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BREAKING: Six youths killed as protest turned violent in Niger

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BREAKING: Six youths killed as protest turned violent in Niger

Six youths have been killed and several others got injured during a hunger protest in Suleja, Niger State, which turned violent when police tried to disperse the protesters.

The youths began their protest around 11am, but things got out of hand when riot police, led by the Police Area Commander, tried to disperse them.

The police used tear gas to disperse the defiant youths, who retaliated by throwing stones, sticks, and other objects, resulting in the vandalization of a police vehicle.

The situation intensified, leading to the police firing live ammunition, which caused the deaths of six people, including Nda Isah.

In the Tafa Local Government Area, some youths attempted to burn down the secretariat, damaging its gates and fence. They however set ablaze a vehicle inside the secretariat while trying to loot the place.

They were said to have been prevented from looting by the soldiers and police mobilised to the scene.

Travellers were stranded for hours on the Suleja axis of the Abuja-Kaduna highway as the protesters blocked the road while carrying out their protest.

A statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Wasiu Abiodun, did not confirm the shooting and the death of the protesters.

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But Abiodun confirmed the vandalization of the Tafa local Government secretariat in Sabon-Wuse.

He said two cars were burnt; two others were vandalized and the secretariat was looted, adding that 11 persons were arrested over the vandalization.

“Following the nationwide protest slated to commence today 1st August 2024, unfortunately, this morning at about 0930hrs, some miscreants of Tafa area of Kagarko LGA of Kaduna State and that of Hayin-Diko Gurara LGA of Niger State mobilized and stormed Tafa LGA Secretariat of Niger State located along Abuja-Kaduna expressway, Sabon-Wuse Niger State.

“The hoodlums vandalized the Secretariat, partly set ablaze, two cars were also burnt and two others vandalized.

“They further looted valuables there-in, while the Police and other security agencies responded to the scene, and arrested eleven violent miscreants with different dangerous weapons, including firearms as others were dispersed from the scene and some of the looted items were recovered.

“The police and other security agencies responded to the blockage of the Kaduna-Abuja expressway and old toll-gate, and the hoodlums were dispersed. “Presently, the expressway has been reopened for motorists and there is a free flow of traffic along the highway. However, investigation into the violent act has commenced to arrest other fleeing miscreants,” the statement said.

In Minna, the Niger State capital, residents deserted shops, markets, and roads in fear of the adverse effect of the protest. As at the time of filing this report, shops, plazas, and markets were not yet opened and there were few cars and people on the roads.

The popular Kpakungun Road and Mobile Road had little or no vehicular traffic on them.

The majority of the filling stations were not selling fuel.

All the banks within the Minna metropolis such as Access Bank, Heritage Bank, Zenith, FCMB and UBA were closed.

There was a heavy security presence at the Minna branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The security presence was heavy at every point. At Kpakungun roundabout which is known to be one of the hotspots in Minna had the presence of police, NSDC, and the Immigration Service operatives.

On Shiroro road, some eateries were available for service but the majority of the plazas on the road were shut.

The state and federal secretariats were opened but only a few civil servants were seen in their offices.

The Kure ultramodern market and the Kasuwan Gwari market were shut as no trader was seen in the market.

The Kasuwan Gwari which is a weekly Thursday market had no trader or goods on the ground.

BREAKING: Six youths killed as protest turned violent in Niger

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Nigeria ranks 36th on most corrupt countries’ list (full list)

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Nigeria ranks 36th on most corrupt countries’ list (full list)

Transparency International, a global coalition against corruption, has ranked Nigeria as the 36th most corrupt country in the world, according to the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released on Tuesday.

Nigeria shares the 36th position with Uganda, Mexico, Madagascar, Iraq and Cameroon, each scoring 26 points on the corruption index.

Denmark retained its position as the least corrupt country in the world with 90 points, followed by Finland with 88 points and Singapore with 84 points. The top 10 least corrupt nations were predominantly European, with no African country making the list.

However, Cape Verde emerged as the least corrupt country in Africa, ranking 35th globally with 62 points.

At the other end of the spectrum, South Sudan, Somalia and Venezuela were named the most corrupt countries in the world for the year under review.

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Commenting on the report, Francois Valeria, Chair of Transparency International, emphasised the widespread threat of corruption and its impact on global challenges such as climate change.

“The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) shows that corruption is a dangerous problem in every part of the world, but change for the better is happening in many countries,” Valeria said.

“Research also reveals that corruption is a major threat to climate action. It hinders progress in reducing emissions and adapting to the unavoidable effects of global heating.”

The CPI ranks 180 countries and territories worldwide based on perceived levels of public sector corruption, using a scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).

While 32 countries have significantly reduced corruption levels since 2012, Transparency International noted that 148 countries have either stagnated or worsened in the same period.

“The global average of 43 has also stood still for years, while over two-thirds of countries score below 50. Billions of people live in countries where corruption destroys lives and undermines human rights,” Valeria added.

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Nigeria commiserates with Namibia on death of ex-President Nujoma 

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Nigeria commiserates with Namibia on death of ex-President Nujoma

 

The Federal Government has commiserated with the government and people of the Republic of Namibia on the passing of their first President, Dr. Sam Nujoma.

Nujoma, the founding president of Namibia died at the weekend at the age of 95 years.

The revolutionary leader, who served as Namibia’s first president for 15 years, died on Saturday night in the nation’s capital, Windhoek.

Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba said Nujoma died from an illness after being hospitalised in the capital, Windhoek.

A statement by Acting Spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, described the departed leader as a visionary and a pan-Africanist.

The statement read, “The departed elder statesman was a visionary leader, a pan-Africanist and a relentless freedom fighter, who dedicated his life to the emancipation of Namibia from colonial rule.

“His unwavering commitment to justice, equality and self-determination not only shaped the destiny of Namibia but also inspired generations of Africans in the fight against oppression and injustice.

“As the pioneer President, Dr. Nujoma laid the foundation for a nation built on the principles of democracy, reconciliation, and development.

“His leadership set the country on a path of peace and progress, earning him the respect and admiration of the international community.

“Nigeria shares in the grief of our Namibian brothers and sisters at this moment of profound loss. We remember Dr. Nujoma as a true friend of Nigeria and a steadfast ally in pursuing African solidarity and cooperation.

“His legacy as a freedom fighter and statesman will forever remain a source of inspiration for the continent.

“Therefore, in this time of mourning, Nigeria stands in solidarity with the people of Namibia and reaffirms our commitment to strengthening the bonds of friendship and partnership between our two nations. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

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Obasanjo: Leaders have to step on toes, I sacked my daughter for coming late 

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Obasanjo: Leaders have to step on toes, I sacked my daughter for coming late 

 

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says all political of note have had to take difficult decisions including stepping on big toes.

He recalled how he had to sack his daughter from his farm on account of late coming to work.

According to Obasanjo, that action had a major effect on all his employees and they said, “if Baba could do this to his daughter, who are we?”

The former President made the disclosure while hosting the new Chairman, Board of Management of Federal Medical Centre Idi-Aba in Abeokuta, Dr Dayo Israel, who was on courtesy visit to him the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

He told his visitor to prepare for the challenges ahead and be ready to step on toes, if necessary, for a successful tenure of office.

He said, “No leader of note I ever come across achieved without stepping on toes.”

Dr Israel was in company of the FMC, Abeokuta Medical Director, Prof. Adewale Musa-Olomu, and members of his management team.

The former President, according to a statement by the hospital’s Head of Public Relations, Dr Segun Orisajo said: “If you’re doing a job and you’re not stepping on toes, then you’re not effective.

“Shortly after I left office as Head of State, my first daughter, then at University of Ibadan, studying Veterinary Medicine was engaged on my farm to gain some practical experience during long vacation”.

“On day one, she resumed a quarter past seven in the morning as against the usual 7 o’clock. I warned her, reminding her that she has an obligation to be of good example to other workers. I told her I will not hesitate to wield the big stick should the same be repeated going forward.

“To my amazement, the following day, she was late to work again. I did not hesitate to send her back right from the gate.”

“Not surprisingly, this had an indescribable effect on all my employees, saying “if Baba could do this to his daughter, who are we?”

Earlier, the FMCA Board Chairman, Dr Israel, described Obasanjo as an international colossus, full of wisdom and wits.

Israel said: “Meeting Baba Obasanjo is always so much fun. As we begin this journey of transformation at FMC Abeokuta, Baba’s wisdom and experience are invaluable.”

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