Niger Republic: What President Tinubu Discussed With Islamic Scholars

The Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Bola Tinubu has implored a delegation of Islamic scholars (Ulamas), who were previously engaged in discussions to facilitate the restoration of constitutional democratic governance in Niger Republic, to expedite progress in their ongoing dialogue with the military junta.

The President received a comprehensive briefing on Thursday at the State House in Abuja, from the Ulamas, who were led into the meeting by Sheikh Bala Lau. The briefing followed the Ulamas’ two most recent visits to Niger Republic. makeitupnews reports that this was disclosed in a statement on Thursday by the president’s Media and Publicity Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale. The Islamic leaders had informed the President that the military junta was open to deepening dialogue with ECOWAS as more steps are being taken to forestall armed conflict with a more detailed acceptance of the ECOWAS position by Niger military council officials. Responding to the delegation of Ulamas, against the backdrop of ethnic rumors peddled by domestic political figures inside and outside of the country, President Tinubu emphasized that he is at the forefront of a peaceful resolution of the crisis, even in the midst of more hawkish individuals urging swifter intervention. “I am managing a very serious situation. If you take ECOWAS aside, other people will react, those who are outside of our control. I am the one holding those sides back. I am the one holding back ECOWAS,” he disclosed. Addressing the urgency of the situation, the president added: ”Even as at this morning, I have been inundated with phone calls on the readiness of countries with their military force and contributions. However, I told them to wait. I am meeting with the Ulamas and I will get back to you.” President Tinubu told the Islamic delegation that the military junta must be held accountable for putting the entire people of Niger Republic in jeopardy. ”They cannot use the gun given to them to protect the sovereignty of the country and turn it against the people of the country,” he said. President Tinubu pledged that ECOWAS will remain steadfast in its commitment to diplomatically engage with all stakeholders and seek a peaceful resolution to the impasse in Niger Republic. “I will draw a line in the sand and ask you to make arrangements to go back to Niger Republic,” he stated. On the request by the Islamic scholars for the Federal Government to monitor the distribution of palliatives to States, the President promised that more palliatives are coming for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide. He also appealed to State governments to ensure transparency and accountability in the distribution and management of these palliatives. “The people reside in the States. Even if I set up a panel, I will have to go through the governors and the local governments. We will continue to talk to the governors. Nigerians must hold them accountable,” he continued. “It’s unheard of that in a constitutional democracy, a president will sit here and give orders to States. I can only appeal to them to implement. The people reside in the states, and if the Governor is not doing well, the people must vote them out,” he concluded.

President Tinubu Directs Immediate Resolution Of Disagreements With UAE On Emirate Airline, Visa Issuance

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday said African countries have a better chance of overcoming economic and security challenges by looking inward for solutions and walking the talk on all of its pledges and agreements.

makeitupnews reports that the President Tinubu stated this while receiving Letters of Credence from three envoys at the State House: Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Mr. Awall Wagris Mohammed; Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba, Mrs. Miriam Morales Palmero, and Ambassador of United Arab Emirate, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi. This was made known in a statement to journalists by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale. In a side meeting with the Ambassador of Ethiopia, the President assured the envoy that Nigeria will continue to strengthen its ties with African countries in the areas of trade, security, and economic growth. “Africans need to work for the progress of Africa. We should be able to resolve our internal problems, collectively. It requires a great commitment, but we must do that. No one can understand our people better than we do. Home grown solutions are better for all of us, and the remedies will last longer,” he implored. Mohammed congratulated the President for the historic decisions he has taken in the country, and the impact of the policies on the continent, assuring of his dedication to improve relations between Nigeria and Ethiopia. In another meeting with Ambassador of Cuba, President Tinubu commended the small nation for excelling in the advancement of indigenous medical sciences and accessible health care at the grassroots, all while ensuring the stability of their surrounding region. The President noted that Nigeria and Cuba share some cultural similarities that can be explored to improve the lives of citizens, especially in tourism and other economic sectors. “We should collaborate more in science and technology, an area that will improve the lives of our people, particularly the youthful population Nigeria is so blessed with,” President Tinubu told he envoy. Receiving the UAE Ambassador, the President directed that issues affecting relations with the Emirates Airline, and issuance of visas to Nigerians should be “immediately’’ resolved, emphasizing that he stands prepared to “personally’’ intervene. “We are a family with the UAE, we only live in separate rooms, but we are in the same house. We should look at the issues as a family problem, and resolve it amicably. As you know in every family, there are peculiarities. You can have an erring son, or daughter, but we must work together. We need to agree on core aviation and immigration issues,” the President stated. The Ambassador of UAE said he already sees himself as a “Nigerian’’ considering the historical antecedents of the country, its long-standing leadership role in Africa, and its reputation for hospitality to strangers. “Since I arrived in the country, I have been working on 24 agreements. We are getting somewhere. These are small issues, all within a family, and they will be resolved. I am grateful to be here in Nigeria. I am also very grateful to meet His Excellency, President Tinubu, who is a great leader in Nigeria, and Africa. Please accept me as a Nigerian and consider me a member of your team,” he appealed.

Court Affirms Lamidi Apapa As Labour Party National Chairman, Sacks Abure

The Court of Appeal in Owerri, Imo State, has sacked Julius Abure and reinstated Lamidi Apapa as the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP). In a ruling on Thursday, the court recognised Apapa as the authentic national chairman of the party. The court also nullified the candidacy of the governorship candidates who emerged from Abure-led faction of the party, including Senator Athan Achonu, who is in the running to contest in the next election in Imo state.

The court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise the governorship candidates of the party who emerged from the Apapa-led faction in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo states and publish their names. Recall that a Court of Appeal in Benin City, Edo State capital, on Monday, affirmed Abure as the authentic national chairman of the party. In his lead judgment, Justice Abadua affirmed the decision of the High Court of Edo State and held that one man cannot suspend the national chairman of the party in line with Articles 13 and 17 of the Constitution of the Party and the extant Electoral Act of 2022. Naija News reports that the leadership tussle between Abure and Apapa dated back to April after seven members of its National Working Committee, announced Apapa as the acting chairman of the party, replacing the suspended chairman, Julius Abure. Some political thugs had earlier stormed the party’s national headquarters in Abuja and also some stern-looking police officers swiftly took over the building. Speaking after an emergency meeting held at the party’s secretariat, Apapa said the NWC members acted on the judgement of the Federal Capital Territory High Court which restrained Abure from parading himself as the national chairman of the party. Apart from Abure, the court also restrained three other officials of the party over alleged forgery.

Reps Demand Nnamdi Kanu’s Release For Peace To Reign In Southeast

The House of Representative Ad hoc committee set up to interface with relevant security agencies to reduce kidnapping, assassinations, and banditry in and around Isiukwuato and Umunnochi Local Government Area of Abia State, has demanded the release of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

The committee insisted that the agitator has to be released for peace to reign in the southeast region. The Chairman of the committee, Hon. Obinna Aguocha made the call at a meeting on Thursday in Abuja. Aguocha stated that the government has to recognise the rule of law, justice, and equitable inclusion of the South East zone for absolute peace and reduction of crime. He said to achieve the project Nigeria, the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from unlawful detention to ensure lasting peace and security in the entire region cannot be over-emphasized. While addressing the security agencies present at the meeting, he said the insecurity challenges being faced in areas such as Abia State were as a result of shared borders with other states which gives the criminals a leeway for movement across the state’s borders. According to him, “The opportunity for inter-state collaboration presents itself and must be explored to foster regional participation. The challenges faced by one state rippled across it’s neighbours and therefore, our strategies for resolution must be all inclusive. “By synergising our resources, expertise, and perspective, we can create a stronger front against insecurity and strengthen the bond that binds us. “As we navigate the complexities of security concerns, we must also be prepared to tackle the root causes of these issues at their core and work to ensure lasting solutions that would stand the test of time.”

Mental Illness: Solidstar To Receive Help From Popular Actress After Family Outcry

Nollywood actress cum politician, Tonto Dikeh has offered to render help to Nigerian singer, Joshua Iniyezo, better known as SolidStar. makeitupnews reports that a brother to the ‘Nwa Baby’ crooner, Joseph had via social media disclosed the state of his health, where he noted that the singer was battling an undisclosed mental health.

Joseph called on the general public and colleagues to render financial support to the ailing singer, stating that the family have spent so much in the bid to get him back on his feet. Reacting to the singer’s family’s plea for financial support, Tonto Dikeh via her Instagram on Thursday offered to help the singer, adding that he was ready to sacrifice all for her back in the day musically. She further said that she feels heartbroken that he was abandoned despite having strong men around him. She wrote: “First I’ wld like to say thank you to @officialsolidstar and his team back when I knew him. I am for ever grateful. “How can i get through to solid star’s management or family? That’s my street blood mehnn, dude was ready to sacrifice it all for me to do well musically. “Na me just no hear word. Never charged a penny, never agreed a gift, not even a hug. Such a selfless human, I’m hurting that he has strong men, and he is still outside.. please team point me to the right direction. Thanks.”

Nigerian Ladies Star Struck After Spotting Mercy Johnson On Movie Set

Talented Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson, has left some of her fans excited after she was spotted casually dressed on the street. makeitupnews reports that the viral video shows the thespian, on a movie set, dressed like a regular woman and carrying bags like someone returning from the market.

The video was made by star-struck female fans who couldn’t hold back their excitement after they spotted the actress on the street. The moment the ladies called Mercy’s attention and greeted her, she swiftly turned around and smiled as she moved closer to respond to their greetings.

Meanwhile, Mercy Johnson Okojie has taken to her social media to share with potential parents what they must do before considering children. The thespian, while having a special moment with her first child, Purity Okojie, advised intending parents on the need to heal before having kids. According to the movie star, if they don’t get healing, their kids would end up having to heal from having them as a parent. She noted how pain changes people and makes them trust less, overthink more, and shut people out

Video: Stirs As Kogi Senator Kneels Down Before Gov Yahaya Bello

A video of a federal lawmaker representing Kogi East, Isah Jibrin, kneeling down to appreciate the state Governor, Yahaya Bello, for nominating Shaibu Abubakar-Audu, son of the late Abubakar Audu, for a ministerial position has caused stirs on social media.

In the viral video seen by Naija News, Governor Bello is heard telling Senator Jibrin that the nomination of Abubakar-Audu was a reward for his late father’s sacrifice. ”For all the sacrifices. I am rewarding Prince Abubakar Audu for all his sacrifices, too (possibly pointing to Shaibu, who was not visible in the video), I have no loss, I gain plenty. To God be the glory,” the Kogi State Governor could be heard saying in the viral video. Responding, the senator said the governor is over ”rewarding us”. makeitupnews reports that the late Abubakar Audu was the first civilian governor of Kogi state. He ruled the state twice — first in the third republic and in the fourth republic. The late politician died in 2015 shortly after the announcement of the election results on 22 November. He was seeking re-election as governor on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). See the video below:

Subsidyprotests: FG, labour talks collapse, NLC begins strike Aug 14

Barely 24 hours after meeting with President Bola Tinubu where an agreement was reached to call off their protests, the rapprochement between the organised labour and the Federal Government appeared to have collapsed as the unions on Thursday night vowed to embark on a nationwide strike from August 14 if their leaders were summoned for contempt of court orders. The Nigeria Labour Congress hinged its decision on the contempt of court application filed by the Federal Ministry of Justice against the labour leaders on Wednesday.

It threatened to down tools should the Federal Government fails to withdraw the lawsuit accusing the labour leadership of disobeying court orders. The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, announced the decision on Thursday night after the union’s National Executive Council meeting which was held in Abuja. In a bid to avert a strike by the labour movement last month, the FG had through the Federal Ministry of Justice secured an order from the National Industrial Court restraining the NLC and the Trade Union Congress from embarking on any strike action over issues bordering on “removal of fuel subsidy, hike in prices of petrol and consequential increase in cost of living,” pending the determination of the suit. The Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba, in a statement, urged the NLC to withdraw the seven-day notice it issued on its plan to commence a nationwide industrial action from August 2, if the demands of labour unions were not met. The justice ministry sternly warned in a statement on July 26 that the planned strike by the union would be contempt of court, an offence that is punishable by imprisonment. According to the FG, such strike action would amount to a resort to self-help since the matter was already pending in court. But dissatisfied by the slow negotiation process with the FG and the delay in rolling out palliative to cushion the pains of subsidy removal, the organised labour declared a nationwide protest despite the court injunction. Lagos lawyer and solicitor to the organised labour, Femi Falana, SAN, however, insisted that the proposed protest was lawful. As a result, the protests, which were held on Wednesday, paralysed economic and commercial activities nationwide, leading to the shutdown of banks, offices and courts in several states. As a payback for the labour leaders’ defiance, the Federal Government on Wednesday initiated a contempt of court proceeding against the labour leaders, a development that angered the unions. The “notice of consequences of disobedience to order of the court”, titled “Form 48,” was filed before the National Industrial Court, Abuja. The applicants are the Federal Government and the Attorney General of the Federation, while the various leaders of the organised labour were listed as respondents. The notice was addressed to the NLC President, Joe Ajaero; Deputy Presidents, Audu Aruba, Adeyanju Adewale, and Kabiru Sani; General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja; TUC President, Festus Usifo, and General Secretary, Nuhu Toro. “Take notice that unless you obey the directives contained in the Order of the National Industrial Court, Abuja, delivered by Honourable Justice Y. Anuwe on June 5th 2023, as per the attached Enrolled Order, you will be guilty of Contempt of Court and will be liable to be sentenced to prison,’’ the contempt notice signed by Senior Registrar, Balogun Olajide, read. Responding to the charge, the NLC President, in a statement on Thursday said the Ministry of Justice and National Industrial Court have continued to ‘’allow themselves to be used as agents of anti-democracy.” The labour centre noted that though it agreed to suspend its protests based on its meeting with the President, it would embark on a nationwide strike starting from August 14, 2023, should the government fail to withdraw the lawsuit filed against the labour leaders. Highlighting the decisions of the NLC, Ajaero said the NEC resolved to support and affirm the decision to suspend further nationwide mass protest and to commit to maintaining the required vigilance needed to hold the government accountable for its assurances and governance in general. The union further resolved to commit to the terminal date of August 19 within which the issues around the petroleum price hike would be agreed given the assurances of the President and the National Assembly. The statement added that the NLC resolved “To go on total strike across the country any day labour leaders are summoned to court by the government through the NICN 5; To demand the immediate withdrawal of this litigious terrorism by the Federal Ministry of Justice before the end of work Friday, the 11th of August, 2023; To embark on a nationwide comprehensive strike beginning Monday 14th of August, 2023 if this contemptuous court summons is not withdrawn by whosoever initiated it.” The counsel to the Organised Labour, Falana, SAN, urged the President to call the permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Justice to order over the contempt charges filed against the organized labour. He also noted that the NLC had in no way breached any agreement it had with the President on the suspension of the nationwide protests. Falana who spoke in an interview with our correspondent on Thursday night explained that his client had already challenged the ex parte order obtained by the justice ministry from the National Industrial Court. The human rights lawyer said, “Labour is not in breach of any agreement. They were in a meeting with the president when a ministry official went behind to file contempt charges. That was an embarrassment. “If the organized labour were in contempt, would the president have met with them? Would the police have marched with them? We have challenged the jurisdiction of the court, and we have challenged the competence of the ex parte order so she (Jeddy-Agba) knows she can’t be talking of contempt of court until our motion challenging the jurisdiction of the court and competence of the ex parte order is taken.”

DJ Cuppy updates her relationship status

Florence Otedola, also known as DJ Cuppy, a popular disc jockey from Nigeria, has recently shared an update on her relationship status.

In a tweet at the weekend, the entertainer confirmed she and her British boxer fiancé, Ryan Taylor, had gone their separate ways. She shared a photo with her adopted “sons”, while referring to herself as a single mom of two. Advertisement

Tweeting a picture with her sons, the Gelato crooner stated: “It’s giving single mum of two. LMAO.” In May 2021, Cuppy acquired the two Pomeranian brothers at three-month-old. In a video which she shared afterwards, she introduced the puppies as her ‘babies’, naming them Dúdú and FünFün Otedola.

Tweeting a picture with her sons, the “Gelato” crooner stated: “It’s giving single mum of two. LMAO.” Cuppy and the boxer sparked breakup speculation earlier in the month after unfollowing each other on Instagram. Taylor made a suggestive post almost the same time after he unfollowed his beau on Instagram in which she reciprocated. DJ Cuppy The British boxer cautioned people to avoid holding onto anything that could hinder their spiritual growth. “If it’s blocking your spiritual growth, let it go. Have a blessed Friday. #Alhamdulillah for everything”, Taylor wrote.

Jada Pollock Reveals Name Of Her Second Son With Wizkid

The baby mama and manager of award-winning singer, Wizkid, Jada Pollock has revealed the name of their son as he turns one today. The mother of two and manager to the singer via her Instagram page on Monday penned a beautiful note, after sharing several photos of her second son, revealing he was named, AJ.

Praying for God to continue to watch over him, Jada stated that her son has taught her how precious time is. “Happiest first birthday AJ… You have taught me how precious time is. May God continue to watch over you.” See photos below;

Meanwhile, Grammy award-winning Nigerian singer, Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has reportedly lost his N99 million ring to fans at his sold-out show at Tottenham Stadium in London, UK.

makeitupnews reports that popular British-Nigerian podcaster, Adesope Olajide, made the disclosure during an Instagram live session with fans, stating that Wizkid’s ring is worth £100,000, which is equivalent to N99 million. Recall that Wizkid made history over the weekend as the first African artiste to sell out the 80,000-Capacity Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, trailing Burna Boy, who sold out London Stadium last month as the second African to sell out a stadium in the United Kingdom. The concert was attended by football stars like Bukayo Saka, Alex Iwobi and Eddie Nketiah.

According to Olajide, the ‘Ojuelegba’ crooner mistakenly threw the expensive ring while trying to fling his jacket to the crowd. He expressed regret for leaving the front row when the ring fell, stressing that he had caught Zlatan Ibile and Diamond Platnumz’s rings at their concerts in the past.

The Niger Coup: Putting Nigeria’s Interests First

Growing up, sitting at the table with multiple diplomats was always an intriguing experience. Their debates on foreign policy issues forced me to learn about international relations and hear analyses I never thought I would need.

Now, many years later, I always analyze international actions through a Nigerian national interest perspective — asking first and foremost, what’s in it for Nigeria? Reading about the recent coup in Niger and the various opinions, especially on social media, it is clear that many people do not fully grasp why the July 26th coup that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum is significant for Nigeria. When analyzing the implications of the coup in Niger, we must take into account multiple factors. However, to keep things concise and practical, let’s focus on the major implications and historical occurrences. In 1919, after the defeat of the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria) by the Allies (France, the British Empire, the Soviet Union, Japan, Italy, and the United States) in World War I, the Treaty of Versailles was adopted. This treaty resulted in territorial losses for Germany and its allies, leading to the redistribution of African territories among the Allied nations. During this distribution, even among the victors, there were concerns about the allocation of territories, with the United States favoring French influence in Africa over the Soviet Union’s. This means that the United States and the Soviet Union had a somewhat cold relationship 28 years before the Cold War actually started. However, it’s worth noting that over a century has passed since the Treaty, and many African countries are celebrating five or six decades of their independence. Nevertheless, we cannot underestimate the enduring influence of our former colonial masters on our political leadership, our economic decisions, and our socio-cultural leanings. For instance, among the 16 West African countries, 8 use the West African CFA Franc as their official currency. This currency is issued by the Central Bank of West African States and is pegged to specific requirements and restrictions set by the French Treasury. As a result, while these countries are politically sovereign, they lack full economic independence. This is why, almost every time there is a coup or orchestrated uprising in an African country, those who have the patience to follow the strings, will oftentimes find a colonial master or world power pulling from behind as a puppeteer. In 2019, two years prior to the 2021 coup d’état in Mali, Russian Wagner forces arrived in Bamako. Today, after the coup, they protect Mali’s leaders in exchange for lucrative contracts managing mines and local natural resources. Quid pro quo. Likewise, almost a year ago in Burkina Faso, a young captain in the special forces, Ibrahim Traoré, led a coup overthrowing President Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who had also come to power in a coup a few months earlier. Both incidents were followed by people in the streets waving Russian flags and expressing anti-French sentiments. In January of this year, Burkina Faso announced the end of its military pact with France — expressing a desire for self-defense and self-determination. Similarly, sixty years after its independence, just a few days ago, Mali announced the end of French as its official language. All this cannot have happened by coincidence. Now, shifting our focus back to the situation in Niger, its implications for Nigeria, and the underlying issues that demand consideration, we must first recognize that the success of most coups largely depends on the response of the citizens in the country. How did the people of Niger react? Do they genuinely desire the reinstatement of the former President? Secondly, the global community, especially ECOWAS states, should reflect on the realities that enabled the coup to happen in the first place. What reasons did the junta give? Thirdly, given the growing anti-French sentiments in various African nations, should we consider France’s hegemonic influence in these Francophone countries as a contributing factor to the occurrence of three coups?

Strike: NLC Announces Next Line Of Action After Meeting With Tinubu Govt

The organized labour on Monday insisted that there is no going back on its planned strike protest over the removal of petrol subsidy by the federal government and the hardship it has brought on citizens of the country.

The unions, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), spoke after a meeting with government representatives at the presidential villa. According to the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, they are not convinced about the commitment and ability of the government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu to effectively control inflation and petrol price due to the unification of the exchange rate. Ajaero insisted that the Wednesday, August 2 protest remains on course. The NLC president insisted that hoodlums would not hijack the protest as the fear of those insinuating such a scenario is unfounded. He, however, called on the security operatives to be on top of their game not only to forestall such occurrences but also to protect the demonstrators. Ajaero further expressed worries about the reported plans by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to increase electricity tariff increases, as well as the significant increase in the price of corn in rural areas. The participants in Monday’s meeting were labour leaders from both the NLC and the TUC as well as the chief of staff to the president, Femi Gbajabiamila, the group chief executive officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL); Mele Kyari among others on the government side.