Today's Headlines: Tinubu Under Intense Pressure to Let Kanu Go; Bauchi LG Election Holds August 17
The South-East governors and National Assembly members are urging President Tinubu to consider releasing Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB, to resolve the political impasse. This move has sparked varied reactions: some support it as a step towards peace, while others argue it undermines the justice system. Kanu's detention since 2021 has been contentious, with calls for his release intensifying among political and traditional leaders in the South-East, citing potential benefits for regional stability and economic activities.
Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (BASIEC) has rescheduled the local government elections to August 17. Initially planned for August 10, the change was due to unspecified reasons. Since October 2020, all local government chairmen and deputies in Bauchi have been appointed as caretaker committee chairmen by Governor Bala Mohammed. BASIEC Chairman Ahmed Makama urged political parties to adjust their plans for the new date.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has reported that it impounded a total of 9,370 vehicles in the first half of 2024 for various traffic violations. This includes 3,034 private vehicles and 6,336 commercial vehicles, comprising buses and articulated vehicles. Additionally, LASTMA recorded 517 incidents, including overturned vehicles and minor accidents, resulting in 256 casualties. LASTMA's General Manager emphasized the importance of obeying traffic rules and announced initiatives to enhance service delivery and public confidence, including staff training and the upcoming launch of a toll-free Call Centre.
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kaduna chapter, has strongly condemned the abduction of two of its members, Alhaji Abdulraheem Aodu and Alhaji Abdulgafar Alabelewe, along with their family members in Kaduna. The incident occurred in the Danhono area of Kaduna metropolis, where armed bandits broke into their residences, shooting indiscriminately. SWAN has called on both the Federal and Kaduna State governments, as well as security agencies, to urgently intervene and secure the safe release of the victims.