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Tag: Protest

  • Lagos court extends protest restriction order

    Lagos court extends protest restriction order

    A Lagos High Court, at Tafawa Balewa Square, on Tuesday extended an earlier order restricting protesters in Lagos to conduct their activities only at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park and Peace Park.

    Justice S.I. Sonaike gave the order following an application filed by the Lagos State Attorney-General (AG), and the Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN), for an extension of the order.

    The state AG had filed for an extension of the order after complying with the order of the court to ensure the safety of the protesters within the two locations ordered by the court.

    The state AG was represented in court by the Director for Civil Litigations, Mr Hameed Oyenuga.

    Oyenuga told the court that service of the earlier court order had been served on all the respondents in compliance with the pre action protocols for preemptive reliefs sought by the AG against the representatives of the protesters.

    He argued that though the respondents in the suit were yet to respond to the application, “there is the need to extend the earlier restriction order of the protest to two venues.

    “This is to ensure that the state can continue to enjoy the relative peace being experienced despite the ongoing protests across the country.”

    In her ruling, Justice Sonaike said that she was satisfied with the AG’s compliance with the order of the other vacation judge, Justice Emmanuel Ogundare.

    She, therefore, ordered that the restriction of the protest to Freedom and Peace parks in the Ojota and Ketu areas of the state be extended until full compliance to the pre action orders.

    Justice Ogundare had on July 30, while ruling on  an exparte application filed by the state AG, placed restrictions on the protesters.

    The AG was seeking to secure public safety and prevent irreparable loss of lives and property in the state during the period of the protests.

    Defendants in the application are –  Adamma Ukpabi and Tosin Harsogba (for Active Citizens Group), Comrade Juwon Sanyaolu and Hassan Soweto (for Take it Back Movement) and Commissioner of Police, Lagos State.

  • Viral video: Police deny armoured vehicle hijacked

    Viral video: Police deny armoured vehicle hijacked

    The Police Command in Kaduna State has debunked the rumour that its Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) was  hijacked by protesters in the State.

    The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, debunked the rumour in a statement issued in Kaduna.

    Hassan stated: “The  cCommand wishes to address the recent video circulating on social media, alleging that an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) was hijacked by the protesters.

    “The command wishes to debunk this rumor and provide the public with the correct details of the incident.”

    Hassan said the video in question depicted a situation where the driver of the APC was confronted by a large group of protesters.

    “In the face of escalating tension, the driver made a professional and commendable decision to avoid the use of live ammunition.

    “Instead, he employed a tactical maneuver to safely escape the scene, ensuring the safety of both the protesters and the officers involved.

    “It is important to stress that at no point was the APC hijacked by hoodlums,”he said.

    According to him,  the vehicle and its personnel remained under the control of the command throughout the incident.

    He said the Commissioner of Police (CP), Audu Dabigi, has urged the good people of the state to continue to abide by the law, maintain peace and order.

    “We appreciate the support and cooperation of the public in these challenging times and remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents, “Hassan said.

  • Of protest, defiance, and narratives – By Tony Eke

    Of protest, defiance, and narratives – By Tony Eke

    By Tony Eke

    An unusual feature of the build-up to the Hunger Protest which began last Thursday 1st August reflected the nature of the protest itself. At its wit’s end, the Federal Government not only dished out veiled threats to the protest planners but also made it seem as though the protest would bring about an apocalypse in the land. Two ill-conceived modes were eventually devised but failed because of the administration’s sheer propagandist proclivity. The first act sought to instil fears in the populace by referencing the tragic features of 2020’s ENDSARS, then followed by appeals for forbearance and patience as well as hackneyed reassurances of a brighter future amidst the difficulty of surviving even today or the next day.

    Let’s get it clear. Even if the protest does not last for the envisaged duration, a statement would have been made. A protest needs not go on for many days to make an impact. After all, not too many people gave the protest a chance, and even those that probably staked money on its feasibility never thought it would hold in as many as five of the six geopolitical zones. Yet, it was held and on a comparative basis, the protest elicited wider participation more than the constitutional two-thirds requirement of electoral victory for a presidential candidate!

    To be candid, I too was initially sceptical of the preparedness of the youthful segment to walk their talk. Given our lived experiences, Nigerians tend to show greater strength for talking and occasionally shouting themselves hoarse on fundamental issues but very uninspiring to action a plan earlier conceived to bolster their collective existence. Perhaps, the inherent constitution of Nigerians makes it difficult for our people to do what other nationals routinely embark on to improve their lives. Of course, our characteristic feature as a boisterous people that love life and satiate its goodies is a counterpoise to resistance in a generic sense.

    In my earlier piece titled “Uhuru in Kenya Far Away From Nigeria”, I  dismissed the prospect of any form of protest in Nigeria, even the minutest form of the Kenya’s model as captured in an excerpt: “Kenya shares similarities with Nigeria in some respects, but the social outlook of both countries as gleaned from the indifference of our citizens to embrace the path of civil protests differs significantly.  Nigeria is not Kenya hence the echoes of Uhuru are far away from us. Why? The present generation of Nigerians, especially the youths whom the future is entrusted to, are enfeebled by numerous factors which include ethnic sentiments, sheer cowardice, unquestioning religiosity and obsession with an expectation of divine intervention in situations contrived by man.”

    Less than a month after that publication, Nigerians chose of their own volition to walk a different path other than the predominant type which hitherto cast them in the mould of bondmen. A pleasant surprise to see a category of people who had long been dehumanized by serial misgovernment rouse themselves from long years of slumber. So, in a way, Nigerians have began to regain their voices which were drowned for much of the last quarter of a century. Before now, it’s been confounding to democracy watchers how we had always accepted all manner of policies initiated by government, including those intentionally purposed to mire us in deeper poverty and inextricable misery.

    As it were, some proactive steps by Tinubu would have staved off the protest if he had met the key demands of the protesters halfway, with a promise to look into the remainder. In that case, those deaths and destructions would have been averted. Is Tinubu unaware that an early response to the grievances of citizens at a time of social unrest is the hallmark of good leadership? Unfortunately, a mix of inexperience, arrogance, insensitivity, and the likely perception of Nigeria from his narrow lenses of Lagos still under his stranglehold weakened Tinubu’s probable propensity to act decisively and appropriately.

    The issues being protested against are common knowledge, being part of our daily encounters. We may be different in ethnicity, worldview, religious, and social inclinations, yet most Nigerians are facing similar existential problems that propelled the protest. So, a commonality of protesters’ narratives permeates the pervasive suffering, angst, and disappointments amongst our compatriots that took to the streets of major cities and towns. From Lagos to Borno State and Benin City to Kano, the hopelessness of today and the uncertainty of tomorrow are evident on the streets and in our troubled minds.

    It’s however not too late for President Tinubu to review his economic policies which have stifled the lives of the majority of Nigerians. While he might see those measures as inevitable in his determination to resuscitate the country’s economy, he should seek ways to ameliorate the suffering across the country. His continual entreaty to the people to make sacrifices in the vain hope of a prosperous future does not resonate with us. Tinubu should something quickly to reduce hardship and hunger across the country. The earlier he does that, the better for the well-being of the citizens and stability of the country.

    Tony Eke, a journalist based in Asaba, can be reached via tonek6819@gmail.com or 08035504896 (text only).

  • How Day 5 of nationwide protest panned out in Lagos

    How Day 5 of nationwide protest panned out in Lagos

    Protesters in Lagos State returned to the Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota for the fifth day after they were attacked by suspected hoodlums on Sunday while praying for the nation.

    Before the protesters began the event of the day, they observed a minute silence for lives lost to the protest nationwide.

    Thereafter, the protesters entered what they called “Congress by Protesters”, led by Mr Hassan Soweto, where they briefed the gathering and newsmen on the event nationwide.

    Soweto denied they had suspended the protest as claimed by some people whom the organisers described as agents to destabilise the protest.

    He said the protest would continue because President Bola Tinubu failed to address their demands, particularly the reduction in fuel, electricity and food prices.

    The protesters called for the sacking of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olukayode Egbetokun, for casualties recorded so far during the protest nationwide.

    Soweto said they were fighting for the general public interest, stressing they should not be seen as agents against the state.

    “We don’t want a dialogue with the president, but we want him to meet our demands. We have not sent anyone to represent us at the presidency for dialogue.

    “Those who briefed the press that the protest had been suspended are not members of the groups,” he said.

    The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Adegoke Fayoade, was present at the park as more police personnel stood to provide security.

    Protest Day 5: Protesters move to major streets in Osun

    The ongoing nationwide protest, which entered its fifth day on Monday, moved from the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park in Osogbo to some major streets across the town.

    The protesters moved from the park at about 10.05 a.m. to Igbonna Market, Aiyetoro Stadium and other locations before converging at Olaiya Bridge.

    The situation led to gridlock of vehicular movements with motorists looking for alternative routes.

    However, the intervention of security personnel assisted in making the roads accessible, while also ensuring the protection of lives and property.

    Security agencies on duty include the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Security, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Federal Road Safety Corps.

    Others are the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

    One of the protesters, Mr Akin Ashafat, said the government had yet to address protesters’ demands, hoping that something would be done soon.

    Ashafat, an activist, also known as Government, said the protest would, therefore, continue until all the demands were met for the best interest of Nigerians.

    He called on the president to take quick action by “walking his talk” to the protesters’ demands rather than seeking dialogue, which he claimed might not yield any tangible result.

    Also, Mr Segun Oyewale, the spokesperson of the Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens (CCNC) in Osun, urged the government to take practical steps toward resolving the demands.

    Oyewale called for a price control mechanism to regulate prices of food commodities, and the provision of scholarships instead of student loans offered by the Federal Government.

    According to him, the president should reduce the price of petroleum and check the nation’s inflation.

    Protests: Kano govt probes violence as Police arrest 632 suspects

    The Kano State Government has taken decisive action to address the recent protests that resulted in senseless killings and looting of public buildings.

    A commission of inquiry has been established to investigate the root causes of the violence, identify those responsible, and recommend measures to prevent its recurrence.

    Malam Sunusi Bature, Director- General, Media and Publicity, announced this on Monday at Government House, Kano.

    He said that the committee would focus on uncovering the facts behind the killings and destruction.

    Bature reiterated that protesters carrying Russian flags were not affiliated with the government.

    He said, ”Genuine protesters have submitted their grievances, which would be forwarded to President Bola Tinubu in Abuja for appropriate action.

    ”The state government’s establishment of the committee demonstrates its commitment to addressing citizen concerns and ensuring accountability for the violence.

    ”Furthermore, 632 suspects have been arrested by the Police for vandalising public buildings during the protests and have been arraigned before various courts.

    ”The state government emphasises its commitment to maintaining peace and order, warning that those found guilty of vandalism will be arrested and prosecuted.

    ”Additionally, the state government plans to provide massive training programs for youths in various trades to promote self-reliance.”

    We arrested riotous individuals during nationwide protest – Police

    The Force Public Relations Officer,  CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, says the police operatives only arrested riotous individuals who were engaged in criminality during the ongoing nationwide protest.

    Adejobi said this during the monthly news conference organised by The Strategic Communication Inter-agency Policy Committee (SCIPC) hosted by the Department of States Services (DSS) on Monday in Abuja.

    He said that there were differences between protests and riots.

    Adejobi said that while there were peaceful protests in some states, there were riots and criminalities in others on the first day.

    “So, arrests of certain individuals who have been riotous should not be seen as the arrest of protesters.

    “Let us get it clear. There are some states in Nigeria they have been having peaceful protests and security agencies have been engaging them.

    “I am sure and I know you are aware that some governors and public office holders have been engaging them.

    “You can only engage in a gathering, an assembly that is friendly and accessible, where you have individuals wielding stones, offensive weapons, dangerous weapons and all the likes.

    “I don’t think a reasonable man will move close or be in the middle of such a gathering,” he said.

    Adejobi said that the police, military and other security agencies engaged the protesters professionally across the country.

    He said that the protesters in Abuja had violated the court ruling that restricted them to the main bowl of the National Stadium.

    According to him, some persons have deliberately and willfully violated the court ruling.

    He said the presence of the police was not to harass or intimidate anybody but to protect the national assets, adding that the barricade at the Eagle square was to protect the three arms zone.

    “You will agree with me that in some areas in Abuja, we recorded riots and this protest was violent.

    “Anywhere we have these engagements, I don’t think we should refer to such an assembly or a gathering or a procession as peaceful anymore.

    “I want to confirm again that those that have been arrested so far, to the best of my knowledge and with the records I have from all the states, are criminally minded individuals.

    “They went out, who actually engaged in various criminal offences ranging from armed robbery, homicide, mischief, or the one we call malicious damage of private and public facilities, owners are in pain as I speak with you.

    “So I don’t want us to use the word protesters for those who are actually, to the best of our knowledge and based on our findings, that are rioters and of course, criminally minded individuals.

    “We have arrested 873 suspects so far  and these suspects are those who are directly connected to one criminal offence or the other,” he added.

    Adejobi also denied that the police and other security agencies attacked journalists who were covering the protests, adding that they only prevented people from gathering at unauthorised places.

    He said the police had also apprehended some individuals for treasonable felony for carrying the flags of a foreign country on the Nigerian soil.

    “Just this morning, we arrested Ahmed Tailor from Kwanahudu, in Nasarawa Local Government Area of 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, we want to get other sponsors like him and as I speak with you, the same thing has happened in Kaduna.

    “We have been able to arrest 30 of them with the same Russian flags and I don’t want us to believe that for now, at this stage, we are still having a protest.

    “The undertones of this protest, based on our intelligence before it commenced on Aug. 1, have begun to manifest,” he added.

    Nationwide Protests: SAN urges state governors to strengthen grassroots devt

    A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Mohammed Ndarani, has urged state governors to strengthen grassroots development to complement the president’s efforts in delivering dividends of democracy to the people.

    Ndarani, who made the call in an interview on Monday in Abuja, was reacting to issues surrounding the ongoing protests and the Federal Government’s release of ₦570billion grant to states.

    President Bola Tinubu while addressing the nation following the nationwide protests against rising cost of living, said that the ₦570bn to the 36 states was to expand livelihood support to their citizens.

    The senior lawyer said that the state governments have to put local community needs first by making sure local government administrations are efficient and accountable.

    “How much money have the state governors made since the fuel subsidy was removed? What have some of the governors done with the monies that the president provided to them?

    “Some of the governors, not the president, are the issue because when the monies are released to them, they are unable to disperse them to the local governments.

    “This has made it challenging for the chairmen of local governments to award contract worth five million Naira.

    The SAN, who expressed disappointment over the manner state resources were deployed, said the president should set up an independent checking mechanism on his policies, to ensure compliance.

    “Under the current sharing formula, the federal government gets 52.68 per cent of the revenue, states 26.72 percent, and local governments 20.60 per cent .

    “Under the 2024 approved budget, over N5 trillion will go to the states, which is N2.24 trillion more than the N3.3 trillion disbursed in 2023.

    “The president is doing his very best to enhance the revenue base of the country; therefore, some of the state governors must equally be sympathetic.

    “They must urgently consider the needs of the local people,’’ he added.

    He advised the citizens to demand accountability from their governors.

    “Ask them how much they give to the local governments each month. Nigerians must be informed, and there should be supporting documentation.

    “Since the start of this government, every governor is required to submit information on their earnings and expenses.

    ”My advice to people who wan to go on the streets to protest, to blame their governors and not the president, for the difficulties they are facing,” he said..

    He said that although peaceful protests are in line with the constitution, he called on the protesters to dialogue with the federal government and focus more on their state governors.

    “The destruction of properties sets us back as a nation and our scarce resources will be again used to restore them

    “Right now, protest is not the best option. The issue is what is the best course of action? How can Nigeria be fixed? That ought to be the appropriate question.

    “Honest and constructive dialogues are essential to addressing the underlying causes of unrest and finding sustainable solutions’’.

    He also commended the security architecture for their display of professionalism at the protest and that Nigerian leaders must find a way to engage its citizens and address their concerns.

    “My heart is shattered seeing the devastating violence and destruction; protests should be suspended to give room for dialogue with the government at all levels.

    “It’s time for us to come together, engage in dialogue, and find alternative solutions to this senseless cycle of violence.

    “We must prioritise protecting the lives and properties of both our government and our people, we must engage in pursuing good governance’’.

    He appreciated the president for his unequivocal stance against ethnic division and threats.

    “It is important to maintaining peace, law, and order while upholding human rights in line with international conventions.

    “I commiserate with the families and relations of those who have died in the protests, but we must stop further bloodshed, violence, and destruction.

  • ICYMI: Tinubu orders crackdown on those flying Russian flag in Nigeria

    ICYMI: Tinubu orders crackdown on those flying Russian flag in Nigeria

    President Bola Tinubu on Monday directed security agencies to crack down on those flying Russian flag in the country.

    Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, said this while briefing State House correspondents after the National Security Council 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 that are willing to take advantage of it to cause mayhem.

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

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

    “We are warning in clear terms and the President has also said we should convey this, that 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 those behind it and we are going to take serious action against them.

    “The President is clear on his instructions for us not to accept anyone that wants to disrupt the peace and tranquility of Nigeria,” he said.

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

    “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.

    President Tinubu had in a national broadcast on Sunday 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.

    He also warned that he would not sit and watch some people used by opposition politicians to truncate democracy in the country.

    The meeting was attended by all the service chiefs, Vice President Kashim Shetima, Mr Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, and Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police, among others.

  • How we uncovered plots to hijack nationwide protests – DSS

    How we uncovered plots to hijack nationwide protests – DSS

    Spokesman for the Department of States Services (DSS), Dr Peter Afunanya, said the intelligence and security agencies uncovered and exposed plans by subversive groups and vandals to hijack the nationwide protest.

    Afunanya said this during the monthly news conference organised by The Strategic Communication Interagency Policy Committee (SCIPC) hosted by the DSS, on Monday in Abuja.

    He said the nation had been experiencing unusual times with the past weeks characterised by notable threats of protests.

    According to him, as envisaged, the outcome was the wanton destruction of property across multiple states.

    Afunanya said that the security agencies have made concerted and frantic efforts to restore calm to the affected areas, successfully re-establishing order.

    “While the right to protest is constitutionally guaranteed and remains a cornerstone of democratic governance in Nigeria, however, in the lead-up to these protests.

    “The Nigerian intelligence and security agencies uncovered plans by subversive groups and vandals to hijack the process.

    “This triggered engagement at both policy and strategic levels with traditional and religious leaders, youth groups, members of the civil society and leaders of thought.

    “This is with the aim of appealing to the conscience of the organisers to reconsider their plans in national Interest, but these pleas went unheeded.

    “Over this period, security personnel have remained resilient and dedicated and they have also responsibly discharged their duties,” he said.

    Giving update on the activities of the military, security and responses agencies, Afunanya said the DSS had in the last one month, heightened its intelligence-gathering and dissemination efforts.

    This, according to him, was to drive security operations and law enforcement; ensure protection of citizens’ rights as well as maintain public safety and order.

    He said the service, in collaboration with other stakeholders, conducted several operations, which led to arrests, disruption of criminal networks and recovery of various incendiary items.

    “Within the month of July, the service sustained proactive intelligence acquisition and dissemination of same action agencies.

    “This led to the arrest of criminal elements involved in oil theft, kidnapping, burglary and theft of electrical installations, human trafficking, armed robbery, cult related activities, terrorism and insurgency.

    “Similarly, some high profile terrorist leaders, logistic facilitators, gunrunners and IED experts were also apprehended.

    “During the operations, the following items were recovered: Semi-automatic double barrels, cartridges, pump action rifles, locally made pistol, IED initiators, AK47 rifles, magazines, submachine guns amongst others.

    “Additionally, economic saboteurs involved in diverting palliatives and agrochemicals were also apprehended.

    “1,200 (25kg) bags of palliative rice and 48 bags of rice kit were recovered in one of such operations in Katsina,”he said.

    Afunanya said the Nigerian armed forces had in July, neutralised a total of 572 terrorists, apprehended 790 suspects and rescued 479 kidnapped hostages as well as recovery of large cache of arms and ammunition.

    He added that the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC) also made significant strides in combating various criminal activities, particularly focusing on protecting the nation’s critical assets and infrastructure during the month.

    He said that more than 70 suspects were apprehended in Rivers and Bayelsa States for illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalisation, and operating illegal refineries.

    According to him, the NSCDC’s Anti-Vandal Squad and CG Intelligence Monitoring Team spearheaded these efforts, leading to the dismantling of numerous illegal refineries and the seizure of significant quantities of adulterated AGO.

    Afunanya said that NSCDC also tackled cases of armoured cable vandalism, illegal mining, and rail track vandalisation, with hotspots in Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Abia, and Kogi States.

    According to him, collaborative efforts with other agencies led to the transfer of certain cases, such as a firearms manufacturing operation in Abuja, highlighting the NSCDC’s comprehensive approach to national security.

    “The NSCDC secured over 20 convictions during this period, although some are under appeal, such as notable cases in Akwa Ibom.

    “Borno, with over 80 pending court matters, has the highest number of ongoing cases related to theft, vandalism, breach of trust, and financial crimes,” he added.

    The DSS spokesman said the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) apprehended 1,250 arrests (1,116 males and 134 females), charged 364 suspects, and secured 225 convictions, including asset forfeitures in July.

    He said the agency also located and destroyed 38.44 hectares of cannabis farms across four states.

    According to him, treatment and rehabilitation efforts saw 700 individuals receive care at the agency’s facilities.

    “Through our prevention programmes, including the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, the NDLEA educated 204,661 people in various settings about the dangers of drug abuse,” he said.

    Afunanya said the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), exceeded its revenue target with a collection of approximately N467.14 billion, marking a nine percent increase over the monthly goal.

    He said the service had also intensified its anti-smuggling efforts, conducting numerous successful operations resulting in significant seizures and arrests.

    According to him, the NCS made a total of 2,442 seizures with a duty paid value (DPV) of N25.5 billion from January to June.

    He said the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) had achieved the rollout of an advanced electronic passport with improved security features and the implementation of the New Visa Policy.

    He added that new passports could now be processed within six weeks while renewal would take three weeks from the date of online payment.

  • Protest: Tailor sewing Russian flag for protesters arrested in Kano

    Protest: Tailor sewing Russian flag for protesters arrested in Kano

     

    A Kano based  tailor accused of manufacturing flags resembling those of Russia for protesters in Kano has been apprehended,

    His arrest was made known by a social media user, @FS Yusuf, who shared images of the arrest.

    This development comes after demonstrators in Kano were seen carrying Russian flags during a protest, urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to intervene in their situation.

    The protesters expressed frustration that their concerns were being neglected by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.”

    Consequently, as a result of the violence that erupted in neighbouring Kaduna during the hunger protest on Monday  the state government has  imposed 24 hours curfew in the state.

     

  • JUST IN: Leader of Abuja #EndBadGovernance protest arrested

    JUST IN: Leader of Abuja #EndBadGovernance protest arrested

    One of the leaders of the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Micheal Lenin has reportedly been arrested and detained by the Department of State Services (DSS).

    According to reports, DSS operatives stormed Lenin’s residence in the Apo area of the nation’s capital city at around 2:00 am on Monday.

    The Director of Mobilisation, Take It Back Movement, Damilare Adenola, confirmed the development to Punch. Adenola alleged that the DSS raided Lenin’ home, after which assaulted him during his arrest.

    Adenola 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 his immediate and unconditional release.”

    The DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, could not be reached to confirm the report as of press time as he has yet to respond to a message sent to him.

  • Why protesters should embrace dialogue – NECA

    Why protesters should embrace dialogue – NECA

    The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has urged the #Endbadgovernance protesters to sheath their swords and embrace dialogue.

    Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General/Chief Executive of NECA made the appeal in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, following  a national address by President Bola Tinubu.

    Oyerinde condemned the unfortunate looting that had characterised the protest in some parts of the nation.

    “We commend the President for addressing the nation on the protest and the many on-going efforts of the government to address the pains of Nigerians.

    “We urge, most urgently, that government should also give urgent attention to the myriads of contradictions bedeviling the private sector, to enable the economy open up and return to the path of rapid growth,” he said.

    Oyerinde noted that the contradictions were strangulating the organised private sector and stopping it from fulfilling its role as the engine of development.

    Sharing some of the contradictions, the NECA boss averred that, while the nation grapple with high unemployment rate and low business capacity utilisation, some regulatory agencies were still creating bottlenecks for business growth.

    Specifically, he urged the federal government to implement the reports of the Taiwo Oyedele led Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy Reforms, which, according to him, engaged critical stakeholders and build consensus on tax reforms.

    Oyerinde frowned at the development where some agencies continue to introduce new levies and other forms of taxes, negating the main reason for the establishment of the Committee.

    “The expectations that Dangote Refinery will contribute to reducing the nation’s propensity for fuel importation was almost dashed by regulatory bottlenecks in the Oil and Gas industry,

    “This is especially worrisome given the significant time and effort the President has invested in wooing Foreign Direct Investors”.

    “We thank the President for taking the decision that paved the way for sale of crude to the Dangote refinery in Naira,” he said.

    Speaking further, the NECA Chief Executive noted that, “with the current rate at which businesses are declaring losses, especially in the real sector, the nation might be in for another round of business shutdown”.

    He said a combined loss of over N533 billion by four businesses in the sector, in quarter one of 2024,  called for urgent action.

    Oyerinde urged the government to address the ‘low hanging fruit’ solutions” to get the real sector back on track.

    He said some of the interventions included, issuing strict directives to regulatory agencies to prioritise regulation over the current seeming unquenchable thirst to impose penalties on already struggling businesses.

    He said NECA was not against pro-growth regulations, but concerned about the current pervasive arbitrary drive for revenue.

    Oyerinde also urged the government to curtail the rising interest and inflation rates, and address ongoing FOREX volatility.

  • Jos coalition suspends protest, gives reason

    Jos coalition suspends protest, gives reason

    The coalition that led the nationwide protest in Jos has suspended its street protests for two days to give room for dialogue with relevant stakeholders.

    The coalition spokesperson, Mr Enoch Vilret, who announced the suspension while briefing newsmen on Sunday in Jos, said that the suspension was with effect from Sunday, August 4, to Tuesday, Aug. 6.

    Vilret stated that the decision was to allow for dialogue with relevant authorities, as stated by President Bola Tinubu in his broadcast to the nation on Sunday.

    He further said that the coalition remained  committed to its cause and was  hopeful that the window period would  facilitate constructive discussions.

    According to him, should the dialogue not occur within the stipulated time, they will resume their peaceful protests.

    “However, we will like to clarify that we are not the organizers of this protest. We are leaders in our own right on the Plateau, who have stepped in to coordinate and ensure that the protests remain peaceful and orderly.

    “Our primary aim is to guide and support the voices of our fellow citizens in a responsible and constructive manner.

    “We wish to categorically disassociate ourselves from any group of protesters carrying the Russian flag or any other flag that is not the Nigerian flag.

    “Such actions are not representative of our movement, and we urge security forces to arrest any individual seen engaging in this behaviour as it undermines the integrity of our cause.

    “It has also come to our attention that certain elements opposed to the peaceful manner in which we have conducted our protests over the past four days, are planning to incite looting and vandalism,” he stated.

    The spokesperson pointed out that the coalition had strongly condemned such actions and called on security forces to arrest anyone found engaging in them.

    He added that the movement was dedicated to peaceful advocacy and would not tolerate any form of violence or destruction.

    Vilret called on Nigerians to continue to be law-abiding and to hold onto the hope that Nigeria would be great again.

    He emphasised that the coalition’s commitment to positive change remains   steadfast.

    ”We believe that through collective effort and peaceful advocacy, we can achieve a better future for the nation,” he said.