TheNewsGuru

Tag: Protests

  • Protesters storm US embassy, demand visa ban on Mele Kyari over alleged corruption

    Protesters storm US embassy, demand visa ban on Mele Kyari over alleged corruption

    Just 24 hour after the Young Professionals Forum besieged the Embassy of the Saudi Arabia in Abuja, asking the Saudis authority to deny former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mallam Mele Kyari, entry into the country, the group has taken their protest to the embassy of the United States of America.

    The group stormed the US embassy in Abuja on Friday in a procession from the Ship House (Ministry of Defence), through the Diplomatic Lane in the Central Business District (CBD), carrying placards some of which read, “Bring Mele Kyari to Book’; Kyari has Sold us to his Friends and Cronies; Justice for our Refineries”.

    The Young Professionals Forum submitted a petition with the title, “Request To Deny Entry Into The United States For A Person Of Interest, Mr. Mele Kolo Kyari, Over Abuse Of Office, Misappropriation Of Funds And Suspected Terrorism Financing”.

    The petition which was signed by Barr. Sambari Benjamin, the Convener and Comrade John Ndubuokwu,
    Organizing Secretary reads in parts:

    “The Young Professionals Forum of Nigeria is constrained to approach Your Excellency in a matter that Nigerians have decided to be of great concern, with the potential to have existential consequences for citizens if not urgently and appropriately addressed.

    “The issue in question is regarding a person of interest, Mr. Mele Kolo Kyari, who is the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), who is central to ongoing investigations into grand corruption, abuse of office, misappropriation of funds and terrorism financing in Nigeria.

    “We are thus aware that Mr. Kyari, in his desperation to evade justice, will attempt seeking refuge in the United States as refugees fleeing a supposed persecution or as a high-net-worth investor. This would be injustice to Nigerians who are enduring hardship or dying from terrorists’ attacks, situations promoted by Mr. Kyari’s activities and massive corruption.

    “We consequently appeal, through Your Excellency, to the United States to deny Mr. Mele Kolo Kyari entry into your jurisdiction until such a time as investigation into his tenure is completed and he is given a clean bill of health. This will enable the United States to maintain its stature as a shining example of accountable actions”.

    Briefing newsmen while submitting the petition, Barr. Sambari emphasized that every attempt by Kyari to evade justice on the NNPCL corruption probe by fleeing the country must be resisted by all.

    Barr. Sambari said they are aware that Kyari is shopping for a third country to the United States as his preferred destination as he plans to exploit the high respect for human rights in your country as a bulwark against being returned to Nigeria to stand trial.

    Highlighting Kyari’s crimes against Nigeria, Nigerians and humanity, the petitioner stated, “In the more than five years that Mr. Kyari was in charge, he systematically torpedoed the Nigerian economy by engaging in subversive acts that included a refusal to remit revenue due to the country.

    “The World Bank, in its Nigeria Development Update report for 2024 confirmed that Kyari’s leadership of NNPCL only remitted N500 billion to the Federation Account, despite savings from the removal of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) subsidy.

    “The report further confirmed that Mr. Kyari doled out another N500 billion to his cronies and associates under the guise of settling debt arrears. This criminal behaviour implied that Mr. Kyari led a posse that cornered the entire savings from the removal of the petrol subsidy. The government was left without adequate funds to provide the social safety net that would have mitigated the hardship resulting from this laudable reform.

    Continuing he said, “A consequence of this development is that more Nigerians are pushed into becoming economic refugees, with many irregularly migrating to the US to escape the harsh economic conditions precipitated by Kyari’s kind of corruption. We are conscious of the cost implications to the US Government for managing such irregular migration”.

    The Young Professionals said they have reason to believe that a large chunk of the money missing from the NNPCL under Mr. Kyari’s watch went into financing terrorism, adding that “In some instances, these funds were passed through religious based organisations as charitable donations but eventually ended up in the hands of terrorists, which Mr. Kyari was fully aware of”.

    “Your Excellency, we further invite you to note that Mr. Kyari willfully violated the United States imposed sanctions on Russia. Through his associates, he facilitated the procurement of Russian-sourced crude above the stipulated thresholds which was then refined in Malta and shipped to Nigeria. This was another incentive for sabotaging the repairs of Nigerian refineries”.

  • Alleged corruption: Anti-Mele Kyari protest rocks Saudi Arabia embassy

    Alleged corruption: Anti-Mele Kyari protest rocks Saudi Arabia embassy

    ***as group seeks VISA ban, deportation of ex-NNPCL Boss

    The Young Professionals Forum of Nigeria, on Thursday, besieged the Royal Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in Abuja, demanding that the embattled former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NMDPRA), Mallam Mele Kyari, be denied VISA or any form of entry whatsoever, into the Saudi Arabia, asking for his deportation.

    The group, numbering over 1,000, comprises mainly Lawyers, Medical Doctors, Engineers, Artisans and other young Nigeria professionals; were led into the Maitama Embassy by Barr. Sambari Benjamin, the Convener and Comr. John Ndubuokwu,
    Organizing Secretary.

    Addressing Journalists while submitting a strong worded petition, Barr. Sambari, said the call was to prohibit the former NNPCL boss from fleeing the country, in an attempt to evade the ongoing probe by the antigraft agencies.

    The group said, already, “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), as well as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), have reportedly commenced preliminary investigations into his dealings”, adding that, unsurprisingly, the investigation “has triggered his desperate attempt to seek refuge abroad. In his calculations, he believes that Saudi Arabia is the most ideal jurisdiction to shield himself from extradition, trial, and accountability”.

    The Young Professionals said they were making the passionate and patriotic appeal, as there were feelers that Kyari was already in the Saudi Arabia, and might wish to use the stay as a carte blanche for asylum or to evade justice.

    “We, the Young Professionals Forum of Nigeria write to Your Excellency and the esteemed custodians of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Abuja, not only as patriotic citizens but as custodians of national conscience and moral guardians of our economic legacy, We respectfully request your noble intervention in forestalling Mallam Mele Kyari, the beleaguered former Group Chief Executive of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), from fleeing into the safety of your noble Kingdom.

    “Your Excellency, it is with deep disquiet and principled anxiety that we alert you of clandestine moves being orchestrated by Mallam Mele Kyari to flee Nigeria in the face of overwhelming evidence and mounting public outcry over his alleged involvement in a series of infractions that border on economic treason, institutional sabotage. If allowed to stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, he would be evading justice and undermining the principles of transparency and accountability championed by both our great nations”, the group said.

    “‘Indeed, the penalty for those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and spread mischief in the land is death, crucifixion, cutting off their hands and feet on opposite sides, or exile from the land. This ˹penalty˺ is a disgrace for them in this world, and they will suffer a tremendous punishment in the Hereafter”‘, the Petitioners said.

    The group therefore, urged the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Nigeria to deny Kyari entry into the Kingdom, “under any guise — diplomatic, medical, religious, or commercial; any visa application, asylum request, or special entry petition by him”; while urging relevant Saudi Arabian authorities to liaise with Nigerian anti-corruption agencies to ensure international cooperation in this matter.

    “Saudi Arabia, being a leader of the Muslim Ummah, reaffirm its unyielding stance against corruption, economic sabotage, and terrorism by distancing itself from characters like Mele Kyari”, the group stressed.

    Recall that Nigerians in the United Kingdom, had last week protested in the Nigerian House in London, calling out Mele Kyari to return to Nigeria to face prosecutions of the many allegations against him.

  • Hunger! France imposes curfew to curb rising living costs protests

    Hunger! France imposes curfew to curb rising living costs protests

    France announced on Friday new curfew measures to quell civil unrest on its Caribbean island of Martinique, which has been hit by violent protests due to anger over rising living costs.

    The local French administration for Martinique said it was banning public gatherings until October 14, and banning the purchase of products that could be used for arson attacks.

    It added that protests had disrupted flights at Martinique airport and that as a result of this, flights were being re-directed to the neighbouring French island of Guadeloupe.

    Since September 2024, there have been widespread protests and violent confrontations across the French Caribbean territory of Martinique.

    The unrest is caused by elevated costs of living, and consequential bans on public protests placed by the Central Government of France in several municipalities.

    Also, the deployment of elite riot police that had been banned from the territory for over 65 years due to their prior killing of several young demonstrators.

    Before 2024, Martinique was the site of several widespread protests against inequality in racial and economic areas.

    Protests and civil unrest were especially prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic, where several civilians protested against COVID restrictions implemented by the French government in November 2021

  • Protests: Poland appeals to Nigeria to release seven nationals arrested for waiving Russian flag

    Protests: Poland appeals to Nigeria to release seven nationals arrested for waiving Russian flag

    The government of Poland has appealed to Nigeria for the release of the seven Polish who were arrested in Kano for allegedly  raising the Russian flag during the recent hunger protest in that city.

    Jakub Wisniewski, the deputy foreign minister met with Nigeria´s charge d´affaires in Warsaw where he made a case for the release of the arrested persons – a lecturer and six students.

    They had come from Warsaw University to take part in a Hausa language programme.

    “During the meeting, I conveyed that I was convinced that the students´ behavior could have resulted from their ignorance of local customs, culture and laws.

    “I appealed for the possibility of their return to Poland, to their homes, where their families are waiting for them,” Wisniewski said.

    But Wisniewski refused to believe that the students carried Russian flags apparently because of rare pro-Russian sentiment in his country.

    The Central European country has bad memories of suffering under Russian rule in the past and the citizens are deeply critical of what they see as Russian aggression in Ukraine.

    According to Wisniewski  the seven Poles were taken to Abuja and are safe.

    Poland´s consul was scheduled to meet with them yesterday afternoon.

    However, the Department of State Services (DSS) announced on Wednesday that the seven polish arrested were undergoing interrogation.

    The Federal Government warned against foreign interference in the protests, saying “appropriate action” would be meted out to any “foreign entity residing in Nigeria” that directly or indirectly played a role in the demonstrations.

    Six Spaniards were also arrested for their alleged involvement in the protests.

    Spokesman for the DSS, Dr. Peter Afunanya, said of the arrested Poles and others: “For the persons we have picked up from Kano because of where they were found during the protest and display of the foreign flag, that was two days ago.

    “As a responsible security organisation, we owe it an obligation to do some verification and ascertain basic reasons and circumstances for some cases.

    “They were picked as a result of security enforcement because of where they were when the incident happened.

    It is not a targeted operation on behalf of the DSS and Nigeria.

    “But we have a plea. In the cause of the discharge of our duty, we will also see that some Nigerians definitely would want to use foreign lands as a launch pad to attack domestic peace and stability.

    “We plead that you do not offer your country to some persons who may be deviant or have a terrorist inclination.

    “Nigeria is a country with a large population and I believe that the support other countries will give will help us.”

    He said that the arrests were not a targeted attempt on Polish nationals.

    Afunanya warned that the government would not spare anyone found guilty of funding the protests.

    Also speaking during a diplomatic corps briefing, Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar stressed the value the government placed on the “cordial relationships it has with many foreign nations,” but said Nigeria would not fold its hands and watch foreign entities meddle in its internal affairs.

    He said: “The government would take appropriate action against any foreign entity residing in Nigeria that is found to have directly or indirectly supported the protesters by whatever means or seeks to interfere in the internal affairs of the country.

    We are always ready for further protests, say Police.

    The Police said yesterday that they were ready to forestall any breakdown of law and order following reports that the organisers of the cost of living protests were mobilising for the ‘grand finale’ today.

    Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the police would not be taken unaware, adding that the conduct of the protesters would be handled professionally nationwide.

    Adejobi said: “We are always ready for any eventuality. We are not taking anything for granted. The situation will be handled professionally.”

    On those arrested during the protests, Adejobi said they would  be charged to court.

  • Delta Governor, Oborevwori appeals for Peace, warns against protests turning violent

    Delta Governor, Oborevwori appeals for Peace, warns against protests turning violent

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has expressed that protests by youths are not the solution to overcoming governance challenges. He emphasized that responsible leaders had warned against such actions, highlighting the risk of hoodlums hijacking the protests and causing harm to innocent Nigerians.

     

    Oborevwori mentioned that prior to the protests, he had engaged major stakeholders across the state, advising them to refrain from such actions. He cautioned that the situation could escalate into another #EndSARS protest, which resulted in significant loss of lives, businesses, and property, as well as damage to public infrastructure.

     

    As the protest entered its third day, Oborevwori, through a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Avon, praised Delta youths for maintaining peace across the state. During a meeting with the National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, and his delegation at the Government House in Asaba, Oborevwori reiterated his gratitude to the youths.

     

    “My dear youths of Delta, I thank you for the way and manner you organized yourselves,” he said.

     

    He reminded them that Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. He assured that the state government would continue to protect the lives and property of its citizens and reaffirmed their commitment to good governance under the MORE Agenda.

     

    Oborevwori called on those behind the protests to end them, warning that they would only worsen the nation’s challenges.

  • JUST IN: Kano State Govt relaxes curfew amidst protests

    JUST IN: Kano State Govt relaxes curfew amidst protests

     

    The Kano State Government has announced a relaxation of the 24-hour curfew imposed on the state.

    Commissioner of Justice, Barrister Haruna Isah Dederi, made the announcement on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

    According to Dederi, the curfew will now be observed from 5pm to 12pm, allowing Muslim faithful to attend Friday prayers.

    “We pray that God will continue to protect us in all our endeavours,” he added.

    The initial 24-hour curfew was imposed following the escalation of nationwide protests into looting and vandalism of public and private properties in the state.

  • PROTESTS: NASS South East caucus condemns ethnic profiling of Igbos

    PROTESTS: NASS South East caucus condemns ethnic profiling of Igbos

    The Southeast National Assembly Caucus has condemned the continued ethnic profiling of Igbos over the nationwide protest across the country.

    A statement signed by the southeast leaders of both chambers of the National Assembly, Senator Enyinaya Abaribe and Hon Igariwey Iduma Enwo further described as unfortunate and dangerous the ethnic profiling of Igbos in the ongoing mass protests across the country.

    “For the records, the Igbo nation, in obedience to the advice of their leaders, Governors, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, parliamentarians and others in the private sector had taken a reasoned and strategic decision not to participate in the on-going nationwide protests” the statement emphasized adding this was evident in the relative calm experienced in the five South Eastern states.

    “We are, therefore, surprised and disappointed, that Igbos are still made scapegoats, and targeted as instigators of protests, as shown in several statements (such as the Igbo Must Go hashtag and call by a certain ‘Lagospedia’ X(Twitter) handle) and videos trending online.

    “This dangerous ethnic profiling is unwarranted, and must stop. It was such profiling that led to the millions of deaths in Nigeria from the 1950’s to the unfortunate civil war in 1967 to 1970. Elsewhere in Africa it led to the genocide in Rwanda and the xenophobia in South Africa.

    “We demand that the security agencies bring to book the purveyors of this hate speeches in line with the cybercrimes act
    while we continue to appeal to Igbos across the country to stay away from the protests, and remain law abiding”

  • Protests: Let’s negotiate, Sultan of Sokoto begs organisers

    Protests: Let’s negotiate, Sultan of Sokoto begs organisers

    The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has appealed to protesters and the conveners to sheath their swords and come to the dialogue table.

    The Sultan also went spiritual in his plea for the protesters to exercise restraint quoting the Qur’an 6;43 saying, ““When the suffering reached them from us, why then did they not learn humility?” Qur’an 6:43.

    He made this known in a statement signed by Prof. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu Secretary-General, JNI titled, “Ongoing Protest – Sultan Appeals For Calm, Prayers, More Restraint And Caution to All Nigerians”.

    It reads, “With the ongoing protests in Nigeria and the information reaching His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, JNI, he once again appeals to the protest conveners, their covert and overt benefactors, as well as other critical stakeholders to sheath their swords and urgently come to the table for dialogue.

    “We genuinely feared escalation to an uncontrollable scenario and the reports are tilting towards that.

    “Therefore, we in the name of Allah, the Most High call for an end to the snowballing rampaging, in the name of protest.

    “We should all understand that there must be a stable country called Nigeria, before we can proudly call ourselves Nigerians.

    “With tomorrow being Friday, Jumu’ah mosque Imams and Muslim leaders are implored to calm nerves and call on the Ummah to appreciate peace than chaotic state of affairs, which may even deny us congregational prayers.

    “The Qur’anic guidance in trying moments remains “when the suffering reached them from us, why then did they not learn humility?” Qur’an 6:43.

    “Hence, sober reflection, sincere humility and continued prayer to Allah, the Ever Merciful is the antidote of the quagmire.

    “The Prophet (peace be upon him) said “supplication is a weapon of the believer and the light of the heavens and the earth”.

    “Let’s therefore be in continued prayers for Allah’s apt intervention.

    “In fact, all Imams are equally called upon to commence sustained supplications and/or prayers at this moment of grief, through Qunootun-Nawazil (special prayers at calamitous periods in the last Raka’ah of each obligatory prayer and non-obligatory prayers).

    “This call has become imperative bearing in mind that the protest is getting out-of-hand, and the consequence of which may be too heavy on the West-African sub region.

    “More so, the Sultan further calls on all Majaalis (knowledge seeking gatherings), Halqas (study circles),

    Madaaris and Makarantun Allo (Islamic schools), as well as the leadership of all Muslim organisations and/or societies’ in Nigeria to commence special prayers in calamitous situations and trying times (Qunootun-Nawazil), and seek Allah’s compassion for Nigeria.

    “A clarion call is therefore made to all leaders and the Nigerian citizens to fear Allah, for it is through such a spiritual medium that Allah’s intervention descends with full assurance from Him, the Ever Merciful.

    “Muslims are as well urged to be introspective and should embrace more Dhikr (remembrance of Allah), through glorification of Allah, Istighfar (seeking Allah’s forgiveness) and ceaseless Du’a (prayers and invocations), for ease and relief in these trying moments.

    “Nevertheless, the Sultan of Sokoto, implores the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria to address the nation, by assuring all Nigerians that peace, security, stability, relief to hardship and food security would be achieved under his stewardship, in-sha’Allah.

    “Likewise, State Governors should also calm nerves, as silence is no longer golden at this moment of anxiety.

    “In this time of challenge, we pray for guidance, protection, good health, and peace for all leaders, and for tranquility to prevail in Nigeria.

    “May Allah, the Most High, also provide the quickest relief to all problems bedeviling the Nigerian state. Aamin.”

  • Protests: We’re becoming overwhelmed, FCT police cry out

    Protests: We’re becoming overwhelmed, FCT police cry out

    The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) said the ongoing protest is fast becoming violent as their men are losing grip of the situation.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, FCT, SP Josephine Adeh said that the police was becoming overwhelmed.

    She said the protesters were coming out from different locations against the earlier order, restricting the protest to Moshood Abiola Stadium.

    “The protesters are coming out from different locations and are becoming violent.

    “We are trying to curtail them but currently, they are being very violent,” she said.

    The PPRO had earlier had earlier confirmed that the command was in control of the protest.

    She said the protesters moving to the Eagle Square against the initial restriction of the protest to Moshood Abiola Stadium brought about the violence.

  • Protests! All FCT satellite town markets under lock and key as cows take over deserted streets+Photos

    Protests! All FCT satellite town markets under lock and key as cows take over deserted streets+Photos

    Kubwa a major satellite town of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT had all its markets locked as early as 2pm on Wednesday before the commencement of the nationwide protests today.

    TheNewsGuru.com gathered that customers who visited Kubwa village markets after 2pm on Wednesday were all chased away by vigilante guards.

    Prior to the lock up, those who were still shopping for goods were politely advised to leave the market by 2pm as they announced through loud speakers that “anything you take your eyes see after 2pm, you’re on your own.

    Gado Nasko road that harbours most banks and adjoining streets linking NYSC camp were all deserted as cows take over the streets.

    See photos below: