A former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has warned President Bola Tinubu that he cannot win against Nigerians in the ongoing nationwide protests.

She stated this while reacting to Tinubu’s failure to address the situation.

Ezekwesili opined that no leader has ever won against their people.

The former vice president of the World Bank’s Africa region stated this via a statement on social media.

She explained that “when a people tell their leaders that they are hungry and angry because you have governed them badly, the wise thing to do is not to shut them up, threaten, taunt and brutalise them thereby demonstrating a tragic empathy deficit syndrome.

“The wise things to do are listen, listen, listen. Persuade with factual counterpoints.

“Present convincing plan of action.

“Mobilise the people to ‘Arise and Build!’,”

Ezekwesili, who also served as a minister of Solid Minerals, said the Nigerian President, the National Assembly, and state governors and their state assemblies still have an opportunity to do the right thing.

She said they can “use it (opportunity) as the golden moment of opportunity for a reset of Nigeria being offered by our citizens and launch a credible National Conversation on the Most Effective Structure and Direction for Good Governance at all levels for productivity, competitiveness, prosperity, justice, equity, equality, order, peace, harmony, stability and resilience.”

She also said they can “come out to the protest grounds all over the country and engage your citizens, hear them express their demands to you directly.”

She warned them, “not lock yourselves away behind the High Gates of your publicly-funded State and Government houses enjoying indulgent lives while your citizens are crying out in pain from the severity of economic hardship. Come out.”

The Nigeria Police Force has been accused of harassing protesters in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT as the EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest enters day three.

Activist politician, Omoyele Sowore alleged that the police and operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, were harassing protesters at the MKO Abiola stadium.

Posting on X, Sowore wrote: “BREAKING: @PoliceNG arrive scene of Abuja #EndBadGovernaceInNigerianow to attack activists, @OfficialDSSNG on their way too with govt sponsored thugs to do the same thing.”

Activist lawyer, Deji Adeyanju also corroborated Sowore’s claims of police harassing protesters.

“The police are currently harassing protesters at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja,” Adeyanju wrote in X.

The nationwide protest began on Thursday with aggrieved Nigerians expressing their displeasure over the hardship and suffering in the country.

There have been reports of police manhandling protesters across the country including deaths recorded.

Amidst the scarcity of petrol at retail outlets across the country and the demand for downward review of prices by agitated Nigerians, certain downstream operators have called on President Bola Tinubu to take more than passing interest in the activities of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Depots and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMA) and the regulatory agency, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

Some of the marketers who spoke with our reporter in confidence alleged shady deals between the oil giant, NNPC, the tank farm owners, and the NMDPRA which they noted were inimical to the availability of the products and seamless distribution to retail outlets.

The marketers who craved to speak under anonymity revealed that NNPCL being the sole importer of the products now put the Independent Marketers whom they noted have the largest retail outlets in the country at the mercy of the DAPPMA, (the tank farm owners).

Investigation revealed that the NNPCL, the sole importer gives the Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) to the private depot owners operating under the aegis of DAPPMA at Ex- depot price of N556.5 per litre.

Further checks however revealed that the tank farm owners sell to marketers at N700 to N740.00, leaving them with little or no marginal profit to sell at stations.

Tankfarm owners vice-grip

Recalling the previous experience in the sector when the NNPCL used to release petroleum products allocation to tank farm owners for distribution to marketers with a benchmark on price, the industry operators called on the federal government to sanitize the distribution chain by prevailing on the NNPCL and its regulatory arm, the NMDPRA to insist on an Ex- depot price for the tank farm owners.

They said: “What we used to have in the past was an arrangement where the NNPCL gave allocations meant for Independent marketers to the private depot owners to sell to marketers with a benchmark, a reasonable price.

“Now, the independent marketers have no allocation, they are at the mercy of the tank farm owners. A situation where there is no ex-depot price won’t augur well for the industry. Private depot owners now sell at N800 to those of us who will sell at retail outlets to ordinary Nigerians.

“We are the ones Nigerians are accusing of hoarding products and selling at exorbitant prices.

“Instead of the midstream regulatory agency doing its job by beaming searchlight on the activities of the tank farm owners, by insisting on Ex- depot price they are using the marketers as scapegoats.

“There is a cabal in the sector creating problem for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He must show the determined will to break their rank. How many stations do tank farm owners have.? But they are making huge profits to the detriment of Nigerians.”

The marketers who expressed the hope that giving the necessary incentives to the Dangote Refinery would go a long way in addressing the shortfall in product availability also called on the federal government to make the four refineries work to put an end to product importation.

Protesters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, briefly obstructed Governor Siminalayi Fubara, insisting that he come down to address them.

This happened on Saturday, Day 3 of the demonstrations tagged #EndBadGovernance protests.

Waving green leaves and shouting in excitement, the protesters, lined up the streets. After some moments, the governor’s convoy passed as the demonstrators continued with the rallies.

The protesters in Port Harcourt had regrouped for the third day running for the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations which began on August 1, 2024. They converged at the Pleasure Park in the city, carried placards, and insisted they would not leave until their demands were met.

Saturday’s protests have been largely peaceful across the Rivers capital. Security operatives were also on the ground on the day.

A new report by Nextier has indicated that insurgency recorded 109 deaths arising from 19 violent incidents, perpetrated by the Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents in the first half of 2024 alone.

The report ‘Nigeria’s Northeast Belt of Insurgency and the Challenge of Refugees’, also called on the Federal Government to liaise with neighbouring countries and regional bodies to boost joint border surveillance.

The report was authored by an Associate Consultant at Nextier and a Lecturer at the Political Science Department of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria, Dr Chukwuma Okoli, and a Managing Partner at Nextier and an Honorary Fellow at the School of Government at the University of Birmingham, UK, Dr Ndu Nwokolo.

The report reads, “They identified the ‘Northeast Belt of Insurgency’ to consist of about 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) – 10 in Borno State (Bama, Baga, Biu, Chibok, Gwoza, Kukawa, Kaga, Marte, Mongonu, Ngala), five LGAs in Adamawa State (Madagali, Michika, Mubi North, Mubi South, Maiha) and three LGAs in Yobe State (Damaturu, Gujba, Geidam); all of which run round Nigeria’s borders with Cameroon, Chad and Niger and cuts through Borno State’s borders with Yobe and Adamawa states.

“The difficult topography of most of the communities in the Northeast Belt of Insurgency makes access difficult for both the Nigerian military and humanitarian aid agencies. This has become an advantage for the insurgents who hibernate in those communities from where they launch attacks on the military and civilians.

“Data from the NextierViolent Conflict Database show that this Belt of Insurgency recorded 109 deaths arising from 19 violent incidents perpetrated by the Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents in the first half of 2024 alone.

“The Nigerian government should collaborate with its neighbours under the auspices of regional bodies like the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF) to enhance border management through joint border patrol and surveillance.”

In the report, Nextier asked the Nigerian government to identify and profile refugees entering the region and recommended the use of local vigilantes and hunters to combat insurgents.

It also urged the government to support security forces by ensuring a regular and adequate supply of required state-of-the-art ammunition.

It added, “The Nigerian government, together with development partners, should enhance the technical capacity of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons in the area of identification and profiling of refugees flowing into the Northeast. This will enable proper treatment of refugees in line with relevant international conventions and protocols.

“The government at all levels, in collaboration with development partners, should identify what makes communities in the Northeast Belt of Insurgency resilient. Mechanisms such as local informal businesses such as trading and the use of local vigilantes and hunters to combat insurgents should be strengthened.

“The state security forces should be supported by ensuring a regular and adequate supply of required state-of-the-art ammunition. The morale of the personnel on the war front should also be boosted through improved welfare packages. This will enable the security agencies to cover more ground and decimate the insurgents still hibernating in hard-to-reach areas.

“Set up a subregionalhumanitarian response mechanism involving Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon to be coordinated by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). This will ensure persons in need have fair access to humanitarian aid without crossing national borders.”

Security operatives at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Saturday dispersed protesters and journalists from the facility with gunshots, Punch reports.

The security operatives aimed at protesters and journalists who ran for cover.

The protesters were reconvening after being dispersed by security agents deployed to the stadium.

Suddenly, masked security operatives suspected to be personnel of the Department of State Services started shooting sporadically at protesters.

As a result, the protesters ran inside bushes around the stadium with some of the security operatives giving them a hot chase.

Afterwards, the remaining masked operatives on the ground came for the journalists who were at a separate spot.

As they approached, journalists fled, scrambling into any available vehicle.

The masked security operatives fired sporadically at the fleeing journalists.

Bullets pierced a Premium Times reporter’s car conveying journalists out of the location at three different locations.

Also, a commuter vehicle’s glass was shattered with bullets.

The Peoples Democratic Party has criticised President Bola Tinubu for not addressing the nation amid the nationwide EndBadGovernance protests.

Amid severe economic hardships, many Nigerians are struggling to afford basic necessities. In response, youths began protests on Thursday, continuing into Friday, across Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, Rivers, and other regions, demanding an end to hunger and poor governance.

In a statement released on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP urged Tinubu to break his silence, address the nation immediately, and reassure citizens of the pressing issues affecting them.

The statement read in part, “The PDP demands that President Tinubu immediately address Nigerians on urgent steps to reduce the price of petroleum products, stem the fall of the Naira and ensure speedy provision of food among other critical issues so as to revamp the productive sector, stimulate employment and restore stability in the polity.

“Our Party expresses concerns that President Tinubu’s silence is sending a very dangerous signal and heightening public apprehension that the All Progressives Congress (APC) government is insensitive to the feelings of the citizens and the overall sorry state of affairs in the nation.

“It is indeed worrisome that President Tinubu could remain silent as Nigerians are on the streets demanding good governance, protection, security and welfare, which are the primary purposes of government.

“The world is watching in horror as operatives of APC-controlled security agencies assault, shoot and kill unarmed protesters, with thugs allegedly mobilized by the APC also unleashing violence on innocent Nigerians.”

The opposition party also demanded a comprehensive investigation into the reported killing of unarmed Nigerians, allegedly by security operatives.

It continued, “Our Party calls on President Tinubu to end his silence, immediately address the nation and reassure the citizens on issues agitating their minds, particularly the reduction in the price of petroleum products and food items

“Our Party insists that with deft, transparent and innovative management of resources, economic potentials, comparative advantage and refining capacity, petrol should not sell more than N200 per litre in Nigeria, especially with a strategic investment in gas production.

“President Tinubu should also urgently commence the process of recovering the over N50 trillion reportedly stolen by APC leaders, reduce tariffs on essential goods, cut the cost of governance, review all luxury items in his government and channel funds recovered to programmes that have a direct bearing on the wellbeing of Nigerians.

“Furthermore, while calling for a thorough investigation into the reported killing of unarmed Nigerians by certain unscrupulous security operatives, the PDP urges the security agencies to ensure a high level of professionalism in their duty of providing security and protection to the citizens.”

On Saturday, security operatives forcibly dispersed a group of protesters gathered in front of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, ignoring a court order that restricted the demonstration to the stadium premises.

The protesters, who were exercising their right to freedom of assembly, were met with tear gas and intimidation by security personnel. 

The sudden crackdown left many demonstrators feeling frustrated and disappointed.

“We just wanted to make our voices heard, but they wouldn’t let us,” said Evelyn, a protester who was present at the scene. “It’s like they’re trying to silence us, but we won’t be quiet.”

Another protester, Tunde Oyedele, added, “We’re not troublemakers; we just want change. But every time we try to speak out, they shut us down. It’s like our voices don’t matter.”

When a Vanguard correspondent, who identified himself properly as a journalist, attempted to enter the stadium, security personnel denied access, stating, “Find your way out of here. You can’t park your vehicle inside the stadium either. There is no protest here. We were told there is not going to be a protest here anymore.”

This contradicts the court order and raises questions about the security operatives’ authority.

Despite the tensions, vehicular movement and businesses are gradually picking up momentum in the nation’s capital on the third day of protests against hunger and economic hardships. 

The city appears to be normalizing, with citizens going about their daily activities.

The incident highlights concerns about the suppression of free speech and the rule of law in Nigeria, leaving many to wonder if their voices will ever be heard.

As soon as the midwife placed the newborn baby in HappinessMonday’s arms, she gazed into her baby’s eyes, taking in the tiny features and soft skin.

But before she could even hold her close, the nurse swiftly took the baby away, handing her to a stranger who had been lurking in the shadows with some wads of Naira notes in exchange for the newborn.

Their arrest, as gathered, followed an intelligence report about a building that serves as a birth house in Rumuokwurusi town in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, where newborn babies were allegedly sold.

Consequently, the Command boss, CP Olatunji Disu, directed the Commander of the Monitoring Squad, CSP Grace Wonwu, to unearth the baby sale gang. Police sources hinted that when the policemen arrived at the house on July 6, 2024, a 17-year-old pale-looking pregnant teenager whose baby was allegedly to be sold upon delivery was rescued, alongside the woman whose newly born baby was sold.

In this interview with the mother of the newborn baby that was sold, she revealed that she was paid N400,000 for the sale of her baby. When asked why she volunteered to sell her baby, the woman, who identified herself as Happiness Monday, blamed her action on poverty and hunger. Without access to education, employment, or social support, she said she was left with no other option but to sell her baby.

Her confession:“I came from Akwa-Ibom to hustle in Port Harcourt. I was living on my own until a flood chased me out. I started living with my man friend. When I was pregnant, he asked me to leave the pregnancy. Later, he started accusing me of sleeping around with the pregnancy and denied paternity of the baby.

“In September 2023, he told me he was going for a job outside Port Harcourt but never returned. When I went to ask his mother of his whereabouts, she told me that she had not been on talking terms with her son for years. She said since her son didn’t accept the pregnancy, she won’t accept it either. Later, when the house rent expired, I went to an uncompleted building to stay. By the time I came back from antenatal one day, the owner of the uncompleted building had put a gate there and locked it. It was at that point I went to tell this nurse (pointing to the midwife) to help me get someone that would take my baby, since I didn’t have shelter or money to feed and clothe the baby. She told me she had somebody that would take the baby for N400,000. Immediately I was delivered of the baby, someone came and the baby was handed over to the person. I didn’t see the person’s face. I only told the nurse to assure me that the person taking the baby would take care of her and would not kill her. She said the nurse that brought the buyer said the person was a Pastor’s wife.

“Out of the N400,000, I rented an apartment, used some to pay the debt owed, and the balance of N160,000 was kept in the nurse’s account with the intention of establishing a business. It was because of this same hardship that made me take my three older children to the mother of their father back in the village. He left me for another woman because he didn’t pay my dowry.”

On her part, the 31-year-old midwife, Success Igwe, said that was the first time she was involved in the sale of a baby. She said she gave out the baby for N450,000 and collected only N50,000 meant for delivery charges and handed the rest to Happiness.

Asked what the pregnant teenager was doing at her birth house, she said, “Her sister brought her on Thursday, July 4, 2024. She said she should be with me because she was going to a convention. When I asked if she was aware the girl was pregnant, she said yes. I had to give her some medicine because she was running a temperature when she arrived. It was two days later that I was arrested.”

However, the pale-looking teenage girl could not express herself in English. She only identified herself as Margret Okonide and said she came from Akwa-Ibom. Efforts made to gather more facts from her failed due to the communication barrier.

The spokesperson for the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Dele Oyewale, has said that the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, remains wanted until arrested.

Naija News reports that Bello is still on the run 107 days after being declared wanted by the EFCC.

On April 18, 2024, the anti-graft agency declared Bello wanted in connection with an alleged case of money laundering to the tune of ₦80,246,470,089.88.

A group of armed men identified as ‘Special Forces’ and some policemen prevented EFCC operatives from apprehending Bello at his Wuse Zone 4, Abuja residence on Wednesday, April 17.

Speaking with Punch, the Executive Director, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, Okechukwu Nwanguma, said the EFCC was not ready to arrest Bello.

According to him, the anti-corruption agency has sophisticated equipment to track and arrest Bello.

Nwanguma said, “It is surprising that despite all the hot waves and drama of the EFCC, including the vow of the chairman that he would resign if he couldn’t arrest Yahaya Bello, the man is still out there more than three months after he was declared wanted.

“If they truly wanted to arrest Yahaya Bello, they would have arrested him. If this was a case of a poor man, they would have easily arrested him.”

However, the spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, dismissed the insinuation that the agency had been compromised or unwilling to arrest the former governor.

Speaking with the aforementioned publication, Oyewale said, “The matter is in court and there are various orders of the court. Senior lawyers who failed to bring him (Bello) to court are already slated for discipline.

“If an anti-corruption agency declares a suspect wanted, all over the world, he remains wanted until he is arrested.

“Yahaya Bello has been declared wanted and he remains wanted. Judicial processes have been instituted in court and they are ongoing.”