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rallies

Obaseki’s wife rallies govs’ wives, others over prevalence of teenage pregnancy, abortion

by admin October 16, 2024

Tribune Online
Obaseki’s wife rallies govs’ wives, others over prevalence of teenage pregnancy, abortion

The Edo State First Lady, Dr (Mrs) Betsy Obaseki, and her Oyo State counterpart, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde, have rallied support to check the menace of teenage pregnancy, which affects their social development. Former First Ladies of Ekiti and Imo States, Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi and Nneoma Okorocha, respectively, also joined their voices in advocating for a […]

Obaseki’s wife rallies govs’ wives, others over prevalence of teenage pregnancy, abortion
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October 16, 2024 0 comment 23 views

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Enugu LG polls: Mbah rallies support for PDP candidates

by admin September 19, 2024

Ahead of the September 21 local government poll in Enugu State, Governor Peter Mbah has urged the electorate to vote for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to consolidate his administration’s development strides.

The governor spoke at the grand finale of the PDP campaign, which was held at the Okpara Square, Enugu, on Wednesday.

Mbah said, “When we say power to the people in PDP, we understand where power belongs. You entrusted your mandate to those who will hit the ground running.

“We are currently executing over 1,000 projects in our state. And what that means is that you have not entrusted your future to people that will use it for trial and error.

“We are building in your various wards, 260 Smart Green Schools and 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres. It is not just about the brick and mortar. It is to ensure that every child has access to quality learning. And it is not just about quality learning.

“We are talking about the robotics, mechatronics, augmented realities, artificial intelligence, virtual reality and computer-generated images. The idea is that 10 to 15 years from now, no child in Enugu State would ever be poor.

“We are spending over a billion naira in every ward. What that means is that we are generating wealth in every community.

“The bye-products of these activities are employment generation and wealth creation so that our people would not longer be hungry. It is not about giving you handouts. It is about providing you job so you can work and get paid.”

He noted that the PDP took conscious steps to elect credible candidates in for the council primary election, knowing that the rural communities were the most developmentally challenged.

“If we are feeling the impact of governance of PDP at the state level, it means that we must cascade it to the grassroots because we are only as good as our weakest link.

“We understand that our weakest point is our rural areas and that is why we have gone through our rigorous process of conducting a credible primary that threw up the best of our best to go to our various local government to serve us.

“The programmes and projects that we are executing need to be consolidated.

“We need men and women whose track record and integrity cannot be questioned; people who have demonstrated in their various places of work that they are able to deliver; and those are the people we are presenting to you to support come Saturday.

“You must all come out en masse. Take nothing for granted; do not say it is a foregone conclusion, PDP has won. You must come out and cast your vote.

“I am assuring you that these men of integrity and competence that are coming to join us to consolidate the works we are doing in our various communities will not fail you. We are going to make sure that they deliver,” he stated.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the PDP in Enugu State, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, said the party’s State Executive Committee campaigned in all the LGAs, while the chairmanship candidates campaigned intensively in all the 260 wards, noting, however, that they did not see the opposition campaigning anywhere.

“If you do not campaign, how do you hope to win? It is a walkover. Nevertheless, we urge our supporters to come out and vote en masse to make the needed statement,” he stated.

Other party chieftains, including the Speaker, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu; Senate Minority Whip, Senator Osita Ngwu; Member representing Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji; the State PDP Woman Leader, Hon. Peace Patrick; the State PDP Youth Leader, Hon. Benneth Ajah; and the immediate past Chairman of the Enugu State Chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, and Chairmanship candidate of the party in Nkanu East, Hon. Okechukwu Edeh, stressed that the governor’s myriad of projects across every nook and cranny in just 15 months had already campaigned and secured victory for the party.

Speaking to newsmen, the party’s chairmanship flagbearer in Isi-Uzo LGA, Hon. Obioara Obeagu, said the governor’s numerous projects had liquidated the vestiges of opposition.

September 19, 2024 0 comment 15 views

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Military talks tough as pro-Russia rallies spread

by admin August 7, 2024

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested no fewer than 30 #Endbadgovernance protesters for waving Russian flags in Kano, Kaduna, Katsina and Bauchi states.

The Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said 873 other protesters have been arrested by the police, including a tailor, identified as Ahmed Bello, who was arrested with a large number of flags in Kano.

This comes as President Bola Tinubu directed security agencies to crack down on those flying Russian flags in the country.

Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, said this on Monday while briefing State House correspondents after the National Security Council meeting.

All the service chiefs, including Vice President Kashim Shetima, Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser; and Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police; attended the meeting.

He said the service chiefs briefed the President on the current security situation in the country.

He added that the briefing was necessitated by the ongoing nationwide protests, which resulted into violence in some states.

“Initially, when the protest started, they said it was a peaceful protest, but we have realised that there are individuals willing to take advantage of it to cause mayhem.

“And we can see clearly what has happened since it commenced. Criminals have taken over, with a lot of looting, stealing, and all sorts happening,” he said.

He said the situation became worrisome as foreign flags were flown within Nigeria’s sovereignty, and that was totally unacceptable.

“We are warning in clear terms, and the President has also said we should convey this: We will not accept anybody, any individual flying any foreign flag in Nigeria.

“That is a treasonable offence, and it will be viewed and treated as such. So, nobody should allow himself to be used by any individual,” said the general.

He said those flying foreign flags were mainly children who were being pushed to do so.

“We’re following up with those who are sponsoring them. Some people are pushing them because the flags were also made. We have identified those behind it, and we are going to take serious action against them.

“The President is clear in his instructions that we do not accept anyone who wants to disrupt the peace and tranquillity of Nigeria,” he said.

He said all security agencies were ready to defend democracy and the nation’s sovereignty.

“We will not accept anyone taking any action, for whatever reason, to want to push for any change of government.

“Democracy is what we stand for; democracy is what we will continue to defend,” he said.

The CDS said he had earlier stated that the military would step in if the protests got out of hand.

“You can see that some subversive elements are pushing individuals to carry Russian flags in Nigeria; that is crossing the red line, and we will not accept that.

In a national broadcast on Sunday, President Tinubu pleaded with the organisers of the nationwide protest to suspend the action as it had gone violent in some states with the attendant loss of lives and destruction of property.

Speaking at the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee joint press briefing, in Abuja, on Monday, Adejobi stated that the police were on the trail of other suspects, especially the sponsors of the protesters waving the Russian foreign flags.

Protesters in their numbers had been seen waving Russian flags around the busy Kano-Zaria Road, Hadejia Road and near the Nyanya bridge, a suburb of Abuja, among others.

Aside from protesting the economic hardship occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy, the demonstrating youths also called for the intervention of the Russian President, Vladimir Putin.

Viral photos and videos showed demonstrators waving the flags as they chanted in Hausa, “We don’t want bad government.”

On Monday, protesters in Kaduna were also seen waving the Russian flags and chanting in Hausa, “Welcome, Russia; Welcome, Russia.”

The protesters regrouped at the Stadium Roundabout before they embarked on a procession at 10:15am Monday morning, marching along the Junction Road towards Ahmadu Bello Road and chanting in Hausa, “Tinubu ze soka’ kaa’sa,” which translates to, “Tinubu must step-down.”

They hailed military personnel, who patrolled the metropolis, chanting, “Tinubu yaa’so’ka, mu’na so soja”, meaning, “Tinubu step down, we want soldiers.”

A few of the protesters waved the Russian flag and chanted the Hausa refrain, “Bama so”, meaning “We don’t want hunger.”

Another group of the protesters tore the Nigerian flag into shreds.

When one of our correspondents asked one of the protesters why they were flying the Russian flag, he said they wanted Nigeria to embrace the Russian government’s style of leadership like some of the countries in the West African region had already done.

“The American and British governments are the ones teaching all our leaders how to kill Nigeria’s economy.

“We are tired of them. Nigeria is tired of their wickedness and hypocrisy. So, like Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, we want Nigeria to embrace Russia. We like Russia’s style. They are better than USA and Britain, who have nothing for the people except our leaders, who are benefitting from them,” the protester stated.

Russia, an Eastern power currently mired in a cold war with the West, has been blamed for the unconstitutional changes of government in West African countries Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso and others.

The Department of State Services stated on X.com that it had arrested some tailors sewing the Russian flags in Kano State, adding that some of their sponsors had also been nabbed.

The DSS post read, “Meanwhile, the Service has apprehended some tailors in Kano State responsible for making Russian flags being distributed in the area. Some of their sponsors have also been picked. An investigation is ongoing.”

This comes as some governors in the North held emergency meetings with security operatives to stop the protests, while curfews were imposed in Plateau, Kaduna and Bauchi states as tempers flared after day five of the protest.

As of the time of filing this report, the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, was leading a Security Council Emergency Meeting at the Government House.

The Governor, while speaking at the opening of the meeting, noted that the meeting became necessary following the destruction of infrastructure in the state.

Representatives of various security personnel in the state, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, youth groups, among others, attended the meeting.

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, also held an emergency security meeting with heads of security agencies to assess the situation after protesters unexpectedly took to the streets, waving Russian national flags on Monday.

One of our correspondents learnt that following the meeting, the state’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, announced a 24-hour curfew for Kaduna and Zaria metropolitan cities to maintain law and order.

The curfew aims to address the escalating security concerns and prevent further unrest in the affected areas.

It was also learnt that the Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had held series of security meetings with heads of various security agencies in the state following the anti-hunger protests, which snowballed into violence.

A source at the Government House told The PUNCH on Monday that the meetings were part of efforts to review the security situation in the state following the massive looting and destruction of public property by hoodlums in Kano.

“For the past three days, the Governor has been holding security meetings to review the security situation in the state,” our source said.

Also, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, on Monday, presided over an expanded emergency security meeting to review the situation and develop a coordinated strategy to prevent further occurrence.

The meeting, which had heads of security agencies, commissioners, local government areas chairmen and traditional rulers, focused on reviewing the security situation in the aftermath of the protests as well as various measures to prevent future occurrences and to ensure the safety of residents across the state.

Addressing the press after the meeting, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Njodi, said, “The government recognises that the protest was primarily driven by the current economic hardship. We are deeply concerned about the welfare of our citizens and are committed to addressing these issues promptly. We acknowledge that security is everybody’s business and therefore, urge members of the public to remain supportive of the government and the security agencies in ensuring security of lives and property.

“As part of renewed efforts to address the hardships, the government plans to roll out another round of food palliatives to support vulnerable households across the state. This initiative, the 19th in the series, aims to provide immediate relief and ensure that no resident goes hungry during these trying times.”

On his part, the state’s Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Usman, who spoke on behalf of the security agencies, reiterated the commitment of the security agencies to maintaining law and order, assuring residents of their safety while urging the public to remain calm and peaceful.

“We are committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property. We urge all residents to cooperate with the authorities and refrain from any actions that could lead to violence or disruption. We cannot allow any actions that are capable of jeopardising our peace. We are not against any protest as far as it follows the rules,” Usman added.

Meanwhile, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, on Monday also convened a State Security Council Meeting to assess and review the current security situation in the state.

This comes after Mutfwang had declared a 24-hour curfew in Jos and Bukuru metropolis.

In a statement signed by the Governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, Mutfwang said the curfew, which was effective from midnight on Sunday, was imposed in the affected areas following reported cases of looting of goods in the Bauchi Road community and Zolo Junction by hoodlums on Sunday.

This is even as hoodlums went on rampage destroying some property in different locations – including the University of Jos, which had its gate torched and the Dilimi community, where some shops were vandalised and looted – in Jos, the state capital.

The security meeting, chaired by Governor Mutfwang, had in attendance all heads of security agencies in the state, Deputy Governor, Josephine Piyo; Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau; Chief of Staff, Jeremiah Satmark; the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Philemon Daffi.

Governor Mutfwang stated that it was aimed at evaluating the current security situation and protecting lives and property from the actions of miscreants.

The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Emmanuel Adesina, who briefed journalists after the meeting, urged residents to strictly adhere to the curfew earlier declared by the state government on Jos and Bukuru metropolis. He reported that 14 individuals had been arrested for violating the curfew.

“The nationwide protest had been peaceful in the state until some miscreants hijacked it on Sunday and began looting public and private assets,” Adesina said. “Our resolution at the meeting is to fully and vigorously enforce the curfew. Anyone caught violating it will be prosecuted.”

Speaking further on the flag-waving incidents, police spokesman Adejobi said the suspects committed treasonable felony by waving a foreign flag in the country.

He said, “So, we need to set this record straight. We have been able to arrest some individuals who were engaging themselves in what I call a treasonable felony.

“To carry the flags of a foreign country in another country is a criminal offence. We have arrested them. Just this (Monday) morning, we arrested one Ahmed Bello from Kano State, for producing a large quantity of Russian flags given to young Nigerians to go and fly for reasons known to him. We are profiling him.

“Do we want to get other sponsors like him? As I speak with you, the same thing has happened in Kaduna. Thus, as we started this briefing, we’ve been able to arrest 30 of them with the same Russian flags. The undertones of this protest, based on our intelligence before this commenced on August 1 2024, have begun to manifest.’’

He added, “I don’t think the #Endbadgovernance protest should degenerate to a level where a foreign country’s flag will be flown in Nigeria. And it’s like spreading from one state to another and another place. Are we still having a protest? That is a big question for all of you.”

Responding to a demand from the protest organisers for the release of the EndSARS protesters, Adejobi stated that those incarcerated in correctional facilities had been charged with criminal offences.

He added, “I want to use this one to even set the records straight. One of the demands of protesters is that the Federal Government should release those who are being incarcerated in prisons for EndSARS protests. We have seven names.

“The Take It Back Movement alleged and tackled our statement from the police that we don’t have any protests in any of our facilities in Nigeria.

“Those incarcerated are those who are in correctional facilities. They are criminals who have been charged to court and they were charged to court for armed robbery, murder and other criminal offences. No single EndSARS protester is still being incarcerated or kept in any of our facilities in Nigeria.”

He added that one of those in prison invaded the Oba of Lagos’ palace and carted away some property.

Adejobi said, “We did our findings and we noticed that the names they rolled out are not protesters. Those who went to attack us, I think one or two of them are those who went to the palace. Is Oba’s palace part of the EndSARS protest? Is it a police station? I don’t think the Oba’s palace in Lagos is part of the police facility.”

In his nationwide broadcast on Sunday, the President urged protesters not to allow those he called “enemies of democracy” to use them to overthrow his government.

“Let nobody misinform and miseducate you about your country or tell you that your government does not care about you.

“Although many hopes have been dashed in the past, we are in a new era of Renewed Hope,” Tinubu said.

On Monday, the security operatives in the FCT scaled up the offensive on protesters as they prevented them from having their street demonstration in the nation’s capital.

At Karu, the security operatives quickly dispersed the protesters with teargas and arrested three.

At Gudu, Area 1 and Gwarinpa areas of the FCT, the protest was disrupted by the security agents.

The protesters, however, didn’t converge on the Moshood Abiola National Stadium as security vans barricaded the entrance.

This is happening as the DSS arrested Adaramoye Michael, popularly known as Michael Lenin, the National Coordinator of the Youth Rights Campaign and one of the leaders of the protest.

Lenin was picked up by the DSS around 2 am on Monday at his residence in the Apo area of the FCT.

The Director of Mobilisation, Take It Back Movement, Damilare Adenola, said Lenin’s house was raided by DSS, adding that the operatives assaulted him during the arrest.

He said, “Lenin has been arrested by the DSS. He was picked up during a raid on his house around 2am. He was arrested and tortured in the presence of his family. We are demanding for his immediate and unconditional release.”

But the service denied arresting Lenin.

“The DSS can confirm that Adaramoye Michael (aka Michael Lenin) is not in its custody,” it said in a post on X.com.

But Adenola insisted his colleague is with the secret police.

He said, “That is a blatant lie. The activist went missing after his residence was raided. However, when our lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, visited the facility of the SSS, it was confirmed that they have him.”

Adeyanju confirmed that Lenin is with the DSS.

“They (DSS) are lying,” he said.

Lenin was one of the organisers who spoke at a press briefing expressing disappointment with President Tinubu’s broadcast on Sunday.

At the briefing, he said the President’s broadcast demonstrated that he was out of touch with reality in the country.

Meanwhile, the organisers of the #Endbadgovernance protest have vowed to drag Tinubu before the United Nations and other international organisations over alleged rights abuses.

Adenola said the group would soon file their petition against the President.

He said, “We are planning to petition the United Nations and other international organisations as soon as possible. These blatant human rights abuses from a civilian dictator will not be tolerated.”

The Initiator of the Creative Change Centre, Omole Ibukun, added, “We are planning to do that petition on international platforms.”

In a related development, the leadership of the New Nigeria People’s Party has distanced its members from the protesters spotted waving Russian flags around in Kano and the neighbouring Kaduna State during the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria demonstration in the North.

The National Publicity of the NNPP, Ladipo Johnson, in an interview with The PUNCH, said Nigeriens and other nationals from the neighbouring countries were behind the Russian flag protest.

Johnson begged the President to address the issue of insecurity as a priority, especially in the North.

He said, “It has come to our notice that Russian flags are being carried in Kano. This is not a good sign. We don’t know them, neither are they our members. We understand that it is a sentiment shared by the neighbouring Niger Republic. Apparently, there are quite a few Nigeriens and other nationalities in the area where this happened.

“But it is a pointer to the fact that the world is a global village. These issues are intertwined, closure of borders and economic problems among others. The government must look at things from a holistic point of view.

“As we are trying to look at the economy, Mr President must seriously address the issue of insecurity. All these things work together and we hope the FG is not showing signs of being overwhelmed by the problems on the ground. We urge the government to turn the page and rejig its strategies to meet the aspirations of Nigerians.”

Meanwhile, the Russian Embassy in Nigeria has issued a statement denying involvement in the protests following the use of the European country’s flag by some of the protesters.

The embassy clarified on Monday that the protesters’ actions did not reflect the official stance of the Russian government.

The statement emphasised Russia’s commitment to non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations, including Nigeria, and reassured that it respects the sovereignty of the country.

It partly read, “The Embassy has noted the reports in Nigerian media and the circulation of videos and images in digital media depicting protesters in northern states of the country carrying Russian flags and chanting slogans to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“The government of the Russian Federation as well as any Russian officials are not involved in these activities and do not coordinate them in any way.

“As always, we emphasise that Russia does not interfere in the domestic affairs of foreign states, including Nigeria. These intentions of some protesters to wave Russian flags are personal choices of individuals, and they do not reflect any official position or policy of the Russian Government on the issue.

“We respect Nigerian democracy and believe that peaceful demonstrations in conformity with the Nigerian law are a manifestation of democracy. However, should these events lead to any disruptions or acts of violence we strictly condemn them.”

August 7, 2024 0 comment 12 views

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Tinubu Rallies Behind Team Nigeria

by admin July 27, 2024

As the 2024 Olympic Games opened in Paris, France yesterday, President Bola Tinubu on behalf of all Nigerians, has sent best wishes to Team Nigeria at the event.

A total of 88 Team Nigeria athletes, including 63 women and 25 men, are flying Nigeria’s flag in 12 sports at the games.

The president in a statement by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, assured those representing the country of his full support and that of over 200 million Nigerians back home, praying and cheering for their success.

President Tinubu said he looks forward to watching the nation’s flagbearer, Ms.Tobi Amusan, the current world record holder in the 100 metres hurdles, and other athletes compete with honour and dedication on the international stage. He enjoined the athletes to exhibit the resilience, courage, respect, self-control, and good sportsmanship that Nigerians are known for.

The president urged the coaching crew, support staff and Nigerian spectators who will be watching the games in Paris to remain worthy ambassadors of the country. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games holds from July 26 to August 11, 2024 and will include 10,714 athletes from 206 countries.

July 27, 2024 0 comment 10 views

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Organisers dare FG, insist on August rallies

by admin July 27, 2024

Nobody in the world can stop us, says northern group
IG claims foreign infilteration, youths accuse DSS of freezing account
Shelve your demonstration, Tantita boss, Tompolo, begs organisers

As momentum continues to gather ahead of the planned nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest, some organisers, who all the while were tagged ‘faceless’, have revealed their identities, Saturday PUNCH reports.

They also insisted that they remained undaunted and would hit the streets on August 1 to demonstrate against bad governance, hardship and hunger.

The groups, numbering at least 26, have made it known that they would take to the streets to protest the prevailing hardship, hunger, and bad governance.

Saturday PUNCH gathered that the groups had also written to at least 20 state governments, seeking permission to use state infrastructure to carry out their civic duty.

Some of the groups, Saturday PUNCH can confirm, include Concerned Nigerians, Nigerians Against Hunger, Initiative for Change, Take it Back Movement, Revolution Now, Human Rights Co-Advocacy Group, Nigerians Against Corruption Initiative, Citizens for Change Advocacy Initiative, Timely Intervention, and Active Citizens Group.

Others include Students for Change, We Coalition, Total Intervention, Refurbished Nigeria, Tomorrow Today, Our Future in Our Own Hands Initiative, Youths Against Tyranny, and Call a Spade a Spade Movement, among others.

Several others, who spoke to our correspondents but chose to remain anonymous, numbered over six, including an all-female group.

One of the organisers, who is the Convener of the Revolution Now Movement, Mr Omoyele Sowore, released a list of locations for the upcoming #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest, scheduled to take place in 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

He said the protest was aimed at bringing attention to the country’s governance issues.

Sowore, a former presidential candidate, urged Nigerians wishing to participate in the campaign to add their towns or cities if they had not already been listed.

He announced the designated locations for the protest in various states including Lagos, Kano, Bauchi, Enugu, Jigawa, Ekiti, Cross River, and the Federal Capital Territory, among others.

The listed locations include Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Lekki/Ajah axis, Badagry, Ikeja, and Epe in Lagos State; Kano main town in Kano State; Azare and Bauchi town in Bauchi State; Enugu city and Nsukka in Enugu State; and Dutse and Kazaure in Jigawa State.

Also listed were Ado-Ekiti and Ikere Ekiti in Ekiti State; Calabar in Cross River State, and Gwagalada and Central Business District in the Federal Capital Territory, among others.

Another organiser, who is the Director of Mobilisation, Take it Back Movement, FCT, Damilare Adenola, said the protest was backed by several groups in the country.

“This is not about one group or another. It is about angry and hungry Nigerians who are tired of this system. Protest is our right. Nobody can take it away from us. We have already written to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, to avail us of the National Stadium built with taxpayers’ money for our peaceful demonstration,” he said.

The group had written to Wike on Friday to grant them the use of Eagle Square for the proposed #EndBadGovernance protest scheduled to be held from August 1 to 10.

They demanded provision of 24-hour power supply, toilet facilities, water, and security for the convenience of citizens who would be camped out at the location.

The statement titled, ‘Request for use of Eagle Square Abuja for #EndBadGovernance protest,’ read, “As one of the groups organizing the forthcoming #EndBadGovernance protest, #DaysOfRage starting from August 1st to 10th, 2024, we at the Take It Back Movement write to your esteemed office to notify you of our decision to use Eagle Square as a point of convergence for patriotic Nigerians to demand better governance.”

A representative of Nigerians Against Hunger, Tunde Thomas, speaking to Saturday PUNCH, said Nigeria was tired of the hunger in the land, adding that the government should intervene.

“Our demands are simple – End hunger. We cannot be the most populous Black nation in the world and be hungry,” he said.

The Secretary-General of the Initiative for Change, Mr Ocean Panem, said the August 1 protest was not a riot but a way to “echo the voices of all Nigerians.”

“The country is in a mess. We need to recognise that. Members of our group are mostly in the Middle Belt and in Cross River. We would come out en masse and make sure we don’t stop till our demands are met,” he said.

A student group leader, who did not want to be named for fear of victimisation, said members of her group, who are mostly law students and students of history, would storm the streets on August 1 to protest.

Nobody can stop protest – Northern group

Speaking in an interview with Saturday PUNCH, the National Chairman of the Northern Comrades Movement of Nigeria, Jabir Yaro, said, “Nothing will stop this protest. Nobody in this world can stop this protest. It will happen and everybody should come out en masse to protest. No level of intimidation will stop us.

Reacting to the withdrawal from the planned protest by another northern group, he said, “Those were APC boys who were paid for propaganda; we are the youth leaders, and we are set for this protest. We are expecting millions of people for this protest. We have informed the security agencies, and we are ready for it.”

Youths accuse DSS of freezing account

The Take it Back Movement in a post on X accused the DSS of freezing its United Bank of Africa account to starve it of funds.

The group threatened legal action if its account wasn’t unfrozen in the next 24 hours.

It read, “It has now come to our attention that @UBAGroup has frozen our account on the instructions of the DSS over our involvement in the forthcoming protest. We describe this action as lawless, and demand our account be unfrozen immediately within the next 24 hours, without which a legal action will be instituted.”

IG sets guidelines

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, urged all groups planning to participate in the nationwide protest to submit their details to the commissioners of police in their respective states.

He made this known while addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, adding that this was to ensure that the protest was peaceful.

Egbetokun said, “We acknowledge the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest. However, in the interest of public safety and order, we urge all groups planning to protest to provide necessary details to the Commissioner of Police in the state where the protest is intended to take place.”

He also stated that the proposed protest routes and assembly points must be made known.

The IG noted that the expected duration of the protest and the names and contact details of protest leaders and organisers must also be provided.

Further speaking, he said there must be measures put in place to prevent the hijacking of the protest by criminal elements, including “key identifiers for possible isolation of potential troublemakers.”

Egbetokun said intelligence at the disposal of the Force also revealed that foreign mercenaries were involved in the proposed nationwide protest.

Palpable tension

Meanwhile, tension has pervaded major cities in Nigeria ahead of the planned nationwide protest.

Despite pleas, persuasions, warnings, and subtle threats from state and non-state actors, the organisers of the protest have remained resolute, declaring that they will occupy the country as scheduled.

Tagged #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, the protest has generated controversies across Nigeria, making it the leading political and security discussion in the country.

President Bola Tinubu met with governors under the All Progressives Congress and prominent traditional rulers on Thursday to discuss the protest.

Tinubu had earlier pleaded with the organisers to give him more time and shelve the demonstration.

Aside from the President, other stakeholders are also worried about the implications of the demonstration, citing the ongoing national protest in Kenya and the 2020 #EndSARS protest in Nigeria.

On Thursday, the Department of State Services warned the organisers of the protest against proceeding with it, describing it as politically motivated.

The DSS disclosed that it had uncovered a plan by some criminal elements to hijack the protest and cause unrest in the country.

The Defence Headquarters also declared that the planned protest had the potential to degenerate into anarchy and a reign of terror.

Saturday PUNCH noted that the police embarked on a show of strength in Lagos, Abuja, Akwa Ibom, and other parts of the country, in preparation to forestall a possible breakdown of law and order.

However, organisers of the nationwide protest said no amount of threats would stop them.

Speaking with Saturday PUNCH in a telephone interview on Thursday, Sowore said the goal of the protest would be achieved and would last longer than any previous protest.

Sowore, a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress in the 2023 elections, allayed the fears of Nigerians regarding violence on the protest day, saying it would be a success for the police and other security agencies.

He said, “This protest has many Nigerians working simultaneously to achieve the same goal of ending poor governance. We are happy that many more Nigerians have come to the same conclusion we reached five years ago: that a revolution is inevitable.

“The ruling APC understands that Nigerians have figured out that they are a fraudulent party that came to power by deceit and has remained in power through roguery. They are aware that Nigerians are tired of the party, its leaders, and its policies. To sustain the demand for real change, this revolt is planned to last longer than any other in Nigeria’s history.”

A sociopolitical activist and Convener, Concerned Nigerians, Deji Adeyanju, warned the Federal Government and security agents against sending individuals to attack the protesters. Adeyanju, one of the protest organisers, stated that the protest would be peaceful as long as the government did not try to disrupt it in any part of the country.

He said the protest was prompted by prevailing hunger, corruption, budget padding, and other issues in the country.

Group writes Lagos CP for security

Saturday PUNCH gathered that the Lagos State chapter of the Active Citizens Group Nigeria had notified the state Commissioner of Police of its intention to participate in the protest.

The group’s state Co-ordinator, Adamma Ukpabi, notified authorities in a letter, citing rights to free speech and assembly.

According to the letter, the protest is scheduled to take place on two designated routes: the mainland route, starting at NAHCO Bus Stop and ending at the International Airport, Ikeja, and the Island route, starting at Marwa Bus Stop, Lekki Phase 1, and ending at Eti-Osa Local Government.

FCT police deploys 4,200 cops

Ahead of the nationwide protest, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command has deployed a total of 4,200 policemen across the nooks and crannies of the nation’s capital.

The command also announced the deployment of explosive ordnance device experts at various strategic locations.

In a statement on Friday, the spokesperson for the command, Josephine Adeh, said the deployment was to ensure public safety, protection of protesters, and prevention of hijack by non-state actors.

She added that there would be raids on identified black spots, uncompleted buildings/shanties, and stop-and-search operations among others in collaboration with sister security agencies.

We won’t condone criminality – Ogun CP

Reacting, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, said the command would not fold its hands and allow anyone to destroy property, breach the peace, or attack police officers under the guise of protest.

Alamutu disclosed this while speaking on the readiness of the state command to ensure the protection of lives and property ahead of the national protest.

The CP, in a phone conversation with Saturday PUNCH on Friday, said, “We have begun a series of engagements with stakeholders like religious leaders, traditional rulers, youth leaders, and transport workers, among others, on the need for everyone not to fall victim to being used to cause any breach of peace.”

Drones to be used during the protest – Bayelsa CP

Also, the Bayelsa State Police Command outlined measures to handle the protest.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Musa Mohammed, told our correspondents on Friday that the Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, directed all divisional police officers, tactical and drone units to be on alert during the protest.

Also, the Delta State Police Command said it was ready to handle the August protest in the state. The command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, stated this in an interview with Saturday PUNCH on Friday in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Sonubi Ayodele, on Thursday, assured protesters of maximum security as long as the protest is peaceful.

The Osun State Police Command spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, on her part, said adequate security measures had been put in place across the state to guarantee maximum security for law-abiding residents.

Police, NSCDC beef up security in Kwara

The Kwara State Police Command and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have equally put their personnel on red alert.

The spokesperson for the police in the state, Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, said the command had put in place adequate measures to prevent any breakdown of law and order in the state before, during, and after the August date of the planned protest.

“The command has put its personnel on red alert over the planned August 1 protest. We have emplaced watertight measures to forestall a recurrence of the #EndSARS riotous protest in any part of Kwara State,” she said.

We’ll be involved when police are overwhelmed – Military

The Defence Headquarters said it was monitoring the situation around the proposed nationwide protest.

In response to an inquiry from our correspondent on Friday, the Director of Defence Operations, Major General Edward Buba, stated that the military would only become involved if the police were overwhelmed.

He said, “The military is in situational awareness mode, monitoring events related to the planned protest. According to the constitution, we will only get involved when invited due to the police being overwhelmed.”

Consider dialogue, CAN begs

Meanwhile, ahead of the #EndBadGovernance protests scheduled to commence on the 1st of August 2024, the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria has urged Nigerians to consider alternative means of expressing their grievances to the government.

This was contained in a statement signed by the CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, who asked the protest groups to rather use the period to explore legal avenues, to avoid a hijack of the protests by hoodlums, adding that dialogue, town hall meetings, and petitions were viable means that could yield positive results.

“Dialogue, petitions, and town hall meetings are viable options that can yield positive results without the risk of disorder,” he said.

Tompolo begs youths to shelve protest

The Chairman of the Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo), has appealed to those behind the planned August 1 to 10, 2024 nationwide protest to shelve the idea in the interest of the country.

Tompolo, who is the Ibe-Ebidouwei of the Ijaw Nation, said though there was hunger and hardship in the land, the President and his team were not sleeping over the concerns of the people.

Tompolo’s appeal, which was contained in a statement he signed on Friday, follows similar concerns expressed by the National Security Adviser, governors, top traditional rulers and others in the days leading to the protest.

He said, “I am aware of Mr President’s efforts to get things right in the country, and truly, things are getting better. For instance, there has been a great improvement in the oil and gas sector in the last one year, which is still the mainstay of our economy.”

SANs warn against brutality

Sharing their views on the nationwide protest, a senior lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, stated that Nigerians were divided because of the palpable suffering in the land which a protest would no doubt exacerbate.

“Many wonder about the following: How long will it last? What will be the means to support it through? Who are those behind it? Are they politicians or the common beleaguered masses? Will the Federal Government ignore the wailing voices of the people and act viciously like William Ruto of Kenya, a step that backfired and which still haunts him to date?” he queried.

Quoting from Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, the legal luminary said every Nigerian citizen had the right to peaceful assembly and association. He also said Section 41(1) gave every citizen the right to freedom of movement.

Another senior lawyer, Awa Kalu, SAN, said there were enough sections in the law that allowed for protest. “Nobody can stop a protest. The Nigerian Constitution is not against protest, peaceful protest. That is the right to assembly. It is normal for people to be divided about an issue. Those speaking against the protest are only doing political management.

“That’s what I see. It does not reflect the facts of life or what the people are going through. Any part of Nigeria that feels dissatisfied with the way things are going, even if it is a single individual, has the right to embark on a protest.”

Another senior lawyer, Kunle Adegoke, SAN, said he did not see anything wrong with anyone protesting. However, he warned protesters to be wary of saboteurs.

He said, “Whatever protest anybody is going to engage in, they need to endeavour to make it completely peaceful without destroying any public property.”

Shun protest, Kebbi urges youths

Meanwhile, the Kebbi State Government has appealed to the youth, civil servants, and other concerned citizens in the state to shun the planned nationwide protest in the interest of peace, unity, and progress of Nigeria.

Addressing a press conference in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday, the state Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Safiyanu Garba-Bena, observed that the planned protest would hinder the dividends of democracy being enjoyed across the state.

According to him, participating in the protest will not reflect well on the state, considering the developmental projects embarked upon by the state government under the current administration.

Meanwhile, a former director of the Department of State Services, Mike Ejiofor, has said the “provocative” statements credited to aides and associates of President Bola Tinubu are not helping to calm the tension in the country ahead of the planned nationwide protest.

Afenifere calls for caution

Also lending its voice, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organisation, Afenifere, on Thursday, appealed to Nigerians to be cautious regarding the protests.

Afenifere, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, stated that while people had an inalienable right to protest, consideration should be given to the general atmosphere surrounding the planned protest.

Dialogue, not protest, Sultan begs

The Jama’atu Nasril Islam under the leadership of Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, on Friday, appealed to protest conveners, stakeholders, and the Federal Government to engage in dialogue before the situation escalates.

The Muslim organisation acknowledged that Nigerians faced difficult challenges but noted that protests might not be the solution.

The JNI is led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, who is also the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims.

The Sultan of Sokoto implored Nigerians to be introspective and honest, acknowledging that discontent and disillusionment needed to be addressed by the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government.

Meanwhile, a human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has revealed that participants in the planned nationwide protest would receive free legal representation if arrested in Lagos State.

Additional reports: Olufemi Adediran, Animasahun Salman, Collins Agwam, Deborah Musa, Nathaniel Shaibu, Tunde Oyekola, Bola Bamigbola, Matthew Ochei, Daniel Ayantoye, Samuel Ese, Bankole Taiwo, Ademola Adegbite, Abiodun Nejo, Matthew Ochei, Godwin Isenyo, and Tolulope Fasuan

July 27, 2024 0 comment 12 views

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Tinubu Rallies Behind Team Nigeria For Medals Haul

by admin July 26, 2024

President Bola Tinubu, on behalf of all Nigerians, has sent his best wishes to Team Nigeria at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, which formally kicked off on Friday.

A total of 88 Team Nigeria athletes, including 63 women and 25 men, are proudly flying Nigeria’s flag in 12 sports at the Paris Olympics.

The President, in a statement by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, on Friday, assured the bold and courageous ambassadors representing the country of his full support and that of over 200 million Nigerians back home, praying and cheering for their success.

As the Games officially opens on Friday, July 26, with the ‘Parade of Nations’, President Tinubu looks forward to watching the nation’s flagbearer, Ms.Tobi Amusan, the current world record holder in the 100 metres hurdles, and other athletes compete with honour and dedication on the international stage.

The President enjoined the athletes to exhibit the resilience, courage, respect, self-control, and good sportsmanship that Nigerians are known for.

President Tinubu urged the coaching crew, support staff, and Nigerian spectators who will be watching the Games in Paris to remain worthy ambassadors of the country.

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024, and will include 10,714 athletes from 206 countries.

July 26, 2024 0 comment 12 views

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Tinubu rallies NSA, monarchs as hunger protest looms

by admin July 26, 2024

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday held emergency meetings with the All Progressives Congress state governors, prominent traditional rulers and Ulamas (Islamic religious scholars) at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja as part of efforts by the government to ensure the planned hunger protests, slated for August 1 to 10, is averted nationwide.

The meetings come after growing calls for the anti-hunger protests following widespread economic hardships in the country.

The protests, which are being organised under the hashtag ‘EndBadGovernance,’ have gained significant traction on social media even as the organisers remain unknown, with no group officially claiming responsibility.

President Tinubu first met with the APC governors, under the aegis of the Progressives Governors Forum, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja at 1pm. The meeting lasted for about an hour and 15 minutes.

This meeting follows an earlier one by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum on Wednesday night and comes after a last-minute cancellation of the National Economic Council meeting earlier scheduled for Thursday afternoon.

President Bola Tinubu during a meeting with Progressive Governors Forum at the Presidential Villa in Abuja… on Thursday. Photo: State House

Our correspondent also spotted the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Ministers of Finance and Budget and Economic Planning, Wale Edun and Abubakar Bagudu, respectively at the meeting.

The meeting with the prominent traditional rulers began at about 2:30pm, when the President arrived at the Council Chamber in the Villa, and ended at 4pm.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, led the royal fathers at the meeting, with Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Ribadu and Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun in attendance.

Governor Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman of Kwara State, who also doubles as the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, who chairs the Progressives Governors Forum, were part of the meeting. Edun and Bagudu, also joined the President at the meeting.

Afterwards the President held another meeting with the Ulamas, which ended after 6pm.

Monarchs seek dialogue

Speaking after the meeting on Thursday, the traditional Rulers urged the organisers of the protests to seek dialogue with the Federal Government, warning that there was the possibility of the protests being hijacked by hoodlums.

“The President has said, ‘any leader that you don’t like, wait (until 2027) and vote him out.’ He is open to dialogue. We know that Nigeria faces many challenges. But are we going to destroy our nation by ourselves? Is that what we are all after?

“It is very difficult to build, but it is the easiest to destroy. We are all stakeholders in this country and are stronger as a nation than individually,” the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who co-chairs the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, told journalists after an expanded cabinet meeting at the State House, Abuja.

“We should talk to ourselves. We need to know that today; it’s a completely different spin. The government, ably led by the President, is willing to engage and dialogue and bring governance very close to the people.

“People that are out there to protest, it is their civic right. But let them put a face to it and don’t let it be hijacked by people that have ulterior motives. That is our stand.

“We the traditional rulers are not in support of people, especially youths, coming out to loot and break down law and order. We condemn such acts fully. We are parents, we are traditional rulers, and we are closer to them (youths). We are going to go back home and continue to engage them.”

Oba Adeyeye said the meeting was the first instance where the Federal Executive Council engaged directly with traditional rulers.

The monarch added, “Stewardship from the Federal Executive Council, directly to the traditional rulers? It has never happened in our nation before. Never! This is the first time we’re all experiencing it.

“Today (Thursday) is the very first time we will be addressed properly by the Federal Executive Council…in terms of the plans of government, their achievements so far, and where they’re having challenges. So, there is a proper bridge between the governed and the people in charge of government.

“For the very first time, the traditional rulers were properly engaged. This is long-awaited. We are closer to our people and can bring that feedback back home. So, it’s a beautiful take home for us because we don’t lock our palaces; we are more exposed to the people we rule over.”

The Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Bamalli, said traditional rulers were worried about the protests, adding that they could shut down the country.

“There’s nobody who will not be worried about the protests; we’ve seen what has happened in other climes, where governments had been brought down.

“As an ex-diplomat, I have seen what happened in other climes and that is why I am in the position to say what happened in other places.”

The Emir added that insecurity in the north remained the bane of Nigeria’s food crisis, and urged the FG to address the security issues, saying it would bring stability to the country.

“We have made it very clear to him (President Tinubu) that the main problem in this country, especially the north, is insecurity. If the security situation is addressed, certainly people will go back to their farms and the issue of hunger will drastically reduce and disappear,” Bamalli added.

He urged Nigerians to “exercise patience and to listen to the words of wisdom. We are very optimistic Nigeria will bounce back to its former position as the leading country in Africa.”

On his part, the Dein of Agbor Kingdom, Ikenchukwu Keagborokuzi I, appealed to Nigerian youths to work with the FG using all available opportunities.

Keagborokuzi, who described Nigerian youths as the nation’s strength, acknowledged the displeasing challenges confronting them but said that the #EndBadGovernance protests would not solve the nation’s problems.

“Hearing from Mr. President directly, the take-home message for me is that I can see the passion. But at the same time, I think the government finally understands we are at the precipice.

“We will listen to our youths because they lead the future. The power and strength of Nigeria certainly lie with the young people. We feel your pain. I’m a young person myself.

“It’s been 24 years since I’ve started seeing the nation going in a very unpalatable direction. This protest, I know that it’s very tight in our neck, but let us not destroy our own country,” said the traditional ruler.

He cited the aftermath of the Arab Spring in Libya, urging Nigerian youths to reconsider the planned protest.

“Think of Libya. Libya was a beautiful country; what has happened to Libya, we don’t want it to happen here.

“Let’s go home. Let’s continue to strive to be the best that we can and continue to work with the government to see if we can offer some solutions.

“I think that that would be best rather than to destroy property or injure ourselves,” he advised.

In a similar twist, The National Orientation Agency urged the traditional leaders to take the lead in sensitising the youths against planned nationwide protests.

NOA Bauchi State Director Mrs. Theresa Omaga, made this known when she paid an advocacy visit to traditional and religious at the residence of Galadinman Bauchi, the district head of Zungur, Alhaji Ibrahim Sa’idu Jahun, on Thursday.

“The need for peace and tranquility must be emphasised as the protest could escalate insecurity challenges and economic hardships,” Omaga stated.

Meanwhile, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulroshed Akanbi, feared the proposed national protest may be hijacked by hoodlums.

Oba Akanbi, in a statement signed by his Press Secretary, Ali Ibraheem, urged Tinubu to meet with leaders of opposition parties, workers unions, students unions, civil society organisations, notable traditional rulers and other stakeholders to discuss the state of the nation and seek solutions to some of the challenges confronting the nation.

“At this crucial moment of global economic challenge, Nigeria inclusive, I call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to convey a national dialogue most especially with the dog handlers comprising the opposition parties leaders, civil society organisations, labour leaders, students, traditional rulers and religious leaders.

“Even if a protest is held, we will resort to a round table discussion after the road show. Rather than allowing hoodlums to hijack and destroy the nation we are trying to construct, why not embrace dialogue? When we sit together and talk to each other, more virile approaches and solutions may be suggested for application,” Oluwo said.

Army allege hijack

The Nigeria Army and the Department of State Service say they have uncovered plans to hijack the protest.

The Defence Headquarters thus called on the organisers of the protesters to sheathe their swords. Speaking in an interview with one of our correspondents on Thursday, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major-General Edward Buba, urged the organisers to embrace dialogue with the government.

Buba said, “Accordingly, the protesters are urged to shield their swords and opt for dialogue. We must quench the fire of violence, rather than ignite the fire. Cool heads must be allowed to prevail in order to save our nation from anarchy.”

Buba said intelligence at the military’s disposal showed that the proposed nationwide protest would be hijacked by unscrupulous elements.

“Based on what has been gathered, there are plans by some unscrupulous elements to hijack this protest and make sure that it turns violent. I want to tell you what we have seen, it will likely happen.”

He also said car and business owners, as well as members of opposition parties different from the protesters’ party, might be attacked during the protest.

Buba said, “For instance, there are signs of status-related violence such that persons with things as basic as smartphones and cars are targets. This does not leave out those who own houses, shops or even use air conditioners in their houses. Other targets include places of worship, businesses, markets, persons of other ethnic groups and members of opposing political parties among others. Believe me, when this happens, it is nothing but a state of anarchy, lawlessness.”

Buba added, “We have seen this in other parts of the world, when we carried out peacekeeping operations. The military will not stand by and allow anarchy to befall our nation. It is our constitutional responsibility to make sure that doesn’t happen.

“Some think that it is like when you watch Nollywood or whatever. No, in real life people stand to lose everything. I don’t need to speak too much. Go to IDP camps, you will see rich people with big houses now living in tents.

“Based on the foregoing, the level of violence envisaged is best described as a state of anarchy. It is for this reason the armed forces will not watch and allow the nation to spiral out of control to such low levels. It is for this reason that troops will act dutifully to forestall such ugly occurrences from happening in our nation.”

Buba stated that the military’s involvement in the planned protests would be in accordance with the constitutional provisions.

Buba stated, “However, for us in the military, the constitution is clear as to how and when the military gets involved. The constitution also clearly defines the roles and functions of the armed forces. On the other hand, while citizens have a constitutional right to peaceful protests, they do not have a right to mobilise for anarchy to unleash terror.”

Similarly, the DSS warned the organisers of the planned nationwide protest against proceeding with it.

In a statement on Thursday, DSS spokesman, Peter Afunanya, described the motive behind the protest as political.

The service said it uncovered a plan by some criminal elements to hijack the protest and cause unrest in the country.

It stated, “DSS has followed the discourse on planned protests in parts of the country in the coming weeks by persons and groups yet to identify themselves in the public as leaders of the plot.

“While peaceful protest is a democratic right of citizens, the Service has confirmed a sinister plan by some elements to infiltrate the protest and use it to cause chaos and extreme violence in the land. It has also identified the reason behind the protest to be political.

“The plotters desire to use the intended violent outcome to smear the federal and sub-national governments; make them unpopular and pit them against the masses. The long-term objective is to achieve regime change, especially at the centre.’’

Afunanya warned the protesters to eschew any form of anarchy in the interest of peace.

He said, “Based on the foregoing, the Service wishes to warn all the protest groups to eschew any form of proposed rage, anarchy and spoliation.

“While the different levels of government have routinely explained their agenda to ameliorate alleged harsh economic conditions, the Service urges the prospective protesters to listen to the voice of reason, and good conscience and patiently engage with the authorities, in the interest of peace.

“This has become important given that violence begets the destruction of lives and property as well as serves as a distraction to governance. The agitators are encouraged to use ample ways available to them to channel their grievances without resorting to violence.”

In Oyo State, Fatai Owoseni, the Special Adviser on Security to Governor Seyi Makinde, admonished those planning to participate in the protest to ensure that the demonstrations were peaceful and orderly, stating that the state would not condone lawlessness.

At the meeting, which was held at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building, Secretariat, Ibadan, Owoseni said it was convened to prepare for the planned protest and also engage different interest groups.

He charged residents of the state to express their rights peacefully without vandalising properties, stealing, burglary or involving in any form of criminal offence that may disrupt the peaceful atmosphere in the state.

Tinubu ‘peaceful protester’

Meanwhile, the President pledged that his administration would uphold democratic principles, including the right to protest, but would not condone demonstrations that lead to the destruction of lives and property.

“In as much as we believe that demonstrations are part of democracy, we will never encourage any protests that lead to the destruction of lives and property,” Tinubu stated this while receiving a Letter of Credence from the newly appointed United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Richard Mills Jr. on Thursday in Abuja.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed the exchange at the ceremony in a statement titled, ‘President Tinubu receives US ambassador, underscores the importance of sustaining democracy, its norms and institutions.’

Tinubu said this against the backdrop of allegations that his government was attempting to suppress the citizens’ right to protest against economic hardship.

The President had also been criticised for leading street protests against previous administrations in the country.

In a post on X on Tuesday, former Vice President Atiku said it was ironic that those stifling rights of Nigerians to protest in 2024 were leading protesters in 2012.

In reply to his critics, Tinubu stated, “During the military era, we made our voices heard against dictatorship, and I was part of the group that engaged in peaceful protests without resorting to the destruction of property.

“We have worked hard to ensure 25 years of unbroken democracy and I will continue to maintain this democracy.”

*President Bola Tinubu during a meeting with Progressive Governors Forum at the Presidential Villa in Abuja… on Thursday. Photo: State House*

Opposition charges President

The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, Shehu Gabam, has asked President Tinubu to address the nation ahead of the planned August 1 nationwide protests.

Gabam stated this during Thursday evening’s Politics Today programme on Channels Television.

The SDP chairman urged the President to address the nation, to clear misconceptions in the minds of the citizens, adding that he should not continue to rely on “second layers” of dishing out information.

“What I expect this President to do as the number one citizen is to address the country. This is my first expectation. All other things are secondary layers. Let me tell you what it would do; people are angry, and so many perceptions have been created out there.

“He needs to clear this perception that no, Nigerians, I know what is going on, I have access to all your complaints, and I will address them. Relying on second layers of dishing out information at this critical time is not advisable for him.

“He is the number one stakeholder, he is the one to bear the brunt, he is the one who applied for the job, he is the one who said he’s going to correct the problems, so he needs to address the nation, beyond any other thing,” he said.

Gabam, while commending the interventions of security agencies and traditional rulers to dissuade Nigerians from staging the protest, however, urged the government to facilitate quick interventions by dialoguing with identified sponsors of the protest.

“If they know the organisers, what they need to do as a government is a quick intervention. Sit down with them, dialogue with them, and find out what the problems are. And of course, if there are criminal elements that will hijack the process, the essence of having security all over the world is to create deterrence.”

He added that his party would not participate in the August 1 protest, but would endorse protests that were “devoid of any act of violence, or anarchy, or killing or barbarism.”

“We have drawn lines of our endorsements, in line with the provisions of the Constitution, where citizens are guaranteed to protest peacefully by disagreeing with the policies and programmes of the government,” he added.

July 26, 2024 0 comment 13 views

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FG Rallies Stakeholders To Harness, Streamline Commodity Export In Nigeria

by admin July 18, 2024

The Federal government, on Wednesday, called for a collaborative effort to create a regulatory framework that empowers exporters, streamlines processes, and unlocks the full potential of Nigeria’s commodity export.

Speaking, the permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Amb. Nura Rimi, at a one day stakeholders workshop, organised by the Ministry in conjunction with the Nigeria Shippers Council (NCS), titled, “Port Economic Regulation and Its Impact on Shipment of Export Commodities through Nigerian Ports,” emphasised the pivotal role of Nigerian ports in enhancing the nation’s export efficiency and competitiveness.

Rimi, who was represented by the director Commodities and export department, ministry of trade and investment, Kaura Irimiya, highlighted the vast wealth of exportable commodities in Nigeria, ranging from oil and gas to agricultural produce, and underscored the importance of efficient port operations in driving economic growth.

He said, “Our ability to efficiently export these commodities is crucial for our economic growth and international competitiveness,” he stated.

However, he noted that the smooth flow of exports heavily relies on ports functioning at their optimal capacity.

He informed that the Export Commodities Coordinating Committee (ECCC), established in 1988, played a key role in organising the workshop.

He said the ECCC was created in response to the challenges brought by the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), which led to the privatisation of state-owned industries and the abolition of commodity marketing boards.

He explained that this resulted in issues such as the adulteration and low-grade export commodities from Nigeria, and the country’s mounting financial obligations to International Commodity Organizations.

He added, “The ECCC was tasked with sanitising the export trade, ensuring that only commodities meeting international standards were exported, and addressing Nigeria’s financial obligations to international bodies.”

Rimi reiterated the significance of this workshop, approved by the ECCC, in gathering stakeholders from various sectors to examine the impact of port economic regulation on non-oil export commodities.

Rimi called for a collaborative effort to create a regulatory framework that empowers exporters, streamlines processes, and unlocks the full potential of Nigeria’s commodity export sector.

Speaking, the executive secretary of the NSC, Pius Akutah, highlighted the NSC’s efforts in cost moderation, setting operational standards, and mediating disputes to ensure harmony in the port sector.

He pointed out the high transport costs associated with Nigeria’s agricultural export commodities, attributing these to factors such as inefficient port operations, high cargo handling charges, inadequate infrastructure, and congestion at the ports.

“The high cost of cargo movement can be attributed to various factors including inefficient port operations, high cargo handling charges, inadequate transportation and storage infrastructure, long delays and congestion at the ports, high fuel costs, and inadequate competition in the transport sector,” Akutah explained.

He noted that these factors contribute significantly to the non-competitiveness of Nigerian exports in the global market.

Speaking during his goodwill message the President Shippers Association of Lagos (SAL) Mr. Leo Ogamba expressed optimism that the workshop would pave the way for improved communication and collaboration among regulators, port operators, shippers, and exporters.

July 18, 2024 0 comment 29 views

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Ebonyi LG Poll: APC kicks off campaign rallies

by admin July 1, 2024

The All Progressives Congress, APC, on Saturday kicked off campaign rallies for the Ebonyi State local government council election in Ezza North.

Speaking during the event at Ebiaji, the council headquarters, Ebonyi State APC Chairman, Mr Stanley Okoro-Emegha, enjoined supporters to work for the party’s victory at the polls.

The state APC chairman called for unity among the supporters and urged them to see the party as an indivisible family.

He vowed to make Ebonyi an opposition free state by ensuring that those who are yet to join the APC are brought into the party within the campaign season.

The party’s candidate in Ezza North LGA and Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, Moses Ogodo Ali-Nomeh, said his administration would intensify efforts at empowering the people of the area in human capacity development.

Speaking on the plan by the state government to turn Achiagu Community Primary School to a College of Agriculture, the council chairman tasked stakeholders in the area to ensure the actualization of the initiative.

July 1, 2024 0 comment 2.2K views

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