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Tinubu Criticized for Speech as EndBadGovernance Protests Continue

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Stakeholders have expressed disappointment with President Bola Tinubu’s recent speech, criticizing his failure to address the core demands of the EndBadGovernance protesters.

The nationwide protests, which began on August 1 and are set to last ten days, have been sparked by widespread frustration over economic hardships, including hunger and the soaring cost of living.

The protests have spread to various states, including Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger, and Jigawa.

The demonstrations have turned violent, with reports of fatalities and significant injuries.

Amnesty International has reported that at least 13 people were killed, while other sources suggest the number could be as high as 19.

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Property damage and looting have also been reported in some areas.In response, President Tinubu addressed the nation, expressing sympathy for the victims’ families and urging protesters to engage in dialogue rather than continue the demonstrations.

He outlined government measures, including the disbursement of N570 billion for livelihood support and the distribution of conversion kits for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to reduce transportation costs.

Despite rejecting calls for the reinstatement of fuel subsidies, Tinubu promised to distribute one million CNG conversion kits.However, critics argue that Tinubu’s speech did not address several key demands made by the protesters.

These demands include significant reforms to the Senate, raising the minimum wage to N250,000, releasing political detainees like Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, tackling insecurity, and reforming the judiciary.

Stakeholders have voiced their concerns about the lack of concrete responses to these issues.Yerima Shettima, President General of the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum, expressed frustration over Tinubu’s lack of focus on the security crisis in northern Nigeria and the need to reduce government expenditure.

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He suggested that the president should have declared a state of emergency in affected northern states and made efforts to cut governance costs.Yunusa Tanko, spokesman for Labour Party’s Peter Obi, criticized Tinubu for not providing actionable solutions to the economic issues affecting Nigerians, such as reducing fuel prices and supporting agricultural production.

Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation Magazine, also expressed dismay, noting that the speech failed to address the protesters’ demands and questioning the effectiveness of Tinubu’s advisors.As the protests continue, organizers have threatened to extend them beyond the planned ten days if their demands are not met.

Omoleye Sowore, a prominent activist, stated that the protests would persist if the government’s responses remain inadequate.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian military has warned that it will intervene if the violence escalates further, emphasizing the need for unity and caution against vandalism.


 

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Legal Group Files Lawsuit Against Trump Over Tariffs, Claims He Exceeded His Authority

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A legal advocacy group filed a lawsuit on Monday challenging US President Donald Trump’s broad tariffs on foreign trade partners. The group, Liberty Justice Center, argues that Trump exceeded his authority by imposing these tariffs and has asked the US Court of International Trade to block them.

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of five small businesses, targets the tariffs Trump introduced on April 2, as well as the additional duties placed on China. These businesses include a wine and spirits importer from New York and a Virginia-based company making educational kits and musical instruments.

Liberty Justice Center senior counsel Jeffrey Schwab argued that only Congress, not the president, has the constitutional authority to set tax rates, including tariffs. He stated, “No one person should have the power to impose taxes with such far-reaching global consequences.”

In response, White House spokesman Harrison Fields defended Trump’s tariffs, saying they were necessary to address unfair trade practices, particularly with China. He claimed the president is standing up for American businesses and workers by correcting trade imbalances.

This lawsuit follows another similar legal challenge in Florida, where a small business owner is also seeking to block tariffs on Chinese goods.

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Trump’s tariffs include a 10% duty on goods from all countries, with higher rates for those with significant barriers to US imports. While some of the tariffs were paused for 90 days, the Liberty Justice Center argues that Trump’s use of special executive powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act doesn’t authorize such actions.


 

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Portable Sent to Prison in Ilorin After Failing to Meet Bail in Saheed Osupa Case

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Controversial singer Portable, whose real name is Okikiola Badmus, has been sent to the Oke Kura Correctional Centre in Ilorin, Kwara State.

This followed his failure to meet the strict bail conditions set by an Upper Area Court, where he appeared on Monday over a defamation case filed by Fuji music legend Saheed Osupa.

The court granted him bail at N1 million with tough conditions. He is required to provide two sureties—one must be either the Chairman or Secretary of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), while the other must own a property within a Government Reserved Area in Ilorin and present a valid Certificate of Occupancy.

Until those conditions are met, Portable will remain in custody.


 

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Yoon Suk Yeol’s Trial Begins Over Martial Law And Causing Political Chaos

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The criminal trial of South Korea’s former president, Yoon Suk Yeol, began on Monday as he faces charges of insurrection for declaring martial law late last year, which led to months of political unrest.

The martial law declaration lasted just six hours after parliamentary staffers blocked special forces from entering the parliament building, where lawmakers voted against it.

Yoon, who left his home in a motorcade to attend the court session at the Seoul Central District Court, denied all charges. Prosecutors argued that he had no legal right to declare martial law and accused him of attempting to paralyze state institutions like parliament.

Yoon defended his actions, claiming that martial law was necessary to highlight the opposition party’s control over the legislature, which repeatedly blocked his government’s agenda. He maintained that he never intended to disrupt the country.

The charge of insurrection could result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty, though South Korea has not carried out executions in decades.

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Earlier this month, Yoon was removed from office by the Constitutional Court for violating constitutional powers, with his martial law declaration on December 3 which is a serious blow to democracy. The court notes that his actions caused chaos across society, the economy, and foreign policy.


 

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