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KANO — The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has on Tuesday, expressed his readiness to extend hand of help and support to the Federal government to find a lasting solution to the incessant herders/farmers clashes recorded across the country. According to him, “No doubt, Fulanis in Nigeria have suffered heavy attacks, isolation, killing and destructions and the rustling of their cows, these rejections indeed was carried all across the country and something needs to be done to arrest the situation. “However is not untrue that there are some bad eggs amongst the Fulanis who have thrown the good names of the People into the trash and subjected them to what they are suffering today. “This is the time that the Government together with Us will have a permanent solution to the crises more specifically between them and the Farmers and also where they are suspected to be carrying out other Crimes. “I, on my self, I’m ready to help the Government achieve the desired mission of having peace and prosperity among the Fulanis and indeed other Nigerians, their suffering should stop, and I believe together we will do it. “But this can be done only if the Federal Government will give me full support to achieve my mission because they have the might and what it takes to make my strategy work, while I will provide the ideas and the methodologies of how to go about it,” Emir Sanusi added. Earlier, the Leader of the Fulani group, Madibo Ibrahim Buba Jada, said they were at the Palace to extend their hands of allegiance to the Emir for his second return as their Leader who was appointed long ago by the Lamido of Adamawa. Jada, explained that they are with all their Members in the whole of the 36 States of the Federation and those who are in the bushes to support Emir Muhammadu Sanusi ii, because they believe in him as a leader who cares for them.

WITH the latest hike in fuel price to N897 per litre, the cost of fuel has risen by 460 per cent in 15 months since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 29, 2023. The latest hike is the 30th adjustment of fuel price in 51 years beginning with General Yakubu Gowon’s hike in 1973 from 6 kobo to 8.45 kobo 8 biggest hikes in fuel price in Nigeria Shonekan (1993): 70k to N5 (614.29%) Abacha II (1994): N3.25k to N15 (361.54%) Tinubu (2023) : N195 to N557 (282.74%) Tinubu (2024): N617 to N897 (145.38%) Buhari’s term (2020): N87 to N195 (124%) Jonathan I (2012): N65 to N141 (116.92%) Tinubu (2023) : N557 to N617 (110.77%) Timeline of fuel price hikes, changes in Nigeria Gowon (1973): 6k to 8.45k (40.83%) Murtala (1976): 8.45k to 9k (6.5%) Obasanjo (1978): 9k to 15.3k (70%) Shagari (1982): 15.3k to 20k (30.72%) Babangida I (1986): 20k to 39.5k (97.5%) Babangida II (1988): 39.5k to 42k (6.33%) Babangida III (1989): 42k to 60k (42.86%) Babangida IV (1991): 60k to 70k (16.67%) Shonekan (1993): 70k to N5 (614.29%) Abacha I (1993): N5 to N3.25k (price dropped 35%) Abacha II (1994): N3.25k to N15 (361.54%) Abacha III (1994): N15 to N11 (price dropped 26.67%) Abubakar I (1998): N11 to N25 (127.27%) Abubakar II (1999): N25 to N20 (price dropped 25%) Obasanjo I (2000): N20 to N30 (50%) Obasanjo II (2000): N30 to N22 (price drops 26.67%) Obasanjo III (2002): N22 to N26 (18.18%) Obasanjo IV (2003): N26 to N42 (61.54%) Obasanjo V (2004): N42 to N50 (19.05%) Obasanjo VI (2004): N50 to N65 (30%) Obasanjo VII (2007): N65 to N75 (15.39%) Yar’ Adua (2007): N75 to N65 (price drops 15.39%) Jonathan I (2012): N65 to N141 (116.92%) Jonathan II (2012): N141 to N97 (price drops 31.21%) Jonathan III (2015): N97 to N87 (price drops 10.31%) Buhari (2016): N87 to N145 (66.67%) Buhari’s term (2020): N87 to N195 (124%) Tinubu (2023) : N195 to N557 (282.74%) Tinubu (2023) : N557 to N617 (110.77%) Tinubu (2024): N617 to N897 (145.38%)

The opposition People’s Democratic Party in Ondo state, has asked President Bola Tinubu, to ensure there’s no security breach ahead of the November 16 governorship election in the state. It also, called on the Inspector General of Police, Director General of Department of State Security and Heads of other Security Agencies to take more interest in developments geared at causing security breach in the state. This was contained in a statement issued in Akure, the state capital,by the spokesperson for the party’s campaign Organisation, Ayo Fadaka. Fadaka rejected the plan by governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa administration “to engage Musiliu Akinsanya, alias Oluomo for any purpose in Ondo State ahead of the election. He alleged “deft moves by Gov Lucky Ayedatiwa to compromise the peace and tranquility of our dear State as we inch towards the November 16th gubernatorial election in Ondo State. Fadaka described as sinister the appointment of a private security firm, Global Olabod Resources as “criminally designed to compromise the election through ballot snatching and intimidation of voters. The spokesperson posited that “the essence of the Amotekun Security Network is to discharge the responsibilities this faceless organisation is being contracted for. He therefore demanded that the appointment of these “mercenaries be rescinded forthwith as their activities will very certainly generate an adequate response by the people. The statement reads ” We also put President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on alert that his Party members are getting set to cause a breach of peace here in Ondo State, and as Commander in Chief, he must warn and reign them in immediately. “We underscore that a dislocation of tranquility and orderliness in Ondo State will not only reverberate across the nation, but have very deep consequences. Fadaka added that ” We abhor violence as a Party, and we encourage the APC to be prepared to play by the rules, as failure to do just that will attract dire consequences. “We may appear civil, but hereby warn that our civility is not an act of weakness. “The PDP in Ondo State is determined to win the next Governorship election in Ondo State, we are prepared to leave no stone unturned in our quest to get victory, fair and square “We therefore urge our opponents to be prepared to play by the rules too, anything short of that is a direct invitation to anarchy, May God help us all. In a swift response, the party’s  Director, Media & Publicity, Steve Otaloro, described all the allegations as “trumped up to malign the Governor’s good name and distract from his achievements. Otaloro who described the allegations as baseless, said that the governor was “commitment to peace and security in Ondo State is unwavering. According to him “we reject any insinuation that he plans to cause a security breach. Every actions taken by the government on security are legitimate effort to enhance security in the state, and we will not be swayed by the PDP’s mischievous interpretation. “We also reject the PDP’s attempt to link Governor Aiyedatiwa to any act of violence or intimidation. His leadership has been marked by inclusivity, tolerance, and respect for all citizens. The party’s spokesperson urged “the PDP to focus on issue-based campaigning rather than resorting to unfounded allegations and scaremongering. The people of Ondo State deserve better. Otaloro assured “the public that Governor Aiyedatiwa remains committed to delivering on his campaign promises and ensuring a peaceful and fair election on November 16th.

The Ondo State Government says it has appropriate punishments for sexual abuse in the state. Mrs Olamide Falana, the Special Adviser on Gender Matters to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, made this known during a workshop to mark the 2024 World Sexual Health Day (WSHD) in Akure on Wednesday. Falana, who said there are available laws enshrined in the constitution to protect young ones from all forms of abuse and discrimination, added that “the state has the Child Rights Law and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law. “These are laws to protect the rights of children and from all forms of violence and intimidation. “The laws empower government to prosecute individuals found culpable in violence and abuse of children. The rights of children are paramount. “The laws of Ondo State have appropriate and adequate punishments for sexual abuse and are reviewed from time to time. The punishments are commensurate with the crimes.” She asked the workshop participants, who were mostly school children, to maintain good positive relationships and avoid negative influences that might affect their goals in life. The special adviser commended the ministry and WHO for organising the workshop, saying the event was to build the participants’ confidence and educate them on their sexual health. According to her, the young ones should speak out and refuse to suffer in silence when harassed or intimidated.Falana enjoined the participants to always set boundary in their relationship with others and urged them to approach constituted authorities when abused. In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Adeniran Ikuomola, said “sexual health is a major factor in human life that must be protected.” Ikuomola, who was represented by Dr Isaac Aladeniyi, the Director of Family Health in the ministry, said sexual wellbeing affect all aspects of human life. He added that there was an increase in sexual health abuse among adolescents, adding that the rate of adolescent prostitution and rape cases has continued to increase in the society. The permanent secretary said that the workshop was to educate the adolescents on their rights and steps to avoid sexual coercion and the need for their bodies to be in a state of wellbeing for them to function well in their endeavours. According to him, the ministry with other relevant organisations periodically organise programmes on managing depression, among others. He stated that no fewer than 100 students participated in the workshop, asking those that might be caught in any form of abuse to speak to the appropriate bodies for help. On her part, representative of WHO in Akure Office, Mrs Modupelola Dosumu, commended the state government for taking the sexual wellbeing of adolescents in the state seriously. Dosumu asked the participants to always be on alert about their sexual wellness and ensure they made right choices every time. She enjoined them not to negotiate with their bodies, which she described as their pride.Two of the participants, Miss Ifeoma Eric and Mr Authentic Olumayowa, said that the workshop had enlightened the young ones more on how to keep away from wrongs and maintain good health.

Lagos State Government has extended its work-from-home policy for its workers for the next three months. Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the extension in a circular signed by the state Head of Service, Mr Bode Agoro, on Wednesday. He directed that workers on grade levels 01 to 14 were allowed to work from home for two days a week, while those on grade levels 15 to 17 were allowed to work from home for one day a week. The decision was aimed at reducing the effects of the removal of fuel subsidies on the workers. Sanwo-Olu stated in Wednesday’s circular that the policy made positive impacts on workers’ productivity in the various ministries, departments and agencies of the state government. NAN reports that the extension took effect from Sept. 4.

ABUJA – Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, also known as Shi’ites, have petitioned the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU), and Amnesty International (AI) over alleged blasphemy by the Nigeria Police Force. The petition, filed by Fatima Aliyu Adam on behalf of the Academic Forum of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (AFIMN), accuses the police of forcefully removing the hijabs of Muslim women detained during the recent Abuja Arba’een Symbolic Trek. According to the petition, the incident occurred twice: while the women were in detention and during their parade before the media. A video of the incident, taken by a police officer and shared on social media, has sparked outrage. The petition specifically targets Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun and FCT Commissioner of Police Benneth Igweh, alleging blasphemy against Islam. It noted that over 100 people, including 55 women and children, two babies, and two nursing mothers, are currently detained at the Intelligence Response Squad (IRT) facility in Abuja. The Shi’ites claim the police actions violated the constitutional rights of Muslim women and the Supreme Court ruling in Lagos State Govt. v. Asiyat Abdulkareem (2022), which upheld the right to wear hijab. They demanded a forensic investigation into the forceful removal of Muslim women’s hijabs by the FCT Police to identify the perpetrators of this taboo. The Islamic Movement warned that the alleged blasphemy could ignite unrest and conflict, citing previous hijab-related issues that led to heated debates, violence, and school closures. Above all, the Shi’ites urged the NHRC, UN, EU, and Amnesty International to intervene and ensure justice for the affected Muslim women.The separate petitions read, “This case of Nigerian police officers deliberately parading Muslim sisters without hijab in the FCT Police Command, as well as the subsequent broadcast of pictures and videos from the scene, is an insult to not just the victims but Islam as a whole. “Certainly, forceful removal of hijab is an abuse not to the Muslim Sisters arrested but to entire Muslims and blasphemy against Islam. It is pertinent to state that for a public officer to blaspheme Islam in Nigeria is capable of causing discontent, unpredictable predicaments, and conflict. “We therefore demand a forensic investigation into the forceful removal of Muslim Sisters’ hijab by the FCT Police to unravel the perpetrators of this taboo, which is capable of igniting a crisis in the country to avoid its reoccurrence.”

There was pandemonium in Ilisan Remo in Ikenne Local Government on Tuesday as a detachment of soldiers and police clashed with some Hausa youths over their insistence on killing an army officer alleged to have been part of a two-man gang who had attacked one of them and wanted to disappear with his motorcycle. Our correspondent, who was at the scene of the crisis, gathered that while one of the alleged thieves had been clubbed and burnt to death, the other young man alleged to be wearing an army uniform escaped into one of the buildings after being stabbed. The Hausa youths, however, mobilised themselves and vowed to deal with the escapee the same way they dealt with his accomplice. All entreaties by the leaders of the community and the police who first responded fell on their deaf ears as they insisted on killing the military personnel in hiding, explaining that they have suffered so much from those who usually attack them and collect their bikes. A detachment of soldiers in two pickup vans later came around shooting sporadically into the air and sending people to scamper to safety. The Sagamu Area Command of the Nigeria Police had earlier responded with an armoured tank stationed at Ilisan junction to quell the crisis. A resident of the town who craved anonymity told our correspondent that many of the Hausas have lost their motorcycles to these assailants. He, however, condemned their insistence on taking laws into their own hands. “Some of these Hausas have lost their motorcycles to these attackers in recent times but the right thing to do is to follow the law. “It is wrong of them to be insisting on carrying out jungle justice. This was how they almost burned down the police station about three years ago because they insisted on killing two suspected bike thieves who were being held in custody at Ilisan police station. “Today, they have killed one of the suspects and we gathered that the one wearing an army uniform who escaped into one of the buildings might not make it too because he had been wounded with a knife. This can’t continue, it is wrong,” the source said. The Chairman of Ilisan Development Association, Otunba Wemmy Osude, in a statement on Tuesday, said the Hausa youths apprehended two suspects for stealing a motorcycle (okada). “One of the suspects was caught by a mob and tragically set on fire. The other suspect, who was dressed in an army uniform, sought refuge in a nearby house. “A large crowd of over 200 young northerners gathered outside the house, demanding the release of the suspect. Despite efforts to disperse the mob, they remained defiant. “The situation intensified until the Army intervened with a commando-style rescue operation, successfully evacuating the suspect. “During the operation, a shootout occurred as soldiers responded to the increasingly hostile crowd, who began throwing stones and damaging two vehicles. “The soldiers displayed remarkable bravery and professionalism, using tear gas to disperse the mob and restore order to the area,” the statement read. The Assistant Director Army Public Relations 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Abeokuta, Captain Idereghi Akari, confirmed the incident to our correspondent on Wednesday. Akari, however, said that the soldier alleged to have been wounded by the Hausas was not a thief while the person killed was a civilian promising to get back to our correspondent for more details “The soldier is not a thief. The deceased person is a civilian,” he said.