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Yaiga Africa Train 34 Nigeria Youths For Legislative Fountion

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Yiaga Africa launches an innovative Constituency Internship Programme today in Abuja, deploying 34 young Nigerians to strengthen legislative-constituent relationships to foster better interaction between legislators and their constituents to promote civic participation and accountability.

Speaking at event, the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar O. Suleiman, applaud Yaiga Africa for its efforts in promoting good governance in Nigeria, he expressed gratitude to the organisation for inviting him to participate, stressing the critical role capacity building plays in the success of democracy.

According to Prof. Suleiman, “Without capacity building, democracy cannot thrive.” He urged participants to be law-abiding citizens and exemplary representatives of their communities in the discharge of their duties.

Prof. Suleiman further emphasised that democracy must serve as a tool for collective development rather than personal gain, calling for initiatives that prioritise constituency growth over individual benefits.

In his address, Prof. Suleiman highlighted the significance of empowering young Nigerians, noting that the nation’s future hinges on their diligence and commitment. “The future of this country belongs to the youth,” he stated, “and for a better tomorrow, we must do everything possible to prepare them for leadership.”

He encouraged the interns at the event to approach their primary assignments with dedication, as their performance will shape Nigeria’s progress.

Prof. Suleiman also lauded Yaiga Africa for its unwavering dedication to advocacy and good governance, he comment the organisation for their consistent efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic processes were described as “tireless,” reflecting its impact on both the grassroots and national levels.

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Additionally, Prof. Suleiman acknowledged the contributions of civil society groups and international partners such as the European Union (EU), whose support has bolstered Yaiga Africa’s initiatives.

He noted that these collaborative efforts have been instrumental in fostering accountability and transparency in governance.

Speaking further, the Chairman of the House Committee on Constituency Outreach, Hon. Dickson Tarkighir, also addressed the interns, urging them to view the programme as a unique opportunity for growth.

He advised participants to foster meaningful relationships that could lead to impactful contributions in their communities.

“Be clear in your minds an internship is not a money-making opportunity,” Hon. Tarkighir stated. He called on the interns to approach their training with focus and determination, stressing that their efforts would contribute to improved governance outcomes for the nation.

Dr. Samuel Uguche, the Coordinator for Legislative and Democratic Studies at Yaiga Africa, extended his gratitude to the attendees and partners who supported the event.

He encouraged the interns to contribute actively to the nation’s development and highlighted the importance of collective action in driving progress.

Dr. Uguche commended the collaboration between Yaiga Africa, civil society organisations, and international bodies like the EU, noting that such partnerships are crucial for sustaining democratic ideals in Nigeria.

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Cash scarcity hits bank customers, businesses in Kogi

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Cash crunch has hit Lokoja, the Kogi capital, crippling most businesses and making life miserable for residents.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent, who monitored the development in the area, on Wednesday, reports that most banks were out of cash, leaving their customers stranded.

At the First Bank and Access Bank, customers were limited to N40,000 and N5,000 cash withdrawals, respectively, over the counter.

Other banks, such as GTB, UBA, Zenith, Union Bank, and Eco Bank were paying between N10,000 and N20,000 only over the counter.

Cashiers at the counters told desparate and angry customers that the banks had no cash to pay.

“The cash we got from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) today is very small.

“We have no option than to spread the amount across our branches in the state,” a bank official said on the condition of anonymity.

According to him, customers no longer come to the bank to make cash deposits.

He said that the situation had negatively affected banking business in the state.

“As you can see, no customer is paying huge sum in cash as deposit.

“Many customers in the banking hall are here to withdraw cash but we don’t have cash,” the official said.

Some business owners that depend largely on cash for their daily activities seem to be worse hit by the development.

The Manager of a restaurant in the city, Mrs Janet Adejor, who was seen in one of the banks brooding over the development, wondered how she could cope without cash.

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Adejor said that she wanted to go to vegetable market but expressed worry that it would be difficult for her to make purchases without cash.

“This government needs to do something drastic about this cash crunch before these banks run down our businesses.

“We can’t stand this cash crunch again. We suffered this during the administration of former President Muhamadu Buhari,” she said.

A civil servant, Alhaji Anmed Bello, expressed displeasure over the situation, describing it as “a deliberate policy, targeted at poor”.

Bello said that he was in the bank to withdraw some money to travel but was told that there was no cash.

He asked in frustration, “Where do they expect me to go and get cash now?”

He appealed to the Federal Government to take urgent steps to restore normalcy to the banking sector in order to save small businesses from total collapse. (NAN)

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40 suspended Enigie appeal to Oba of Benin for clemency

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Some of the 67 suspended Enigie (Dukes) of the Benin Kingdom have appealed to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, for clemency and forgiveness.

Their appeal is contained in a statement signed by Victor Etinosa Oguigo of Ugoniyekikpoba Dukedom on Wednesday in Benin.

Oguigo emphasised that it would be “suicidal for one to wrestle with his personal God, whom the Oba represents in our individual lives.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that their suspension on March 7, 2025, was due to alleged anti-palace and rebellious activities against the Oba of Benin.

Oba Ewuare II had approved the suspension of 67 Enigie across seven local government areas in the Benin Kingdom.

The suspension was announced by the Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor.

The Edo State Government ratified the suspension by overriding five executive orders issued by former Gov. Godwin Obaseki with a single executive order.

The State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Paul Ohonbamu, the move was aimed at maintaining order and discipline within the state’s traditional institution.

Ohonbamu stated that the actions of the Enigie amounted to a “Cultural Coup d’état” as they attempted to challenge the authority of the Oba of Benin.

However, these 40 Enigie denied any misconduct, reiterating that it would be “suicidal” to go against the Oba, whom they regard as their personal God.

They assured the Oba that they never swore any oath against him or the palace and expressed their willingness to continue fulfilling their duties and obligation.

“We, therefore, appeal most passionately for Your Majesty to show compassion and forgive any or all of our shortcomings.

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“As our father, it is often said that ‘the hand used to discipline a child is the same hand that draws him close.

“We categorically state that at no time did any of the Enigie swear an oath not to pay allegiance to Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin.”

They therefore pleaded, saying, “Your Majesty, we humbly appeal to you to temper justice with mercy and forgive us all.

“We are prepared and willing to appear before Your Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, at your invitation.” (NAN)

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Fubara Erroneously Implicated in Pre-State of Emergency Proclamation Security Issues – Coalition’s Report

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The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Group says Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State was erroneously implicated in security issues that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.

The group, in a comprehensive report on the crisis in Rivers, also cleared Fubara of allegations linking him to militant groups responsible for pipeline vandalism and security breaches in the state.

The report, which was made available to journalists in a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja, thoroughly debunked claims that Fubara has ties to militant factions, describing the allegations as “politically motivated fabrications” designed to destabilise his administration.

The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Group’s investigation revealed no evidence of financial transactions or operational links between the state government and known militant factions.

According to the report, the allegations against Governor Fubara are part of a broader pattern of democratic subversion in Nigeria’s volatile political landscape.

The report points to the role of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in fueling tensions in Rivers State through his inflammatory remarks.

The Coalition, in the report, recommends the immediate cessation of political hostilities, the withdrawal of security forces unlawfully deployed in Rivers State, and the initiation of independent investigations into allegations of militancy.

The report also notes that communities, where the alleged incidents were reported, have come forward to refute the claims, assuring the public that oil and gas facilities in their areas remain secure and operational.

The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Group’s report concludes that the allegations against Governor Fubara appear to be politically motivated fabrications.

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The report added: “It is abundantly clear to us, and to the world that Governor Siminalayi Fubara has no verifiable links to militant groups operating within Rivers State, or the Niger Delta at large.

“We are convinced that the allegations against him appear to be politically motivated, fueled by power struggles and deep-seated rivalries rather than grounded in any factual basis.  This report has methodically dismantled the unfounded allegations against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, exposing them as politically motivated fabrications.

“The real instigators of instability in Rivers State are those who prioritize personal vendettas over public welfare. It is, therefore, imperative for all stakeholders, both within Nigeria and in the international community, to recognize the dangerous implications of weaponizing baseless accusations for political expediency.

“The attempt to malign Governor Fubara’s character through such claims is not only an attack on his personal integrity but also an affront to the democratic values that Nigeria professes to uphold.

“Moreover, the reckless statements made by Minister Nyesom Wike, which have exacerbated tensions in the region, must be condemned unequivocally. Public officeholders bear an ethical and constitutional responsibility to foster national unity rather than stoke the flames of discord.

“The people of Rivers State deserve peace, stability, and development—not a manufactured crisis driven by political greed and ambition. As concerned citizens and defenders of democracy, we stand resolute in our support for truth and justice.

“Governor Fubara must not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency. His exoneration from these baseless allegations and false narratives is not just a defense of his personality, but a defense of democracy itself.

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“Governor Fubara has consistently demonstrated his commitment to peace, security, and good governance. His call for the protection of vital oil installations and his transparent governance style stand in stark contrast to the baseless allegations that seek to tarnish his reputation.

“The security challenges in Rivers State are not of his making; rather, they are symptomatic of a broader historical struggle for equity and justice in the Niger Delta. The international community, civil society, and all lovers of democracy must stand strong behind Rivers State to save it from anarchy.”

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