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Tag: Protest

  • Police disperse protesting Shi’ites members in Abuja

    Police disperse protesting Shi’ites members in Abuja

    The police on Monday in Abuja dispersed a protest by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), popularly called Shi’ites.

    The protest took place along Aguyi Ironsi Way in Maitama District.

    A statement by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police spokesman DSP Anjuguri Manzah said: “The sect members, who went berserk and attacked the police and other innocent citizens with stones and dangerous weapons, defied a subsisting directive by the FCT minister restricting all protests and procession to Unity Fountain.

    “The sect, while executing the unruly act, damaged the windscreen of a Police Rapid Response Patrol vehicle.”

    Manzah said some members of the sect, arrested during the protest, are under investigation and will soon be arraigned.

  • UNILAG lecturers protest, call for Babalakin’s removal

    UNILAG lecturers protest, call for Babalakin’s removal

    The tension at the University of Lagos, Akoka on Wednesday was palpable, as lecturers protested against the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr Wale Babalakin.

    The lecturers, who moved round the school, gathered under the auspices of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, UNILAG branch.

    The distraught lecturers, who chanted slogans against the pro-chancellor, called for his removal.

    The protest followed a week of renewed clash between the varsity management led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Toyin Ogundipe, and the governing council.

    Ogundipe had announced that 13,489 graduating students would be conferred with degrees, diplomas and certificates from March 9 to 13.

    However, the National Universities Commission, in a memo, called for the suspension of the event.

    It was reported that the NUC halted the programme after Babalakin complained to the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, that the varsity council was side-lined from the convocation ceremonies.

    UNILAG ASUU Chairman, Dele Ashiru, said during the protest they had reviewed the circumstances that led to the postponement of the convocation.

    He noted that the reports obtained by the congress revealed Babalakin was tyrannical; hence they made a resolution to declare him a persona non grata.

    Ashiru said, “After taking an analytical perspective of this unwarranted postponement, the congress noted the damaging activities of the pro-chancellor of this university.

    “Beginning from today (Wednesday), Dr Olawale Bolanle Babalakin has been declared a persona non grata in this university; he is not to be seen in the council chamber anymore.”

    He also urged the lecturers to enforce the resolution, adding that any day Babalakin was seen at the institution, he should be thrown out.

    In the same vein, a senior official of the varsity, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed a loyalist of Babalakin was sent out of the ASUU congress.

    He said, “The congress held first before the protest. The (hall for the) congress was filled to capacity; everyone spoke with one voice, except one Daramola, who wanted to make excuses for him. He was chased out. Babalakin wants to run UNILAG like his law chambers.

    “Contrary to the claim of the council, there is evidence that the convocation was discussed during their meeting. UNILAG is number one now in Nigeria and 13th in Africa, the pro-chancellor is supposed to capitalize on that to move the school forward, instead of all these issues”, he told Punch.

     

  • Insecurity: Presidency jittery ahead of protest against Buhari’s govt, service chiefs – PDP

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said the Buhari presidency was jittery of a massive protest against the All Progressives Congress (APC) government.

    It advised the presidency to face its ordeal and address the consensus concern of Nigerians over poor handling of security issues instead of seeking to blame the opposition and the media.

    The PDP said this in reaction to a presidential statement that the opposition was sponsoring protests against President Muhammadu Buhari and Service Chief.

    Kola Ologbondiyan, National Publicity Secretary, in a statement, told Nigerians that the president was trying to divert attention from its failures and stop the people from marching against insurgency, terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and general insecurity.

    “It is clear to all, including the Buhari Presidency, that Nigerians across board, have been in protest against the Buhari-led APC administration and need nobody to mobilize them to publicly exercise their constitutionally guaranteed rights any day to register their discontentment against a failed administration that has continued to live on propaganda”, it said.

    “PDP restates its demand that the security high command should be rejigged to inject new blood to effectively tackle our security challenges; a position that have become a consensus opinion of all other patriotic individuals and groups, including the two chambers of the National Assembly, is well known within and outside our country.

    “Accusing the opposition and threatening the media are therefore diversionary and apparently aimed to validate alleged plots by agents of governments to clamp down on innocent Nigerians, the media and members of the civil society to suppress and foist a siege mentality on Nigerians.”

    PDP said it was awarded that the accusation is part of the ploy by the Buhari presidency to intimidate the party and stop it from demanding that the Buhari administration be alive to its responsibility to secure the nation or step aside.

    The party warned the Nigerian government to stop threatening citizens, abandon the usual denials and excuses and work on the country’s security architecture and end the escalated bloodletting.

  • 2000 miscreants hired to protest against Service Chiefs on Monday, Presidency raises alarm

    The Presidency, on Saturday, alleged of a plot by the opposition represented by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), to hire about 2000 persons to participate in an ‘orchestrated’ protest march against the nation’s security service chiefs.

    Revealing this is a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, the Presidency also revealed that a recent clip showing a few persons booing during President Muhammadu Buhari’s sympathy visit to Maiduguri last week was part of a scheme to sell a lie about the administration to the undescerning.

    The statement, however, described those behind the planned protest, which it said followed in the pattern of those recently mounted against justices of the Supreme Court, as beneficiaries of the Boko Haram terrorrism.

    It, however, advised the general public, including the media to be wary of the alleged antics of those it accused of plotting to embarrass the administration of President Buhari and plotting against Nigeria.

    “The Presidency wishes to caution a section of the political class against misleading the public and inciting protests against the heads of military institutions.

    “This has become necessary in view of received reports that about two thousand men and women have been hired to demonstrate against Nigeria’s service chiefs on Monday.

    “This imminent gathering is the latest in a series of demonstrations orchestrated by the opposition to embarrass the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “As part of this overall scheme, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, with its belligerent politics, has been marching from one embassy to the other in protest against the Buhari administration and the nation’s highest court of justice, the Supreme Court. They are keen to give the impression that Nigerians are in support of them as they take to the streets, and they will go to any length to promote this false narrative.

    “The recent incident in Maiduguri, Borno State, where an overwhelmingly cheering crowd gathered to welcome President Buhari, while a handful were recorded booing him, is a part this elaborate scheme. It is misleading, as some analysts have tried to do, to read this as verdict against President Buhari, who emerged winner with 94 per cent of the votes cast in the Presidential election in the state in February last year.

    “This was clearly a hired few, but the news was promoted by the opposition who had of course positioned themselves to record the booing – all just to embarrass the President.

    “We urge the media to remain unbiased and discerning in their reporting, instead of becoming unwitting tools in the hands of the opposition.

    “A group of politicians and beneficiaries of the Boko Haram insurgency is right now paying for people to join their planned protest against our country’s service chiefs, and they will no doubt seek the media’s collaboration on this as usual.

    “But there is news and there is promoted content – two very different things, one of which should never make the headlines as these recent fake protests have done”, the statement said.

  • 1, 000 protesters deliver petition to US, Trump to intervene in plot by Iran, AI to destabilize Nigeria

    1, 000 protesters deliver petition to US, Trump to intervene in plot by Iran, AI to destabilize Nigeria

    No fewer than 1,000 Nigerians have signed a petition calling on the United States of America to intervene in a plot by Iran and Amnesty International (AI) to destabilize the country.

    The petition, addressed to US President Donald Trump, through the US Ambassador to Nigeria, seeks to end Iranian government’s avid sponsorship of groups/individuals truncating Nigeria’s democracy.

    With the help of proxy Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), the Asian nation seeks to establish Islamic Caliphates in Nigeria in whatsoever way possible, even if it means shedding blood.

    Amongst others, convener Mohammed Ibn Shuaibu reminded the US president that it is the same IMM that burnt the country’s flag and carried placards condemning the killing of General Qassem Soleimani, chanting, “Death To America.”

    According to the petition, Iran has been shipping in ammunition and arms into Nigeria while also nurturing fighters in other countries .

    These Nigerians reckoned that if nothing is done, Iran’s dangerous schemes may escalate, especially now it has formed an alliance with Amnesty International.

    The 1,000 Nigerians, therefore, urged the US to step in and activate measures that would support the efforts of the security agencies in Nigeria.

  • PDP leaders resume protests, storm EU secretariat

    PDP leaders resume protests, storm EU secretariat

    Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday morning resumed their protest to draw attention to what they described as the deplorable state of affairs in the country.

    The protest, led by the PDP Deputy National Chairman (North), Senator Suleiman Nazif, took off from the party’s campaign headquarters, Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja, at 10.40am.

    The convoy of vehicles conveying the protesters first headed for the European Union (EU) secretariat, located at the Central Area.

    An official of the EUj received Nazif and other party officials at the gate, from where they were ushered into the main building at about 11.10am.

  • Insecurity: Presidency reacts to CAN’s nationwide protest march

    Insecurity: Presidency reacts to CAN’s nationwide protest march

    The Presidency has lauded the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for rising to its duty of sensitizing Nigerians to stand against the evil being wrecked on the country by bloodthirsty terrorists.

    In a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, made available to State House Correspondents Tuesday evening, the Presidency also observed that the protest march, as was carried out last Sunday, was in order and an exercise of a civic right.

    The statement observed that all Nigerians, irrespective of religious inclination, must just the government to take actions that disapprove of the activities of the murderous terrorists, respect the rights others to hold their religious beliefs without harassment from anyone.

    It emphasizes President Muhammadu Buhari’s, as well as other members of his government, in the standard that all lives, irrespective of classes or affiliations, are sacred and must be protected.

    “The actions of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in recent days represent the peaceful right of all Nigerians to protest and express their views on matters of religion, ethics, politics and society.

    “The origination of their protests is the shocking, unacceptable death of Pastor Lawan Andimi at the hands of Boko Haram. The President feels their pain, and that of his family, for his loss.

    “The President believes, as does every member of his administration, both Christian and Muslim in the words of CAN’s placards: ‘All life is sacred’.

    “Whether you are Christian or Muslim, all Nigerians and their beliefs must be respected. The duty of all of us is to uphold the rights of others to worship according their faith – and to respect the rights of each other to do so freely in the spirit of brotherhood and respect – and without interference.

    “This means, however, that we must stop false claims that only serve to divide one community against the other. There is no place in Nigeria for those who politicise religion. This is the President’s message to both Muslim and Christian communities alike.

    “In the light of this, the CAN-inspired prayers and street enlightenment in our cities are much welcome as sensitizers to the need for ALL CITIZENS irrespective of faith, religion or language to accept their duty and role in law enforcement, to prevent crime in all its manifestations, be it corruption, theft, terrorism, banditry or kidnapping. Without citizen involvement, there is no miracle with which less than half-a-million policemen can effectively protect a population of 200 million.

    “CAN is right to arouse popular consciousness to this duty to the state.

    “One more thing is this: it is the added need for citizen-consciousness to stand up for nation. Nigerians, only Nigerians can defend their nation against these abhorrent killings and all sorts of crimes worrying us as a nation.

    “From the prayers and advocacy by CAN, citizens need to take an important lesson, which is, that our people must rally around the flag. Together, they rise to defeat the enemy and defend the state. In Nigeria, some groups rally against the government instead of the enemy. This is not right. It has the effect of playing into the hands of the enemy of the state.

    “We will not defeat the terrorists, nor speed the return for those citizens, young and old taken by them by division in our own ranks. To pull apart is to play into the hands of the terrorists: this is what they want”, the statement said.

  • Reactions as Pastor Adeboye leads RCCG nationwide prayer protests

    Reactions as Pastor Adeboye leads RCCG nationwide prayer protests

    The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor E.A. Adeboye on Sunday led the nationwide prayer walk in protest of the recent killings in some part of the country.

    The leadership of the umbrella body of Christians in the country, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) had earlier called for a three day national prayer, fasting and special walk to protest the killings and abduction of some ministers of the gospel.

    However, Nigerians on social media took to their Twitter Account to express their feelings in support for and against the prayer walk.

    See reactions below:

    https://twitter.com/naijasalesguy/status/1224036273813360640

  • BREAKING: Pastor Adeboye leads massive protest against killings of Christians in Nigeria [Video]

    BREAKING: Pastor Adeboye leads massive protest against killings of Christians in Nigeria [Video]

    General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Pastor Enoch Adeboye is leading a protest march against insecurity and killings of Christians across the Nation, especially in northern states.

    The March started by 11am shortly after he ended the service at the National Headquarters of the church in Ebute Metta, Lagos.

    The action is also to pray for “the government to develop capacity to overcome the criminals troubling the nation.”

    Recall that The Assistant General Overseer (Admin and Personnel) of the church,Pastor J.F Odesola, in a circular dated January 29, 2020 addressed to all regions and provinces of the RCCG, parishes of the church were asked to end their service not later than 11am on Sunday to enable members “march round their immediate environment, praying for God’s intervention in the ongoing situation in Nigeria.”

    The protests are at the instance of the RCCG General Overseer, Pastor Adejare Adeboye.

    According to the circular, “The Christian Association of Nigeria, the umbrella body for all Christians and Christian organizations in Nigeria, has made a clarion call for prayers and advocacy to all Christians in Nigeria in response to the inhumane acts against Christians in the country.

  • Insecurity: Redeemed Church joins CAN in nationwide prayer protests tomorrow

    Members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) are embarking on prayer walk across the country tomorrow to express displeasure at the “gruesome killings of innocent people in the country.”

    The action is also to pray for “the government to develop capacity to overcome the criminals troubling the nation.”

    Consequently, all parishes of the church have been enjoined to end their service not later than 11am on Sunday to enable members “march round their immediate environment, praying for God’s intervention in the ongoing situation in Nigeria.”

    The protests are at the instance of the RCCG General Overseer, Pastor Adejare Adeboye.

    The Assistant General Overseer (Admin and Personnel) of the church,Pastor J.F Odesola said in a January 29, 2020 circular to all regions and provinces of the RCCG said: “The Christian Association of Nigeria, the umbrella body for all Christians and Christian organizations in Nigeria, has made a clarion call for prayers and advocacy to all Christians in Nigeria in response to the inhumane acts against Christians in the country.

    “The General Overseer has therefore directed that all members of RCCG should participate in this prayer and advocacy with details as stated here under:

    Since RCCG is currently on a fasting and praying programme, the prayer focus within this period should be against the gruesome killings of innocent people in the country and prayer for the government to develop the capacity to overcome the criminals troubling the nation.”