The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to heed the demands of protesters by reducing the cost of governance and eliminating wasteful expenditure.

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In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, Dr. Falalu Bello, National Chairman of the PRP, emphasized the constitutional right of citizens to protest and exercise their fundamental freedoms.

He highlighted Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association.

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Dr. Bello urged the #EndBadGovernance protesters, who plan to rally on Thursday, August 1, to exercise this right peacefully.

He noted the rich history of protests in Nigeria, dating back to the first republic in 1965, and cited the June 12 protests in 1993 and the Occupy Nigeria movement in 2012 as examples of the essential role protests play in the democratic process.

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“The current wave of protests in Nigeria is a testament to the resilience and determination of our citizens to demand better governance and improvement in their living conditions,” Bello said.

“We urge the government to listen attentively to the cries of the protesters and take concrete steps to address their concerns.”

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Dr. Bello highlighted the PRP’s long-standing advocacy for good governance, which includes calls for a reduction in the cost of governance, prioritization of prudent spending, and the elimination of wasteful expenditure.

He also stressed the need to tackle corruption, hold those in power accountable, and ensure transparency in public transactions.

Additionally, he emphasized the importance of improved security measures to safeguard the well-being of all Nigerians.

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The PRP national chairman called for a peaceful resolution to the issues, urging the youth, who constitute 60% of the electorate, to join the party in changing the APC government, which he claims has worsened the lives of Nigerians since taking over from the PDP.

Bello underscored the power of collective voices in a plural democracy to bring about positive change and restore hope for a brighter future.

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He condemned any form of violence, vandalism, or harm to citizens or their properties during protests and urged protesters to respect law and order while demanding justice and accountability from those in power.

“The PRP calls on the government to listen to voices of reason, including those of the protesters, who have advised on how to bring good governance to Nigeria by addressing excessive and wasteful expenditures, ensuring prudent governance, and tackling corruption and insecurity in Nigeria,” Bello added.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has taken a controversial stance, mocking those planning to demonstrate over the economic difficulties facing Nigeria.

Speaking at an event organized by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Rivers State on Tuesday, Akpabio implied that while protesters are out on the streets, he and others would be enjoying themselves.

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Akpabio’s remarks come in response to a planned nationwide protest by some Nigerians demanding economic and political reforms.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, met with some of the protest organizers in Abuja, suggesting a virtual protest instead, but they insisted on taking to the streets.

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At the NDDC event, Akpabio stated, “All of us feel the impact of what is happening now. But we are aware it will be for a short while. MD, I want to thank you for what you said. You said we are not interested in regime change, let us own this government. Those who want to protest can protest, but let us be there eating — I must thank the Niger Delta.”

Akpabio also acknowledged the significant damage caused by oil and gas activities in the Niger Delta region, pledging legislative support to address issues such as oil spillage and environmental pollution.

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“The specific issues faced by the Niger Delta must be contained in that communique because we are going to make it available to Mr. President,” he said.

“The ones that need legislation will come to us, the ones that need intervention will go to NDDC, the ones that need more money will go to the president and commander-in-chief, and I assure that those issues will be addressed.”

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Hon. Victor Eneh, Head of AIF Media, has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, describing him as a transformative figure and cherished friend.

Eneh’s tribute, marked by profound emotion, reflects the deep personal and professional bond they shared.

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In his tribute, Eneh reminisced about the strong connection he had with Ubah, highlighting their interactions and the senator’s unwavering support.

He recounted a particularly touching moment when Ubah, despite a busy schedule, intervened decisively in a political matter, showcasing his commitment and dedication.

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Ubah, who was highly regarded for his impact on both the political landscape and the lives of many individuals, was described by Eneh as a leader who found joy in uplifting others and making a difference.

Eneh noted Ubah’s ability to rescue him from a dangerous situation, emphasizing the senator’s exceptional kindness and loyalty.

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The tribute detailed Ubah’s significant role in Eneh’s political journey, including Ubah’s efforts in ensuring electoral integrity during the 2019 general elections.

Hon. Eneh expressed deep sorrow over Ubah’s untimely death, lamenting the void left by the senator’s passing and the abrupt end to what seemed like a promising gubernatorial campaign for 2025.

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His words “Ebubechukukwu Uzo Nnewi
Odenjiji Neni
Ikemba Ndigbo

“You came
You saw
You impacted.
A man with kind heart.
I don’t know how to mourn you.”

“We spoke while you were leaving Abuja to airport en route to London.

“You sent me a Whatsapp chat on the evening of 26th July. And on 27th I got a call that shattered me and left me confused. I kept asking the caller, how, how, how, how?

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“Up till now, I still can’t put myself together to resolve certain questions building up in my head.

I have many top political leaders whom I am quite close to. So many of them. But you were exceptional.”

“You treated me like a friend and a brother.”

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“From the day I agreed to be your political ally, you never disappointed me. You rescued me when I was violently taken into hostage. You came through for me and dared my captors.

When a former governor called you and said, “I heard Eneh is your boy, warn him.” Your response was, “Eneh is not my boy, he is my friend.”

And that’s how you treated me. Sometimes I ask if I deserve the level of regard you accorded me.

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“You began to trust me after the 2019 general elections. God used me and two other persons (names withheld) to block the rigging plan of your opponent during the collation of your result.

“After your declaration, we came to Nnewi to see you and you openly told your visitors in your sitting room that God used Eneh, and the two other persons to make you a senator.”

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“From that day, we became very close politically. You always consult me whenever you wish to take any major political step.

During the 2023 general elections in far away Enugu, I sought for your help and you obliged me.”

“Some days back, something happened politically that would aid your gubernatorial aspiration. You called me and we deliberated on it. You made further enquiries and it happened that you must rush to Abuja to intervene quickly.”

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“You suspended your engagements in southeast. Ordered a private jet to come to east to pick us. We flew to Abuja and I was impressed with your swiftness to the issue that took us to Abuja.”

“We boarded the same jet back to east the same day.”

Your 2025 governorship victory was certain. You were heading for victory. All structures were collapsing into your movement. It was a matter of time.

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“You were determined, focused, strategic and cruising with overwhelming support. And suddenly, death struck.

“We can not question God. You are one leader that had no rest. You were always busy with so many engagements just to help humanity and put smiles on the faces of all those around you.”

You are one leader who finds joy in lifting people out of poverty . You lifted many and made millionaires and billionaires. You created leaders.

Your death left so many stranded. You left too early.

May your soul find a place in the bosom of the Lord.

Distinguished Senator Ifeanyi Ubah rest on till we meet to part no more.
Adieu My Strength,” Eneh wrote.

The Senate on Tuesday expressed strong disapproval of the N4.2 billion allocated in the 2024 budget as personnel costs for unverifiable workers at the dormant Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited.

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The Senate ad-hoc committee convened an investigative hearing to address alleged corruption and inefficiency within Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited and National Iron Ore Mining Company from 2002 to 2024.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), Deputy Chairman of the Committee, criticized Sole Administrator Summaila Abdul Akaba for the number of workers purportedly receiving salaries from the N4.2 billion appropriated for personnel costs in the 2024 budget.

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Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, a local resident eager to see the company’s revival, recounted an unscheduled visit during which she found fewer than 10 people on site.

“Despite the significant sums allocated annually for personnel costs, no steel has been manufactured and no mill rolled,” she lamented.

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Addressing the sole administrator, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan said, “As an indigene of the area, I am deeply concerned about the state of the company and passionate about its revival. The 2024 budget includes N4.2 billion for personnel costs, yet during my visits, I barely saw 10 people working. Who are the workers receiving monthly salaries from this allocation? Statistically, paying N300,000 per month to 14,000 people for a year equals N4.2 billion, or N500,000 to 8,400 workers per month. Where are these 14,000 or 8,400 workers in Ajaokuta?”

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However, Senator Osita Ngwu (PDP, Enugu West), the Minority Whip and committee member, interrupted before the sole administrator could respond.

Senator Ngwu stated, “Let’s not indict ourselves; the National Assembly approved this appropriation.”

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In his closing remarks, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC, Ondo Central), Chairman of the ad-hoc committee, assured that all presentations and submissions from various stakeholders would be thoroughly reviewed for a comprehensive report on Ajaokuta Steel Company to be presented to the Senate.

Key stakeholders present at the hearing included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, a director from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), a director from the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), the Nigerian Society of Engineers, and the Steel and Engineering Workers Union of Nigeria, among others.