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Zuma: Union advises Nigerians to be vigilant as protests engulf South Africa

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4 years ago

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Protests in South Africa
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The Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA), has urged Nigerians living in South Africa to be vigilant and adopt safety and security measures as protests spread over the incarceration of former President Jacob Zuma.

Zuma, 79, was jailed for defying a court order to testify before a state-backed inquiry probing allegations of corruption against him during his term as president from 2009 to 2018.

The President of the union, Mr Adetola Olubajo, gave the advice in a statement emailed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) from Johannesburg on Monday.

He said five businesses belonging to Nigerians were among those destroyed on Sunday as the country grapple with the violence.

The protests that engulfed Kwa Zulu Natal and Gauteng Province has spread to other parts of the country leading to looting and damaging of property.

Zuma’s bid to be released from the Estcourt Correctional Centre was rejected by a regional court on Friday.

He is set to make another attempt on Monday with the Constitutional Court, the country’s highest court.

The rioting by Zuma’s supporters began in his home region of KwaZulu-Natal province last week and spread during the weekend to Gauteng province, including Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city.

Olubajo said that the union had undertaken a fact-finding trip and was highly disturbed by the extent of looting, destructions and violence perpetrated by the angry protesters.

“Violent protest erupted in Kwa Zulu Natal province during the weekend after the incarceration of former President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma.

“More than 18 trucks had been set ablaze, businesses looted and properties damaged.

“These violent protests spread on Sunday to some cities in Gauteng, especially Jeppetown, Jules Street, Hillbrow, Alexander, Springfield Park, Vosloorus areas of Johannesburg.

“These violent looting and attacks are spreading rapidly to other areas of Gauteng and Kwa Zulu Natal Province with cars burnt and businesses belonging to both locals and foreign nationals looted and destroyed,’’ he said.

He said that South African Police had confirmed the arrest of over 200 offenders, several injured people, including a police officer killed on Sunday and six others.

Olubajo added that the union was yet to get the identities of those arrested and those who died.

“At this point, the South African police seem overwhelmed by the massive crowd and the situation is getting out of hand.

“We have identified five businesses belonging to Nigerians that were looted and destroyed on Sunday by the angry mob in Johannesburg.

“The looting and destructions of property has continued unabated till today.”

He appealed to Nigerians there to remain calm and law abiding but be very vigilant.

The president said NUSA national secretariat had already issued safety tips to Nigerians, and would continue to give such useful information.

“The union’s emergency management team is monitoring the situation and providing help to Nigerian nationals in areas it can.

“We also urge Nigerians to continue to observe all COVID-19 protocols to avoid contacting the virus.’’ (NAN)

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International

Finnish Court Jails Simon Ekpa Six Years for Terrorism

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3 months ago

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September 1, 2025

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Simon Ekpa
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A Finnish court on Monday sentenced Nigerian-born Finnish politician Simon Ekpa to six years in prison for terrorism-related offences.

The Päijät-Häme District Court found the 40-year-old former Lahti municipal councillor guilty of participating in a terrorist organisation, incitement to commit crimes for terrorist purposes, aggravated tax fraud, and violations of the Lawyers Act.

Prosecutors said that between 2021 and 2024, Ekpa promoted the independence of the so-called Biafra region in Nigeria through illegal means, using social media to influence followers and support armed groups the court classified as terrorist organisations.

The court ruled that Ekpa provided weapons and explosives through his contacts and urged his supporters on X, formerly Twitter, to commit crimes in Nigeria. He denied all charges.

Ekpa was arrested in December 2024 and tried over 12 sessions earlier this year. A three-judge panel delivered the unanimous verdict, ordering him to remain in custody.

 

 

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International

In Brazil, Tinubu Calls for Innovation-Driven Transformation in Nigeria

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4 months ago

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August 27, 2025

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President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
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President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to positioning Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s development, with a focus on technology, food security, and innovation.

Speaking to Nigerians in Brazil on Wednesday, Tinubu described his visit as a strategic step to deepen bilateral ties and learn from the South American country’s rapid development.

“Once upon a time, Nigeria and Brazil stood on the same level. Look at Brazil today — its technology, its food systems. We must ask ourselves: what do they have that we don’t? We have the brains, the energy, and the youth. We have everything we need. Now, we must act,” he said.

The President stressed that his government is laying the foundation for partnerships in manufacturing, technology, and cultural exchange, with the goal of unlocking Nigeria’s potential.

Acknowledging the difficulties citizens face due to ongoing economic reforms, Tinubu insisted that the measures are necessary for long-term prosperity.

“Yes, the reforms are tough — like bitter medicine. But once the fever is gone, you know the cure was worth it,” he said.

He commended the Nigerian diaspora community in Brazil, urging them to see themselves as critical stakeholders in building a new Nigeria.

“You are the pride of our nation. Your diversity, your commitment — it reflects the Nigeria we are working to build. I salute you all,” Tinubu stated.

The President further called for unity and resilience among Nigerians, adding that the dream of a prosperous nation must be pursued with urgency.

“If Wole Soyinka, at over 90, can still dream and act, then we have no excuse. The dream must be realised. The time is now,” he said.

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International

Tinubu Arrives in Brazil for Two-Day State Visit After U.S. Stopover

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4 months ago

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August 25, 2025

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stepping out from Airplane
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President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Brasília, Brazil, for a two-day state visit focused on deepening bilateral ties and securing new investments.

Tinubu, who flew in from Los Angeles after attending the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Japan, was received at the Brasília Air Base by senior Brazilian government officials, including Ambassador Carlos Sérgio Sobral Duarte, Secretary for Africa and the Middle East, and Carlos José Areias Moreno Garcete, Brazil’s Ambassador to Nigeria.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, also joined the reception. Other cabinet ministers, heads of key agencies, and private sector representatives later welcomed the president at his hotel.

The official welcoming ceremony, with full military honours, is scheduled for Monday at the Planalto Palace.

According to presidential aides, the visit will focus on activating multi-billion-dollar agricultural investments, advancing the $1.1 billion Green Imperative mechanisation project, and attracting fresh foreign direct investment in Nigeria’s agriculture and energy sectors.

Tinubu is also expected to participate in a Nigeria–Brazil business forum, bilateral meetings, and the signing of agreements and memoranda of understanding in technology, aviation, renewable energy, and climate resilience.

The presidency has not disclosed when the president is expected to return to Abuja.

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