Nigerians to begin another nationwide protest over ‘controversial’ bill

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3 months ago

August 14, 2024

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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.”

Ukraine’s drone attack forces closure of two Moscow airports

Published

17 hours ago

November 10, 2024

Ekwutos Blog

FILE PHOTO: A view shows the Domodedovo airport outside Moscow, Russia August 21, 2023. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov/File Photo © Thomson Reuters

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(Reuters) – Ukraine launched at least 17 drones targeting Moscow early on Sunday, forcing the temporarily closure of two of the capital’s airports, Russian officials said.

Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said the 12 drones were destroyed in the Ramenskoye and Kolomensky districts of the Moscow region, as well as in Domodedovo city, southwest of Moscow.

“According to preliminary information, there is no damage or casualties at the site of the fall of the debris,” Sobyanin said on the Telegram messaging app. “Emergency services are on the sites.”

The Ramenskoye district, some 45 km (30 miles) southeast of the Kremlin, was last targeted in September Ukraine’s biggest attack on the Russian capital, when Russian air defence units destroyed 20 drones.

Rosaviatsia, Russia’s federal air transport agency, said on Telegram that “to ensure the safety of civil aircraft flights, temporary restrictions have been introduced on the operation of the Domodedovo and Zhukovo airports,” starting at 0530 GMT.

It did not say how long the restrictions would be in force.

Equatorial Guinea’s Baltasar remanded in prison for allegedly recording 400 s*x tapes

Published

1 day ago

November 9, 2024

Ekwutos Blog

Equatorial Guinea’s Baltasar remanded in prison for allegedly recording 400 s*x tapes

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The former Director-General of the National Financial Investigation Agency in Equatorial Guinea, Baltasar Engonga, has been remanded in Malabo’s Black Beach Prison.

The former anti-graft chief was being investigated for alleged fraud when it was discovered that he had allegedly recorded over 400 s*x tapes involving the wives of prominent figures in the country.

This led to the arrest of the 54-year-old economist.

Equatorial Guinea’s President, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, also dismissed Engonga.

According to Decree No. 118/2024, dated 4th November, the dismissal was due to “irregularities committed in the exercise of his functions, as well as inappropriate family and social conduct for the performance of public duties.”

A viral video surfaced on social media on Friday, Nov. 8, showing Engonga’s hands and legs cuffed during a court appearance.

Confirming the situation, French online blog Afrikmatin reported that Engonga, who was officially removed from his role on November 6, 2024, was subsequently chained and transferred to Malabo Central Prison. He faces charges of corruption and embezzlement.

Newly-formed terrorist group, Lakurawa k!lls 15 residents in Kebbi

Published

1 day ago

November 9, 2024

Ekwutos Blog

Newly-formed terrorist group, Lakurawa k!lls 15 residents in Kebbi

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At least 15 people were k!lled in a fierce clash between residents of the Mera community and members of a new terrorist group, Lakurawa, in Kebbi State.

Military authorities have confirmed the emergence of the Lakurawa group, which reportedly has links to ISIS operating in the Sahel. The attack occurred on Friday in Mera village, located in the Augie local government area of Kebbi State, as the terrorists attempted to raid the community to rustle livestock.

Community members resisted the assault, and a violent confrontation ensued.

“A herder ran to the community and raised the alarm. Local residents responded and engaged the terrorists in a fight, which led to the de@ths of 15 people, with many others injured,” a local source said.

The locals reportedly succeeded in k!lling some terrorists and injuring others, although survivors among the attackers managed to carry away their casualties as they retreated.

Kebbi State’s Deputy Governor, accompanied by the Commissioner of Police and the Emir of Argungu, visited Mera to offer condolences.