WHY PROTEST TURNED VIOLENT IN THE NORTH
The nationwide protest designed to draw the attention of the government to hunger in the land kicked off on August 1 as planned by the organizers. Except states in the South East where it was business as usual and there was no protest of any sort, protesters took to the streets in other major cities in the country. But while the protest was reasonably peaceful in the southern part of the country, the story was different in the north from the first day of the protest. While the protesters in the south were armed with placards denouncing the policies of the government that brought about hardship in the country and marching peacefully on the streets, their counterparts in the north were armed with sticks and other weapons, destroying private and public facilities, looting shops and causing mayhem. The carnage and destruction by the protesters in the north were so massive that curfew was declared in no fewer than five states while scores of protesters also lost their lives. Northern leaders who spoke on why the national protest assumed a violent dimension in the north were unanimous in their assessment. The northern leaders warned that the millions of young people in northern Nigeria who were being used to cause violence are a time bomb not just for the north but the whole country and the earlier something is done about the issues concerning the north the better for the country. Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, who went round the state capital to assess the level of destruction said most of the children in the north who took part in the protest were uneducated and they were underage. According to him, “because of the fact that 65 per cent of the people in the north are very poor, it was therefore very easy for some elements who orchestrated and sponsored the protest to misinform, misguide and recruit most of these gullible children. The sponsors of these violent protests worked on the psychology of the children and made them believe that since our people in northern Nigeria are very close to our neighbouring countries like Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, what happened in those countries can also happen in Nigeria. So, this protest has nothing to do with bad govern. The violence in the north is a bottled up anger which has generated for decades and now an opportunity came. The millions of young people in northern Nigeria today who have demonstrated by the use of violence are a time bomb not just for the north but for the whole country. The earlier we do something about the endemic poverty and destitution in the north the better for the country. Quite rightly we must hold President Tinubu to account as the elected president of this country but he is not the problem and he is not the solution to the issues we face in northern Nigeria. The poverty, illiteracy, underdevelopment, extremism and terrorism which we have been facing in the north for about three decades were products of abject neglect by successive leaders who come from our own part of the country. If we are going to share the blame, I can say President Tinubu should take 10 per cent of the blame but the bulk of it has to do with the leadership that failed to use the opportunity of power to utilize the resources of the region for the benefit of the people of the region. The governors, political leaders, religious leaders, business leaders and intellectuals of the region need to converge and address the issues of poverty and underdevelopment in the region so that this will come to an end. The problems of the north can largely be solved by the people…
#ENDBADGOVERNANCE PROTESTERS FIGHTING LEGITIMATE COURSE – OBASANJO
ENDBADGOVERNANCE: PROTESTERS FIGHTING LEGITIMATE COURSE –OBASANJO Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says the Nigerian youths participating in the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests are fighting a legitimate course and deserve a listening ear. “What the youth (protesters) are demanding are very legitimate and should be listened to or why should they be denied what rightfully belongs to them? “They are frustrated, they are hungry, they are angry, they are unemployed, they deserve to be given listening ears,” Obasanjo said at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Obasanjo spoke while receiving six members of the House of Representatives who are co-sponsors of bills on single term of six year, rotation of presidency between the north and the south as well as rotation of governorship slot among the three senatorial districts of each of the 36 states. The legislators were led by Ugochinyere Ikenga representing Ideato North and Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo State. In his remarks, Obasanjo said that successive administrations hadnot built on the foundation he laid while he was in office, saying that this had also caused a lot of drawbacks for the country. He said, “More than anything else such as changing our system of government, moving to a single term of six or four years, we must change our ways of doing things in this country. We must decarbonise our brains, we must change our mentality and characters. “How I wish that the succeeding governments are building on the foundation we laid even if not so fast as one would have wanted it but sadly the blocks we put there are even being removed. “What I Know about Nigeria is that yes, if we get it right, the leadership, the team, because one tree does not make a forest, you need a good leader but you also need a good team for a well done job. “The point is that if we get this right in about two and half years, we shall get some of the challenges behind us and in about 10 years we will have gotten a solid foundation and in about 25 years we will be there. “But what we have always done is to take one step forward, two steps aside and four steps backwards and it is why we are where we are in the country. “For me it is not so much about the system but we may need to rethink the liberal democracy where we talk of loyal opposition. What we do in Africa is that we sit down and get consensus and after we have done that there is no opposition. Everyone is on the same page and we move together. “The word for opposition in all African languages that I have looked into is enemies. What do you do with loyal enemies? Nothing like that once you take it, it belongs to you, the winners take all and the opposition goes into the wilderness. “That is what we do but this is not good. We need everyone to join hands together and move society forward. “The issue for me if we get it right whether we have a single term of six years or two terms of four years is that we must decarbonise our brains and mentality.” Speaking on the planned single term agenda, he said, “Look if you give him (referring to any elected president) a period of single term of six years, he can go ahead and still do the evil he would have done in two terms of four years (each). The only difference is that he would have done that within the period of six years and not four years and that is if he is not reelected for another four years. “To me this is not…
ARMED DSS OPERATIVES STORM #ENDBADGOVERNANCE EVENT
ARMED DSS, POLICE OPERATIVES STORM #ENDBADGOVERNANCE EVENT A large contingent of security personnel, comprising agents from the Department of State Services (DSS) and police officers, has surrounded the office of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) in Ikeja, Lagos State. The security operatives laid siege to the office, known as Rights House, at 43, Adeniyi Jones Avenue, off Oba Akran Avenue, Ikeja, ahead of a public symposium and candlelight procession scheduled to take place on Friday. The event, which is part of the #EndBadGovernance protests movement, aims to pay tribute to individuals who have lost their lives due to poor governance in Nigeria. Organisers had invited the public to join the solemn gathering. Attendees were requested to wear black mourning attire and bring candles. The CDHR had earlier called for the reversal of fuel subsidy removal amid the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests in the country. In a statement released on Sunday, the CDHR criticized the president’s national broadcast for lacking specific timelines for his proposed promises. The organisation argued that the speech focused too much on the government’s perceived achievements, which have yet to positively impact the lives of Nigerians.
Dons Eze
- Foreign Affairs
- August 9, 2024
- 74 views
JAPA: 430,000 NIGERIANS GET UK VISA IN SEVEN MONTHS
JAPA: 430,000 NIGERIANS GET UK VISAS IN SEVEN MONTHS The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, has revealed that the United Kingdom government has so far given no fewer than 430,000 visas to Nigerians seeking to study and relocate to the European nation in 2024. Montgomery disclosed this during a meeting with the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja on Wednesday. He also assured the Federal Government that there would be adequate security measures in place for Nigerians in the UK. He noted that the UK remains a safe haven despite the ongoing unrest, highlighting the country’s diverse population. He explained further that 60 special courts have been set up to “tackle criminal activities related to the unrest”. Also speaking on security, Montgomery stated that 400 people have been arrested in connection with the violence, with the government actively pursuing justice against those inciting unrest through hatred and disinformation online. On her part, Dabiri-Erewa confirmed that no Nigerian casualties have been reported so far in the UK unrest.
COURT STOPS ENUGU APC CHAIRMAN, AGBALLAH, NINE OTHERS FROM PARADING AS PARTY OFFICERS
COURT STOPS ENUGU APC CHAIRMAN, AGBALLAH, NINE OTHERS, FROM PARADING AS PARTY OFFICERS A High Court sitting in Enugu State has granted an injunction preventing Barr Ugochukwu Agballah from parading as the chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Enugu State. The order obtained by DAILY POST on Friday was signed by J. I. Agu, Esq, Deputy Chief Registrar 1. Also barred from parading as officials of the party are: the Deputy Chairman, Chief Augustine Alumonah, Mr. Jude Chinedu Aniogbo, Mr. Moses Emeka Eze, Barr. Sunday Ugwoke, Mr. Ugwu Christian Kanayo, Mr. Eze Chidiebere Johnson, Queen Charles, Onyekachi T. Ezeagu, Comrade Idoko Chikadibia. The suit, NO: E/548/2024, filed before Hon. Justice C.V.C. Ezeugwu, has Nwafor Alphonsus Onyeachonam, Acting State Chairman, APC, Enugu State Chapter, Chief Michael Ezeanyawu, State Publicity Secretary, Comrade Peter Chime, State Youth Leader, Mr. Uba Uthman Onah (Chairman Forum Of L.G Chairmen and Comrade Samuel Okonkwo, (Chairman Forum Of L.G Secretaries) listed as plaintiffs/applicants. They sued for themselves and on behalf of the APC State Executive Committee members in Enugu State. The court document said, “UPON an application by Motion Ex-parte brought pursuant to Order 3 Rule 24); Order 38 Rules 1, 2 and 4(a); Order 7 Rule 5; and Order 39 Rules 1 and 2 of the High Court Rules of Enugu State, 2020; Sections 6 and 36 of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended); supported by a 46-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Chief Michael Ezeanyawu, and filed at the High Court Registry, Enugu on 2nd day of August, 2024; seeking an Order for Interim Injunction and Substituted Service; “AND AFTER Hearing the submission of J. N. Aloh, Esq. of Counsel, for the Plaintiffs/Applicants. “The Court hereby orders as follows: “An Interim Order of Injunction is hereby made restraining the 1st to 10th Respondents by themselves, their agents, privies, friends, servants, their self-acclaimed executives, cohorts or whatsoever name called, from acting and parading themselves as occupying any of the following positions/posts, to wit: State Party chairman, State Party Deputy Chairman, State Party Treasurer, State Party Organizing Secretary, Nsukka Local Government Party Chairman of APC, Igboeze South Local Government Party Chairman of APC, State Party Youth Leader of APC, Enugu South Local Government Party Chairman, State Party Publicity Secretary of APC and Enugu North Party Chairman, respectively of State Executives Committee, Enugu State Chapter pending the hearing determination Motion on Notice on 13th August, 2024; “An Interim Order of Injunction is hereby made restraining the 1st to 10th Respondents by themselves, their agents, privies, friends, servants, their self-acclaimed executives, cohorts or whatsoever name called, from calling, arranging, organizing and holding any meetings, congresses or conventions as the leadership of APC State Executive Committee (SEC) and/or interfering, disturbing and meddling with the functions/activities of the Plaintiffs/Applicants (as well as other validly elected members of the said Executive) as the State Executive Committee of the Party in Enugu State, pending the hearing determination of the Motion on Notice on 13th August, 2024; “An Interim Order of Injunction is hereby made restraining the 1st to 10th Respondents by themselves, their agents, privies, friends, servants, their self-acclaimed executives, cohorts or whatsoever name called, from accessing, operating, withdrawing and/or in whatever manner dealing with APC, Enugu State Party Account domiciled with the 11th Respondent, UNEC Branch, Enugu with Account Number 1025534529 and the Court hereby restrains the 11th Respondent from dealing with or honouring any instruction given by the 1st to 10th Respondents in respect of the said Account, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice on 13th August, 2024; “An Interim Order of Injunction is hereby made restraining the 1st to 10th Respondents by themselves, their agents, privies, friends, servants, their self-acclaimed executives, cohorts or whatsoever…
CONSEQUENCIES OF TINUBU’S FAILURE TO ADDRESS PROTESTERS’ DEMANDS
CONSEQUENCES OF TINUBU’S FAILURE TO ADDRESS PROTESTERS’ DEMAND Strategically, the failure of President Bola Tinubu to address any of the demands of the nationwide protesters in his national broadcast yesterday is wrong and fraught with serious political consequences within our democratic milieu; whatever reasons that may have informed the decision. These are: First, granted the president may be adopting a strategic stance by appearing calm and unflappable to avoid escalating tensions, as quickly responding to their demands might be giving them more legitimacy that could potentially embolden further protests and demands, like the Kenyan situation. But a cogent counterargument to this reason makes the decision politically unwise. Clearly, ignoring the demands of the protests, like the president did, would only exacerbate public anger and frustration that would lead to more intense and widespread unrests. But acknowledging the protests would have demonstrated that the government is listening to its citizens, potentially calming tensions. But by appearing detached, the president risks losing public trust and support, making it harder for him to implement future policies. Second, by not addressing the protesters’ demands directly but, as it were in his broadcast, emphasizing his commitment to long-term benefits of his economic reforms against short-term hardships, the president is prioritizing policy agenda over hushed public sentiments. However, political expediency demands that in situations such as the ones impelling the protests – hunger and poverty – long-term reforms should be pursued while simultaneously addressing immediate public concerns. Balancing both illustrates a holistic approach to governance and capacity to lead well under pressure. Conversely, by ignoring public sentiment the president is unwittingly undermining the very reforms he is trying to implement, as public cooperation and support that are crucial for successful policy execution would be lost. Third, the president’s advisers might be counseling him to maintain a composed demeanour to project stability and control, that addressing the protests head-on might be interpreted as being weak and indecisive. But maintaining a composed demeanour does not preclude acknowledging public grievances. Addressing the protests demands can be done in a way that would project stability and control without appearing weak in any way. But his failure to engage rightly indicates an aloofness or disregard for people’s sufferings, hence weakening government’s legitimacy. Fourth, the president’s non-engagement with the protesters is also a sign of underestimating the scale and impact of the protests, thinking that they will dissipate without substantial intervention. But such approach will only lead to exacerbating the situation. Accurate and timely intervention in such concerns is essential for effective governance.Transparent communication and proactive engagement can always help manage public expectations and mitigate acrimony. Fifth, not withstanding the president’s vast experience in politics, which he may be employing to weather the storm, expecting that the public outcry will simply vanish on its own as his envisioned reforms benefits take effect, however, failure to address pressing public concerns erodes political capital over time. Also, public dissatisfaction will lead to loss of support from key political allies and the general populace. It will equally lead to a loss of credibility, making it difficult for the president to govern effectively. Sixth, even if the president plans to address the protests issues at a later stage, delaying engagement can worsen the situation, as people may feel ignored and undervalued. Only timely communication can prevent the escalation of unrests. Seventh, if the president is not taking the protests seriously because he perceives them as politically motivated rather than as genuine expressions of public discontent, it could have serious consequences as it can alienate genuine protesters and exacerbate feelings of disenfranchisement. Engaging with all segments of society is therefore crucial for inclusive governance. Besides, acknowledging and addressing genuine grievances will always help distinguish between legitimate concerns and politically motivated…
TAKE IT BACK MOVEMENT PLANS ONE-MILLION-MAN PROTEST
TAKE IT BACK MOVEMENT PLANS ONE-MILLION-MAN PROTEST The Take It Back Movement (TIB) has announced plans for a one-million-man protest across all 36 states of Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, as reported by Sahara Reporters. This was made known by TIB’s National Coordinator, Sanyaolu Juwon. The protest is part of the ongoing #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria campaign, which started on August 1, 2024. Originally intended to be a 10-day protest, the campaign has grown into a larger movement with widespread support from Nigerians both at home and abroad. Juwon expressed deep appreciation to the Nigerian people for their strong participation and support. He praised their courage and determination, highlighting their commitment to bringing about change. He also acknowledged the essential role of the media in covering the movement, despite the challenges they have faced. Juwon thanked the media for their dedication to reporting the truth and ensuring that the movement’s message reaches a global audience. Additionally, TIB expressed gratitude to the lawyers who have been working tirelessly to secure the release of detained protesters. The movement condemned the unlawful arrests of individuals like Michael Adaramoye (Lenin), Sankara, and over 1,000 others who have been detained since August 5, 2024. TIB described these arrests as a violation of their rights and called for their immediate release. The Take It Back Movement also urged President Bola Tinubu to reverse the removal of the fuel subsidy, which they say has worsened economic conditions for ordinary Nigerians. They demanded an immediate increase in the minimum wage to at least N250,000 per month to help workers achieve a decent standard of living. “The Take It Back Movement calls upon President Bola Tinubu to immediately reverse the fuel subsidy removal. Clearly, that policy has exacerbated the economic hardship of ordinary Nigerians.” “We also demand an immediate increase of the minimum wage to at least N250,000 per month, to ensure that Nigerian workers can afford a decent standard of living.” “To restore fairness and justice in governance, we further charge President Tinubu to address the very clear demands the protesters have made.” “To the 36 state governors and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the FCT, we demand immediate economic actions to provide good governance nationwide. These include creating job opportunities, improving healthcare services and education, paying the minimum wage, and investing in essential infrastructure. Our citizens deserve nothing less.” “The Take It Back Movement remains resolute. Our voices will not be silenced, and our demand for good governance will persist until meaningful change is achieved,” the statement read.
BRIBERY SCANDAL ROCKS HOUSE OF REPS OVER PETROLEUM DOWNSTREAM PROBE
BRIBERY SCANDAL ROCKS HOUSE OF REPS OVER PETROLEUM DOWNSTREAM PROBE An alleged bribery scandal rocking the ad hoc committee set up by the leadership of the House of Representatives to investigate Nigeria’s petroleum downstream sector allegedly forced House Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas to disband the committee, The Authority can report. However, loyalists of the very influential Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, are reportedly miffed by the Speaker’s action and, according to House sources, are fighting back. Legislative sources told The Authority that many loyalists of the Deputy Speaker considered the unilateral disbandment of the panel by the Speaker as a humiliation of the second highest ranking officer in the House. In a surprise move, the House leadership on Monday announced the dissolution of the ad hoc committee. According to House spokesman, Hon. Akin Rotimi, the sack was to “ensure the efficacy and independence of this investigation.” A new committee, said the spokesman, would be constituted and “will consist of honourable members selected for their expertise, competence, and integrity,” lending credence to the allegation that some members of the disbanded committee lacked competence and integrity.Hardly had the dust of the disbandment settled than 23 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) petitioned the Speaker, calling for the probe of the House Committee on petroleum resources (Downstream), particularly the suspension of the committee’s chairman, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere. In the petition dated August 5, 2024, the CSOs accused the committee members of alleged corruption, extortion, blackmail, and sponsoring faceless groups and media attacks. They claimed that the lawmakers allegedly demanded a payment of ten million dollars under the threat of calling for the dismissal of Mr. Farouk Ahmed, CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and Mr. Mele Kyari, Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL). Describing the alleged behaviour as unethical, the CSOs urged the Inspector General of Police to investigate these allegations and hold the responsible lawmakers accountable. “We implore the Inspector General of Police to launch an investigation into this allegation and expose the lawmakers (allegedly) involved so they can be brought to justice,” Such actions undermine the integrity of the House of Representatives and tarnish the image of our legislative body. It is imperative that these allegations are thoroughly investigated,” they stated. The group urged the Speaker to reshuffle the Joint Committee Panel on Petroleum Resources to ensure a fair and unbiased investigation into the activities of the concerned lawmakers. Sources close to the House leadership told The Authority that the Speaker had been inundated with complaints of how some members of the committee had been blackmailing top officials in the downstream sector of the petroleum industry, but that the deputy Speaker had urged the Speaker to dismiss the complaints. According to the sources, it was on the basis of the reports that, on Sunday, Speaker Abbas conveyed a meeting of principal officers of the House. Deputy speaker Kalu reportedly wasn’t in Abuja, so joined via zoom. “It was during the meeting that it became clear that the deputy speaker was sympathetic to some members of the ad hoc committee believed to be soiling the name of the House. At a point, he allegedly engaged the Speaker in a shouting march, forgetting that the Speaker is the co-chairman of the National Assembly and chairman of the House selection committee,” offered one of the sources. “It was at this point that the Speaker decided to shock his deputy with the disbandment, ” he added. The Authority further gathered that lawmakers opposed to the style of one of their colleagues tasked with the responsibility of probing the downstream sector, are appealing to the Speaker to stand his ground on the dissolution, drawing attention to what they described as over-pampering the lawmaker.…
DSS RAIDS NLC HEADQUARTERS OVER #RNDBADGOVERNANCE PROTEST
DSS RAIDS NLC HEADQUARTERS OVER #ENDBADGOVERNANCE PROTEST Security operatives suspected to be from the Department of State Services (DSS) have raided headquarters of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over allegations that members of the organised labour sponsored the #EndBadGovernance protest. Some labour leaders who spoke to Daily Trust on Wednesday night, said everyone in the building had left for their various residence when the operatives stormed the building. One of the labour leaders said he spoke to one of the private security guards attached to building on phone and confirmed that the masked operatives with assorted rifles stormed there at about 10pm. He said the guards told him that the operatives went directly to the 10th floor of the building where the office of the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, is located. The official added the guard confided in him that the masked operatives later came back to second floor where some offices belonging to NLC are located. When contacted, the Head of Information at NLC Headquarters, Benson Upah, told our correspondent that a statement would be issued to that effect shortly but he was yet to release the statement as at when filing this report. Efforts to get official reaction from the Department of State Services (DSS) proved abortive as calls to the spokesman of the secret police, Peter Afunanya rang out. He was yet to reply to a text message sent to him as at when filing this report at about 11:15pm on Wednesday. Hundreds of Nigerians had on Thursday August 1 hit the streets in some states and the Federal Capital Territory to protest against rising cost of living in the country. However, the protest took a different dimension when some persons started calling for regime change. Russian flag was flown in different parts of the country, forcing President Bola Tinubu to summon heads of security agencies to Aso Rock, where he ordered them to crackdown on those threatening democracy in Nigeria. After the directive, the DSS and other security agencies conducted a series of raids and arrested dozens of persons.
ARMY COMPENSATES FAMILY OF 16-YEAR-OLD BOY KILLED IN ZARIA BY SOLDIERS WITH N300M
ARMY COMPENSATES FAMILY OF 16-YEAR-OLD BOY KILLED IN ZARIA BY SOLDIERS WITH N300M The Nigerian Army has compensated the family of the 16-year-old Ismail Mohammed who was shot dead by soldiers in Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State. The teenager was killed after being hit by a stray bullet from the military personnels who were reportedly chasing hoodlums causing mayhem during the curfew on Tuesday. Asides Ismail, an unidentified civilian was also killed during the shooting. In response to the tragic incident, the Army has provided N300,000 as compensation to Mohammed’s family. An X user Aliyu (@AliyuKwarbai) on Wednesday afternoon said, Ismail Mohammed’s family has been given N300,000 for life compensation. “The father of 16 years old boy (Ismail), who was killed by the Nigerian Army under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday, in Samaru Zaria, Kaduna state has received N300,000. N300,000 for life’s compensation of life?”