How Sowore, Others Were Illegally Arrested, Brutalised In Abuja
Again, the Muhammadu Buhari-led government of Nigeria displayed its disdain for human rights and peaceful assembly when security forces arrested human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, and other activists in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Sowore and other activists were carrying out a peaceful procession to mark the New Year. The activists were almost done with their crossover procession when about seven loaded vans of the Nigerian security forces swooped on them, brutalising everyone at sight.
Eyewitnesses say police officers suspected to be the Rapid Response Squad stormed Gudu junction in Abuja, wounding Sowore before whisking him away with other activists from the location.
They were taken to Abattoir police station of the allegedly disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit in Abuja, where they are currently being tortured and detained.
According to sources, the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate in the 2019 elections was severely injured by the policemen.
Source – Sahara Reporters
2021: APC reassures Nigerians that Nigeria will come out of its challenges
The President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress, APC, has reassured that the country will come out of its challenges with the cooperation of all stakeholders.
The party said this in its new year message to Nigerians on Thursday in Abuja, adding that the Federal Government is taking necessary measures to resolve the country’s challenges.
The message was signed by Gov. Mai Mala Buni, Chairman, APC Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee, and Sen. James Akpanudoedehe, the committee’s secretary.
It noted that on account of difficult economic circumstances occasioned by the decline in economic activities, the country’s security challenges got escalated.
It, however, said that Nigerians must unite and work together to bring about lasting solutions to the country’s challenges.
Source Vanguard
Nigeria’s Debt Profile Climbs to N32.2tn
Nigeria’s total public debt stock, which comprises the debt stock of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), the 36 state governments and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has climbed from N31.009 trillion as of June 30, 2020 to N32.223 trillion ($84.574 billion) by September 30.
Going by the latest statistics released by the Debt Management Office (DMO), this translates to a growth of N1.214 trillion or 3.91 per cent increase.
In dollar terms, total domestic debt stood at $52,589.01 billion, with the federal government accounting for $41,591.16 billion while states and the FCT accounted for $10,997.86 billion.
Source – ThisDay
FG protests over killing of Nigerian in Ireland
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has expressed dissatisfaction over the fatal killing of a 27-year-old Nigerian, Mr. George Nkencho, in Ireland.
Chairman of NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the killing as “callous” in a statement on Thursday.
It was gathered that Nkencho was shot dead by gardaí ((Irish police) during an incident in west Dublin on Wednesday afternoon.
The Irish Examiner reported that a protest took place yesterday morning outside a garda station in Dublin following yesterday’s fatal shooting by gardaí of a 27-year-old man.
Source – ThisDay
Stock Exchange records best performance in 8yrs, rises 50.02%
The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has recorded its best performance in the last eight years on the back of the positive sentiment that swept through the market to record 50.02 percent returns as the year 2020 ended yesterday (December 31, 2020).
Also, investors recorded N8.19 trillion gains following the renewed interest, especially by local investors.
Specifically, the market, which opened the year at 26,842.07 points, rode steadily on some positive policy initiatives of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to curtail the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic and accelerate the economy, to close the year at 40,270.72 points.
Also, the market capitalisation, which opened at N12.969 trillion, rose to N21.157 trillion, indicating 63.14 percent growth during the year.
Source – Vanguard
Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe hits 43
Business woman, Nollywood sweetheart and brand influencer Mercy Aigbe, is 43!
In her message to celebrate her new age, she wrote: “Glowing in Grace, Chapter 43 loading 🤩 Agbeke Aya ‘D’ Owner 😍🤩 Next Chapter in a bit 🥂🥂🥂🍾🍾💃 Before, moving into the next chapter of my life, all I want to say is Uwese Baba! Dansaki re Oba Awon Oba! Big thank you Jehovah, the I AM that I AM , thank you God of many chances 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏”
Source – PM News