Forces to ensure that his dream of a secure and safe Nigeria does not die with him and prayed for the repose of his soul.

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde on Wednesday also described the death of Lagbaja as a sad loss to the country.

Makinde described Lagbaja as a patriot and one of the finest military officers produced by Nigeria.

He expressed condolences to President Tinubu, the Nigerian Army and commiserated with the immediate family of the deceased COAS as well as the government and people of Osun State on the demise of their illustrious son, praying to Allah to grant repose to his soul.

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