NEWS
Protests: Tinubu not Wholly Responsible for Nigeria’s Economic Woes – PDP

A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chieftain in Ondo State, Sen. Nicholas Tofowomo, says President Bola Tinubu should not be blamed wholly for the economic challenges currently facing the country.Tofowomo, who represented Ondo South Senatorial District at the Ninth National Assembly, stated this in an interview on Monday in Okitipupa.
Though the lawmaker noted that though the economic situation was exacerbated by fuel subsidy removal and other economic policies, nevertheless, he said that the president should not be totally blamed for the country’s woes. He noted that the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari had removed provisions for fuel subsidy in the 2023 budget.The former senator further stated that Tinubu, who inherited the budget, only announced and took responsibility for the subsidy removal.“I was part of the ninth national assembly that passed the 2023 budget. There was no provision for fuel subsidy in the budget. So it was the Buhari administration that removed fuel subsidy.“The truth is that Tinubu inherited the budget; he only announced it during his inaugural speech on May 29, 2023 and took responsibility.“So I don’t think we should put all the blame on him for the current economic woes,’ he said.The PDP chieftain, however, said that Tinubu’s information strategy was defective and that his information handlers were not doing enough on the issue, thus resulting in the nationwide protest.“I think the Sunday broadcast after four days into the #EndBadGovernance# protest was supposed to have come before the commencement of the protest,” Tofowomo said.The former lawmaker, however, said that in spite of the late broadcast, the president had acknowledged that he heard Nigerian loud and clear and called on the organisers to halt the protests and embrace dialogue.Tofowomo urged the protesters to suspend their protests, go back to the drawing board and embrace dialogue in order to chart a new course for the country, adding that nothing meaningful could be achieved through violent protests.“There are three ways to solve a problem: consultation, negotiation and confrontation. The protesters should go back to the drawing board and negotiate with government, because nothing meaningful will come out of any violent protest.“The organisers of the protesters must also realise that this democracy must be handled with care and protected jealousy because breaking up the country is not the solution to the myriad of our problems,” the PDP chieftain said. The protests, which kicked-off on Aug. 1, had resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property in some parts of the country. (NAN)NEWS
Police Reunite 35 Rescued Kidnapped Victims with Families

The Police Command in Niger, says it has reunited 35 rescued kidnapped victims and survivors with their families in Niger.
This is contained in a statement by its Public Relations officer, Wasiu Abiodun, on Tuesday in Minna.
According to the statement the rescued victims consist of 16 women and 19 children.
The Commissioner of Police (CP) in Niger, Adamu Elleman, represented by the DCP investigation, Ibrahim Adamu, said the victims were from Kagara, Tegina and Agwara.
According to the CP, the victims had been in custody for some period for counselling and deradicalisation processes before handed over to their Council Chairman of Rafi LGA and relatives.
He appealed to members of the public to continue to cooperate with the police by providing actionable information on criminal activities.
NEWS
Turkish Embassy Pledges Partnership with Asset Media Group

By Donald Andoor, Abuja
The Turkish Embassy in Nigeria has pledged a working relationship with the Asset Media Group and Nigeria’s media in general to further boost long lasting diplomatic and trade relations existing between the two countries.
Head of Political Office, Embassy of the Republic of Turkiye, Muzaiffer Hakan Tok who was exchanging views with the management team of Asset Media Group in Abuja, yesterday recalled the robust diplomatic, trade and cultural relationship between Nigeria and Turkiye.
While stressing the cordial relationship existing between the two nations over time, he said there was need for media practitioners to be further enlightened about those things that were common and binding between the two nations.
He applauded the people of Nigeria and the government for the hospitality accorded Turkish nationals in the country.
Earlier, Dr. Cletus Akwaya, Proprietor of Asset Media Group, owners of the Daily Asset Newspaper and Asset Television, said the visit was to explore ways of media partnership with the embassy.
He appealed to the Turkish Embassy in Nigeria to initiate avenues for exchange of visits between journalists of the two countries to enable them to enlighten and educate the public about opportunities that abound in the country.
The diplomatic relations between the two nations started when Turkey opened an embassy in Lagos in 1962. The embassy was moved to Abuja in 2001 after Nigeria’s proclamation of Abuja as the new capital.
On the other hand, Nigeria has an embassy in Ankara, the capital of Turkey and the two countries are members of a group of eight developing nations, code named D-8.
The delegation of the Daily Asset Group included Donald Andoor, Chairman Editorial Board and General Manager of Asset Television, Ayami Sunny Ayami.
NEWS
NCS Cautions Nigerians against Breach of US Visa Terms

By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued a public advisory urging Nigerians to use U.S. entry visas responsibly, following concerns raised by the United States government over visa misuse.
The NCS emphasized that Nigerian travelers must adhere strictly to the purpose stated in their visa applications, warning that engaging in activities inconsistent with their visa classification could lead to revocation.
It reminded the public that security screening by U. S. authorities continues beyond the point of entry, and that visa holders remain under regular monitoring.The agency also reiterated the importance of complying with U.
S. immigration laws, including import/export regulations. Travelers were further reminded to declare any cash in excess of $10,000 or its equivalent at entry or exit points, and to avoid carrying any prohibited items in their luggage.NCS advised all passengers to maintain lawful conduct both within Nigeria and abroad, cautioning that fraudulent acts committed in any country could result in legal consequences under both Nigerian and U.S. laws.
Assuring continued collaboration with the U.S. Mission in Abuja, the NCS stated that efforts are ongoing to ensure Nigeria avoids inclusion in any future visa restrictions, thus safeguarding the travel rights of Nigerians with legitimate purposes for visiting the United States.