Nigerian youth protest worsening insecurity, demand urgent government action
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Young Nigerians, under the banner "Nigerians Unite Against Terror," protested in Abuja, calling on the Federal Government and security agencies to address the country's escalating insecurity. The demonstrators marched peacefully from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to the National Assembly, carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs. Isah Abubakar, the protest convener, emphasized that insecurity affects all Nigerians regardless of party or faith, highlighting that major highways become unsafe after 5 p.m. He stressed the government's primary duty to protect its citizens and called for urgent action from service chiefs and lawmakers, urging citizens to collaborate in restoring peace. Another protest leader, Austin Okai, appealed to retired military officers and former heads of security agencies to offer their expertise. Okai warned that continued insecurity could undermine democratic activities and political participation, citing the abduction of a political party chairman in Kebbi State as evidence that no group is immune. He also urged the National Assembly to strengthen its oversight role in managing security funds. While advocating for security sector reforms, Okai cautioned against establishing state police or forest guard structures without adequate training, equipment, and funding, emphasizing the need for modern weaponry and seamless synergy with federal agencies. The protest concluded peacefully, with National Assembly representatives receiving a petition
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President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, inaugurated the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC zonal office in Ado Ekiti, covering Ondo and Ekiti states. President Tinubu praised the EFCC's role in the nation's economic and security landscape, highlighting its success in prosecuting high-profile corruption cases, including a former minister and a former managing director of a national investment bank. He also noted the EFCC's contributions to combating cyber-terrorism, such as dismantling a foreign-controlled cryptocurrency syndicate in Lagos, and its efforts in addressing fraudulent Ponzi schemes, which led to Nigeria's removal from the Financial Action Task Force's grey list. The President stated that aggressive asset tracing and recovery by the Commission have provided resources for social investment programs like the Students' Loan Scheme Network and Credit Corp. Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji affirmed the state's commitment to good governance and intergovernmental cooperation by providing the land for the office and a 220kva standby generator. He emphasized that the new office would enhance the Commission's administrative capacity and improve access to justice for victims of financial crimes. EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede thanked President Tinubu and the Ekiti State Government, stating that the new zonal office would bridge gaps in the Commission's enforcement framework and bring its services closer to the people of Ekiti
Dr. John Nwabueze, Nigeria's first Tax Ombud and Chief Executive of the Office of the Tax Ombud, has called on Nigerians and businesses to utilize the newly established office to address unfair tax assessments, multiple taxation, and disputes with revenue agencies. Speaking in Abuja, Nwabueze stated that the office provides an independent platform for taxpayers who previously lacked a means to challenge unfair treatment by tax authorities. The office acts as an impartial institution for resolving complaints through mediation, conciliation, and alternative dispute resolution, serving as a first point of contact before taxpayers seek legal redress. While not a court, it offers a primary layer of dispute resolution, with matters still able to proceed to the Tax Appeal Tribunal if parties are dissatisfied. The Nigerian Tax Ombud's mandate is broader than similar offices in some other countries, covering tax and revenue-related complaints involving agencies like the Nigeria Revenue Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, and the Nigerian Ports Authority. The office has already begun receiving complaints, including cases from the Niger State Internal Revenue Service and NIMASA. Nwabueze emphasized that the office aims to strengthen transparency, accountability, fairness, and taxpayer confidence, protecting taxpayer rights while ensuring compliance with legitimate obligations. He acknowledged past instances of unfair treatment for taxpay
Must ReadSomali referee Omar Artan expressed disappointment after being denied entry into the United States, which has ended his aspirations of becoming the first Somali official to referee at a FIFA World Cup finals. Artan was removed from FIFA’s list of match officials for the 2026 World Cup after being stopped by immigration authorities at Miami International Airport and subsequently repatriated to Turkey. Speaking to The New York Times, Artan stated he could not understand the refusal, despite possessing valid travel documents and a correct visa. He underwent an 11-hour immigration interview before being denied entry and placed in a holding cell, then flown back to Istanbul. US immigration authorities have not provided an official reason for the decision. FIFA confirmed Artan would be unable to officiate, stating they are not involved in host country immigration processes. A senior adviser to Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and a Somali embassy official confirmed Artan traveled with valid documents, with his diplomatic passport issued to facilitate travel after previous visa difficulties. The decision means Artan will miss the World Cup, as all selected referees are required to be based in Miami. Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House Task Force on the World Cup, defended the decision, while Artan suggested his nationality might have been a factor. The incident has sparked debate and raised concerns about travel and visa issues for the World Cup.