Category: International News

The Kogi State Government has issued a strong denial of a recent video circulating on social media that alleges the rebagging and sale of rice palliatives meant for citizens. The government has labeled the claims as misleading and entirely false.

In a statement released by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, the government emphasized that the rice palliatives are clearly branded and marked as “Not for Sale.” Monitoring teams are in place to ensure the proper distribution of these palliatives.

“We have thoroughly investigated the claim and found no evidence to support it. The state government distributed palliatives before Sallah, which is over a month ago, and numerous beneficiaries have come forward to attest to receiving the palliatives and have expressed gratitude to His Excellency,” the statement read.

The government believes that the false claim is an attempt to discredit its efforts to support citizens. It urges residents to be cautious of misinformation and to verify information through credible sources.

“We assure the public that the government of His Excellency, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo, has zero tolerance for any form of diversion of public facilities, especially those meant for the indigent and downtrodden. We will continue to monitor and address any misinformation aimed at undermining our efforts,” Hon. Ojomah concluded.

The Kogi State Government remains committed to providing support to its citizens and maintaining transparency in the distribution of palliatives.

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called on the Nigerian government to establish a clear timeframe to address citizens’ grievances rather than attempting to suppress protests.

Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of CISLAC, stressed the need for decisive action on critical issues such as inflation, unemployment, corruption, insecurity, and the erosion of institutional integrity. “Inflation, unemployment, corruption, and insecurity are critical challenges that need urgent attention. The integrity of our institutions is in question, and it is imperative to restore trust and confidence so that citizens can once again believe in their country,” stated Rafsanjani.

CISLAC emphasized the importance of safeguarding the rights of protesters, noting that peaceful protest is a fundamental right in Nigeria. “Protesters must be protected. This is a democratic right, and the government should ensure their safety. The protests should not be framed along religious, ethnic, and political lines; rather, the government at all levels should listen to and address the genuine concerns of the people,” Rafsanjani added.

The organization also urged local and state governments to resolve issues constructively rather than exerting undue pressure on protesters, which could provoke further unrest. “Addressing the issues raised is crucial. The government must set a clear timeframe for resolving these problems instead of merely attempting to halt protests or arresting those who want to protest,” Rafsanjani emphasized.

CISLAC warned against the military’s involvement in handling domestic issues, emphasizing that this should be the responsibility of the police and the Department of State Services (DSS). “The military should not assume the role of the police in domestic matters. Professionalism and restraint are essential to avoid escalating tensions,” Rafsanjani cautioned.

The organization also called on protesters to remain responsible and vigilant against individuals seeking to exploit the protests for negative purposes. “Protesters must remain peaceful and vigilant. The police should protect them and ensure the protest does not escalate due to the actions of those with malicious intentions,” he noted.

In conclusion, CISLAC called for comprehensive measures to address the issues at hand, allowing citizens to freely express their opinions on government actions. “In a democratic setting, every individual should have the right to express their views on government performance. President Bola Tinubu, himself a product of protest, should understand and respect this right,” Rafsanjani concluded.

CISLAC stands firmly with the citizens in their right to peaceful protest and urges the government to act with urgency and responsibility in addressing the concerns raised by Nigerians. The organization also called on governments at both state and national levels to release those who have been arrested for expressing their desire to join peaceful protests for positive change.

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has issued a strong rebuke against the Senate leadership under Senator Godswill Akpabio, following the removal of Senator Ali Ndume as the Senate’s Chief Whip. CISLAC accused the Senate leadership of stifling dissent and undermining democratic representation.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC condemned Ndume’s removal as an attempt to silence senators and prevent them from voicing the concerns of the Nigerian people. The organization likened this move to autocracy, warning that it undermines the constitutional role of senators as representatives of the people.

“The Senate’s actions undermine the constitutional role of its members as representatives of the people at the highest levels of government,” the statement read. “By restricting senators from expressing national concerns, the Senate risks eroding its mandate and weakening the legislature as an independent arm of government.”

CISLAC highlighted Ndume’s significant role in the formation of the current Senate leadership and his contributions to governance. The organization emphasized that unless a senator violates Senate rules or the constitution, their removal reflects sycophancy and undermines the Senate’s credibility as an independent body.

“The Senate leadership’s alignment with executive anti-people policies and self-serving interests raises concerns about its autonomy,” CISLAC added. “It portrays the Senate as a mere extension of the executive, contradicting its role as a check on government excesses.”

CISLAC further criticized the character and integrity of the current Senate leadership, suggesting that their controversial backgrounds threaten democratic principles and free speech. The organization accused the leadership of silencing, intimidating, and harassing opposition senators, thereby stifling democratic opposition and consolidating power.

“They have silenced, intimidated, and harassed opposition senators, forcing them to keep quiet. This is not democratic, and it’s not acceptable,” CISLAC stated. “There must be room for opposition in the Senate. Democracy only flourishes where a thriving opposition exists.”

The organization emphasized the importance of a vibrant Senate that speaks for the people, noting that the current situation leaves Nigerians feeling unrepresented and ignored during times of crisis. CISLAC urged senators to prioritize their role as public servants over party loyalty and to speak out against the country’s hardships.

“In silencing dissent and marginalizing outspoken senators like Ndume and Abdul Ahmed Ningi, the Senate risks rendering itself irrelevant. Rather than penalizing Senator Ndume for advocating on behalf of Nigerians, his contributions should be acknowledged and respected,” CISLAC concluded.

CISLAC also expressed concern that opposition political parties in the Senate have been ambushed and silenced, allowing anti-people agendas and continued non-transparent and unaccountable governance in Nigeria. The organization called for a more active and outspoken Senate that holds the government accountable and represents the interests of the Nigerian people.