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SOKAPU Questions FG’s inability to fight bandits, while it can easily arrest Kanu Igboho
Precious ADELOLA
ABUJA-The Southern Kaduna Peoples Union has carpeted the Federal Government over the arrest and detention of activists across the country, while it displays a questionable inability to curtail the activities of bandits, killer herdsmen and terrorism.
The umbrella body of the Southern Kaduna people urged the government to deploy the same tactics adopted in the arrest of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, and Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, aka Sunday Igboho, in tackling the rampaging bandits in the North.
SOKAPU’s National President, Jonathan Asake, stated this while addressing journalists in Kaduna on Thursday.
The SOKAPU leader also alleged that over 100 natives had so far been killed in communities in the Zango-Kataf Local Government Area of the state recently.
According to him, the government must stop the use of force on mere agitators, while pampering terrorists in the North.
Asake, a former House of Representatives member, said, “Again, this year, with the commencement of another rainy season, the onslaughts have resumed, which coincide with the period when our farming communities need to be on their farms.
“With particular reference are the recent attacks on communities in Zangon Kataf LGA, where no fewer than 100 persons have been massacred within seven days, 12 villages completely decimated and over 90 per cent of Atyap land deserted by inhabitants over fears of frightening uncertainties.
“It is sadly unbelievable that 10 days after these massacres and displacement in our communities from all observable indices, there appears to be a conspiracy of silence or a deliberate attempt by the government to downplay the severity of the atrocities and genocides being perpetrated by these attackers across our communities.”
On attacks and kidnapping in the North, Asake added, “We are convinced beyond doubt that the government has a capacity to combat these daredevil bandits, who have made life unbearable for our communities.
“If the government could lure the Benue militant, Terwase Akwaza, aka Gana, out of his hideout in September 2020, and later killed him; if they could trace Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to Kenya and blindfold him to Nigeria in June 2021; if they could trace Sunday Igboho to Cotonou and arrest him just a few days ago; and if they could smoke out the commander of the Eastern Security Network, Ikonso, and later kill him in April 2021, then, it clearly shows that the government has enough capacity to deal with the situation.
“We find it strange to explain how the government is unwilling to tackle banditry and kidnappings in the North, but at the same time hasty in deploying full intelligence and military force against southern and Middle Belt activists, who are engaged in one form of agitation, criminality or otherwise.
“Even when these bandits brought down an air force jet last Sunday, July 19, at the border between Zamafa and Kaduna states, thereby challenging the sovereignty of our country, the government has not shown enough action to tackle the dangers posed by bandits and insurgents, who have now acquired anti-aircraft launchers and sophisticated weapons.
“The survival, unity and progress of the Nigerian state are more threatened by the untamed atrocities of these northern bandit groups and armed Fulani herdsmen more than the actions of the Kanus, Igbohos and Terwases of the southern and Middle Belt regions.
The Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has disclosed that the Federal Government will soon issue a directive mandating all government agencies and parastatals to accept corps members posted to them under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Olawande addressed concerns over the rejection of corps members despite the government’s recent decision to lift restrictions on their deployment to private sector organizations.
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He said, “Let them post them first, then we would tackle the rejection. In part of the memo we sent to the NYSC, we clearly stated that there is no barrier. Before now, there was a barrier that corps members could not be posted to certain places.
“Banks come and take them now. If you don’t have experience in banking, how do you want to know that you are good at accounting or whatever? This is also part of how you should learn whatever you studied.”
Olawande revealed that the ministry plans to submit a memo to President Bola Tinubu, requesting an executive order to compel all government agencies and parastatals to accept corps members assigned to them.
“It is a process; we can’t do everything at once. The one in our capacity, we have thrown it out. So, on the barrier, we are also waiting. I know about that too. We will work, and that is why teamwork is good,” the minister added.
Biztellers reports that the Federal Government on November 19, 2024, lifted a longstanding restriction that limited corps members’ postings to public sector institutions.
This policy change now permits the deployment of corps members to private organizations, including banks and oil companies, to broaden their professional exposure.
Olawande also addressed concerns about the delay in implementing the new N77,000 monthly allowance for corps members. While confirming the increase, he assured that the process is nearing completion.
“It is a process. When the government increases so and so, it will follow a process. We are in the process; very soon they will see it. It is not rocket science.
“It has been increased; nobody is saying it has not been increased. But the implementation is in process. And very soon, we are at the tip of it, it is going to start, and we will implement it perfectly,” he stated.
The minister’s remarks come as the government intensifies efforts to address challenges within the NYSC program and enhance the overall experience of corps members, ensuring their contributions to both public and private sectors are maximized.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has announced a significant drop in Nigeria’s unemployment rate, which fell to 4.3% in the second quarter of 2024, down from 5.3% in the first quarter.
The data was revealed in the Nigeria Labour Force Survey (NLFS) report for Q2 2024, released on Monday.
The report highlighted improvements across several labor market indicators.
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The labor force participation rate among the working-age population rose to 79.5% in Q2 2024, compared to 77.3% in Q1.
Similarly, the employment-to-population ratio climbed to 76.1%, an increase of 2.9 percentage points from the 73.2% recorded in the first quarter.
On a year-on-year basis, however, the employment-to-population ratio saw a slight decline from 77.1% in Q2 2023.
The NBS also noted a reduction in the combined unemployment and time-related underemployment rate, which fell to 13% in Q2 2024 from 15.3% in Q1.
Urban vs. Rural Unemployment
A closer look at the data revealed disparities in urban and rural unemployment rates.
The unemployment rate in urban areas was 5.2% in Q2 2024, nearly double the 2.8% recorded in rural areas.
Youth and Education Employment Metrics
The youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) stood at 6.5% in Q2 2024, while unemployment among individuals with secondary education was slightly higher at 7.6%.
The report also showed that 12.5% of youth were not in education, employment, or training (NEET), with a higher proportion of females than males in this category.
Informal Sector Employment
Informal employment remained dominant in the Nigerian labor market, accounting for 93% of jobs. Additionally, 3.7% of the working-age population was engaged in subsistence agriculture.
Time-Related Underemployment Declines
The time-related underemployment rate dropped to 9.2% in Q2 2024 from 10.6% in the previous quarter, marking continued progress in addressing labor underutilization.
Nigeria’s former Senate President, Abubakar Saraki has eulogised his political ally, Nigeria’s former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, who attained 78 years on Monday.
The former governor of Kwara State took to his verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, on Monday to laud the political strides of the Adamawa born political stalwart.
In his view, Atiku is “a compassionate servant of the people whose lifelong dedication to the nation’s progress and unity has earned him the admiration of Nigerians across the globe”.
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Saraki wrote, “His Excellency, Alhaji @Atiku Abubakar, stands as a compassionate servant of the people whose lifelong dedication to the nation’s progress and unity has earned him the admiration of Nigerians across the globe.
“As he marks his 78th birthday today, my family and I join all Nigerians in extending our warmest wishes for a very happy birthday. We pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) continues to bless him with good health, strength, and wisdom to sustain his invaluable service to our nation. Ameen.”
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