Dons EzeEMIR SANUSI CAUTIONS AGAINST DESTRUCTIVE ACTIVITIES AS KANO PROTESTERS DEFY CURFEW
EMIR SANUSI CAUTIONS AGAINST DESTRUCTIVE ACTIVITIES AS KANO PROTESTERS DEFY CURFEW Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has appealed to residents of Kano State to refrain from engaging in destructive activities during the ongoing protests against hunger and hardship. He expressed deep concern over the looting and vandalism of public and private properties, emphasizing the need for peaceful demonstrations. The Emir’s statement comes in response to reports of protesters returning to the streets despite the curfew imposed by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to curb widespread violence. Sanusi made his remarks at a press conference held at his Gidan Rumfa palace on Friday evening, August 2. He urged residents to maintain peace and avoid being used as agents of destruction. The Emir’s plea aims to prevent further chaos and ensure the safety of lives and properties in the state..
WE’LL CONTINUE PROTEST UNTIL TINUBU ADDRESSES OUR DEMANDS – ORGANISERS
WE’LL CONTINUE PROTEST UNTIL TINUBU ADDRESSES OUR DEMANDS – ORGANISERS The nationwide rallies that started on Friday will continue until President Bola Tinubu addresses their demands, according to organizers of the #EndBadGovernance protests. Damilare Adenola, Director of Mobilisation of Take It Back Movement, a non-governmental organisation, stated this on Channels Television’s The August Protests programme on Friday. He predicted that the government’s response could last for longer than 10 days. Adenola claimed that Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, a human rights lawyer, does not represent his organization despite the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) writing to security agencies to request their protection before the rallies. Fifth columnists have smuggled into the rallies, but the youth activist added that his organization won’t stop the 10-day protests despite Adegboruwa’s demands that they be called off. Adenola said, “Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa is not our lawyer and he doesn’t speak for us. He might have appeared to be the solicitor, but he lacks food. He is a well-educated senior advocate for Nigeria. He doesn’t have to eat as much as the streetcar drivers do. “We are awaiting a response from the government to fulfill our requests.” And until then, the protests continue”, he said, adding that though the demands of protesters have not been addressed, a statement has been made to the government of the day. He claimed that Nigerians have demonstrated how to hold their leaders accountable as a result of the protests.He claimed that hunger and economic deprivation were the protests’ sponsors.
STOP PROFILING OF NDIGBO, SOUTH-EAST NASS CAUCUS WARNS
ENDBADGOVERNANCE: STOP PROFILING OF NDIGBO – SOUTH-EAST NASS CAUCUS WARNS The South-East caucus of the National Assembly has expressed dismay over the dangerous ethnic profiling of lgbos in the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests across the country. The caucus appealed to Ndigbo across the country to stay away from the protests and remain law abiding. This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, leader of the Senate caucus and Rt Hon lduma lgariwey, leader of the House of Representatives. The statement reads in Part, “The attention of the South East Caucus of the National Assembly has been drawn to the unfortunate and dangerous 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, Ohanaeze 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. “This is 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 seen 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 genocide in Rwanda and the xenophobia in South Africa. Such should not be our fate again in Nigeria. “We demand that the security agencies bring to book the purveyors of these hate speeches in line with the cybercrimes act.“We continue to appeal to Igbos across the country to stay away from the protests, and remain law abiding.”
PROTESTERS DESTROY TINUBU MINISTER’S HOME IN ZAMFARA, APC EXPRESSES DISMAY
PROTESTERS DESTROY TINUBU MINISTER’S HOME IN ZAMFARA, APC EXPRESSES DISMAY Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has expressed dismay over the destruction of the Minister of State for Defence, and former governor of the state, Bello Matawelle’s properties at his Gusau’s country home following the nationwide protest. This was contained in a statement issued by the party’s publicity secretary, Mallam Yusuf Idris Gusau, made available to newsmen. “We observed that many PDP thugs were strategically deployed to attack, maim, and destroy personalities and properties of the APC. “Most disturbing was how on the first day of the protest, the already known PDP thugs aimed at the former Governor, Bello Mohammed Matawalle’s personal residence for destruction but for the quick intervention of security personnel who blocked them. “This indicated that, if allowed, the thugs who were most likely implementing the directives of their leaders would have razed down the minister’s house and property. “Certainly, the APC, especially our leader, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, whose residence was burgled last year by the same thugs will not allow a repeat of this unbecoming attitude,” he said in the statement. He alleged that the thugs also attacked the residence of Senator Sahabi Yau in his home town of Kaura Namoda, where they destroyed many valuables. “We have earlier forecast the possible hijacking of the protest by the hoodlums and other miscreants in the state which they actualized. “We wish to implore security agencies in the State to give our members and all well-meaning citizens the desired protection of lives and property. “We also want to call on our youths not to allow themselves to be used by bad politicians, especially as the nationwide protest is supposed to be peaceful and address concerns in the country. “This protest, which is a constitutional right of Nigerians, should be peaceful and without any threat to life and property.“We commend the proactiveness of the security agencies in the state for their quick intervention,” he added.
COME DOWN FROM YOUR HIGH HORSE, TALK TO NIGERIANS – ATIKU TELLS TINUBU
PROTEST; COME DOWN FROM YOUR HIGH HORSE, TALK TO NIGERIANS – ATIKU TELLS TINUBU Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described the ongoing nationwide protest against economic hardship in the country as significant. This is even as he admonished the Nigerian government to heed the voices of the people and come down from its high horses, insisting it is time to demonstrate a sincere commitment to addressing the demands of the protesters. Atiku said the protest has opened a vital channel for the public to express disapproval of government policies. In a post on his X handle on Friday, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate in the last general election said protesters have conducted themselves with admirable peace and must be commended for their restraint and dedication. He also urged the security agencies to identify and isolate the minority elements who are resorting to violence and looting. Atiku’s words: “The commencement of public protests across the country yesterday is noteworthy. These demonstrations have opened a vital channel for the public to express disapproval of government policies, furthering the essential conversation about good governance in our nation. “For the most part, protesters have conducted themselves with admirable peace and must be commended for their restraint and dedication. “However, in some isolated instances, there have been reports of violence, leading to regrettable clashes and brutalities by the police. “I urge the protesters to maintain their peaceful stance and call on more Nigerians to show solidarity and support for the #EndBadGovernance peaceful protest. This is a pivotal moment for our collective voice to be heard, and it must be done with dignity and respect for the law. “I also call on the police to engage more professionally in managing these protests. The needless killing of innocent citizens by security agencies is unacceptable. “The police must refrain from the molestation of journalists who are merely reporting the protest. It is imperative that security agencies exercise restraint while enforcing law and order. “Security agencies are encouraged to identify and isolate the minority elements who are resorting to violence and looting, ensuring that the actions of a few do not tarnish the majority of peaceful protesters. “To the government, I admonish you to heed the voices of the people and come down from your high horses. It is time to demonstrate a sincere commitment to addressing the demands of the protesters.”The nation cannot afford further days of unrest; let this be the moment where leadership listens and acts with integrity and urgency. -AA”
ARREST, PROSECUTE THOSE BEHIND THREAT AGAINST IGBOS – PETER OBI
ARREST, PROSECUTE THOSE BEHIND THREAT AGAINST IGBOS – PETER OBI Social media has been awash with a hashtag, asking the Igbos to vacate Lagos and the other South-West states. But Obi, a former Anambra State governor, condemned the ultimatum on Igbos, describing it as deeply disturbing. “Immediate action should be taken to investigate, arrest, and prosecute those behind this heinous agenda, serving as a deterrent to others who might consider pursuing similar paths that threaten our national security and unity,” he said. “Similarly, and deeply disturbing, I have read genocidal threats on X against the Igbo tribe, calling for their relocation. “Let me pointedly warn that such rhetoric threatens our unity and is fundamentally opposed to our Constitution, which guarantees every Nigerian the right to live and work freely anywhere in the country. “Those in authority must show leadership and urgently speak out against such divisive rhetoric.” Obi urged all “Nigerians to stand united against this divisive rhetoric and to champion unity, tolerance, and understanding,” arguing that “Our future depends on our ability to live and work together harmoniously.”He also wants the government and security agencies to “act swiftly to protect this fundamental principle and ensure that every Nigerian can live free from fear of discrimination or persecution. We must not allow our present challenges to drive wedges among us.”
YOU WERE NOWHERE TO BE FOUND – OKAI MOCKS WIKE
PROTEST,; YOU WERE NOWHERE TO BE FOUND – OKAI MOCKS WIKE A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Kogi State, Austin Okai, has mocked the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike over the EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest. Okai said Wike was nowhere to be found as protesters, whom he refered to as Gen Z, stormed Asokoro area of the FCT. He noted that the protesters moved gallantly despite being tear-gased by security agents. Posting on X, the 2023 PDP candidate for the Federal House of Representative election for Dekina/Bassa in Kogi State, accused the Police of causing chaos. He wrote: “Gen Z stormed Asokoro Wike no where to be found. Moving gallantly inside the TEARGAS as aggrieved citizens. “This is evident that Police caused the anarchy, chaos and violence #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria.” Protesters had barricaded the Jikweyi-Kurudu- Karshi axis of the FCT by burning tyres on the road.Some uniformed personnel stationed at the district Police station along Kurudu, directly opposite the Post Service Housing Estate, were seen on red alert with their tear gas canisters handy.
NIGERIANS EXPERIENCED BETTER LIFE UNDER MILITARY REGIME -IBB
NIGERIANS EXPERIENCED BETTER LIFE UNDER MILITARY REGIME – IBB Former military head of state of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ibrahim B. Babanginda, made a post on his verified Twitter page reflecting on the differences between military and democratic rule in Nigeria. He stated that “Some of the best years Nigerians ever experienced all came from the Military system of government; jobs, security, affordable cost of living, good roads & education.” However, he lamented that “Accessing the Democratic system of government over the years has took us back to a much worse dilapidated state.” In his words, “Some of the best years Nigerians ever experienced all came from the Military system of government; jobs, security, affordable cost of living, good roads & education. Accessing the Democratic system of government over the years has took us back to a much worse dilapidated state.” These comments from the former military leader come amidst a current hunger protest that started today and is claiming to last for 10 days. Demonstrations have been reported in several parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), particularly around the Central Area, including the vicinity of Eagle Square. Reports indicate that the protesters have ignored warnings from security agencies to vacate the protest areas. The contrasting perspectives shared by Babanginda, who led Nigeria through military rule for several years, and the ongoing public protests, highlight the complex and contentious debate surrounding the relative merits of military versus democratic governance in the country.The hunger protest suggests significant public discontent with the current state of affairs, even as the former military leader publicly pines for the stability and economic conditions that he claims characterized Nigeria’s military-led periods.
VIDEO CIRCULATING ONLINE BEING TWISTED TO BLACKMAIL ME – PETER OBI CRIES OUT
VIDEOS CIRCULATING ONLINE BEING TWISTED TO BLACKMAIL ME, PETER OBI CRIES OUT Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) , Peter Obi, has condemned the circulation of false videos stating that it was aimed at blackmailing him. In a statement on X.com on Friday, the former Anambra state governor stated that a video from his keynote speech while he led the state was twisted to suggest he declared war on Northerners, when in fact, he spoke about tackling economic stagnation, insecurity, and corruption. Obi also debunked another video showing him leading a protest in Abuja, revealing that it was actually taken during his visit to the Labour Party headquarters, where he mediated a clash between the party and the NLC. He said, “I have noticed some deliberate and well-orchestrated efforts by some persons to blackmail me into conforming to some of their nefarious agendas. “Their dubious moves have led to the false circulation of a video from my recent keynote speech at the installation of Rotarian Professor A. U. Nnonyelu in Anambra State. “They have twisted the video to suit their motive to suggest that I declared war on Northerners when, in fact, I spoke about declaring war on economic stagnation, insecurity, and corruption. “Another video circulating online, supposedly showing me leading a protest in Abuja, is also false. The video was actually taken during my visit to the Labour Party HQ, where I mediated a clash between the Labour Party and the NLC. “The video was conveniently edited to create a false narrative, and those responsible have been paid to spread this misinformation. “This kind of misinformation has no place in our democracy, where truth and honesty should prevail.“This misrepresentation is part of a larger narrative of blackmail, aimed at fitting me into their malicious agenda. I remain committed to a new Nigeria where justice, equity, and caring for the citizens will prevail over the greed of a few.”
19 KILLED, SEVERAL INJURED ON DAY ONE OF PROTEST
19 KILLED, SEVERAL INJURED ON DAY ONE OF PROTEST No fewer than 19 Nigerians have been reportedly killed on Thursday after hoodlums hijacked the Day-one of the ongoing nationwide protest against hardship in Nigeria. Youths on Thursday staged protests across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja to register their grievances against government policies that have imposed untoward hardship on them. The protest, which was projected to be peaceful, turned violent in many parts of the nation. Hoodlums hijacked the exercise in some states including Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, FCT, Niger and Jigawa, leading to loss of lives and properties. Six protesters killed in Niger State At least six Nigerian youths protesting against the bad governance in the country paid the supreme price in Suleja, Niger State on Thursday, while several others were injured. It was gathered that the earlier peaceful protest escalated when the anti-riot police, led by the Police Area Commander, tried to disperse them. The police used teargas to disperse the defiant youths, who retaliated by throwing stones, sticks, and other objects, resulting in the vandalization of a police vehicle with registration number NPF 9102C. The retaliation from the protesters didn’t go down well as the police operatives subsequently fired live ammunition, which caused the deaths of six people. About four persons were also killed in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, after suspected Boko Haram members infiltrated the supposed peaceful protest with explosive devices. According to Farouq Lawal, Commissioner of Police in Borno, thirty-four persons also sustained severe injuries in the incident. The Commissioner, in a statement, said the commander of the explosive ordnance device (EOD), Base 13, was “swiftly” deployed to the scene. He stated that the “injured and deceased were transported to Specialist Hospital Maiduguri for medical attention and autopsy. “The protest, which involved minors, primarily almajiris aged 9–15, escalated into violence. Protesters took over the Maiduguri-Kano road at the Mala Kachalla Roundabout, linking the Borno Express Flyover”. In Kaduna State, three protesters and one security operative were reportedly killed when the protest turned violent. The incident occurred when the protesters marched from the Rigasa area and from the Abakwa end, moving towards the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, the official residence and office of the state Governor. An eyewitness explained that while they were marching, “suddenly, a vehicle, that they use in spraying hot water on protesters, came speeding towards us from the Government House axis and sprayed us with hot water, then another security vehicle came on speed from the 44 Reference Hospital end. ”In the confusion that ensued and as we scampered to save ourselves from being hit by the security vehicles, three peaceful protesters were hit and they died. No one carried any weapon, we were just carrying placards and chanted slogans against bad governance”. The hunger protest went out of control in Jigawa State on Thursday leading to the unfortunate death of at least two protesters. The protest took place in over 10 LGAs across the state, with reports of destruction and looting of government property. In Dutse, the state capital, one of the protesters was shot dead in front of Government House, while the other was killed at Shiwarin town when the protesters attempted to close the Maiduguri-Kano Road. The protesters also set ablaze the All Progressives Congress, APC, headquarters and burnt party vehicles in Dutse, the state capital. According to Arise TV, three protesters were killed in Kano State during Thursday’s protest, prompting a 24-hour curfew by the state government. It was reported that one of the protesters was gunned down by a police officer in front of the gate leading to the government house during the exercise. Two others were also said to have been killed…