Dons EzeFIFTH COMMUNISTS PLANNING TO HIJACK PROTEST, CLAIMS EX-APC WOMAN LEADER
FIFTH COLUMNISTS PLANNING TO HIJACK PROTEST, CLAIMS EX-APC WOMAN LEADER A former women leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the executive director, Business Development of the Nigerian-Export Import Bank (NEXIM), Hon Stella Okotete, has warned that fifth columnists are planning to hijack the proposed nationwide protest over the hardship in the country. She said the fifth columnists are politicians who are set to pull down the President Bola Tinubu-led government because they have lost out. She stated this while appealing to aggrieved Nigerian youths to rethink their decision to embark on the proposed protest. Okotete, who was a ministerial nominee last year, urged Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu, adding that the Nigerian economic situation was not an isolated one but a global phenomenon. Plans to have a nationwide protest over the situation in the country have been rife. The protest is said to begin on the first of next Month. Reacting in a statement, however, Okotete said as much as the protest was to draw the government’s attention to the suffering of the downtrodden in the country, and in spite of the organisers’ good intentions, fifth columnists are planning to hijack the protest and turn it into a demonstration that may be uncontrollable. Ad Okotete however assured that President Tinubu is working hard to build a stronger economy that will bring prosperity to all its Citizens. The statement reads in parts: “Thus, the essence of any protest is not to destroy public or private properties acquired with hard earned money. It is to urgently draw government’s attention to address a pressing situation urgently. Protest should therefore not be an avenue for those who lost elections or who are unhappy with the faces of those in government to ventilate their grievances. The proper way to ventilate such political grievance is to mobilize the citizens to believe in the ideals of your political party and its manifestos. “Therefore, it must be noted that politicians who are unsatisfied with the government out of no other reason but the fact that they are not in government are pushing hard to achieve what they couldn’t achieve through the ballot. We must therefore resist this selfish attempt to destroy our thriving democracy. No politician is worth dying for. “The government is doing its best to revive our economy by taking hard decisions such as fuel subsidy removal that has been draining our Treasury over the years. With the fuel subsidy removal, states and Local Government Councils are now receiving more money from the federation account. In the months to come our ailing refineries and the Dangote refinery will come on stream to put an end to importation of fuel which will save huge chunk of our forex that will stabilize and strengthen the Naira against the Dollar. “It is imperative to be circumspect at this crucial time by being strategic. The saying goes that peace is better than war. Let us give this government a little chance to carry out its agenda. The economic policies of this government are yielding results gradually and steadily. The optimal result is not what can be experienced overnight. It will require a little time from now to start experiencing the economic prosperity and transformation promised by this government in the Renewed Hope Agenda. “It is on this score that I most humbly appeal to all those planning to protest next week to reconsider this plan. The consequences of such protest are dire as it may as usual lead to wanton destruction of lives and properties in a regrettable manner. This is the time to dialogue and not to provide an avenue for the enemies of Nigeria to strike. “I implore you all to think twice and consider the…
FG PANICS, DIRECTS MINISTERS TO RETURN TO THEIR STATES TO STOP PLANNED PROTEST
FG PANICS, DIRECTS MINISTERS TO RETURN TO THEIR STATES TO STOP PLANNED PROTEST The Federal Government has reported directed ministers to return to their respective states between Wednesday (July 24) and Thursday, August 1, when the planned nationwide protests are scheduled to begin. The decision was made at an emergency meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, with the Federal Government saying it is open to talks with the leaders of the planned nationwide protests slated for August 1-10. The protest tagged ‘EndBadGovernance’ has gained traction on social media and has been scheduled to hold across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The directive given to the ministers was for them to dialogue with their people and see a way to stop the proposed protests. Also, some select ministers will meet with state governors at the 143rd session of the National Economic Council at the Council Chamber of the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, on Thursday (today) to find a way round the situation. This formed part of the action points from the emergency meeting between the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and all ministers in Abuja on Wednesday morning. A circular showed that Special Advisers to the President on Policy and Coordination, Ms. Hadiza Bala-Usman; Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga and former Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare, were among those invited for the meeting convened to discuss the ‘Planned Nationwide Protest.’ The circular read, “I am directed to invite you to attend a meeting with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on the above subject slated as follows: “July 24, 2024, Time: 10 am Prompt, Venue: Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Conference Room. Attendance is mandatory. Please accept the warm regards of the Secretary to The Government of the Federation.” The report further noted that although journalists were not granted access to the SGF Conference Room, the venue of Wednesday’s meeting, sources privy to the discussions told The Punch that a planned nationwide broadcast by President Bola Tinubu was part of the issues discussed. The source said, “All ministers were present. They suggested that there should be a national address. It was suggested that the President himself should do it. But the suggestion will have to reach the President first. “They also asked ministers to put together three key achievements they have made in the past year. They will compile these achievements and present them to Nigerians. “In fact, tomorrow (today), the Minister of Finance will be briefing the media on the state of the economy. But those achievements will be compiled for a separate presentation.” “The government stands for dialogue. They will get the leaders (of the protest) to meet with the government for discussions. “All the ministers will also go back to their states to engage their people so they won’t be misled into joining the protests. That is between now and the protest date.“Some have been engaging their people before. But this time, everyone has been asked to go back there,” the source added.
THREE COMMISSIONERS QUIT ALEX OTTI’S CABINET WITHIN ONE WEEK
THREE COMMISSIONERS QUIT ALEX OTTI’S CABINET WITHIN ONE WEEK One week after two of Commissioners quit the Abia State Executive Council, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo, has followed suit and resigned her appointment from Governor Alex Otti cabinet. This was contained in a statement by the chief press secretary to the governor, Ctz. Ukoha Njoku-Ukoha, which was made available to the journalists in Umuahia, the State capital, on Wednesday. Okoronkwo, who began as adviser to the governor on Health Matters, was earlier suspended from office last month over alleged gross abuse of office. “The suspended Commissioner for Health, Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo, has tendered her resignation letter to the governor, Dr Alex Otti,” the statement noted. It said that while accepting her resignation, Governor Otti thanked her for “her modest achievements in repositioning the health sector for better service delivery in the last one year.” The statement, entitled; “Resignation of Commissioner for Health, Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo”, further said the governor wished her well in her future endeavours.Recall that two of her former colleagues, who resigned earlier, were Commissioners for Science and Technology, Mr Chima Oriaku, and that of Agriculture, Prof Monica Ironkwe.
RIVERS CRISIS GETS MESSIER AS FUBARA, WIKE SUPPORTERS CLASH
RIVERS CRISIS GETS MESSIER AS FUBARA, WIKE SUPPORTERS CLASH A baby was reportedly tear-gassed and became unconscious on Wednesday as supporters of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, clashed with the loyalists of ex-governor Nyesom Wike in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state. It was gathered that the clash happened during a government medical outreach in the Eliozu community, Obio/Akpor LGA. Eyewitnesses reported that trouble started when officials of the state Ministry of Health were carrying out a medical outreach for women at the Eliozu Health Centre. It was gathered that no sooner had the programme started than some supporters allegedly loyal to the factional Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, arrived at the venue to find out the reason for the gathering. The venue is said to be near the residence of Amaewhule, who is the leader of the 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike. But supporters of the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA, Chijioke Ihunwo, loyal to Fubara, who were at the venue allegedly stopped them from accessing the venue, leading to a heated argument and subsequent clash. Following the fisticuffs, stones were pelted from several directions, as the medical outreach was disrupted abruptly. A few minutes later, a team of anti-riot policemen arrived at the scene, firing teargas to disperse the opposing groups and quell the situation from getting out of hand. It was gathered that a child was tear-gassed during the mayhem and became unconscious. The situation led to the relocation of the medical outreach to a state-owned medical facility at the Waterlines axis of Port Harcourt where the programme was launched. Reacting to the incident, the Obio/Akpor CTC Chairman, Chijioke Ihunwo, accused Amaewhule, of leading policemen to disrupt the outreach. Ihunwo stated, “This morning there was an incident at the Eliozu Health Centre where the former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, led some security men to disrupt a programme by the Ministry of Health. “A few minutes later, some policemen came and started beating up our women, shooting tear gas at pregnant women who were at the Health Centre. “We want to say that Obio/Akpor Local Government Area will not be under siege. We want to call on the President, Bola Tinubu that the Inspector General of Police and the Minister of the FCT are tarnishing the image of your government. “We are calling on you to rein them in so that Rivers State can have peace. Let the FCT Minister concentrate on his job in Abuja and leave our dear governor alone.” When contacted, the spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident. Iringe-Koko, in a short message to our correspondent, said the police responded to a distress call over the scenario, adding that the investigation was ongoing. She stated, “A distress call was received from the health centre in the Eliozu community today, 24th July 2024, where supporters of two separate political factions were engaged in a fight. The police responded by sending operatives to the scene to restore law and order.“The police deployed anti-riot tactics, including the use of canisters, to disperse the crowds. An investigation into the matter has been initiated.”
REINSTATE NDUME AS CHIEF WHIP, BORNO PROTESTERS URGE SENATE
REINSTATE NDUME AS CHIEF WHIP, BORNO PROTESTERS URGE SENATE Protesters from Borno South, on Wednesday, stormed Abuja demanding the reinstatement of Mohammed Ali Ndume as Chief Whip of the Senate. Ndume was removed for criticising the President Bola Tinubu-led government, following a letter transmitted to the Senate by the national leadership of the his party, All Progressives Congress (APC). He was also tripped of his position as Vice Chairman Senate Committee on Appropriations. Ndume was replaced by Senator Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North) as Chief Whip. But the protesters under the aegis of Borno South Development Association, who stormed the Unity Fountain in Abuja, asked Senate President Godswill Akpabio to reinstate Ndume. Addressing newsmen, leader of the protesters, Mohammed Ibrahim Biu, described Ndume is a vibrant Senator who has served his people effectively over the years and cannot be sanctioned for telling the truth.He said Ndume’s removal as Chief Whip is not in the interest of Borno South and Nigeria at large, stressing that justice must be done.
NAUS, NAPS, NANCES MOBILIZE FOR PROTEST, MONDAY JULY 29
NAUS, NAPS, NANCES MOBILIZE FOR PROTEST, MONDAY, JULY 29 THE leadership of the National Association of University Students (NAUS), National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), and the National Association Nigerian of College of Education Students (NANCES), have commenced mobilisation of their members for a nationwide protest beginning from Monday, July 29th, 2024. The trio of NAUS, NAPS and NANCES, declared the National Day of Protest for Nigerian Students starting from Monday, July 29th, 2024, over the failure of the Federal Government to address the hardships being faced by Nigerian students amidst the current economic crisis. This was conveyed in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja and jointly signed by Comrade Obaji Marshal National President, NAUS; Amb. Shuaib Ishaka Yahaya, Senate President, NAUS; Comrade Ridwan Opeyemi Munirudeen, National President, NAPS; Comrade Adeniji Boluwaji Temitope, Senate President, NAPS; Amb. Comrade Eegunjobi Samuel Oluwaseun National President, NANCES; and Sen. Kur Isaac Ushahemba, Senate President, NANCES. The statement indicated the decision to embark on the protest was reached after due and painstaking consultations on the way forward for Nigerian students in tertiary institutions. “More directly, the trio of NAUS, NAPS AND NANCES frowns at the I don’t care attitude or the government towards reducing the current hardship,” the students noted. The statement read in part: “We extend our sincere greetings to Nigerian students covering the aforementioned bodies, as well as, its affiliated associations across the country. “The purpose of this memo is to prepare the minds of Nigerian students across tertiary institutions in the country, on the collective decision made by the leaderships of the aforementioned associations, after due and painstaking consultations on the way forward for Nigerian Students. “The present economic quagmire occasioned by the rising cost of living, hike in cost of commodities, hike in petroleum price, hike in electricity tarriff, insecurity, poor funding of our institutions which presently affects more than 80% of the population in the country, is felt most by young Nigerians studying for various academic qualifications across tertiary institutions. “This development has led to poor socio-economic welfare for students, a loss of interest in academic activities and a fall in grades, an increase in crimes and criminality, and an increase in violence on campuses and their environs. “Furthermore, the inability of federal, state and local governments to provide adequate immediate and long-term palliatives, especially for Nigerian Students, to cushion the effect of the high cost of living, is rather disappointing and also raises the alarm of the student movement in the country, of a seeming lack of initiatives and ideas on the most effective approach to sustainable economic recovery and growth. “Hence, the trio of NAUS, NAPS and NANCES, representing the voices of millions of Nigerian students emphatically condemns the lackadaisical attitude of the Government and declares a National Day Of Protest For Nigerian Students starting from Monday, July 29th, 2024 till further notice having communicated the government through various means including media but nothing has been done. “This protest is to serve a way of exercising our right and driving home our demands to the Federal and state governments, to influence innovation, conceptualization and implementation of plans for the alleviation of the hardship suffered by Nigerian students. “The leaderships of NAUS, NAPS AND NANCES, therefore, urge all Nigerian students to prepare for the National Day of Protest coming up from the 29th of July, 2024.“With this notice, Student union officials are enjoined to be in touch with their respective associations for updates on the Protest, as security agencies will also been put on notice,” it stated.
FOREIGNERS ARRIVE KADUNA TO JOIN PLANNED PROTEST, GROUP ALLEGES
FOREIGNERS ARRIVE KADUNA TO JOIN PLANNED PROTEST, GROUP ALLEGES A group, Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Kaduna state, has alleged that reports reaching the executive has indicated that foreigners from northern neighboring countries had already arrived in Kaduna State ready to join the demonstration and make it violent. The group however, kicked against the move, saying it will jeopardize the safety of the event and compromise the message of the demonstration, according to the communique of the forum’s second executive meeting made available to newsmen Wednesday in Kaduna. According to them, “While the Kaduna State Chapter of the MBF acknowledges that peaceful demonstration is legitimate and necessary over the current hardships faced in the country and the need to draw government attention, the involvement of violent sponsored foreigners has raised genuine security concerns to the Chapter. “Consequently, the forum advised all our youth from the Middle Belt resident in Kaduna State to refrain from participating in the protest not only over security and safety concerns, but not to be used to achieve the curious objectives of the sponsors. Our youths, known for their orderliness, civility, and discipline, must not be associated with inappropriate acts. “The security situation has been reported to the national president of the MBF, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, who is currently gathering feedbacks from other states of the Middle Belt before issuing an official position on behalf of the entire Middle Belters. Earlier, the communiqué signed Yusuf Solomon Danbaki,Public Relations Officer (PRO), Kaduna State Chapter, MBF, stated that the meeting was chaired by Chairman of MBF, Kaduna State Chapter, Comrade Luka Binniyat, who relayed the congratulatory and goodwill messages of the President of the MBF, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, to the newly elected exco of the Kaduna State Chapter. “The Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Kaduna Chapter held its 2nd executive meeting yesterday in Kaduna. The meeting was chaired by Comrade Luka Binniyat, Chairman of MBF, Kaduna State Chapter. “Binniyat relayed the congratulatory and goodwill messages of the President of the MBF, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, to the newly elected exco of the Kaduna State Chapter. “According to him, Dr. Pogu regards the Kaduna State chapter as very critical in the scheme of the MBF, bearing in mind its strategic location in Nigeria and its cosmopolitan nature that accommodates a huge array of Middle Belters. “A key item on the agenda was the outreach to over 40 ethnic nationalities represented in various socio-cultural ethnic groups from the 14 Middle Belt States resident in Kaduna State and other 57 ethnic nationalities indigenous to Southern Kaduna, which make up the MBF, Kaduna State branch. “The meeting, which was attended by 22 out of the 27 exco members, agreed that it was time members of the Middle Belt resident in Kaduna State unite as a common front in the interest of their wellbeing, the progress and development of Kaduna State, and Nigeria as a whole. “With the permission of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the MBF, Barrister Catherine Doosuur Ishu from Benue State was nominated to serve as the Legal Adviser of the MBF, Kaduna State Chapter. “There was also an initiative for an upcoming Middle Belt Cultural Festival for Middle Belters resident in Kaduna State, for which a committee was set up to kick-start the process. “It is headed by the Organising Secretary of the Chapter, Hon. Ezekiel Babakarik. The aim is simply to celebrate the region’s rich cultural diversity, taking a break from lamenting the adversity that the Middle Belt has been plunged into for years now. “During the meeting, concerns were raised about the planned peaceful protest scheduled for August 1st – 10th, 2024. Reports reaching the exco indicated that foreigners from northern neighboring countries had already arrived in Kaduna State ready to join…
WE CANNOT WITHDRAW FROM A PROTEST WE DIDN’T ORGANIZE – AJAERO
WE CANNOT WITHDRAW FROM A PROTEST WE DIDN’T ORGANIZE – AJAERO Labour said that it stands in solidarity with the Nigerian people over the current economic hardship and worsening hunger in the country but maintained that only the organisers of the protest can decide whether to pull out or continue with the protest. In a statement signed by Comrade Joe Ajaero, NLC President, labour said a news report of the withdrawal of the Nigeria Labour Congress from the widely discussed national protest has been brought to our attention. According to the statement, “The Nigeria Labour Congress debunks such story as patently false. The truth is that the Nigeria Labour Congress cannot withdraw from a protest that it did not organise. “It is only the organisers of the speculated national protest that can decide to pull out or continue with the protest. The Nigeria Labour Congress has internal trade union mechanisms especially leadership decision-making processes that its industrial actions such as protests pass through before such activities are undertaken. “Yet, the fad that the Nigeria Labour Congress is not the body organising the protest does not mean that Organised Labour is oblivious of the dire living conditions Nigerians have been subjected to by the harsh economic policies of government. “The Nigeria Labour Congress stands in solidarity with the Nigerian people In this very trying and excruciating times. “Pursuant to proactive engagement with the issues canvassed by the protest organisers, we have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to invite the leaders of the protest movement to dialogue on their demands. ‘We have advised that it would be counter-productive for govemment to meet the widespread anger in the land with brute force.”Once again, we implore the Federal Government and the sub-national governments to listen to the cries of the Nigerian people and do the needful. After all, it is said that the voice of the people is the voice of God.
THREAT WON’T STOP AUGUST 1 NATIONWIDE PROTESTS, IT’LL ONLY MAKE IT POPULAR – FALANA
THREAT WON’T STOP AUGUST 1 NATIONWIDE PROTESTS, IT’LL ONLY MAKE IT POPULAR – FALANA WARNS FG Prominent activist and human rights lawyer, Femi Falana has stated that no threats from the government or any other quarters can prevent the impending nationwide protests scheduled to commence on August 1. Despite statements from various organizations and the presidency condemning the planned protests, Falana said the demonstrations aim to draw attention to the prevailing hardship in the country. Speaking on Channels TV on Tuesday, Falana urged the Federal Government to take a proactive approach by identifying the protest organizers and engaging them in productive dialogue. “They have a way of contacting themselves and I think the government can draw some lessons from the 2020 (#EndSARS) experience,” Falana said. “Identify those who are planning the protest and then engage with them productively,” he added. Falana dismissed the threats by government officials, stating, “Threats will not work. In fact, the government’s actions often have a way of popularizing such protests. Nobody listens to such warnings. “This time around, the government should identify the leaders of the movement and have some dialogue with them. There are demands that are being raised, and the government should address those demands.”Falana’s comments come amid rising tensions and calls for action to address the economic difficulties faced by many Nigerians.
#ENDBADGOVERNANCEINNIGERIA: PROTESTERS LIST DEMANDS
#ENDBADGOVERNANCEINNIGERIA: PROTESTERS LIST DEMANDS. As the planned nationwide protest against bad governance and economic hardship gathers momentum, protesters have listed out their demands. The protest has been scheduled to be held across all states of the Federation as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, in August. Food and basic commodities prices have skyrocketed recently. Nigerians are facing one of the worst inflation and economic crises due to the government’s removal of petrol subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates. As a result of this, Nigerians have decided to hit the streets to make their voices heard. Protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations until major changes are made. The protesters have also declared that if any protester is killed, maimed, or arrested during the protest, they will not back down until Tinubu and his entire cabinet resign. Below are the Protesters’ Demands: Fuel Price Reduction: Revert petrol pump price to N100 per litre. Address Insecurity and Hunger: Combat insecurity and hunger by closing all IDP camps and resettling the campers. Electoral Reform: Implement total electoral reform and conduct an independent probe into the electoral budget of N355 billion. Release #EndSARS Detainees: Immediate release of all #EndSARS protesters still in detention. Living Wage: Implement a living wage with a minimum of N300,000. Free Education: Compulsory free education from primary to secondary school, and an education grant at the tertiary level. Public School Mandate: Ensure that children of all public office holders attend public schools in the country. Support Local Products: The government must patronize made-in-Nigeria goods. Unicameral Legislature: Transition to a unicameral legislature. Judicial and Constitutional Reforms: Implement thorough judicial and constitutional reforms. Additional Demands: New Constitution: Scrap the 1999 Constitution and replace it with a people-made constitution through a Sovereign National Conference, followed by a National Referendum. Abolish Senate: Eliminate the Senate, retain the House of Representatives, and make lawmaking a part-time endeavor. Higher Minimum Wage: Set a minimum wage of at least N250,000 monthly for Nigerian workers. Education Investment: Invest heavily in education, ensuring free and compulsory education across Nigeria. Release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu: Unconditionally release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and demilitarize the South East. Renationalize Enterprises: Renationalize publicly owned enterprises sold to government officials and cronies. Subsidy Regime: Reinstate a corruption-free subsidy regime to reduce hunger, starvation, and poverty. Corruption Probe: Probe past and present Nigerian leaders who have looted the treasury, recover their loot, and reinvest it. Restructuring for Diversity: Restructure Nigeria to accommodate its diversity, resource control, decentralization, and regional development. Security Reforms: Reform security agencies to stop human rights violations and enhance citizens’ physical security. Energy Fund: Establish a Special Energy Fund for power sector development. Electoral Body Reconstitution: Reconstitute INEC to remove corrupt and partisan officials. Public Works Investment: Invest in public works and industrialization to employ Nigerian youths. Judiciary Overhaul: Shake up the judiciary to remove corrupt judges and officers, ensuring real justice for citizens. Diaspora Voting: Introduce diaspora voting to allow Nigerians abroad to vote.Smoking and drinking have been prohibited on the protest grounds.