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Nigerians to begin another nationwide protest over ‘controversial’ bill

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Nigerians have vowed to embark on another nationwide protests if the House of Representatives does not withdraw the proposed controversial Counter Subversion Bill 2024.

The bill, sponsored by House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas seeks to impose stringent penalties on Nigerians who fail to recite the national anthem.

According to the proposed legislation, anyone found guilty of refusing to recite the national anthem shall be fined N5 million, face a 10-year prison sentence, or both.

Additionally, the bill which is set for second reading stipulates that anyone who destroys a national symbol or defaces a place of worship will be subject to the same punishment

The bill “stipulates that anyone found guilty of destroying national symbols, refusing to recite the national anthem or pledge, defacing a place of worship with the intent to incite violence, or undermining the Federal Government shall face a fine of N5 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both.”

It also “states that anyone who sets up an illegal roadblock, performs unauthorized traffic duties, imposes an illegal curfew, or organizes an unlawful procession will be subject to a fine of N2 million, five years in prison, or both upon conviction.”

Moreover, any person who “forcefully takes over any place of worship, town hall, school, premises, public or private space, arena, or similar location through duress, undue influence, subterfuge, or other means commits an offense and is liable upon conviction to a fine of N5 million or imprisonment for a term of 10 years, or both.”

The bill further states that “a person who professes loyalty to, pledges allegiance to, or agrees to belong to an organization that disregards the sovereignty of Nigeria commits an offense and is liable upon conviction to a fine of N3 million or imprisonment for a term of four years, or both.”

This bill has sparked criticism from Nigerians as they described it as an attempt by the Tinubu-led government to suppress the fundamental rights of Nigerians, posing a threat to the nation’s democracy.

Take It Back Movement, a key protest organizer, said the bill directly contradicts essential democratic principles such as freedom of speech, assembly, and demonstration.

The group warned that it would mobilize Nigerians to protest if the bill is not discarded.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu and the Public Relations Officer, Stephen Olabiyi, the TIB movement said:

“In solidarity with the people of Nigeria, we unequivocally denounce this proposed repressive legislation and vow to protect the constitutional rights of Nigerians.

“We will stop at nothing to protect whatever is left of our democratic rights as Nigerians, including mobilising Nigerians to the streets if this draconian bill is not withdrawn immediately.”

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GUNMEN ATTACK MILITARY CHECKPOINT AT ABIA AND IMO BOARDER, ALLEGEDLY KILL TWO SOLDIERS…

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November 14, 2024

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GUNMEN ATTACK MILITARY CHECKPOINT AT ABIA AND IMO BOARDER, ALLEGEDLY KILL TWO SOLDIERS
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Ekwutosblog gathered that Gunmen attacked an army checkpoint earlier today, Wednesday 13th November, 2024 at Ekenobizi, a border community between Abia and Imo states in Umuopara, Umuahia South Local Government Area, killing two soldiers.

A military source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the attack occurred around 6:18 am. The gunmen arrived in a white Lexus (350/400) model, although the exact number of attackers could not be confirmed.

Confirming the incident in a press release on Wednesday, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA said: “In the early hours of today, 13 November 2024, troops of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA, deployed at a checkpoint along the Umuahia – Owerri Road in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, came under attack by faceless group.

“During the attack, the gallant troops were able to repel the assault, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray with gunshot wounds, abandoning one Sienna and one Lexus Jeep used in the attack. However, in the ensuing firefight, two soldiers paid the supreme price.”

The Joint Task Force appealed to residents of the South East, particularly those in Abia State, for credible information to help track down the fleeing attackers and combat criminal elements in the region.

The force reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property in line with global best practices and the rules of engagement.

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TV chef found dead in hotel aged 52 after criticising Vladimir Putin

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37 mins ago

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November 14, 2024

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Alexei Zimin has died
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A TV chef who fled to London after his opposition of Vladimir Putoin has been found dead while on a promotional tour

A Russian TV chef who criticised Vladimir Putin has been found dead in a Belgrade hotel

Alexei Zimin, 52, died suddenly on a promotional tour to the Serbian capital. Authorities have said his cause of death is currently “unclear”.

Zimin fled Russia to London after his oppositions of Putin. Zimin was once a popular figure on Russian cooking shows. He also owned Zima restaurant in Soho, which he founded after he had left Russia following Putin’s invasion of Crimea.

In a statement released by Zima magazine today, a spokesperson said: “Alexei Zimin, the project’s editor-in-chief and the chef of the Zima restaurant, has passed away. Alexei was not only a colleague, he was our friend, a close person with whom we were lucky to go through a lot – both good, kind and sad.”

London-based exiled Russian TV chef, editor and restaurateur Alexei Zimin, dies at 52.

It concluded: “Thank you to everyone for the words we received today about Alexei. We are hurting together with you.”

Zimin had also been editor-in-chief of the Russian edition of GQ magazine.

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MC Oluomo rejected as NURTW national president

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16 hours ago

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November 13, 2024

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MC Oluomo rejected as NURTW national president
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MC Oluomo rejected as NURTW national president

 

Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo’s recent election as National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has faced strong opposition.

Tajudeen Baruwa, is insisting that he is the union’s rightful leader.

Baruwa, supported by court rulings from both the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal, contended that MC Oluomo’s appointment disregards legal decisions and violates the union’s constitution.

Baruwa, who assumed office in 2023, has been engaged in a legal tussle with a faction led by former President Najeem Usman Yasin.

After Baruwa’s election, Yasin’s faction formed a caretaker committee to challenge his leadership.

Baruwa responded by seeking judicial intervention, which led to a favorable ruling in March 2024.

This decision dissolved the caretaker committee and affirmed Baruwa’s position.

However, the conflict escalated when Yasin appealed the ruling.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja dismissed the appeal earlier this month, confirming Baruwa’s leadership and prohibiting Yasin from further interference in union matters.

Despite these legal victories, MC Oluomo’s inauguration has been described as a direct challenge to the judiciary and the union’s governance.

Baruwa has called on the Attorney General of the Federation to ensure compliance with court orders, asserting his authority as the legally recognized leader of NURTW.

“It appears a faction took it upon themselves, without regard for the union’s constitution or court decisions, to select a random individual as President,” Baruwa said.

“Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, also known as MC Oluomo, is not, and cannot be, the National President of the Union,” he stated, urging media outlets to disregard any reports suggesting otherwise.

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