Politics
Another EndSARS Crisis Looming as COTER Warns Against Nationwide Protests Aim at EFCC
Israel Adeleke
In a move to raised alarm on another EndSARS Crisis Looming, The Coalition for Transparency and Economic Reforms (COTER) has strongly opposed the proposed nationwide protests against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) scheduled for Friday July 5, 2024.
FREEDOM TIMES had earlier reported that a group, identified as @PIDOM Nigeria, has called for protests to put an end to EFCC, but COTER warns that this is another EndSARS violence in disguise.
According to COTER, the group representing 259 Civil Society Organizations, points to aggrieved politicians, including a former governor of one of the Northern states, two former ministers and others as the masterminds behind these nationwide protests against the EFCC.
COTER urgently calls on the Federal Government and security agencies to prevent the potential chaos and violence that could erupt during these demonstration at the EFCC office by PIDOM NIGERIA, which is described as another #EndSARS violence in disguise and a disaster waiting to happen.
Recall that @PIDOMNigeria, via its X handle, had mobilized Nigerians on social media, urging them to storm EFCC offices nationwide.
COTER, however, raised concerns about the organizers’ intentions, citing the disastrous consequences of the 2020 #EndSARS riots.
In a press conference held at the International Press Centre in Lagos, COTER Coordinator Adeshina Animashaun, emphasized the need to quell these protests before they escalate.
The coalition fears that hoodlums and unscrupulous elements may exploit the situation, endangering innocent citizens.
COTER’s statement also cautions Nigerian youths against participating in the planned protest, urging parents and guardians to dissuade their children from joining the demonstrations.
The coalition emphasizes that the organizers do not represent the interests of the nation and should be disregarded.
“We urge our youths in the entire country to disregard the disguised devilish plans of the masterminds of the forthcoming protests against the EFCC.
“They are unpatriotic people without character. They do not speak for anyone but themselves and their paymasters and should, therefore, be disregarded.
“We also call on parents and guardians all over the country to warn their children/wards against taking part in the July 5 mayhem being planned by disgruntled politicians using Pidom Nigeria.
“They should warn their younger ones to avoid any gathering organized by the group in any EFCC office on Friday July 5, 2024 in any part of the country to avoid regrets later.
“We should not allow our children to be used as thugs by people who have kept their own children in safe havens outside this country.
“They are behind the promoters of this looming nationwide violence scheduled for Friday July 5, 2024.
“The major aim of this planned massive violence is to create panic, fear and anarchy and ultimately scuttle the achievements of the current administration of President Bola Tinubu,” it said.
Fawaz Adebisi
Ademola Adeleke, the governor of Osun State has given consent to the readjustment of workdays for civil servants in the state.
This was made known on Tuesday through a circular from the Office of the Head of Service, Samuel Aina Ayanleye and issued in a statement by Olawale Rasheed, the spokesperson of the Osun State Governor.
As gathered, this is in response to the high transportation costs in Nigeria.
Adeleke made this move few weeks after its neighboring state, Ogun state reduced its civil servants workdays to 3 per week.
However, in addition, the circular stated that Ademola also approved an extension of payment of palliatives for public servants for the next two months.
Also, it stated that the action was in pursuance of Governor Adeleke’s commitment to the well-being of workers, and a response to the present economic situation in the Country.
“By this Circular, therefore, and until another directive is given, the working day schedules for Public Servants in the state have been approved as follows:
“Public Servants on GL.01 to GL.10 – Three days a week. Public Servants on GL12 to GL.17 – Four days a week.”
The Circular further noted that the arrangements exclude those on essential duties such as medical personnel, security officers, political office holders and Accounting Officers.
“It is also important to note that arrangements as to which days each public servant in the above categories will be at work shall be arranged by the Accounting Officers in Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government.
“The Governor has also graciously approved the continuation of payment of the agreed palliatives to public servants in the state for the next two months pending the commencement of the new minimum wage.
“All Accounting Officers of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of governments, including local governments, were further directed to comply.”
Fawaz Adebisi
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has assured Nigerians that normalcy will return to the land, preparing to go into his seven days seclusion.
The monarch, in a statement through his spokesperson, Moses Olafare on Monday said the rite is the most sacred moment for him on the throne which he utilises to interact with his ancestors and pray for the people, the Oduduwa race worldwide, as well as mankind in general.
According to the statement, Ogunwusi stressed that his major request during the rite would be the betterment of the people in the country.
He said,”this time around, I want To pray and seek for the face of our Creator to intervene on the current economic situation.
“Things are very tough and people are feeling the hardship, I want to pray for all and sundry and specially urge the youths to exercise patience so that we will not used our hands to destroy our country.
“I know that people are passing through difficult periods in which they are not finding life easy and truly this is a challenging period.
“But I know that after this festival, normalcy will return to the country, as the problems we’re facing will soon come to an end,” Ooni said.
Also, he urged the government to be diligent in serving the populace by making bountiful dividends of democracy for the citizenry.
Fawaz Adebisi
The Abia State Government has set a date to start implementing the new minimum wage.
Okey Kanu, the state Commissioner for Information revealed on Monday that the minimum wage implantation will kick off by October.
Kanu said this while briefing the press on the outcome of the week’s State Executive Council meeting chaired by the state governor, Alex Otti.
In his words, “will cut across all categories of workers.”
Speaking of other outcomes of the meeting, he stressed that the state government is also set to commence the construction of 17 court halls across the 17 local government areas of the state.
He further disclosed that the state Ministry of Health will next week organise a free medical outreach at Ugwunnagbo.
In the same vein, he added that there would be free medical consultations, maternal and child healthcare services and free diagnostic tests.
