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Breaking:DSS Arrests #EndbadGovernance Leader

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Operatives of the Department of State Services have arrested one of the leaders of the ongoing Endbadgovernance protests in the Federal Capital Territory, Micheal Lenin.

Lenin was picked up by the DSS around 2 am on Monday at his residence in the Apo area of the FCT.

Speaking with Punch newspapers, the Director of Mobilisation, Take It Back Movement, Damilare Adenola, said Lenin’s house was raided by the DSS.

He alleged that the DSS also assaulted him during his arrest.

Adenola said, “Lenin has been arrested by the DSS. He was picked up during a raid on his house around 2am.

“He was arrested and tortured in the presence of his family. We are demanding his immediate and unconditional release.“

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The DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, could not be reached as of the time of filing this report.

He has yet to respond to a message sent to him.

Lenin, who is the National Coordinator, of the Youth Rights Campaign, was one of the organisers who spoke at a press briefing expressing disappointment with President Bola Tinubu’s broadcast on Sunday.

At the briefing, he said the President’s broadcast demonstrated that he is out of touch with reality in the country.

He said, “We wish to express our sadness and deep disappointment at the latest broadcast by President Tinubu which is his first address to the nation on the #EndBadGovernance protests, after over three weeks since Nigerians started mobilising to take to the streets and after scores of dead protesters and assaulted journalists from the first three days of the protests.

“Many had requested that the President should just address the nation when the protest was being mobilised and when it started to escalate, but most of us did not know that the President would only justify state violence on protesters and journalists while dismissing the demands of the protesters whenever he decides to speak.

This, plus the failed attempt to co-opt the progressive and radical language of the protests only shows how much President Tinubu is out of touch with the masses.“

Lenin, however, said the protest would continue massively on Monday, calling on the citizens to come out in large numbers.

He said, “We, therefore, call on Nigerians to come out in large numbers to continue these protests on Monday until our demands are met.

The two-pronged approach of violence and propaganda has failed.

“The violence and repressions are just attempts to silence and control us, and the propaganda cannot sway or fool us.”

Punch

 

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One Voice Development Initiative Backs NGO Profiling in Kano

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The One Voice Development Initiative has expressed support for the newly inaugurated committee tasked with profiling NGOs and donor organizations in Kano State.

Speaking at a press conference at the NUJ Press Centre in Kano, the group’s chairman, Comrade Abbas Abdullahi Yakassai, said the initiative is aimed at ensuring accountability and transparency in NGO operations.

Yakassai stated that the profiling process is not intended to suppress NGOs but to facilitate coordination between the government and development organizations.

“This effort will enhance the integrity of the sector and eliminate unscrupulous organizations whose activities may contradict the moral and religious values of Kano State,” he said.

The committee, chaired by Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, includes representatives from the government, security agencies, civil society, and religious organizations. Yakassai noted that its composition would help regulate NGO activities.

Referring to similar actions in Borno, Rivers, and Yobe states, he argued that regulation is necessary to address concerns over initiatives

“NGOs play a critical role in health, education, and social development, but without oversight, there is a risk of activities that could undermine the state’s foundational values,” he said.

The One Voice Development Initiative called on stakeholders, including civil society groups and the public, to engage with the process.

 

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Sultan Declares Saturday as First Day of Ramadan in Nigeria

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The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared Saturday, February 1, 2025, as the first day of Ramadan in Nigeria.

The announcement followed the sighting of the new crescent in various parts of the country, which was verified by the national and state moon sighting committees. Speaking at his palace in Sokoto, the Sultan urged Muslims to begin the Ramadan fast in accordance with Islamic teachings.

He called on the Muslim community to use the holy month for devotion, prayers, and supplications for Nigeria’s peace and progress. He also emphasized the importance of religious tolerance, unity, and extending support to the less privileged during Ramadan.

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NORP Commends Federal Lawmaker for Supporting Journalists During Ramadan

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The Northern Online Reporters and Publishers (NORP), Kano State Chapter, has expressed gratitude to Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, the lawmaker representing Rano, Kibiya, and Bunkure Federal Constituency, for his generous donation of 25kg bags of rice to each of its members as a Ramadan gift.

In a statement signed by the Interim Chairman and national treasurer  of NORP, Comrade Abbas Yusha’u Yusuf, the association described the gesture as a reflection of Hon. Rurum’s commitment to the welfare of journalists, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.

“This act of kindness demonstrates Hon. Rurum’s dedication to supporting journalists and media practitioners, especially during this sacred month of fasting and reflection. His generosity will go a long way in easing the burden on our members and reinforcing the spirit of community and solidarity,” the statement read.

NORP further reiterated its dedication to ethical journalism and objective reporting, acknowledging leaders like Hon. Rurum who recognize and support the role of the media in society.

“We remain committed to upholding the values of ethical journalism and objective reporting, and we appreciate leaders like Hon. Rurum who recognize the significance of the media in society,” Yusuf stated.

The association extended prayers for the lawmaker, asking Almighty Allah to reward him abundantly for his support.

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